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Miyakojima

Miyakojima, Okinawa, Japan

Escape to Miyakojima: Okinawa's Untouched Paradise Sun-drenched beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a laid-back island vibe await you on Miyakojima, a hidden gem in Okinawa, Japan. Less crowded than its sister …

#Island#Beach#Tropical#Resort#Snorkeling

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Miyakojima.

Top Hotels in Miyakojima

Top Flights to Miyakojima

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Miyakojima.

Tours

Explore the Stunning Beaches of Miyakojima

Discover the most beautiful beaches of Miyakojima, renowned for their crystal-clear waters and white sandy shores.

Visit Miyakojima City Botanical Garden

Stroll through the lush botanical gardens, showcasing tropical and subtropical plants.

Cultural Visit to Miyako Shrine

Explore the local history and architecture at Miyako Shrine, a spiritual landmark on the island.

Discover the Ryugujo Observatory

Visit the Ryugujo Observatory to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding islands and ocean.

Glass-bottom Boat Tour

Experience the underwater beauty of Miyakojima without getting wet on a glass-bottom boat tour.

Shopping

Shopping at Painagama Roadside Station

A local market offering a variety of regional products, including Miyakojima’s famous mangoes and sugarcane.

Browse Local Crafts at Zakka Shop Umi

Explore a variety of handcrafted items and local souvenirs at Zakka Shop Umi, celebrating local artisans.

Outdoor

Snorkeling Adventure in Aragusuku Beach

Enjoy a snorkeling session in Aragusuku Beach, known for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.

Kayaking in the Miyako Islands

Experience a guided kayaking tour through the mangroves and coastal waters of Miyako Islands.

Scuba Diving at Shigira Beach

Trip for certified divers to explore underwater treasures of Shigira Beach with its rich marine biodiversity.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Miyakojima.

Currency

¥ | JPY | Japanese Yen

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Miyakojima, Okinawa, Japan, is about '55,000'.

Languages

Miyako, Japanese

Average weather

Miyakojima

Jan

20°15°

Feb

20°15°

Mar

22°17°

Apr

25°20°

May

27°23°

Jun

30°25°

Jul

32°26°

Aug

32°26°

Sep

31°25°

Oct

28°23°

Nov

25°20°

Dec

22°17°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Miyakojima.

What people love

Miyakojima, located in Okinawa, Japan, is a popular destination for travelers seeking beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxing island atmosphere. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Miyakojima:

Stunning Beaches: Miyakojima is known for its pristine sandy beaches such as Sunayama Beach, Yonaha Maehama Beach, and Aragusuku Beach. These beaches offer clear turquoise waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports.
Great Diving and Snorkeling: The waters around Miyakojima are home to diverse marine life and coral reefs, making it a fantastic destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. You can explore colorful coral gardens, encounter tropical fish, and even spot sea turtles.
Unique Culture: Miyakojima has a distinct culture influenced by its history and location. Visitors can experience traditional Ryukyuan culture, including local food, music, dance, and festivals.
Outdoor Activities: In addition to beach-related activities, Miyakojima offers various outdoor adventures such as kayaking, paddleboarding, cycling, and hiking. You can explore the island's natural beauty and enjoy stunning viewpoints.
Relaxing Atmosphere: Miyakojima is known for its laid-back and peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing vacation away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Overall, traveling to Miyakojima offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities, making it a fantastic destination for travelers looking to unwind and explore a unique part of Japan.

What to know

There are a few potential cons to consider when traveling to Miyakojima in Okinawa, Japan:

Limited public transportation: Miyakojima is a relatively small island, and public transportation options may be limited compared to larger cities. Renting a car or scooter may be necessary to explore the island fully.
Language barrier: While many people in the tourist industry in Miyakojima speak some English, overall English proficiency may be lower compared to more touristy areas in Japan. It's a good idea to learn some basic Japanese phrases or have a translation app handy.
Limited dining options: Miyakojima is known for its fresh seafood, but there may be fewer dining options compared to larger cities. It's a good idea to research restaurants in advance and make reservations if needed.
Weather concerns: Miyakojima is prone to typhoons during certain times of the year, which could impact travel plans or activities. It's important to check the weather forecast before traveling to Miyakojima and be prepared for any potential disruptions.

Overall, while Miyakojima is a beautiful and unique destination, travelers should be prepared for some potential challenges related to transportation, language, dining options, and weather.

Miyakojima is an island and city located in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. It is part of the Miyako Islands, which lie southwest of the main Okinawa Island and are known for their beautiful beaches and clear waters. Here's a detailed history of Miyakojima, including significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks:

Historical Background

Ryukyu Kingdom Era (1429-1879): Miyakojima was part of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which maintained a tributary relationship with China. The islands were important for trade routes between Japan, China, and Southeast Asia.
Satsuma Domain Control (1609): In 1609, the Satsuma Domain from Kyushu invaded the Ryukyu Kingdom, bringing Miyakojima under its influence. This marked the beginning of a dual subordination to both the Ryukyu King and the Satsuma Domain.
Meiji Era (1868-1912): With the Meiji Restoration, the Ryukyu Kingdom was abolished, and the islands were fully integrated into Japan. Miyakojima became part of Okinawa Prefecture in 1879.

Significant Events

Battle of Okinawa (1945): Although Miyakojima was not a primary site of conflict during World War II, the island was affected by the larger Battle of Okinawa. It served as a location for Japanese military installations.
Post-War Development: After World War II, Miyakojima, like much of Okinawa, was under U.S. administration until 1972, when it was returned to Japanese sovereignty. The island saw development in infrastructure and tourism.

Historical Figures

Naoe Kinoshita (1869-1937): A prominent figure from Miyakojima, Kinoshita was an educator and politician who contributed to the modernization of education in Okinawa.

Important Landmarks

Hirara City: The main urban area on Miyakojima, now part of the larger Miyakojima City since the 2005 merger of several towns and villages.
Yonaha Maehama Beach: Known for its long, white sandy beach, it is one of the most famous spots on the island, attracting tourists from around the world.
Miyakojima City Tropical Plant Garden: A botanical garden that showcases the diverse tropical flora of the region.
Irabu Bridge: Completed in 2015, it connects Miyakojima to Irabu Island and is notable for being one of the longest toll-free bridges in Japan.
Shimoji-jima Airport: An airport that plays a crucial role in connecting Miyakojima with other parts of Japan and is used for pilot training.

Miyakojima is renowned for its natural beauty, with coral reefs and marine life that make it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. Its cultural heritage reflects a blend of Ryukyu, Japanese, and Southeast Asian influences, evident in its festivals, cuisine, and local traditions.

Overall, Miyakojima is notable for its strategic historical role within the Ryukyu Kingdom, its involvement in trade routes, and its modern-day significance as a tourist destination.