Local Column
COLUMN
Miyako Island Has the Highest Mango Production in Japan! Local Staff Explain the Season, Average Prices, and Where to Buy Them
Hello everyone!
One of the largest activity stores in Miyako Island
Miyako Island ADVENTURE PiPiIt is!
Suddenly, what comes to mind when you think of tropical fruits?
Mangoes and pineapples come to mind, don't they?
Miyako Island is a mangoThe production volume is the highest in Japan!
In this article, our local staff will introduce mangoes on Miyako Island.
Table of Contents
What Are Miyako Island Mangoes?
Miyako Island mangoes are one of the premium fruit brands in Okinawa, renowned for their exceptional quality.
Because they are grown in a warm climate with plenty of sunshine and rich soil, they are characterized by their high sugar content and rich, intense sweetness.
They are often harvested once they have reached full ripeness, allowing you to fully enjoy their rich aroma and juiciness.
Miyako Island ranks first in Japan in mango production
A key feature of Miyako Island's mangoes is that it is the leading producer in all of Japan.
Due to climatic conditions, the areas where mangoes can be grown are limited, and production is concentrated in the south.
The top three prefectures—Okinawa, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima—account for approximately 97% of Japan's gross domestic product.
especiallyOkinawa produces over 501 TP3TIt is one of the leading mango-producing prefectures.
| 1st place | Okinawa Prefecture (Miyako Island) |
| 2nd place | Miyazaki prefecture (Kyushu) |
| 3rd place | Kagoshima prefecture (Kyushu) |
Differences from Mangoes from Other Regions
When it comes to mangoes, I imagine many people immediately think of Miyazaki Prefecture.
The difference between the two prefectures lies in their cultivation methods; in Miyazaki Prefecture, the plants are grown in pots.pot culture...is the main focus.
In Okinawa, on the other hand, the characteristic cultivation method involves planting mango trees directly in the ground.
Even within Okinawa, products from Miyako Island are highly regarded for their rich flavor and smooth texture.
The Peak Season for Miyako Island Mangoes
Shipments of mangoes from Miyako Island typically begin in late June and reach their peak around August.
If you want to visit during the peak of the season,Late June through July is the best time to visit.It is.
The classic Irwin peaches are in season around July, which is also when they're easiest to find as souvenirs.
Since large Keats apples are available from August through September, it's best to choose the season based on the variety you're looking for.
Varieties of Miyako Island Mangoes
Mangoes from Miyako Island can be broadly divided into three types.
Since each one differs in size, season, and intended use, let's start by getting an overview using the comparison chart.
| Variety | Size | Season | Main Uses |
| Irwin | Approximately 300 to 500 grams | Around July (June–August) | Classic, Household, Souvenirs |
| Keats | Large balls weighing around 1 kg | August–September | Gifts and Premium Souvenirs |
| Mini | 100–200 g | July–August | For Home Use / To-Go |
Irwin Mango (Apple Mango)
The most commonly grown variety on Miyako Island is the Arwin mango.
Because its red skin resembles that of an apple,apple mangoIt is also known as...
It features an exquisite balance of tartness and sweetness, with a juicy flavor.
Because it is widely available and easy to find at airports and markets, this variety is the most popular choice for souvenirs.
Keats mango (Mangifera indica)
The large Keitt mango is Miyako Island’s premier high-quality variety.
Some melons weigh more than 1 kg each, and they have a rich, creamy sweetness with minimal fiber.
Since the harvest season is late—from August to September—and the volume available on the market is low,Phantom mangoIt is also known as...
This variety is highly sought after and particularly popular as a gift.
mini mango
A variety that’s easy to enjoy is the small mini mango.
It is a variety of Irwin, but it is small—weighing around 100 to 200 grams—and is seedless.
When fully ripe, they have a strong aroma and a rich, concentrated sweetness.
They're reasonably priced and make great gifts for family and friends, as well as snacks to enjoy while traveling.
How to Store and Ripen Miyako Island Mangoes
Since most mangoes from Miyako Island are shipped when fully ripe, knowing how to store them will help you preserve their flavor.
Generally, let them ripen at room temperature; they're ready to eat when the sweet aroma becomes stronger and the skin becomes firm.
Once they're ready to eat, transfer them to the refrigerator; ideally, you should finish them within 2 to 3 days.
| Storage Instructions | Estimated Duration | point |
| Room temperature | 2–3 days (for ripening) | Aroma and firmness are signs that it's ready to eat. |
| Refrigerated | 2 to 3 days | Once they're ready to eat, put them in the refrigerator right away. |
| Frozen | 1 to 2 months | Cut and save—use in desserts and beverages |
Recommended Mango Souvenirs from Miyako Island
Mangoes from Miyako Island make great souvenirs, ranging from fresh fruit to processed products.
Choose from fresh mangoes, desserts, and drinks based on your needs and budget.
Fresh Mango
A luxurious souvenir to enjoy while they're in season is fresh mango with a high sugar content.
Gift-wrapped items come in decorative boxes and meet standards for sugar content and appearance, giving them a luxurious feel.
The household-size version offers better value because the shapes vary, and since the taste is virtually the same, it's popular for personal use.
| Category | Estimated Price | Features |
| For Home Use | Approximately 3,000 to 4,000 yen per kilogram | Although the shapes vary, the taste is essentially the same. |
| For gifts | 1 kg: Around 5,000 yen and up— | Meets standards for sugar content and appearance, and comes in a gift box |
Prices vary depending on the season, variety, and place of purchase, so it's best to check at the store.
Desserts and Snacks
Sweets and snacks are popular as souvenirs to give away because they have a long shelf life.
Jellies made with fully ripened fruit juice are a classic favorite, and the individually wrapped variety is perfect for giving out as small gifts.
Mango cakes and tarts are visually stunning and make wonderful gifts.
Juices and Beverages
Drinks such as juice and smoothies are a convenient way to enjoy mangoes.
Products made with juice from fully ripe mangoes have a rich flavor, and the small bottles are perfect as gifts to share.
Carbonated drinks are also popular in the summer, and their refreshing taste is well-received by tourists.
Where to Buy Mangoes on Miyako Island
You can buy mangoes at many stores on Miyako Island.
Here, we’ve carefully selected some spots that are easy to visit between sightseeing activities.
Miyako Airport
The easiest place to buy them is at Miyako Airport, where you can stop by on your way home.
The shops inside the terminal offer everything from fresh mangoes to processed products such as jellies and juices.
It's a convenient way to avoid forgetting to buy something, and some stores may offer a shipping service.
Business hours and inventory may vary depending on the season, so please check with the store on the day of your visit.
| address (e.g. of house) | 1657-128 Hirara Shimosato, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture |
| phone | 0980721212 |
open market
This is Atarasu Market, a farmers' market operated by JA.
Located just a 5-minute drive from Miyako Airport, it offers a wide variety of items, ranging from farm products to souvenirs.
We also carry a selection of mangoes of reliable quality, so you can choose the ones that best suit your needs.
| address (e.g. of house) | 1440-1 Hirara Nishizato, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture |
| Business Hours | 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
| regular closing day | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| phone | 0980-72-2972 |
| Official HP | open market |
Island Station Miyako Miyakojima Mango Republic
Shima-eki Miyako is a multi-purpose destination offering a wide selection of processed foods and gifts.
There is an abundant selection of vegetables, fruits, and local specialties from the island, and it’s fun just to look at them.
During the mango season, the "Mango Republic" event is held, featuring a wide variety of mangoes.
| address (e.g. of house) | 870-1 Hirara Kugai, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan |
| Business Hours | 7:30-18:00 |
| regular closing day | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| phone | 0980-79-5151 |
| Official HP | Island Station Miyako Miyakojima Mango Republic |
wide market
The Wado Market in the city center is a locally-oriented farmers’ market.
The stalls are lined with vegetables, fruits, and processed foods brought by farmers from across the island.
During this time of year, a special sales area is set up, and the store is filled with the sweet scent.
| address (e.g. of house) | 638-1 Hirara Matsubara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture |
| Business Hours | 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
| regular closing day | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| phone | 0980-72-7684 |
Direct sales at each farm
If you're looking for the freshest mangoes, we recommend visiting the farm stands at each orchard.
You'll discover high-quality mangoes that the farm is proud to offer.
There are plenty of opportunities to encounter rare varieties, so if you're traveling specifically for mangoes, this is definitely a place you'll want to visit.
Recommended Mango Farms on Miyako Island
We’ve carefully selected the farms we’d especially like to recommend from among all the farm stands.
Since each one has different characteristics, let's go through them one by one.
Hentona Farm
First on my list of recommendations is Hentona Farm, located in the Shimajiri district in northern Miyako Island.
It is one of the most popular farms in the area and offers a mango ownership program.
There are also services where you can sign up to have mangoes delivered during harvest season—a great perk for fans.
| address (e.g. of house) | 304-1 Hirara Shimajiri, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture |
| Business Hours | 9:00-17:00 |
| regular closing day | Saturday and Sunday |
| phone | 0980-72-5181 |
| Official HP | Hentona Farm |
Utopia Farm Miyakojima
Next, we’d like to introduce Utopia Farm Miyakojima.
This popular tourist farm grows a wide variety of tropical fruits.
In addition to mangoes, you can also enjoy pineapples and dragon fruit.
| address (e.g. of house) | 1714-2 Uenomiyakuni, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture |
| Business Hours | 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| regular closing day | Sunday |
| phone | 0980-76-2949 |
| Official HP | Utopia Farm Miyakojima |
Eifuku Orchard
Eifuku Orchard is located on a spacious property along Prefectural Road 83.
In addition to the Irwin variety, we are also focusing our efforts on growing the rare Keats mango.
If you'd like to try some rare mangoes, be sure to stop by.
| address (e.g. of house) | 3481 Hirara Higashinakasonezoe, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan |
| Business Hours | 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| regular closing day | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| phone | 0980-72-9580 |
| Official HP | Eifuku Orchard |
Ono Orchard
Ono Orchard is a long-established orchard with a rich history.
This farm’s mangoes, which are popular as gifts, are highly regarded for both their appearance and sweetness, and it has many repeat customers every year.
The gift-boxed version is available for shipping nationwide, so you can enjoy it at home even after your trip.
| address (e.g. of house) | 3500-1 Nakasonezoe, Hirara Higashi, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture |
| Business Hours | Please check (may be open only during harvest season) |
| regular closing day | To be confirmed |
| phone | 0980-73-0832 |
Yoshino Orchard
Yoshino Orchard in the Shirobe area is well-known for its high-quality produce.
This farm is known for its mangoes, which are both sweet and visually appealing, and receives many orders for gift-giving.
Customers can choose from items that are ready to eat that day to those meant for shipping, and the shop has many fans thanks to its attentive service.
| address (e.g. of house) | 1257-1 Shirobe Shinsho, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture |
| Business Hours | Please check (may be open only during harvest season) |
| regular closing day | To be confirmed |
| phone | 0980-77-2806 |
Cafes on Miyako Island Where You Can Enjoy Mangoes
Here are some cafes where you can enjoy delicious mangoes while taking a break from sightseeing.
Miyako Island is home to a variety of charming cafes where you can relax and savor fresh fruit.
Fruits of Paradise
"Paradise Fruit" is a farm-to-table restaurant and café that uses ingredients sourced from Miyako Island.
You can enjoy a variety of dishes that make the most of mangoes, such as mango juice and parfaits.
It's located on Kurima Island, about a 15-minute drive from Miyako Island, so you can stop by on your drive.
| address (e.g. of house) | 476-1 Shimoji Kurema, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan |
| Business Hours | 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
| regular closing day | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| phone | 0980-76-2991 |
| Official HP | Fruits of Paradise |
very strict evaluation
"Tunkaraya" is a scenic café located in the southeastern part of Miyako Island.
Its oceanfront location is a major draw, and it has gained popularity on social media.
It's conveniently located, and you can enjoy exquisite mangoes there.
| address (e.g. of house) | 1214 Ueno-Shinri, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan |
| Business Hours | 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| regular closing day | Monday, Thursday |
| phone | 0980-76-2674 |
| Official Instagram | very strict evaluation |
AOSORA PARLOR
AOSORA PARLOR is a smoothie shop that specializes in takeout.
It’s located on Kurima Island and is known for its cute exterior, which was created by repurposing shipping containers.
Enjoy the rich flavor of this smoothie made with mangoes from Miyako Island.
| address (e.g. of house) | 104-1 Shimoji Raima, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan |
| Business Hours | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. / 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| regular closing day | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| phone | 0980-76-3900 |
| Official Instagram | AOSORA PARLOR |
Blue Turtle Farm Mango Cafe
Blue Turtle Farm Mango Cafe is a popular café run directly by the farm.
You can enjoy parfaits and smoothies made with freshly harvested, perfectly ripe mangoes.
It has earned high praise as a hands-on destination where visitors can enjoy both a farm and a café in one place.
| address (e.g. of house) | 1760-3 Hirara Matsubara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture |
| Business Hours | 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
| regular closing day | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| phone | 0980-79-7274 |
Sukubari Terrace
Sukubari Terrace is a café with a spectacular view, located on a hill.
From the terrace seating, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the "Miyako Blue" sea, and the open, expansive scenery is a major draw.
You can enjoy desserts and juices made with mangoes from Miyako Island.
| address (e.g. of house) | 1210-1 Higashi-Nakasono-zoe, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture |
| Business Hours | 1:00 PM–4:00 PM |
| regular closing day | To be confirmed |
| phone | 0980-73-1307 |
PAINAGAMA BLUE BOOTH
PAINAGAMA BLUE BOOTH is a popular café where you can enjoy a meal by the beach.
It's located near Pina Gama Beach, so you can stop by while sightseeing or enjoying a day at the beach.
You can enjoy a resort-like atmosphere with smoothies and shaved ice made with perfectly ripe mangoes.
| address (e.g. of house) | 247-2 Hirara Shimosato, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture |
| Business Hours | 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
| regular closing day | Monday |
| phone | 050-5595-8404 |
3 Must-Try Activities on Miyako Island
Since you’ve gone to the trouble of coming all the way to Miyako Island, you’ll want to enjoy not just the mangoes but the natural scenery as well, right?
On a PiPi tour, you can not only immerse yourself in extraordinary scenery, but also learn from the guideI can get recommendations for popular local mango farms and cafesThere are also times when
Here, we’ll introduce three activities to help you enjoy mangoes even more.
(1) Sightseeing Photo Tour
A sightseeing photo tour is a great way to combine visits to mango orchards and cafes.
The Irabu Bridge, the beaches on Kurima Island, and other places,A guide takes you through scenery as beautiful as a postcardI will do so.
You can also get recommendations for cafes where you can enjoy mango desserts and local hotspots.
② Blue Cave Snorkeling & Cave Exploration Tour
This is a tour where you can explore the mysterious Blue Cave on Miyako Island while snorkeling.
On the way from the ocean to the cave, you'll be soothed by the beautiful scenery woven by nature.
You get free photo data of your memories.So, it's perfect for keeping a travel journal.
③ Mangrove SUP/Kayak Tour
Enjoy the Miyako blue ocean and lush mangroves.Tour.
You can enjoy the luxury of feeling the sounds of nature and the breeze as you leisurely advance along the water's surface.
After working up a sweat, treat yourself to a sweet break with a perfectly ripe mango.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mangoes from Miyako Island
Here are answers to some common questions we receive before people travel to Miyako Island regarding its mangoes.
Since large Keitt mangoes are available from August through September, we recommend choosing the season based on the variety you're looking for.
If convenience is your priority, we recommend the airport; if you’re looking for the best price or the freshest produce, we recommend farmers’ markets or farms.
Many shops at airports and markets offer shipping services; for more details, please see the Miyakojima Souvenir Guide.
While the shape of the home-use variety varies, making it a good value, the taste is virtually the same, so it's popular for home use.
Miyako soba-related products and awamori are also popular, and people are sure to appreciate them when paired with mangoes.
There is also an environment where farms help each other improve their techniques, resulting in an excellent balance of sweetness, acidity, and flavor.
in the end
In this article, we’ve highlighted mangoes, one of Miyako Island’s greatest attractions.
If you're planning a summer trip to Miyako Island,Be sure to try some mangoes while they're in season.
There are also plenty of places to shop and eat scattered throughout the area, soWhy not stop by while you're sightseeing?
We hope this article will help you enjoy the unique tropical flavors of Miyako Island.
The images shown are for illustrative purposes only.
This article was written by.
