Are There Two Airports on Miyako Island? A Comparison of Miyako Airport and Shimojishima Airport

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Did you know that there are two airports on Miyako Island?

 

Miyako Island is located about 300 km southwest of the main island of Okinawa. Since there are no regular ferry services or other scheduled routes, the only way to reach the island is by plane.

 

The airport that serves as the gateway to Miyako Island is,Actually, there are two.

 

So, in this column, our local staff will explain the differences between the two airports and how to choose between them in an easy-to-understand way!

 

Which Airport on Miyako Island? Conclusions Based on Your Purpose

To get straight to the point,If you want to get to the city center or the center of the island quickly, we recommend Miyako Airport; if you're staying on Irabu Island or Shimoji Island, or if you're looking for the best airfare, we recommend Shimoji Island Airport.

 

No matter which airport you arrive at, you can travel by car between the islands since they are connected by bridges.

 

First, please check the option that best matches your itinerary.

 

Who Should Choose Miyako Airport?

Since Miyako Airport is located in the center of the island, its biggest appeal is that you don't have to travel far after arriving.

In addition to direct flights from Honshu, there are also many flights from Naha, and the ease of planning an itinerary is another reason why it’s a popular choice.

 

Who Should Consider Shimojishima Airport

Shimojishima Airport is located in the Irabu Island and Shimojishima area, and there are many tourist attractions in the vicinity of the airport.

The terminal is designed to resemble a resort hotel, so you can get into the travel spirit the moment you arrive.

 

Comparison Table of Miyako Airport and Shimojishima Airport

I've compiled a list comparing the two airports.

*Travel times are approximate estimates based on driving. Actual times may vary depending on traffic conditions.

 

Miyako Airport Features and Access

Of the two airports on Miyako Island,Miyako Airport is used as the main airport.

 

Located about 3 km south of the city center (Taira District), it is a regionally managed airport with a 2,000-meter runway.

 

Miyako Airport has a long history. It was constructed during the war, and the facility was built as a naval airfield for the former Japanese army.

 

It has been in use as a civilian airport since 1956, and in fiscal year 2019, it recorded an annual passenger volume of approximately 1.75 million.

 

Travel Time from Miyako Airport to Major Areas

Since Miyako Airport is located in the center of the island, it offers easy access to both the city center and major tourist attractions.

Whether you're heading north or south on the island, travel times are roughly the same, making this location ideal for planning your first trip to Miyako Island.

 

Airlines and Routes Serving Miyako Airport

Airlines that serve Miyako Airport areThe four airlines are JAL, JTA, RAC, and ANA.

 

There are direct flights from Honshu to Tokyo (Haneda), Osaka, and Nagoya (Chubu), and within Okinawa Prefecture, there are routes connecting Naha, Ishigaki, and Tarama.

 

Since the number of direct flights to Honshu is limited each day, please allow plenty of time when traveling to ensure you don't miss your flight.

 

Since routes and flight frequencies vary depending on the season, please check the official websites of each airline for the latest flight schedules.

 

Miyako Airport Facilities, Souvenirs, and Parking

As you’d expect from an airport that many people visit for sightseeing, the facilities inside the terminal are very well-equipped.

 

There are restaurants inside the airport, as well as souvenir shops where you can buy Miyako Island-exclusive snacks, alcoholic beverages, mangoes, and more.

 

From the observation deck on the third floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the runway and the airplanes, and the arrival lobby features counters for various car rental companies.

 

There is a parking lot in front of the terminal, so you can feel at ease when stopping by to pick someone up or see them off.

 

Places Near Miyako Airport

Since Miyako Airport is located in the center of the island, one of its attractions is that there are many tourist spots you can visit right after you arrive.

Thanks to its central location on the island, it’s easy to get to major attractions such as Yonaha Maehama Beach and Higashi-Hennazaki.

 

Features and Access to Shimojishima Airport

The passenger terminal at Miyako-Shimojishima Airport, the other airport on Miyako Island, opened in March 2019.It's an airport with a tropical resort vibe.

 

Shimojishima Airport was originally a training airfield for civilian pilots, but with the opening of the terminal, scheduled flights resumed for the first time in 24 years.

 

It is located in Sawada, Irabu, Miyako City, and can be reached from the main island of Miyako via the Irabu Bridge.

 

Travel Time from Shimojishima Airport to Major Areas

As its name suggests, Shimojishima Airport is located on Shimojishima Island, and you must cross the Irabu Bridge to reach the city center.

Although it takes longer to get there from anywhere on the island than it does from Miyako Airport, there are many popular scenic spots scattered around the airport area.

 

For those who want to start sightseeing in the Irabu Island and Shimoji Island area as soon as they arrive, this airport is actually quite efficient.

 

Airlines and Routes Serving Shimojishima Airport

Domestic flights at Shimojishima Airport are,Currently, Skymark is the sole operator of this route.

 

These routes connect four airports—Tokyo (Haneda), Kobe, Fukuoka, and Okinawa (Naha)—all of which offer direct flights to Miyako Island.

 

Shimojishima Airport is also the only airport on Miyako Island that handles international flights.

Taiwan's Starlux Airlines will launch a new route to Taichung in February 2026 and currently operates flights to Taipei (Taoyuan) as well.

 

Since flight schedules for both domestic and international flights vary depending on the season and time of year, please check the latest information on the airport’s official website and with each airline before making a reservation.

 

Facilities and Souvenirs at Shimojishima Airport

The interior of the terminal at Shimojishima Airport features an open, resort-hotel-style design.

 

There are cafes and restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients, and you can also purchase souvenirs such as sweets and mangoes exclusive to Miyako Island.

 

In particular, the souvenir section features a wide selection of high-end original products, which will come in handy when you want to choose a souvenir that stands out from the rest.

 

In addition, as a unique facility, a post box named "Island Time Post Office" and various picture postcards are available.

 

It might be fun to mail a postcard as a souvenir of your trip and take your time experiencing the island’s laid-back pace!

 

Places Near Shimoji Airport

Shimoji Island Airport is located in the Irabu Island and Shimoji Island area, and one of its major attractions is that you can visit scenic spots right after leaving the airport.

Since all of these spots are close to the airport, it's an area that's easy to visit even on your arrival day or during a spare moment before your departure.

 

Can I get around without a rental car?
Transportation from the Airport

Since sightseeing on foot isn't really practical on Miyako Island,Regardless of which airport you use, you'll generally need to arrange for a rental car.

 

That said, it’s not uncommon for rental car lots to fill up early during peak season.

 

Even if you can't secure a rental car, you can still get around by combining local buses, taxis, and hotel shuttle services.

 

Since both airports have car rental companies that offer free shuttle service, we recommend booking early.

 

Local Buses and Airport Liner

At Miyako Island Airport, there are bus routes connecting the airport to the city center and Shimojishima Airport.

The Miyako Shimojishima Airport Liner makes stops along the way at the Hilton Miyako Island, in front of Matida at Taira Port, and at the Public Market, among other locations.

 

However, since there aren't many of them,It's a good idea to check in advance whether there are any connecting flights available for your flight's arrival time.

 

Fares and schedules are subject to change, so please check the official websites of each bus company for the latest information.

 

The Option of Taxi or Hotel Shuttle Service

Taxis are the most reliable option for families with a lot of luggage or for those arriving on a late-night flight.

 

There are taxi stands at both Miyako Airport and Shimojishima Airport, which you can use to travel to the city center.

 

Also, since many hotels and lodgings on Miyako Island offer shuttle bus service, it’s a good idea to check whether shuttle service is available and which airports it serves when making your reservation.

 

Since Miyako Airport and Shimojishima Airport may not offer shuttle service, it’s a good idea to check with your accommodation in advance.

 

5 Recommended Activities in Miyako Island

Once you have a good idea of how long it will take to get from the airport, it’ll be easier to plan your itinerary if you start thinking about what activities you can do on the day of your trip.

 

Miyako Island isOne of its main attractions is the wide range of activities—from the ocean and limestone caves to sunset views—that you can enjoy in half-day increments.

 

Here, we’ll introduce five popular categories that are easy to incorporate into your itinerary, even on your arrival or departure days.

 

1) Sea turtle snorkeling

The most popular water activity on Miyako Island is snorkeling with sea turtles.

 

If you choose a tour that starts from the beach instead of boarding a boat, you won't have to worry about seasickness, making it easier for even those who aren't confident swimmers to participate.

 

② Pumpkin Cave Caving

An exploration of Pumpkin Cave (Ryūgū-jō) lets you experience not only the ocean but also the island’s terrain itself.

 

Please keep in mind that entry to the cave is only permitted during times when the tide is at the right level, so the tour schedule may vary from day to day.

 

③ SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding)

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), where you stand on a board and glide across the water's surface, is the best way to experience the crystal-clear waters of Miyako Island up close.

 

Most tours take place in calm coves, and in most cases, even first-timers can stand up within a short time.

 

④ Canoeing and Kayaking

For those who aren't confident in their physical fitness or families with young children, we recommend canoeing and kayaking, which you can enjoy while seated.

 

One of its features is that families and couples can ride on the same boat, making it easy to take commemorative photos.

 

⑤ Sunset & Night Tour

Evening tours are easy to fit into your schedule, whether it’s the afternoon of your arrival day or a day when you have an early start the next morning.

 

The sunset sinking below the horizon and the starry sky—unique to Miyako Island, with its few streetlights—reveal a completely different atmosphere from that of the daytime.

 

For all tours, the location and itinerary are subject to change depending on the sea conditions and wind direction on the day of the tour.

Sunset SUP Tour
For more information, click here!

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Miyako Island Airport

 

in the end

In this article, we introduced the two airports on Miyako Island.

 

If you want easy access to the city, we recommend Miyako Airport; if you’d like to enjoy sightseeing on Irabu Island and spend some time at the airport, we recommend Shimojishima Airport.

 

Although Miyako Airport has a higher number of passengers, an increasing number of travelers are choosing Shimojishima Airport based on price range and the purpose of their trip.

 

It’s rare for a remote island to have two airports, so I hope this has helped you understand the characteristics of each.

 

When you visit Miyako Island, it might be interesting to visit the other airport—the one you didn’t use for your flight—and compare the two.

 

If you're not sure what to do after you arrive, be sure to check out the activities we offer at PiPi!

This article was written by.

Hello! I am Niwa-chan, your source for all things Miyakojima. I have loved being in touch with nature since I was a child, and I am especially fascinated by Okinawa's rich natural environment. Currently based in Miyakojima, I provide information on how to enjoy activities such as snorkeling, SUP, and kayaking, as well as the hidden charms of the island.

I want to experience the best activities in Miyako Island! and "I want to get local information about Miyako Island! As a local guide, I provide detailed information on recommended spots and activities on the island to those who "want to experience the best activities on Miyako Island! Our goal is to deliver an unforgettable experience for our customers while getting in touch with the local nature every day.

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