Miyakojima-Underwater Park

Miyakojima Underwater Park opened in April 2011! It is now a regular spot for tourists visiting Miyakojima. So, how exactly does this facility differ from an ordinary aquarium? In this issue, we summarize the charms of Miyakojima Underwater Park and how to access it.

What is Miyakojima Underwater Park, a popular tourist attraction?

After completing the reception desk and entering from the Administration Building on land, visitors can proceed into the Underwater Park. From this entrance, go down to the basement to find the Underwater Observation Facility. Through the 24 windows, you can look into the real sea of Miyako Island. What kind of fish are there? You will have to wait and see. What kind of attractions does this facility have? Let us introduce you in detail!

Just like in the sea! A different way to enjoy the aquarium

　At aquariums, you can see a tremendous variety of sea creatures thanks to thorough management and the efforts of their keepers. If you visit Okinawa, you will definitely go to Churaumi Aquarium first. I am sure that some people go there just to catch a glimpse of whale sharks. Aquariums have the advantage of knowing in advance what kind of creatures are there. However, this is not the case at the Underwater Park. That is the interesting part!
　At the underwater park, visitors can watch fish swimming at a depth of about 3 to 5 meters without going into the sea. Many people enjoy marine sports such as diving and snorkeling in the sea of Miyakojima, and the scenery that can be seen by actually diving into the sea is exceptional. However, the most attractive point of this underwater park is that those who cannot do such sports for various reasons can experience diving in the sea without wearing clothes. This is one of the ways to enjoy the sea of Miyako Island as it is, which is different from an aquarium.
　There are a variety of sea creatures that can be seen at the underwater park, and if the timing is right, you can see not only fish but also sea turtles and sharks!
　

Into the sea even in bad weather!

　As I mentioned, at the Underwater Park, you can enjoy the sea of Miyako Island as it is, and not only can you see the fish that live there, but you can also enjoy the sea in any weather conditions. When you enjoy the ocean through marine sports, you may not be able to enter the ocean depending on the weather, but in the case of the Underwater Park, you can enjoy the view of the ocean in any weather conditions. Of course, during bad weather, the water becomes muddy and the view in the Underwater Park is not clear, but being able to observe the ocean is one of the attractions of the park.
　Inside the facility, guides will provide commentary, and it is interesting to hear about the sea conditions of the day and the ecology of the fish!

Fun for everyone from small children to the elderly!

The attraction is that even small children and the elderly can enjoy the underwater world, even if they are not able to actually put on the equipment and dive into the sea. The entrance to the observation facility is accessed by stairs, but a gondola is also available for wheelchair access.

Also enjoy a meal at Cafe Kaiyuu!

　A cafe called "Seaside Cafe Kaiyuu" is attached to the Uminchu Park. Here, visitors can enjoy poke-don (poke bowl) made with tuna caught in the waters around Miyako Island and a menu featuring Miyako beef, allowing them to enjoy the food of Miyako Island as well. The café is located on land, so you can enjoy your meal while looking out over the Miyako sea, which is another attraction. There is also a full lineup of sweets, including juices and parfaits made with mangoes from Miyako, making it a great place to take a break from your trip! You can use only the café without entering the underwater park, or if you want to enjoy the park and the café together, you can save money by using a ticket that includes admission to the park and a meal.

Hours of operation and fees

　Currently, the business hours are shortened to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. The most recent hours of operation listed on the official website are as follows. Please check the site before visiting, as it will be updated in due course!
　
Year 2020
<１０月>
Observation facility 11:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30)
Hands-on crafts 11:00-17:00 (last admission 16:00)
Cafe 11:00-16:00 (last admission at 15:30)

<１１・１２月>
Observation Facility 10:00-16:00 (last admission at 15:30)
Hands-on crafts 10:00-16:00 (last admission at 15:00)
Cafe 10:00-15:00 (last admission 14:30)
　
Masks are required for admission, so be sure to bring your own.

Rates are as follows
　
Underwater Observation Facility only
Category: General, Group (15 or more people), Annual Passport
Adults: 1000 yen, 800 yen, 1500 yen
Junior high school students (high school students): 800 yen, 640 yen, 1200 yen
Child (elementary and junior high school students): 500 yen, 400 yen, 900 yen
Under 6 years old: Free

Underwater observation facilities + meals and drinks (Seaside Cafe Kaiyuu)
Adult, Middle (high school students), Child (elementary and junior high school students)
1,900 yen, 1,700 yen, 500 yen

All information above is current as of November 9, 2020. There may be updates, so please check the official website below. In addition, if you have a "disability certificate", you can receive a discount if you present it at the reception desk. The museum is equipped with barrier-free restrooms for your convenience.
Miyakojima Underwater Park official website: https://miyakojima-kaichukoen.com/

How to get there

Miyakojima Underwater Park is located 25 minutes by car from Miyako Airport. It can be accessed by car as there is a parking lot. The surrounding area is also home to the Snow Salt Museum, Ikema Island, and Shimajiri Mangrove Forest, so please enjoy touring other tourist attractions as well!
If you use public transportation, please refer to the following!

<バスを利用した海中公園へのアクセス>
　Take the Miyako Kyoei Bus from the Miyako Airport "4 Kyoei Garage" bus stop.
　Passing through AEON TOWN MINAMI, Municipal Housing, Miyako Hospital, Jitsugyo High School, Public Market, Hirara Port, and Public Market.
(about 17 minutes).
　Get off the bus at the City Hall. Walk to the bus stop "6 Hirara". （Walk to the bus stop "6 Taira" (about 6 minutes).
　Board the Yachiyo Bus.
　Passing through Nishibe, Narukawa Entrance, Oura Entrance, Minami-Seien Entrance, Special Support School Mae, Noda, and Shimajiri Entrance.
(about 19 minutes)
Get off at "Junior High School" stop.
It takes about 17 minutes on foot to get to the park.

宮古空港から直接海中公園へバスでアクセスしようとすると、1時間程度かかることがわかります。海中公園には、５０台の車を停めることのできる駐車場が完備されているので、レンタカーを利用した方が時間的コストは少なく済むでしょう。近隣の観光スポットを周る場合も車の方がアクセスしやすいです。

summary

今回は、宮古島平良地区にある「宮古島海中公園」についてご紹介しました！時間の都合や様々な理由でマリンスポーツができない方にとっては、着衣のまま気軽に海の中を潜るような体験ができるとても面白い施設になっています。宮古島の海の「ナマ」の状態を観察することができ、心安らぐひと時を送れること間違いなしです！また、海中公園の近くには他にも訪れておきたい観光スポットがたくさんあります。是非、宮古島を訪れた際には、海中公園にも足を運んでみてはいかがでしょうか？