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One of the most popular resort areas in Japan! Our resident staff thoroughly compares the charms of Miyakojima and Ishigakijima!
Hello everyone!
One of the largest activity stores in Miyako Island
Miyako Island ADVENTURE PiPi!
Okinawa is probably one of the most popular resort destinations in Japan.
Among them, Miyako and Ishigaki islands, which are remote islands in Okinawa, are the most popular tourist destinations.
In this column, we will discuss suchThe differences between Miyako Island and Ishigaki Island will be explained.
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What is Miyako Island like?
Miyako Island is located about 300 km further southwest of Naha City.
The Miyako Islands consist of eight islands,Three of these islands,Irabu Island (port island), ,Ikema Island, ,Kurima Islandis an island that can be reached by bridge from Miyako Island.
Miyako Island was formed by the uplift of underwater coral reefs,Very flat and undulating terrain.It is.
There are no mountains and rivers on the island,No soil or sand flows out of the estuary into the ocean.
As a result, the sea is never muddy, forming clear blue waters.
There is even a term for it: Miyako blue,The sea of Miyako Island is one of the most beautiful in the islands of OkinawaIt is popular among tourists as a
Weather in Miyako Island
Miyako Island has stable weather throughout the year,Be aware of the rainy season and typhoons during the summer.
Rain on Miyako Island has the characteristics of a tropical squall, and tends to fall in short bursts and stop quickly.
Also, it is not always rainy in the rainy season on Miyako Island, and there have been many years when rainfall was moderate despite the rainy season.
Although the island is basically sunny, if you perceive the weather from an off-island perspective, you may be caught in an unexpected passing shower.
When travelingCheck the weather forecast closely.It is a good idea to do so.
Charm of Miyako Island
Miyako Island is characterized by the azure of its ocean.
Beautiful azure beaches wherever you go.enjoy.
On days when there are no waves or wind, the sea can be viewed from high above, and sea turtles and tropical fish can be seen from land.
In addition, because the island was formed by coral uplift, there are no mountains to block the view.
Because there are few mountains, mud does not flow out to the sea and the water is clear.The clouds are also less likely to occur compared to Ishigaki Island.
This means that there are many beaches where you can see the sunset, for example, beautifully and as it sinks into the horizon.
Miyako Island is for people like this.
Recommendation!
Anyway, I want to play in the ocean!Miyakojima Island is the perfect environment for those who think that
Numerous beaches are scattered throughout the island and adjacent islands, each with different characteristics and scenery.
You will be able to enjoy Miyako Island sightseeing to the fullest just by visiting a different beach every day.
Thanks to its flat terrain, Miyako Island offers good visibility, both in terms of ease of driving and scenery.Excellent driving and biking trails.
Especially in cycling, major triathlons and road races are held every year.It is also a sacred place where the "Sacred Place" is located.
If bicycling is your hobby, you should definitely take a tour of the island.
Miyako Island Recommendation
3 tourist attractions
In addition to activities, the scattered sightseeing spots are a major attraction of Miyako Island.
There are so many places of interest all over the island that it is impossible to enumerate them all.Pick up the most popular spots.We will be happy to do so.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Miyako Island
(1) Irabu Bridge
Since its opening in 2015, the Irabu Bridge has served as the road between Miyako and Irabu islands, with a total length of 3,540 meters.
This distance isThe longest bridge in Japan that can be crossed for free!The first two are the following.
The sight of the long bridge crossing over the Miyako blue sea is very photogenic.
Recently, it has become famous as a place to take social networking photos.
Popular as a driving courseso why not incorporate it into your travel plans?
Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Miyako Island
(2) Shigira Beach
Shigira Beach is one of the best beaches in Miyako Island.Sea turtle watching spotsThe beach is famous as a
Adjacent to a luxury resort facility, you can enjoy a beautiful white sandy beach that is very well maintained.
There is a place in the sea in front of us where seaweed grows in clusters and serves as a feeding ground for sea turtles,You will have a very high probability of encountering sea turtles.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots on Miyamiyako Island
Yonaha Maehama Beach
When asked what is the best sightseeing spot on Miyako Island, many people mention Yonaha Maehama Beach. Many people mention Yonaha Maehama Beach when asked what is the best sightseeing spot on Miyako Island.
From the sandy beach, which spans a long distance of about 7 kilometersYou can enjoy an expansive view of the sea of Miyako Island.
Combined with the Kurema Ohashi Bridge over the sea, you can enjoy a spectacular view.
The view isPlaces to come to take pictures for weddingsIt is also well known as a
It is a popular spot for families and couples to visit, so it is recommended to visit at least once.
Miyako Island Recommendation
5 activities
Furthermore, Miyako Island offers many marine activities.
For those who would like to try activities and marine sports rather than just swimming in the sea, Miyako Island is truly a paradise.
Now, let's take a look at suchA variety of activitiesLet's take a look.
Recommended Activities in Miyako Island
(1) SUP tour with a spectacular view
The acronym Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) is an acronym that stands for Stand Up Paddleboard.
For those who are not familiar with marine sports, this term may not be very familiar.
However,SUP is becoming the new standard for waterfront activities.
SUP is the sport of standing on a surfboard and using a paddle to paddle over the ocean and sway with the waves.
Compared to canoes and kayaks, which also use paddles, the presence of the board is small, making it look like aFeel as if you are walking directly on the seaYou can taste the
It is also very popular, especially among young people, because of its high mobility and very high degree of freedom.
You can do yoga on the SUP board, lie down, or enjoy it in your own unique way!
Recommended Activities in Miyako Island
(2) Sea turtle snorkeling
Miyako Island SightseeingOne of the most popular activities is snorkeling.
It is a waste to just look at the beautiful sea of Miyako Island!
Dive into the ocean wearing underwater glasses and fins, and you can look out over the crystal clear waters of Miyako Island.
The tropical coral sea, schools of tropical fish, and if you are lucky, sea turtles can be seen!
Underwater is a different world,A truly natural aquarium.
Snorkeling is also characterized by the ease with which it can be enjoyed as soon as you join a tour, without the need to obtain a license.
Recommended Activities in Miyako Island
(3) Pumpkin cave exploration
If you want to enjoy activities in Miyako Island,Explore limestone caves in the seaWhy not try to do so?
As you walk along the surf from Bora Gah beach in the southeastern part of the island, you will find a cave opening between the rocks.
Once inside, there is a huge stalactite that looks much like a pumpkin.
The cave extends further back,It's like an adventure just like in the movies!You will be able to taste the
Although the cave is submerged in water, it is a highly recommended activity because there is no danger if you join the tour and wear a life jacket as you proceed.
Recommended Activities in Miyako Island
4)Miyako Island Complete Plan
This plan allows you to experience 4 activities: SUP x Pumpkin Cave x Canoe x Snorkeling.
Those who want to enjoy the sea of Miyako Island throughout the day.This plan is recommended for
SUP allows you to see the coral and fish of Miyako Island from the ocean, and snorkeling allows you to get up close and personal with coral and fish from within the ocean.
The entrance to the cave is accessed by canoe, soThis plan kills two birds with one stone.
Recommended Activities in Miyako Island
5) SUP/Canoe&
Sea turtle snorkeling
The last tour I would like to introduce is a two-for-one tour.SUP/canoe & sea turtle snorkeling tours!
This tour is a perfect opportunity to experience snorkeling along with SUP and canoeing.
The sea of Miyako Island.Surface & UnderwaterYou can enjoy it from
We highly recommend this tour for those who want to enjoy Miyako Island to the fullest.
What is Ishigaki Island like?
Ishigaki Island is located 400 km further southwest than the Miyako Islands.
It is completely removed from the mainland,The island is so remote that it is closer to Taiwan than OkinawaThe first two are the following.
The island itself is quite large, even though it is a remote island.
Its area is larger than Miyako Island, followed by Okinawa Island and Iriomote Island.The third largest island in the prefecturewill be.
As in the case of Miyako Island introduced earlier, the majority of Okinawa's islands have flat, undulating terrain.
Ishigaki Island is located in the northern part of the island and is centered on a mountain called Omotodake.Terrain with ups and downsThe company has been working on a new project.
Also, compared to Miyako IslandUrban areas are developing.This is another characteristic of Ishigaki Island.
Weather on Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki Island is located further south than Miyako Island,Same latitude as HawaiiThe first two are the following.
The climate is therefore mild throughout the year, with summer-like temperatures for more than half of the year.
However, during the fall and spring months on the mainland,There is a tendency for a slight increase in warm but cloudy days.
If you want to experience the feeling of traveling in everlasting summer, it is probably best to visit in mid-summer.
It is similar to Miyako Island in that it has an early rainy season and is prone to typhoon routes.
When you visit during that seasonCheck the weather forecast carefullyLet's do it!
Charms of Ishigaki Island
The charm of Ishigaki Island isCan go to remote islands by ferry.This is a good point.
From a place called Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal,Taketomi Island, ,Iriomote Island (Okinawa), ,Hatoma Island, ,islets of Ogasawara (islands), ,HaterumaYou can tour the remote islands of the Yaeyama Archipelago, including
Ishigaki Island also offers various tourist attractions such as Kabira Bay and the Blue Cave.
Compared to Miyako IslandPlenty of mountains, so trekking and other activities are available.It is!
Ishigaki Island is for people like this.
Recommendation!
Compared to Miyako Island, Ishigaki Island gives the impression of having more tourist facilities like luxury resorts and an urban area for shopping.
For those who love nature such as mountains and,Those who want to enjoy nature, not just the ocean.It may be suitable for
It may be better to use Miyako Island for playing in the ocean and Ishigaki Island for enjoying tropical nature.
Compared to the Miyako Islands, which share a common cultural sphere, Ishigaki Island and its surrounding islands have different customs and landscapes.
Nearby islands can also be circumnavigated by ferry from Ishigaki Island.
People who want to see different cultures.A trip to Ishigaki Island may be more suitable for
Ishigaki Island Recommendation
3 tourist attractions
Next to activities, if you are going to Ishigaki IslandSights to check outto the following.
Plan well before you go and enjoy the tropical island to your satisfaction.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Ishigaki Island
1) Kabira Bay
When discussing popular spots on Ishigaki Island, Kabira Bay in the northwestern part of the island cannot be missed.
Kabira Bay is listed in the travel guide published by Michelin.A place so famous that it was recognized with 3 stars.It is a popular scenic spot with spectacular views.
It is located 40 minutes by car from the city center,Contrast of pure white sandy beach and blue seaIt is the best spot to taste the
Just be sure to understand well in advance that swimming is prohibited due to the fast current.
Ishigaki Island RecommendationSightseeing Spots
(2) Blue Cave
If you want to taste the mystery of the tropics,Snorkeling into the Blue CaveHow about the following?
Due to the structure of the Blue Cave, light shining into the cave tends to reflect off the surface of the water and the ocean floor.
The blue wavelengths contained in the light hues are emphasized, spreading blue light into the cave.
The entire cave is illuminated with colors so beautiful that it is hard to believe they are natural.
By taking a local tour.Easy snorkeling in the caveYou may want to consider participating in this event because you can enjoy the
Ishigaki Island RecommendationSightseeing Spots
(iii) Island of Phantoms
Hamashima is an uninhabited island consisting only of sandy beaches,Except at low tide, it sinks to the bottom of the sea.This is why it is called the "Phantom Island.
This island is located between Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island, andThe fantastic scenery of the "Kintamani" has made it a popular spot for filming numerous commercials and other activities.
It is basically impossible to visit this place on your own.You can go there by taking a local tour at
If the weather and time conditions are right, you will be able to witness a scene so beautiful that it will seem out of this world.
Ishigaki Island Recommendation
5 activities
Of course, Ishigaki Island also offers a number of popular activities, and like Miyako Island, you can enjoy marine activities and other activities unique to the tropics.
Activities in Ishigaki IslandCheck out a number of
Ishigaki Island RecommendationActivities
1) Kabira Bay SUP/Canoe
This tour allows you to SUP and canoe at the number one tourist spot in Ishigaki Island!
You can enjoy just drifting lightly on the sea, or you can try paddling a little harder to experience the fun of the sport.
Canoes and SUPs are very stable vehicles,Even those who are not good at exercise can quickly get used to it and enjoy it.I think it is a good idea.
The tropical sea is morning, noon and evening.It changes its hue dramatically depending on the angle and intensity of sunlight.
Enjoying the sea at different times of the day is also a popular activity: the sparkling, glorious sea in the morning, and the orange sea at sunset.
Ishigaki Island RecommendationActivities
(2) Mangrove SUP/Canoe
For those who want to enjoy waterfront activities but don't want to get their whole body wet, we recommend the SUP and canoeing experience.
Some may have the impression that it is a difficult game to play, but in factStable and capsize-resistant activityIt is.
The buttocks can get wet, but basically you can enjoy it without getting too wet!
Canoes can be used for two or three people.Therefore, children can play together with ease.
Experience a sense of freedom and scenery on the water that you cannot experience in everyday life!
Ishigaki Island RecommendationActivities
Snorkeling in the Blue Cave
Ishigaki Island is also a very popular snorkeling spot.
Blue Cave snorkeling allows visitors to explore the inside of the cave in addition to snorkeling around the Blue Cave.
By sunlight shining in and reflecting off the surface of the sea and in the caves,A very beautiful spot where the inside of the cave glows blue.
The surrounding waters are also home to many tropical fish and colorful corals.
If you are lucky, you may see sea turtles!
Ishigaki Island RecommendationActivities
4) Sunrise SUP/Canoe
This activity tour is recommended for those who want to enjoy Ishigaki Island from early morning.
Since we start in the dim hours before sunrise,You can see the sunrise from the top of your SUP or canoe.
It will be the most refreshing time in the morning surrounded by the 360 degree ocean of Ishigaki Island.
SUP and canoeing are relatively stable rides, so even those who are not good at activities and exercise can do them.
Canoeing is also a great activity for children, as it can be done for two or three people.
The tour starts early in the morning,Even if you plan to return home the same day.You can participate in the program.
Ishigaki Island RecommendationActivities
5) Blue Cave Snorkeling
& Kabira Bay SUP/Canoe
Two major tourist attractions on Ishigaki IslandThis plan allows you to enjoy activities at the Blue Cave and Kabira Bay!
Kabira Bay, which has been awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide, is one of Ishigaki Island's representative scenic spots, where you can experience SUP and canoeing.
At the mysterious Blue Cave, visitors can enter the cave for commemorative photos and snorkel in the surrounding area.
I want to enjoy activities in the ocean of Ishigaki Island for a whole day.If so, we highly recommend this plan!
Enjoy Ishigaki Island activities with all your might at Okinawa's two major tourist attractions!
Miyako Island - Ishigaki Island
Means of transportation
RAC propeller flights operate between Miyako and Ishigaki islands.
There are two daily flights between Miyako Airport and Ishigaki Airport, making it possible to come and go in about 30 minutes.
Traveling in a 50-passenger prop plane is a rare experience forA fun little activity.You can taste the
However, because the aircraft is not large, it is easily affected by wind, and in some cases, flights may be cancelled when strong winds prevail, giving priority to safety.
Therefore, be sure to check the weather forecast carefully.
Miyako Island also has two airports, Miyako Airport and Shimojijima Airport.
There are currently no flights from Shimojijima Airport to Ishigaki Island.Therefore, care must be taken not to make a mistake.
Basically, you're traveling.
Difficult to come and go.
There used to be a ferry service between Miyako and Ishigaki islands.
However, it is now discontinued, making it difficult to come and go casually.
The air fare is less than 14,000 yen one way at the regular rate,It will cost a reasonable price.
If you are traveling between the two islands, it is recommended that you have plenty of time to plan your trip.
Both islands are very attractive,You should adapt it to your preferred travel style.
summary
Miyako Island and Ishigaki Island, two of the most popular remote islands in Okinawa Prefecture, were introduced in this order.
Both islands are full of charmI hope you now understand that it is
Everything from the climate and culture to the sea and the native flora and fauna exudes a tropical atmosphere that is different from that of the mainland.
If you want to get away from the hectic pace of everyday life and rest your mind,Lose track of time and listen to the sound of waves on Miyako and Ishigaki islands.would be a good idea.
This article was written by.
