目次
Why is Miyako Island so famous?
Miyako Island has many attractions, and we would like to share four of the most popular reasons with you.
The most beautiful ocean anywhere
Miyako Island has the most transparent ocean in Japan. The topography of Miyakojima, formed by uplifted coral reefs, has no mountains, so nutrients from the mountains do not flow into the sea. Therefore, no plankton bloom exists, and clean seawater can be enjoyed!
Relaxed atmosphere
Miyako Island, a developed urban area amid great nature, is bustling with visitors seeking solitude, family trips, couples trips, graduation trips, etc. Many people visit the island every year in search of healing.
However, unlike the hustle and bustle of the city, the relaxed time of Okinawa flows through the island. Miyako Island’s laid-back atmosphere is characterized as if time has stood still.
Lots of stylish stores
Miyako Island has many fashionable stores, such as cafes, taverns, and general stores. Miyako Island has developed as a tourist spot in recent years, so many such stores exist.
From stores where you can enjoy Miyako Island’s unique design to modern chic stores, it is hard to believe this is a remote island in Okinawa. We invite you to walk around the city center of Miyakojima and enjoy the fashionable streets.
Plenty of activity fields full of nature
The activities that can be enjoyed on Miyako Island are all about enjoying the great outdoors.
Among them, Yaebise, home to one of the most extensive coral reefs in Japan, and Shimajiri, rich in mangrove forests, offer a wide variety of activities that can be enjoyed while experiencing firsthand the incredible nature there.
What to wear for activities on Miyako Island
You can experience all activities as long as you have a swimsuit. This is because you can rent everything you need for all activities held on Miyako Island. Therefore, if it is not booked, you can choose the one you are in the mood for. Looking at the beautiful ocean will make you want to swim. Just be sure to bring your swimsuit.
12 Popular Activities on Miyako Island
Miyako Island offers a wide variety of activities to experience. Here are some of the most popular activities on Miyako Island!
Night tours and stargazing tours
During the stargazing tour activity, you can observe a star-filled sky you cannot experience in the city. What’s more, if conditions are right in winter, you can even see the Southern Cross…! A guide who knows the area well will also lecture you on the numerous shining stars at a spot suitable for the day’s climate. This is a great way to see the Milky Way and shoot stars with the naked eye. Since no special preparations are required, it is easy to participate whenever you feel like it.
Fishing Tour
Fishing tours are one of the most popular tours, where you can enjoy the beautiful sea of Miyako Island and catch fish in the most explosive fishing spots. Here, you can catch colorful tropical fish, including Okinawa’s prefectural fish, the Gurukun, and Okinawa’s three most expensive fish, the Akamachi.
Yabiji Tour
At Yabiji, known as “Japan’s Great Barrier Reef,” more than 100 coral reefs can be seen. You can do many activities in this Yaebise and enjoy the clear ocean no matter which one you join when you visit Miyako Island. We encourage you to see it.
Irabu Island, Blue Cave Tour
Blue caves exist in many parts of Japan, but Miyako Island has a 10-meter-long blue cave. Near the entrance, a school of Hatanpo welcomes you to the cave, and it is a pleasure to see them up close. I recommend snorkeling to float around and feel like you are adventuring in a glowing blue cave.
Marine sports Tour
Marine sports that take you on an exhilarating ride through the clear waters of Miyako Island can only be experienced here. Most marine sports are held at Yonaha Maehama Beach, famous for its beautiful scenery. The top-rated banana boat and Big Marble are great for a large group of people to enjoy the ever-changing view around them while having a great time.
Pumpkin Hole Exploration (limestone cave exploration and caving)
Pumpkin Hole is a miraculous limestone cave whose entrance only opens at low tide. Once inside, visitors will experience a pumpkin-shaped limestone cave. The tours are designed so that even caving beginners can enjoy them so that anyone can join in. When exiting the cave, there is a dive spot where you dive into the ocean all at once, which is sure to be a lot of fun. Let’s visit this trendy spot on Miyako Island.
Sea kayak (canoe) tours
Sea kayaking activity is a way to enjoy the leisurely flow of time on Miyako Island in a small boat. Even beginners will be given a good lecture and can row the boat and advance quickly. Since it is a two-person group, we recommend participation by couples, families with children, and friends. Let’s enjoy sharing the scenery of Miyako Island.
SUP Tour
A popular resort activity, SUP is floating on the water’s surface on a single thick board. You can enjoy the great outdoors with much freedom and ease, lying down or doing yoga on the SUP. You may feel as if you are floating in the air on the clear waters of Miyako Island. A variety of tours are available, including early morning and sunset time tours, so you can join a trek that fits your schedule.
Diving
You can enjoy diving deeper into the crystal-clear waters of Miyako Island. Guides provide support from equipment rental to lectures, so you can want to go diving even if you do not have a license. Slow diving, in which the guide pulls you along, is also popular, so you don’t have to worry even if you are not a good swimmer.
Snorkeling Tour
Snorkeling is a great way to get a goggle-eyed view of the crystal-clear waters of Miyako Island. Just by floating, you can enjoy abundant coral and tropical fish even in shallow waters. On a clear day, you can see as far as 50 meters out into the ocean, and we hope you will enjoy the excellent transparency of the sea.
Parasailing
Parasailing activity is flying with a parachute while being pulled by a boat. The view of the crystal-clear waters of Miyako Island from the top is sure to impress you with its clarity down to the bottom of the ocean. The instructor on the boat will be able to pilot the ship well so that you can enjoy your time in the sky with peace of mind.
Surfing
Some people may feel like surfing when they see the beautiful waves in the ocean of Miyako Island. Necessary equipment can be brought in or rented, so even beginners can easily participate. Enjoy the exhilaration of riding the waves on the crystal-clear ocean.
Three activities for children three years old and up
Sea turtle & colorful coral snorkeling
You can float even if you can’t swim if you wear a life jacket! You can only find abundant coral reefs and tropical fish in the shallows on Miyako Island! We would love to let small children experience this.
Sunset Kayak Tour
This is a tour to watch the sunset into the horizon by kayak in the clean air of Miyako Island. Once you get on a kayak and float on the sea’s surface, you will be impressed by the golden glow of the ocean around you. Enjoy this fantastic time with couples, parents, children, or good friends.
Sea Turtle Snorkel & Pumpkin Cave Set Plan
This plan includes snorkeling at a sea turtle sighting spot as well as exploring the limestone caves of Pumpkin Hole. Pumpkin Hole is a famous limestone cave as a power spot, so a tour here is a must. Time spent in the cave surrounded by giant pumpkin-shaped stalactites will surely be a unique and memorable experience.
Five activities you can participate in even if it rains
SUP Cruising Tour
It is no exaggeration to say that the sea of Miyakojima is all around SUP spots so that the field can be changed depending on the wind direction. For this reason, SUP tours can be enjoyed even on rainy days. The surrounding rocks block the wind, making SUP on rainy days a different time worth experiencing. Half-day courses are also available in the afternoon, making it easy to choose according to the weather and your schedule.
Boat Snorkel & Experience Diving Course – PM Course
On a rainy day, you definitely should dive into the ocean. Snorkeling and diving will make you forget about the less-than-ideal weather outside. Boat entry is recommended for snorkeling and diving right from a beautiful location.
Yabiji Snorkeling Tour
On rainy mornings, it’s hard to feel better. But even at such times, the clarity of Miyakojima’s ocean does not betray its clarity. Once in the Yaebise Sea, you can see the most spectacular view you have ever seen.
Ages 8 and up! Snorkeling & Slow Diving Tour – AM Course
If you participate in slow diving, an instructor will be assigned to each person to pull you along. Also, you can wear goggles that completely cover your face to breathe quickly and safely.
おわり
The incredible nature of Miyako Island can be enjoyed just by looking at it. However, we encourage you to join a tour and feel the great spirit with your whole body. Whatever the activity, you can rent the necessary equipment. You won’t have any trouble if you have your swimsuit. Let’s have a relaxing and enjoyable time on Miyako Island!
