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Recommended activities in Miyako Island, the best resort area in Japan
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Why is the sea of Miyako Island so popular?
One of the most popular tourist spots in Japan is Miyako Island, located approximately 300 km southwest of the main island of Okinawa.
The island, sometimes called Miyako Island as a collective name for the seven surrounding islands of the Miyako Archipelago, is known as an island created by the uplift of underwater coral reefs.
Because of this origin, many of the beaches on Miyako Island are not made of ordinary sand, but of finely crushed coral.
The white sandy beaches of Miyakojima have been formed by the accumulation of calcareous coral bodies that transform into beautiful pure white sand when they are crushed.
In addition, underwater coral also plays a role in purifying the sea, and the blue sea of Miyakojima is created by the work of coral.
In addition, the sea of Miyakojima is considered to be one of the clearest in Okinawa Prefecture.
This is due to the topography of Miyako Island, which is generally flat and low in elevation, with no mountains or rivers.
This prevents soil and sand from flowing out of the mountains into the river and from the mouth of the river into the sea, and this is one of the factors that contribute to keeping the sea around Miyakojima beautiful.
Okinawa Prefecture has a number of attractive islands, but if you want to enjoy the sea itself, a trip to Miyakojima is definitely recommended!
In this issue, we will introduce the charms of Miyako Island.
Recommended Activities in Miyako Island
Miyako Island and some of the surrounding islands are connected by bridges, each with its own unique and beautiful beaches.
Because the climate is mild throughout the year, visitors can fully enjoy playing by the water in the summer and even when the mainland turns cold.
Let's take a look at some of the fascinating activities you can try on the beaches of Miyako Island!
Miyako Island Activity 1: Snorkeling
First of all, snorkeling is a must-do activity on Miyako Island, where visitors swim in the ocean wearing underwater glasses, a snorkel for breathing, and fins for their feet!
The clear blue sea, known as "Miyako blue," sparkles like a jewel when the sun is shining brightly.
In addition to enjoying the pleasant sea as a summer activity, the sea of Miyakojima maintains a temperature of more than 20°C even in winter.
Therefore, if you wear a wetsuit properly, you can enjoy the underwater scenery without experiencing the cold.
The coral reefs are a natural aquarium where clownfish and other adorable tropical fish, including the famous clownfish from Finding Nemo, frolic in the sea.
The view of the city is a sight to be savored.
Miyako Island Activity 2: Beach SUP
Stand Up Paddleboarding, or Stand Up Paddle Surfing, is a marine sport.
This activity, called SUP for short, is a marine sport that originated in Hawaii, where you stand on a surfboard and paddle like a boat.
Although SUP is still not that well known in Japan, it is actually attracting a great deal of attention in Europe and the U.S. for its ability to provide high fitness benefits while enjoying the ocean.
However, it is not a strenuous workout, and one of the advantages of SUP is that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and both sexes.
Paddling will give you a full-body workout while at the same time providing the sensation of swaying comfortably in the waves.
SUP can be enjoyed by anyone, and of course it can be experienced on Miyako Island as well.
It is a good idea to try SUP, which is the cutting edge of fashion.
Miyako Island Activity 3: Beach Kayaking
One of the waterfront activities that most people think of when they hear the word "waterfront activity" is probably kayaking, where you paddle in a small boat.
Some people have the image that kayaking is difficult, but in fact, the kayak is structurally designed to be quite difficult to capsize,
Beginners need not worry.
And because the activity beach kayaking is generally done with an instructor in tow, it is safe even if you do tip over.
Unlike competitive kayaking, beach kayaking is a leisurely, self-paced activity for enjoying the ocean.
The calm time spent slowly paddling through the waves and being splashed by the spray has a charm that makes us forget our busy daily lives.
If you have never kayaked before, why don't you give it a try during your visit to Miyako Island?
Miyako Island Activity 4: Pumpkin Cave Exploration
Visiting power spots is one of the best parts of a sightseeing trip.
A very famous power spot on Miyako Island is a cave called Pumpkin Cave or Pumpkin Hole.
There are many limestone caves in Japan that have become tourist attractions, but the Pumpkin Cave is actually very unique in that it can only be entered from the sea.
To get to the Pumpkin Cave, you must walk along the sea from a beach called Bora-Ga beach in the southeastern part of Miyako Island at low tide, which is a very mysterious way to go.
As you continue along the water's edge, gazing out at the blue sea, you will soon come upon a cave with a large opening between the rocks under the sea.
As you immerse yourself further into the water and enter the interior, you will see a huge round stalactite that looks like a pumpkin sitting there!
The size of the sculpture, which is approximately 4 meters in diameter, is sure to overwhelm you.
Although it may seem challenging, as some areas require underwater navigation, the basic approach to the Pumpkin Caves is to take a tour.
Children can also participate in this activity without worrying about drowning, as they wear life jackets.
This is a highly recommended activity where you can bathe in the air of a sacred power spot, which is also said to be the place where the dragon god resides!
Miyako Island Activity 5: Starry Sky & Jungle Night Tour
Although Miyakojima Island has a strong image of the sea and blue sky, it is actually well known as a spot where beautiful starry skies can be viewed.
It is well known that the clearer the air, the clearer the night sky.
Miyako Island, a remote island, meets these conditions well.
Furthermore, Miyakojima has a less rugged terrain with few tall buildings and no city lights, so there are many spots with spectacular views scattered throughout the island.
Depending on the season, the Milky Way can often be seen clearly.
You can even see the Southern Cross, which cannot be seen on the mainland.
The Jungle Night Tour is also a popular program to enjoy the night in the subtropical jungle under the star-filled sky.
As the guide leads you through the mangrove forest, you will see palm crabs and other rare tropical plants and animals.
This is an experience that will surely provide a lifetime of memories for adults and children alike.
Miyako Island Activity 6: Diving
If you want to experience the underwater world of Miyakojima in a more authentic way than the snorkeling described above, you may want to try diving.
Snorkeling involves wearing a snorkel and breathing through a tube to the surface of the ocean, where you can either look underwater from the surface or dive for a short time and rise for a breath.
Diving, on the other hand, is an underwater activity in which one wears heavy equipment, such as a tank for breathing underwater and a regulator in one's mouth for breathing air.
It is a rather large piece of equipment, but thanks to it, you don't have to worry about holding your breath while diving.
Thanks to this, you can dive deep into the ocean and admire the graceful underwater scenery of Miyako Island to your heart's content.
In addition, diving is a safe sport with an accident rate of 0.011 TP3T, so you can experience it safely if you follow the instructor's instructions properly.
Miyako Island is a popular diving destination, with more than 60 dive stores scattered throughout the island.
Each store has different tour contents, prices, and whether the tours are for beginners or experts, so we recommend that you do your homework well in advance when considering participation.
Miyako Island Activity 7: Sunset SUP/Canoeing
One of the charms of the sea of Miyakojima is that it changes its appearance depending on the time of day.
It is because the sea is so clear that it reflects the sunlight and shows a variety of colors.
The most popular time is at dusk.
The orange sunset tilts across the unobstructed ocean, and the sparkling reflection of the orange sunset on the surface of the sea is as vivid as a scene from a movie.
How about drifting on the sea at such sunset by SUP or canoe?
Canoes, in particular, are not difficult to learn to ride, and once you paddle out to sea, you can spend a relaxing time without disturbing anyone.
Since it is possible for two people to ride together, it may not be a bad idea for couples to spend a moment soaking up the mood.
Miyako Island Activity 8: Sunrise SUP/Canoeing
Pre-dawn is also a very popular time to enjoy the ocean.
The experience of watching the sun rise over the horizon at twilight in the dignified early morning air from the sea will surely be a memory that will last a lifetime.
It is also highly recommended that you start your precious day during your trip with a solid early start, as tours to see the sunrise inevitably start early in the morning.
You may say that you have completed your Miyakojima sightseeing tour when you have tasted both dusk and dawn!
Miyako Island Activity ⑨Parasailing
Not only the sea, but the sky is another attraction of Miyako Island.
On Miyako Island, where the land is flat and there are few obstacles such as high-rise buildings, it is possible to experience parasailing in the air.
With no mountains or tall buildings to block the view, the entire area offers an unobstructed view of the blue sky, ocean, sandy beaches, neighboring islands, and the beautiful bridges connecting them, all of which are unique to Miyako Island.
In addition, the high transparency of the sea of Miyakojima sometimes makes it possible to clearly see underwater life when looking down from the sky.
Only parasailing on Miyako Island allows you to spot the backs of sea turtles from far above.
Please enjoy the exhilaration of the sea breeze at high altitude!
Miyako Island Activity 10 Fishing
Many people may think of fishing when they think of playing by the water.
Miyako Island is surrounded by the sea and is dotted with an abundance of fishing spots.
Fishing can be enjoyed at various locations such as harbors, beaches, rocky shores, parks, and even boat fishing, where you can catch horse mackerel, black sea bream, squid, and other fish.
There are several fishing tackle stores on the island, as well as fishing tackle rental stores, where you can bring your favorite equipment or get it locally.
It is designed to be enjoyed in style.
If fishing is your hobby, it might be a good idea to once immerse yourself in fishing to your heart's content on a remote island!
Miyako Island Activity 11: Night Canoeing
As mentioned above, Miyako Island has a reputation for the beauty of its starry sky.
Wouldn't you like to paddle out to sea in a canoe under such a brilliant night sky?
Unlike Miyakojima by day, which is full of powerful vitality, Miyakojima by night has a serene and mysterious charm.
The experience of looking up at the sea of stars above you in the darkness will surely be an emotional experience that will remain vividly in your memory.
In Miyako Island, where the weather is mild throughout the year, canoeing at night can be enjoyed year-round and is an activity that can be completed in about two hours on average.
We invite you to experience a natural planetarium!
What to bring and wear when participating in activities on Miyako Island
When visiting Miyako Island for activities, there are a few things you must have with you.
Located further south than the main island of Okinawa, the temperature on Miyako Island is mild throughout the year, with a minimum temperature of about 15°C even in winter, so there is no need to bring heavy clothing.
However, a light cardigan should always be brought, even in the summer months.
In Miyakojima Island, where the temperature is high, there are many cases where the air conditioning is stronger than expected indoors, and this can cause the body to cool down unexpectedly.
Be especially careful after participating in activities near water, as your body will be cold from getting wet.
Also, since strong winds can blow on the unobstructed Miyakojima seashore, one must be careful of unexpected cold in this regard as well.
To be able to respond appropriately, you should bring with you the means to regulate your body temperature regardless of the season.
Additionally, you will want to bring flip-flops for waterfront activities.
Because the beaches of Miyakojima are formed by coral reef debris, sandals will be more necessary than in a normal sandy beach.
You may find some convenience in having one pair of sandals that are easy to walk in to accommodate when walking on rocky terrain.
summary
In this issue, we have introduced various activities on Miyako Island.
Whether you want to enjoy the beautiful ocean or the natural beauty of the island, there are many options on Miyako Island.
It might be a good idea to do some preliminary research and make a schedule so that you can enjoy your limited time in the tropics to the fullest.
One of the charms of Miyako Island is that it is within easy reach of many places on the island, so we encourage you to experience a wide variety of activities!
This article was written by.
