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What can you do at the Tropical Botanical Garden in Miyako Island? Our local staff will thoroughly explain everything from how to get there to how to enjoy it!
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Miyako Island ADVENTURE PiPiIt is!
Speaking of Miyako Island,The first thing that comes to mind is how beautiful the ocean is.A lot of people feel that way, don't they?
Actually, Miyako Island isn't just known for its ocean—it's also rich in natural beauty, and,A variety of tropical plants grow there naturally.
In this article, local staff will provide an easy-to-understand guide to the highlights of the Miyakojima City Tropical Botanical Garden, including how to enjoy it, its hours of operation, how to get there, and how long a visit takes.
Table of Contents
What is Miyako Island Tropical Botanical Garden?
The Miyakojima City Tropical Botanical Garden is,One of the largest man-made tropical botanical gardens in the prefecture, home to approximately 1,600 species of subtropical plantsIt is.
Admission is free, and since it’s only about a 10-minute drive from Miyako Airport, it’s a great spot to casually stop by between sightseeing activities.
Miyako Island is located about 300 km southwest of the main island of Okinawa,It is a remote island where you can fully enjoy the rich natural surroundings.
Among these, the tropical botanical garden—which takes advantage of the subtropical coastal climate—features a collection of plants native to the various islands of Okinawa.The largest artificial tropical botanical garden in the prefectureIt is.
The 120,000-sq,More than 1,600 species of plants grow hereIt features plants typical of Okinawa, such as the deigo, banyan, and bottlebrush tree, which are a major attraction.
| address (e.g. of house) | 1166-286 Hirara Higashinakasonezoe, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan |
| Business Hours | 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (subject to change depending on the season) |
| regular closing day | open every day of the year |
| admission fee | free |
| parking lot | ant |
| phone | 0980-73-2690 |
| Official HP | Miyakojima City Tropical Botanical Garden |
Directions & Access
The Tropical Botanical Garden is10 minutes drive from Miyako AirportIt is located in [location], and is easily accessible by rental car.
The distance from the airport is about 3.9 km, and it takes about an hour to walk there.
Inside the park, there areFree parkingBecause of this, you can feel confident about driving to the park.
Estimated Travel Time and Suggested Itineraries
The time required varies greatly depending on the route you take.
If you're only looking for short walking trails,About 30 minutesSo you can take a quick stroll.
If you plan to take a leisurely walk along the Dragon Course—the longest trail in the park (about 4 km)—you should allow at least an hour.
How to Enjoy the Miyako Island Tropical Botanical Garden
The Tropical Botanical Garden is a place where visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, from taking a stroll to observing plants, sketching, and experiencing traditional culture.
The park features a variety of facilities, including walking trails, an observation deck, and a craft village.
Now, let's take a look at some specific ways to enjoy it.
walking
In the Tropical Botanical Garden,Four walking coursesare available.
They are categorized by distance and destination, and you can pick up a map at the information desk near the main entrance.
Among them, the Dragon Course is the longest at about 4 km, and you can explore its observation decks and ponds.
Choose a course based on your fitness level and the time you have available, andWalk around and enjoy the scenery.
botanical observation
The tropical botanical garden, where you can observe the diverse plant life unique to subtropical regions, isIt is a place where you can enjoy using all five senses.
A variety of tropical plants—such as bougainvillea, banyan, bottlebrush, hibiscus, and mango—thrive here, allowing visitors to enjoy the changing scenery throughout the four seasons.
Also,Observation and photography of plants, insects and birdsis also recommended.
Let's take a close look at the plants you can only see here.
Botanical Sketches
There are rest areas throughout the garden, where you can enjoy sketching plants in a peaceful setting.
The design allows you to immerse yourself in nature within the spacious grounds, so you can paint freely and at ease.
The official website also features an illustrated guide to the plants growing there, andEven if you're not familiar with plants, you'll recognize the namesYou can enjoy sketching.
Can You Have Fun on a Rainy Day, Even with Kids?
The Tropical Botanical Garden is primarily an outdoor facility, but,A spot where it's easy to plan activities that are fun even on rainy days or when traveling with childrenIt is.
When it's raining heavily, we recommend switching to the attached craft village, where you can enjoy hands-on activities indoors.
Admission is free, and there are well-maintained walking paths, so it's a great place to stop by even if you're traveling with small children.
Famous Plants You Can See at the Miyako Island Tropical Botanical Garden
The garden is home to approximately 1,600 species of plants, many of which can only be observed here due to Miyako Island’s unique climate.
Here, we’ll introduce some of the most representative plants found in the park.
Indian coral tree (Erythrina variegata)
The deigo is the prefectural flower of Okinawa,Red flowers that bloom in spring (generally March through April)It is.
Native to India and the Malay Peninsula, it grows rapidly and develops a thick trunk that can reach over 10 meters in height, making it a popular choice for street trees.
In Okinawa, it is said that the blooming of the deigo flowers is used to predict that year's typhoons, andIt is a flower that has long been cherished by people.
banyan tree
As a houseplantPopular Banyan TreeIt is an evergreen tree found in regions with tropical and subtropical climates.
The aerial roots are strong enough to break through asphaltpowerful force of lifeWe have a
In Okinawa,A spirit called KijimunaIt is also said to be a tree that harbors spirits, and is cherished as a talisman against evil.
Surinam toad
The bottlebrush tree, which blooms with hot pink flowers, is,A tree of the mallow family Panyaceae, native to Brazil.It is.
It was named after the bottle-like bulge in the middle of its trunk and the cotton-like substance that forms after the flowers bloom, which is called “kiwata.”
The blooming season in Japan isFall through Early SpringIn addition, the cotton obtained from the seeds is also used as filling for pillows and cushions.
hibiscus
Hibiscus, often associated with tropical imagery, can be enjoyed for a long time in Okinawa, from summer through fall.
It is a general term for shrubs in the genus Hibiscus of the Malvaceae family, and it is said that there are numerous varieties.
It is also used as a food source and a raw material for fiber, andHibiscus TeaIt is also well-loved.
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea, a shrub native to South America, is,It blooms for a long time in warm regions.
The colorful parts that look like flowers are actually bracts—modified leaves—and the white part in the center is the flower.
Its name comes from the explorer Bougainville, who discovered it in Brazil in 1768.
Miyako Horses You Can See at the Miyako Island Tropical Botanical Garden
At the Tropical Botanical Garden, it's not just the plants that...The “Miyako Horse,” a Natural Monument of Okinawa PrefectureYou might get to meet them.
The Miyako horse is a small, native breed that has lived on Miyako Island since ancient times; with only a small number remaining, it is a rare and precious species.
Since you can enjoy interacting with animals as well as observing plants,Highlights That Families with Children Will LoveIt is.
Facilities around Miyakojima Tropical Botanical Garden
In the vicinity of the Tropical Botanical Garden,Craft Experience Village and Miyakojima City MuseumThere are other facilities where you can enjoy these and other activities.
Let's take a look at what makes each one special.
Miyakojima City Experience Craft Village
At the Miyako Island City Craft Village, located next to the Tropical Botanical Garden, you can experience crafts unique to Miyako Island, such asTraditional Crafts, Local Cuisine, Culture, and HistoryYou can learn through hands-on experience.
There are eight craft workshops, including woodworking, pottery, shell craft, local cuisine, Miyako textiles, chigaya, kaleidoscopes, and art.
The workshop opens around 10:00 a.m., and depending on the activity,When Advance Reservations Are RequiredSince this is the case, be sure to check in advance about any experiences that interest you.
Miyakojima City Museum
The Miyakojima City Museum, located about 1 km from the Tropical Botanical Garden, isHistory and traditions of Miyako IslandIt is a facility where you can learn about [...].
Important artifacts and everyday items are on display, and a Pantù mask greets visitors at the entrance.
Pantu is a traditional event on Miyako Island in which people dressed as gods smear mud on others, andYou can experience the island's culture firsthand.
Night tours are the best way to observe tropical plants on Miyako Island!
While you can enjoy the colorful plants at the tropical botanical garden during the day, in the forest at night...A completely different side of nature from what you see during the dayYou can meet the
In the largest Upuki-no-Mori forest in Miyako Island,Night tours in spring and summer seasonsis being held.
As the sun sets, large bats take to the sky, and the calls of nocturnal birds and insects begin to fill the air.
Some people may feel uneasy about the forest at night, butGuided by a guide who knows the forest inside and outThis means you can participate with peace of mind, even with your children.
The starry sky as seen from deep within the forest is,It’s a luxurious view that lets you experience a break from the everyday.
Try these activities after enjoying the Tropical Botanical Garden! Recommended Activities on Miyako Island
After enjoying the subtropical scenery at the Tropical Botanical Garden,Water Activities in the Sea Known as “Miyako Blue”We recommend enjoying these together as well.
All of our tours are designed to be accessible to everyone—from beginners to families with children and seniors—and you can choose the one that best fits your travel plans.
[Half-Day] Sea Turtle Snorkeling Tour
In the waters off Miyako Island, which boasts one of the world’s highest encounter rates,Half-Day Tour: Swim with Sea TurtlesIt is.
Thanks to the thorough instruction provided, even those who aren't strong swimmers or are new to swimming can participate with confidence.
In addition to sea turtles, you can also see colorful tropical fish. The tour lasts about 2 hours and costs 6,900 yen (tax included).
[1 Day] Miyako Island All-Inclusive Package (Snorkeling, Limestone Cave, and Sea Kayaking)
Enjoy all of Miyako Island's popular activities in a single dayThe All-Inclusive Set PlanIt is.
In addition to snorkeling with sea turtles, you can explore Pumpkin Hole (a limestone cave) and try sea kayaking.
You can enjoy both the ocean and the caves all in one trip; the tour takes about 6 hours and costs 15,000 yen (tax included).
[Half-Day] SUP Tour of Scenic Beaches
In the emerald-green waters of Miyako Blue,A SUP Experience Where You Can Take a Leisurely Stroll Across the WaterIt is.
When you stand on the board while maintaining your balance, you can experience a sense of freedom, as if you were floating on the ocean.
Even if you're not a strong swimmer, you can still enjoy this activity. It takes about 2 hours and costs 7,900 yen (tax included).
Frequently Asked Questions
Business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (subject to change depending on the season), and we are open year-round.
If you plan to enjoy the approximately 4-kilometer Dragon Course and the Craft Village, it’s a good idea to set aside about half a day.
You can take the Miyako Kyoei Bus for public transportation, or it takes about an hour on foot.
Depending on the activity, advance reservations may be required, so be sure to check in advance if there’s an activity you’re interested in.
You might even get to see the Miyako horse, a natural monument of Okinawa Prefecture.
On rainy days, we recommend switching to the attached craft village, where you can enjoy indoor activities.
in the end
In this article, we’ve introduced ways to enjoy the Miyakojima City Tropical Botanical Garden, along with its hours of operation, how to get there, and highlights.
Not only is admission free, making it easy to drop by, butPlants, Miyako Horses, and Traditional Cultural ExperiencesIt's a charming spot where you can enjoy a wide variety of activities.
When combined with the adjacent craft village and museum,Experience the Best of Miyako Island's Nature and Culture in Half a DayYou can enjoy it.
When you visit Miyako Island, be sure to stop by the Tropical Botanical Garden.
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