{"id":1226,"date":"2015-07-22T05:49:19","date_gmt":"2015-07-22T05:49:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/?page_id=1226"},"modified":"2026-04-09T01:51:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T01:51:33","slug":"miyakojima-guide-tips","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/things-to-do\/miyakojima-guide-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Miyakojima, Miyako Islands Travel Guide: Best Things to Do &#038; Insider Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243;][vc_custom_heading]Miyakojima, Miyako Islands Travel Guide: Best Things to Do &amp; Insider Tips[\/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a title=\"Miyako\" href=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/destinations\/miyako-okinawa-miyakojima\/\">&lt; Back to Miyako Island general page with more photos<\/a><\/p>\n<p><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=1P4SMmAeILVbj6SNOf857a3ST7wI\" width=\"100%\" height=\"350\"><\/iframe> <small>View <a style=\"color: #0000ff; text-align: left;\" title=\"Miyako Islands tips map\" href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/open?id=1P4SMmAeILVbj6SNOf857a3ST7wI&amp;usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Our Miyako Islands Travel Guide Map<\/a> in a larger map<\/small><\/p>\n\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><a id=\"Miyako_Island_Miyakojima_and_the_Miyako_Islands_Okinawa_Japan\"><\/a>Miyako Island (<em>Miyakojima<\/em>) and the Miyako Islands, Okinawa, Japan<\/h3>\n<p>Miyakojima, also known as Miyako Island, is the fourth largest island in Okinawa Prefecture. This flat coral island features dazzling white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and dramatic coral rock formations. On a sunny day, Miyakojima truly shines at its best. As all the Miyako Islands are solely formed by emerged coral reefs, they are all flat islands (without mountains and rivers). The water around the Miyako Islands stay clear even after heavy rain, which is because rain water gets absorbed quickly and filtered by coral rocks underneath the ground, and eventually water comes out into the sea from underground river channels after many years of filtration. This is the reason why the Miyako Islands are known for some of the clearest waters in the world. The Miyako Islands are more sunny due to the flat geography, compared to those islands with mountains and rainforests, which are known to attract and create rainy clouds.<br \/>\nThe Miyako Islands are also a paradise for off-the-beach snorkeling lovers. You can see many kinds of tropical fish, sea turtles and colorful lush coral close to many of the beaches.<\/p>\n<p>Camping on any of the deserted beaches (if it\u2019s not a tourist beach) is allowed, and makes for a truly wild experience. We camped on a few beaches including Nagamahama Beach on Kurima Island and it was wonderful!<\/p>\n<p>There are amazing barrier reefs (offshore coral reefs) called Yabiji, which are located off the north east of Ikema Island.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve visited the Miyako Islands nearly 20 times, and we created this travel guide based on our experiences. Our Miyakojima travel guide is meant for nature lovers who wish to explore the Miyako Islands on their own without taking a guided tour. We regularly update this travel guide but please <a href=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-schema-attribute=\"\">let us know<\/a>\u00a0if you spot any error or any outdated information.<\/p>\n<h6 dir=\"ltr\"><em><strong>Note<\/strong>: Please read <a href=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/about-islands-and-flights\/#General_island_tips\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a> to find out about the best beach of the day, off-the-beach snorkeling and learn about the ocean garbage problem.<\/em><\/h6>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><a id=\"Beautiful_beaches_and_off-the-beach_snorkeling_spots\"><\/a>Beautiful beaches and off-the-beach snorkeling spots<\/h3>\n<p>The Miyako Islands have amazing beaches with great snorkeling points, so pray for good weather! There are so many beautiful beaches, and if you consider the wind direction of the day, you can make a good choice for the side of the island which will be the most protected.<\/p>\n<h5>Sunayama Beach (Miyako Main Island)<\/h5>\n<p>The iconic famous beach of Miyako Island, and a must-visit for the first-time visitors even though it can attract many tourists during peak periods. It&#8217;s best to visit this beach when it&#8217;s a southerly wind to enjoy the beautiful calm waters. Although this is a popular beach for swimming, it&#8217;s not the place for snorkeling.<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-736 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3205.jpg\" alt=\"Warm tropical water and white sand beach of Japan, Miyako-jima Island, Okinawa\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3205.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3205-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3205-830x554.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66273 size-full\" style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3186.jpg\" alt=\"Iconic beach of Miyakojima, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3186.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3186-410x231.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3186-830x467.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66432 size-full\" style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC03984_2.jpg\" alt=\"Sunayama Beach, Miyako Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"548\" \/><\/p>\n<h5>Toguchinohama Beach (Irabu Island)<\/h5>\n<p>This idyllic white sand beach with wild coconut palm trees is the most famous beach on Irabu Island. The clear and calm shallow water is ideal for families with small children. Not suitable for snorkeling.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-67649 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Tropical_Japan_Beach_Miyako_Island_Okinawa.jpg\" alt=\"Japanese tropical beach with coconut palm trees, Irabu Island of Miyako Islands, Okinawa\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Tropical_Japan_Beach_Miyako_Island_Okinawa.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Tropical_Japan_Beach_Miyako_Island_Okinawa-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Tropical_Japan_Beach_Miyako_Island_Okinawa-830x552.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Tropical_Japan_Beach_Miyako_Island_Okinawa-350x233.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-67944 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC04050_2.jpg\" alt=\"Coconut palm trees on white sand beach in tropical Japan, Okinawa, Miyako Islands\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC04050_2.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC04050_2-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC04050_2-830x554.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC04050_2-350x233.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-68037 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC04075.jpg\" alt=\"White sand beach with coconut palm trees at sunset, Miyakojima, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC04075.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC04075-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC04075-830x554.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC04075-350x233.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h5>Hazama Beach (Irabu Island)<\/h5>\n<p>This is our favorite beach across all the Miyako Islands\u2014but only when conditions line up just right: low tide, a westerly wind (or no wind), and plenty of sunshine.<br \/>\nIt\u2019s not worth the trip in a northerly or easterly wind\u2014the sea gets quite rough\u2014and at high tide, the beach shrinks to almost nothing. There are quite a few \u201cNemo\u201d (clownfish) around the big rock in front of the beach.<\/p>\n<section class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-(--header-height)\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"90d596ae-01c5-45f3-a88b-fd3791679f37\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-1\" data-scroll-anchor=\"false\" data-turn=\"user\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pt-3 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"user\" data-message-id=\"90d596ae-01c5-45f3-a88b-fd3791679f37\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden items-end rtl:items-start\">\n<div class=\"user-message-bubble-color corner-superellipse\/0.98 relative rounded-[22px] px-4 py-2.5 leading-6 max-w-(--user-chat-width,70%)\">\n<div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-68042 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Best_beach_Miyakojima_Okinawa_Japan.jpg\" alt=\"Best beach, Miyakojima, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Best_beach_Miyakojima_Okinawa_Japan.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Best_beach_Miyakojima_Okinawa_Japan-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Best_beach_Miyakojima_Okinawa_Japan-830x552.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Best_beach_Miyakojima_Okinawa_Japan-350x233.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66547 size-full\" style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Miyako_Islands_secluded_beach_Irabu.jpg\" alt=\"Secluded tropical beach, Irabu Island of the Miyako Islands, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Miyako_Islands_secluded_beach_Irabu.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Miyako_Islands_secluded_beach_Irabu-410x306.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Miyako_Islands_secluded_beach_Irabu-830x620.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Miyako_Islands_secluded_beach_Irabu-350x261.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<h5 dir=\"ltr\">Manatsu Cave Beach (Miyako Main Island)<\/h5>\n<p>One of our favorite beaches across all the Miyako Islands, but only when the wind turns easterly, bringing glassy calm water and incredible clarity. A short walk through a cave from the neighboring beach (Manatsu Beach) leads you there. There are several clownfish living in anemones just offshore, very close to this beach.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66546 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02228.jpg\" alt=\"Secluded tropical beach, Miyako Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02228.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02228-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02228-830x554.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-68056 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Secluded_beach_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan.jpg\" alt=\"Secluded Beach, Miyako Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Secluded_beach_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Secluded_beach_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Secluded_beach_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan-830x552.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Secluded_beach_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan-350x233.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h5 dir=\"ltr\">Nagamahama Beach (Kurima Island)<\/h5>\n<p>Beautiful white sand beach. One of the most idyllic spots for beach camping among the Miyako Islands. There are also some good snorkeling points with a lot of Nemo (clownfish).<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-734 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3149.jpg\" alt=\"Tropical beach camping on Kurima-jima of the Miyako Islands, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3149.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3149-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3149-830x554.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h5 dir=\"ltr\">Yoshino Beach (Miyako Main Island)<\/h5>\n<p>Yoshino beach is one of the best for off-the-beach snorkeling. There is no need to swim to the reef edge, as there are a lot of beautiful coral and fish inside the lagoon in front of the beach. Please snorkel only around the time of high tide and be careful not to damage the coral by accident with your fins.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66201 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0278-Pano.jpg\" alt=\"Fringing coral reef of Miyako Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"775\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0278-Pano.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0278-Pano-410x310.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0278-Pano-830x628.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0278-Pano-350x265.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1334 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6452.jpg\" alt=\"Fringing coral reef of southern Japan, Miyakojima Island, Okinawa\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6452.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6452-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6452-830x554.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1328 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC0110.jpg\" alt=\"Coral lagoon snorkeling in clear tropical water of southern Japan, Miyakojima Island, Okinawa\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC0110.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC0110-410x272.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC0110-830x551.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66200 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0255-Pano.jpg\" alt=\"Fringing coral reef of Miyako Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"491\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0255-Pano.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0255-Pano-410x197.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0255-Pano-830x398.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0255-Pano-350x168.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h5 dir=\"ltr\">Yonaha Maehama Beach (Miyako Main Island)<\/h5>\n<p>Even though this is the most touristy beach of all the Miyako Islands, it is undeniably beautiful. <a title=\"Tandem-paragliding service on Miyako Island, Okinawa, Japan\" href=\"https:\/\/honu.jjo.cc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Parasailing<\/a> is recommended for stunning aerial views. Not suitable for snorkeling.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-65940 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0077.jpg\" alt=\"Miyakojima tourist beach from above, Tropical Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0077.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0077-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0077-830x553.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1333 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6237.jpg\" alt=\"Yonaha Maehama Beach, Miyako-jima Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6237.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6237-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6237-830x554.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h5 dir=\"ltr\">Boragawa Beach and Boraga Limestone Cave (Miyako Main Island)<\/h5>\n<p>A great beach to hang out at in case of a north wind (it&#8217;s quite sheltered), with facilities like a swimming pool (small fee), ice cream stand and free showers. There is a sea cave nearby which is worth a visit at low tide. Even though the water is shallow, it is best to swim or kayak there. There is a lot of coral which has started to grow back in recent years, and walking will damage this recovery (a lot of coral in shallow water got damaged by 2016&#8217;s El Ni\u00f1o). You will need to follow the coast from the left side of Boragawa Beach for about 10-15 minutes to get to the cave (check <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/open?id=1P4SMmAeILVbj6SNOf857a3ST7wI&amp;usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">our map<\/a> for the exact point).<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1331 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6179.jpg\" alt=\"Boraga beach and clear tropical water, Miyakojima Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6179.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6179-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6179-830x554.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1421 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC0040.jpg\" alt=\"Boraga sea cave adventure, Miyako-jima Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1332 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_5683.jpg\" alt=\"Boraga limestone cave adventure, Miyako-jima Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_5683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_5683-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_5683-830x554.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h5 dir=\"ltr\">Imugyaa Lagoon (Miyako Main Island)<\/h5>\n<p>We recommend this lagoon in case of high waves from a typhoon\/tropical storm since it&#8217;s completely sheltered. It&#8217;s also great for small children who just want to play in shallow water. The deeper part of the lagoon is suitable for snorkeling with many &#8220;Nemo&#8221; fish and soft coral, especially around the bridge.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1335 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6105.jpg\" alt=\"Tropical lagoon of Miyako-jima Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6105.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6105-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6105-830x554.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6105-350x233.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h5 dir=\"ltr\">Tako Beach (Kurima Island)<\/h5>\n<p>We recommend this small hidden beach in case of high waves from a typhoon\/tropical storm as it&#8217;s sheltered.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-65943 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02871-Pano-3.jpg\" alt=\"Secluded tropical beach on Miyako Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02871-Pano-3.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02871-Pano-3-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02871-Pano-3-830x554.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02871-Pano-3-350x233.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h5 dir=\"ltr\">Kaginmi Beach (Ikema Island)<\/h5>\n<p>Kanginmi Beach is great for snorkeling, with several spots to explore. Some areas have a wide variety of fish, including Nemo (clownfish), along with healthy coral. On the west side you can even swim with sea turtles right off the beach at high tide. The small beach on the east side is ideal for packrafting\/kayaking\/SUPing. There are also some great snorkeling spots. Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/open?id=1P4SMmAeILVbj6SNOf857a3ST7wI&amp;usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">our map<\/a> for the points.<br \/>\nJust like any other north facing beaches, it\u2019s best to visit this beach when there is a southerly wind to enjoy calm, clear waters.<br \/>\nUnfortunately this beach (especially the small beach at the east side) often has a lot of plastic rubbish washed ashore from the Pacific Ocean, and it doesn&#8217;t get cleaned regularly by the local government or volunteers. If possible please do your bit to help clean up this beach (some hotels on the Miyako Islands provide volunteer garbage bags).<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66208 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02689.jpg\" alt=\"Kaginmi Beach, Ikema Island of the Miyako Islands, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02689.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02689-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02689-830x554.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66431 size-full\" style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0135.jpg\" alt=\"Coral-reef lagoon packrafting\/kayaking, Miyako Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0135.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0135-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0135-830x553.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0135-350x233.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h5 dir=\"ltr\">Nakanoshima Beach (Shimoji Island)<\/h5>\n<p>Excellent for off-the-beach snorkeling with plenty of colorful tropical fish, thriving coral and sea turtles. To enjoy calm, crystal-clear waters, plan your visit to this beach on days with easterly or northerly winds.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-68066 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC07083.jpg\" alt=\"Nakanoshima Beach, Shimoji Island of Miyako Islands, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC07083.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC07083-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC07083-830x554.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC07083-350x233.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-67941 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC03126.jpg\" alt=\"Snorkeling with tropical fish, Miyako Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC03126.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC03126-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC03126-830x554.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC03126-350x233.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66752 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Miyakojima_snorkeling_Nakanoshima_Beach.jpg\" alt=\"Miyakojima off-the-beach snorkeling at Nakanoshima Beach, Shimoji Island, Okinawa\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Miyakojima_snorkeling_Nakanoshima_Beach.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Miyakojima_snorkeling_Nakanoshima_Beach-410x272.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Miyakojima_snorkeling_Nakanoshima_Beach-830x551.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h5 dir=\"ltr\">Snorkeling point near Aragusuku Beach (Miyako Main Island)<\/h5>\n<p>This spot is our top recommendation for snorkeling with sea turtles on the Miyako Islands. You can ALWAYS swim with sea turtles here, but the best time is when high tide is in the morning, as they feed on seagrass close to the beach then. If high tide doesn&#8217;t occur in the morning during your stay, aim for high tide at any time of the day. We have seen over 10 sea turtles at the same time at this location. Check <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/open?id=1P4SMmAeILVbj6SNOf857a3ST7wI&amp;usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-schema-attribute=\"\">our map<\/a> for the exact point.<br \/>\nPlease do not chase the sea turtles or disturb them in any way.<br \/>\nIf the tide times are not in your favor, or if a strong north or east wind is blowing, we recommend the spot near Wai Wai Beach to see sea turtles.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66549 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sea_Turtles_Miyakojima_Okinawa_Japan.jpg\" alt=\"Snorkeling with sea turtles, Miyako Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-67134 size-full\" style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sea_Turtles_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan.jpg\" alt=\"Off-the-beach snorkeling with sea turtles, Miyako Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sea_Turtles_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sea_Turtles_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sea_Turtles_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan-830x552.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sea_Turtles_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan-350x233.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h5 dir=\"ltr\">Snorkeling point near Wai Wai Beach (Miyako Main Island)<\/h5>\n<p>This is our second top recommendation for snorkeling with sea turtles on the Miyako Islands.<br \/>\nWai Wai Beach is a man-made beach, and although it&#8217;s said to be the most ugly beach on Miyakojima, the little beach next to it boasts a very high chance of snorkeling with sea turtles (many say 99%) even when it&#8217;s not high tide (best to avoid low tide to prevent accidentally damaging coral with fins). However, it is easier to see them at high tide as the sea turtles are feeding much closer to the beach. There are also many snorkeling spots here with beautiful coral as you swim towards the reef edge. Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/open?id=1P4SMmAeILVbj6SNOf857a3ST7wI&amp;usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">our map<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-68035 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/SZV03723.jpg\" alt=\"Snorkeling with sea turtle, Miyakojima, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/SZV03723.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/SZV03723-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/SZV03723-830x554.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/SZV03723-350x233.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h5 dir=\"ltr\">Snorkeling point near Shigira Beach (Miyako Main Island)<\/h5>\n<p>This is our third top recommendation for snorkeling with sea turtles on the Miyako Islands.<br \/>\nShigira Beach is one of the most tourist-heavy beaches on the island, as it sits directly in front of several large resort hotels. The lagoon is a popular spot for sea turtle tours, filled with colorful tropical fish, and sea turtle sightings are almost guaranteed.<br \/>\nHowever, water visibility is often poor during the summer months (May\u2013October), as fine sand is easily stirred up by prevailing southern winds. For this reason, we only recommend this spot when there is a north wind.<br \/>\nPlease also note that some tours have been observed approaching sea turtles too closely or feeding them seaweed. These practices are prohibited under conservation guidelines issued by Japan\u2019s Ministry of the Environment.<br \/>\nThe eastern side of the lagoon is home to some beautiful coral that continues to thrive despite climate change, making it the most worthwhile area for snorkeling when conditions are right. It&#8217;s better to enter the lagoon using the stairs near the snorkeling point (check <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/open?id=1P4SMmAeILVbj6SNOf857a3ST7wI&amp;usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-schema-attribute=\"\">our map<\/a>) as it requires a lot of swimming if you enter the water from the actual beach.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-67947 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Snorkeling_Sea_Turtles_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan.jpg\" alt=\"Snorkeling with sea turtles, Miyako Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Snorkeling_Sea_Turtles_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Snorkeling_Sea_Turtles_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan-410x306.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Snorkeling_Sea_Turtles_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan-830x620.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Snorkeling_Sea_Turtles_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan-350x261.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h5 dir=\"ltr\">Nameless hidden beaches<\/h5>\n<p>The Miyako Islands have so many nameless but beautiful secluded beaches. Use Google Maps in satellite view and discover your own beach!<br \/>\nYou can check out some examples on <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/open?id=1P4SMmAeILVbj6SNOf857a3ST7wI&amp;usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">our map<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-67648 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Secret_Beach_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan.jpg\" alt=\"Secret beach, Irabu Island of Miyako Islands, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"509\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Secret_Beach_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Secret_Beach_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan-410x204.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Secret_Beach_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan-830x413.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Secret_Beach_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan-350x174.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66210 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02783.jpg\" alt=\"Camping on secluded tropical beach, Shimoji Island of Miyako Islands, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02783.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02783-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02783-830x554.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02783-350x233.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-735 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3168.jpg\" alt=\"White sand tropical beach of southern Japan, Miyako-jima Island, Okinawa\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3168.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3168-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3168-830x554.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3168-350x233.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66214 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC03434.jpg\" alt=\"Secluded tropical beach, Miyako Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC03434.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC03434-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC03434-830x554.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC03434-350x233.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66548 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Miyako_Islands_secluded_beach_Shimoji.jpg\" alt=\"Secluded tropical beach, Shjimoji Island of the Miyako Islands, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Miyako_Islands_secluded_beach_Shimoji.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Miyako_Islands_secluded_beach_Shimoji-410x306.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Miyako_Islands_secluded_beach_Shimoji-830x620.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66216 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC028512.jpg\" alt=\"Secluded tropical beach, Shimoji Island of Miyako Islands, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC028512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC028512-410x231.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC028512-830x467.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66215 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC03467.jpg\" alt=\"Secluded tropical beach, Miyako Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC03467.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC03467-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC03467-830x554.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66207 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02048-Pano.jpg\" alt=\"Camping on secluded tropical beach, Shimoji Island of Miyako Islands, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"596\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02048-Pano.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02048-Pano-410x239.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02048-Pano-830x483.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66209 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02723.jpg\" alt=\"Camping on secluded tropical beach, Miyako Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02723.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02723-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC02723-830x554.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>On full moon nights, you can sometimes spot coconut crabs clambering down from the coastal bushes to these secluded beaches to lay their eggs in the shallow waters. They\u2019re protected, so please don\u2019t be tempted to eat them!<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66434 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC03123.jpg\" alt=\"Coconut crab in southern Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC03123.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC03123-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC03123-830x554.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><a id=\"Hidden_beaches_and_coral_reef_lagoons_accessible_only_by_water\"><\/a> Hidden beaches and coral reef lagoons accessible only by water<\/h3>\n<p>The Miyako Islands have so many idyllic beaches that are only accessible by water. If you are bringing your packraft, kayak or SUP to the Miyako Islands, we highly recommend checking out Google Maps in satellite view and discovering your own idyllic deserted beach. We\u2019ve visited the Miyako Islands countless times, yet our list of hidden beaches to explore keeps growing! The offshore coral reef lagoons also make for an amazing paddling adventure. We always bring our own packraft or SUP, but if you\u2019re not, you can rent a SUP from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kairakuya385.com\/rental.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this shop<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66427 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Deserted_Beach_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan_1.jpg\" alt=\"Deserted tropical beach, Miyako Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Deserted_Beach_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan_1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Deserted_Beach_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan_1-410x306.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Deserted_Beach_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan_1-830x620.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66740 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Yuninohama_Beach_Coral_Sand_Cay_Miyako_Islands_Okinawa_Japan.jpg\" alt=\"Coral sand cay (Yuninohama Beach), Miyako Islands, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Yuninohama_Beach_Coral_Sand_Cay_Miyako_Islands_Okinawa_Japan.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Yuninohama_Beach_Coral_Sand_Cay_Miyako_Islands_Okinawa_Japan-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Yuninohama_Beach_Coral_Sand_Cay_Miyako_Islands_Okinawa_Japan-830x552.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Yuninohama_Beach_Coral_Sand_Cay_Miyako_Islands_Okinawa_Japan-350x233.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66739 size-full\" style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Deserted_Island_Beach_Miyako_Islands_Okinawa_Japan.jpg\" alt=\"Deserted island beach, Miyako Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"638\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Deserted_Island_Beach_Miyako_Islands_Okinawa_Japan.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Deserted_Island_Beach_Miyako_Islands_Okinawa_Japan-410x256.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Deserted_Island_Beach_Miyako_Islands_Okinawa_Japan-830x518.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Deserted_Island_Beach_Miyako_Islands_Okinawa_Japan-350x218.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66428 size-full\" style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Deserted_Beach_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan_2.jpg\" alt=\"Deserted tropical beach, Miyako Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Deserted_Beach_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan_2.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Deserted_Beach_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan_2-410x272.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Deserted_Beach_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan_2-830x551.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-67133 size-full\" style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kayaking_destinations_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan.jpg\" alt=\"Kayaking destinations of Miyako Islands, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kayaking_destinations_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kayaking_destinations_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kayaking_destinations_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan-830x552.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kayaking_destinations_Miyako_Island_Okinawa_Japan-350x233.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-67364 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC04959.jpg\" alt=\"Cave beach exploration, Irabu Island of Miyako Islands, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC04959.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC04959-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC04959-830x554.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC04959-350x233.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h5 dir=\"ltr\">Packrafting\/kayaking\/SUPing in coral-reef lagoons<\/h5>\n<p>Since all the Miyako Islands are fringed by coral reefs, these sheltered coral-reef lagoons are ideal for packrafting\/kayaking\/SUPing. Make sure to check the wind direction of the day so you can make a good choice for the side of the island which will be the most protected. We love paddling on Miyako&#8217;s beautiful calm water because of the extremely high water clarity. This is absolutely one of the best ways to enjoy &#8220;Miyako Blue&#8221;!<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66429 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0075-Pano-1.jpg\" alt=\"Coral-reef lagoon packrafting\/kayaking, Miyako Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0075-Pano-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0075-Pano-1-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0075-Pano-1-830x554.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66430 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0114-Pano-2.jpg\" alt=\"Coral-reef lagoon packrafting\/kayaking, Miyako Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0114-Pano-2.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0114-Pano-2-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0114-Pano-2-830x554.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><a id=\"Yabiji_Coral_Reefs\"><\/a>Yabiji Coral Reefs<\/h3>\n<p>It consists of 117 reefs abundant in colorful coral, sea turtles, fish and many other sea-life. Each reef has a unique name in Miyako language (see the <a href=\"http:\/\/npoikema.sakura.ne.jp\/yabijimap.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">map of Yabiji Reef<\/a>). Snorkeling\/diving tours by boat are available from Ikema Island. The tour companies are located near the bridge on the Ikema Island side.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-65949 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_4896.jpg\" alt=\"Healthy coral reefs of Japan, Yabiji Reef, Miyako Island, Okinawa\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_4896.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_4896-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_4896-830x554.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-744 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_0178.jpg\" alt=\"Colorful Japanese coral reef in clear tropical water, Miyako-jima Island, Okinawa\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_0178.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_0178-410x308.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_0178-830x623.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><a id=\"Limestone_Caves\"><\/a>Limestone Caves<\/h3>\n<p>All the islands in the Miyako Group were formed by emerged coral reefs, so there are many underground limestone caves with fresh water inside (called &#8220;Gaa&#8221; in Miyakoan language), which served as wells for the islanders until water pipes became in service in the 1960&#8217;s. Each village was built around one of these caves for the accessibility of fresh water, so every village (and even major towns) still has at least one of these caves today. Exploring these caves is a great activity for non-beach weather days. We haven&#8217;t explored all of them yet, but here are a few suggestions from the ones we have explored. It is best to bring a flashlight, and use masses of mosquito repellant (or be fully covered). See <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/open?id=1P4SMmAeILVbj6SNOf857a3ST7wI&amp;usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">our map<\/a> for the exact spots.<\/p>\n<h5>Nazuka Gaa (Miyako Main Island)<\/h5>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-65942 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC00618.jpg\" alt=\"Hiking to one of many jungle caves on Miyako Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC00618.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC00618-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC00618-830x554.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-65941 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC00598.jpg\" alt=\"One of many limestone caves on Miyako Island, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" \/><\/p>\n<h5>Nudokubiabu (Irabu Island) &#8211; Our favorite!<\/h5>\n<h5><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-65957\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Caves_Miyakojima_Japan.jpg\" alt=\"Limestone underground cave, Irabu Island, Miyakojima, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Caves_Miyakojima_Japan.jpg 1370w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Caves_Miyakojima_Japan-410x306.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Caves_Miyakojima_Japan-830x620.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66438 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC03442.jpg\" alt=\"Limestone cave, Irabu Island of the Miyako Islands, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC03442.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC03442-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC03442-830x554.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/h5>\n<h5>Muika Gaa (Miyako Main Island)<\/h5>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-65959\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Miyakojima_caves.jpg\" alt=\"Limestone cave, Miyako Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Miyakojima_caves.jpg 1370w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Miyakojima_caves-410x306.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/Miyakojima_caves-830x620.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h5>Nakahara Limestone Cave (Miyako Main Island)<\/h5>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1330 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6042.jpg\" alt=\"Limestone cave and wild papaya trees on Miyako-jima Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6042.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6042-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6042-830x554.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><a id=\"Scenic_Spots\"><\/a>Scenic Spots<\/h3>\n<p>Drive around the Miyako Islands and you will have an abundance of photo opportunities given the right weather conditions. The bridge linking Miyako Main Island with Ikema Island has views of stunningly clear tropical water.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-738 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3242.jpg\" alt=\"Idyllic tropical water of southern Japan, Miyako-jima Island, Okinawa\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3242.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3242-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3242-830x554.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3242-350x233.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Go to Miyako Island&#8217;s easternmost point, Higashi-Hennazaki, for a view of the iconic cape and light house.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1337 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3124.jpg\" alt=\"Beautiful coastline of Miyako-jima Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3124.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3124-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3124-830x554.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3124-350x233.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>There are scenic spots with rocks which were brought by a massive tsunami in 1771, such as the coasts around Higashi-Hennazaki (Miyako Main Island), Boraga Beach (Miyako Main Island) and Sawadanohama Beach (Irabu Island).<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1336 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6217.jpg\" alt=\"Rocks brought in by massive tsunami, Miyako-jima Island, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6217.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6217-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6217-830x554.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>One of many breathtaking views from the new Irabu-Ohashi Bridge.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66198 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0202-Pano.jpg\" alt=\"Coral cay, Miyako Islands, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"713\" \/><\/p>\n<p>There are many amazing lagoons off Irabu Island&#8217;s rugged coastline (great for kayaking and snorkeling).<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66249 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0226-Pano.jpg\" alt=\"Tropical coastline, Irabu Island of Miyako Islands, Okinawa, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0226-Pano.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0226-Pano-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0226-Pano-830x554.jpg 830w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/DJI_0226-Pano-350x233.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Visit the blue holes on Shimoji Island. It is also a diving spot as these water holes are connected to the sea.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-742 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3379.jpg\" alt=\"Blue hole connected to the sea by underwater cave, Shimoji Island, Okinawa\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3379.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3379-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_3379-830x554.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><a id=\"Cafes_and_Restaurants\"><\/a>Cafes and Restaurants<\/h3>\n<p>Check <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/u\/0\/edit?mid=1P4SMmAeILVbj6SNOf857a3ST7wI&amp;usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-schema-attribute=\"\">our map<\/a> for cafes and restaurants that we recommend.<\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><a id=\"Farmers_Markets_and_Honesty_Produce_Shops\"><\/a>Farmers Markets and Honesty Produce Shops<\/h3>\n<h5>Atarasu Farmers Market<\/h5>\n<p>This is the largest farmer&#8217;s market on the Miyako Islands, located near the airport. We love this place and this is where we do our grocery shopping as well as souvenir shopping! The fruit and vegetables here are so much more tasty than those in the supermarkets (also so much cheaper than supermarkets, and still we get to support the local farmers directly!). There are also many different kinds of pre-made food\/sweets suitable for souvenirs. We highly recommend stopping by here after arriving or before leaving Miyakojima.<\/p>\n<h5>\u201cMujin Hanbai\u201d \u2013 Honesty Produce Shops<\/h5>\n<p>We also love road-side stalls around farms &#8211; you never know what you&#8217;re going to find available! You can get very fresh vegetables and fruits directly from farmers for a very low price. Just drop the designated amount in the money jar and you&#8217;re set to go.<\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><a id=\"Car_Rental\"><\/a>Car Rental<\/h3>\n<p><em><strong>Note<\/strong>: There are far fewer rental cars on the Miyako Islands than before the pandemic, as many companies had to sell off their cars to stay afloat during the pandemic. It\u2019s best to book your car at least a few months in advance.<\/em><br \/>\nIt goes without saying that a car is essential on Miyako Island. You can rent a small car just for a few thousand yen per day (including insurance) through <a href=\"https:\/\/rental.timescar.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Times Car Rental<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tabirai.net\/car\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tabirai<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/car.orix.co.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ORIX Rent-A-Car<\/a> or the <a href=\"http:\/\/cars.travel.rakuten.co.jp\/cars\/rcf010a.do?tid=1&amp;type=0&amp;display=1&amp;sort=0&amp;num=50&amp;numec=3&amp;startindex=1&amp;gdatey=2016&amp;gdatem=07&amp;gdated=06&amp;gtimeh=10&amp;gtimem=00&amp;gmarea=okinawa&amp;gsarea=Miyako&amp;gdarea=&amp;bdatey=2016&amp;bdatem=07&amp;bdated=07&amp;btimeh=17&amp;btimem=00&amp;goflg=0&amp;bmarea=okinawa&amp;bsarea=Miyako&amp;bdarea=&amp;bairport=&amp;smoke=0&amp;atmt=1&amp;haisya=0&amp;nccampaign=0&amp;pretype=&amp;sortCar=3&amp;sortBranch=3&amp;startindexCar=1&amp;startindexBranch=1&amp;numCar=50&amp;numBranch=30&amp;rbt=1&amp;rbt=2&amp;searchid=1&amp;searchid=2&amp;searchid=3&amp;searchid=4&amp;searchid=6&amp;searchid=7&amp;initdate=3&amp;rcid=1&amp;rcid=10&amp;rcid=11&amp;rcid=12&amp;rcid=13&amp;rcid=14&amp;rcid=15&amp;rcid=2&amp;rcid=3&amp;rcid=4&amp;rcid=5&amp;rcid=6&amp;rcid=7&amp;rcid=8&amp;rcid=9&amp;capacity=0&amp;pricelow=0&amp;pricehigh=0&amp;fmap=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Japanese version of Rakuten Travel<\/a>.\u00a0Unfortunately, the price can be often even double on most English booking websites. Best to have someone who can read Japanese to book. You will need an <a href=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/about-islands-and-flights\/#Car_hire_in_Japan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">International Drivers License or JAF translation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><a id=\"Accommodation\"><\/a>Accommodation<\/h3>\n<p>There are many boutique hotels and resorts on the Miyako Islands nowadays, and many of them are listed on international hotel booking sites. However, the <a href=\"https:\/\/travel.rakuten.co.jp\/yado\/okinawa\/Miyako.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-schema-attribute=\"\">Japanese version of Rakuten Travel<\/a> usually lists a wider selection of accommodation often with better deals and more relaxed cancellation policies.<\/p>\n<h5 dir=\"ltr\">Kataaki no\u00a0Sato<\/h5>\n<p>For those who want to stay in a traditional Okinawan house with all the mod-cons of home, <a title=\"Kataaki\" href=\"http:\/\/kataaki.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kataaki no Sato<\/a> will make for a memorable Miyako experience, especially good for a small group or family.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-66466 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6108.jpg\" alt=\"Miyakojima accommodation rental cottage, traditional Okinawa house\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6108.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6108-410x273.jpg 410w, https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-content\/uploads\/MG_6108-830x554.jpg 830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><a id=\"Weather_-_When_to_Visit_Miyako_Islands\"><\/a>Weather &#8211; When to Visit Miyako Islands<\/h3>\n<p>Located closer to <a href=\"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/things-to-do\/ishigaki-guide-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ishigaki Island<\/a> of the Yaeyama Islands than Okinawa Main Island, lying 400km directly east of Taipei, the climate of Miyakojima is on the boundary between the Yaeyama Islands&#8217; Tropical Rainforest climate and Okinawa Main Island&#8217;s Humid Subtropical climate. As Miyakojima is a flat island solely made of emerged coral reefs, the precipitation is less than that of the other islands of Okinawa Prefecture which have mountains and rainforests. The average yearly high temperature is 26.4\u00b0C (79.5\u00b0F), and the average yearly low temperature is 21.9\u00b0C (71.4\u00b0F). The climate is similar to Mid-Southern Taiwan, warmer than Hong Kong and Northern Taiwan due to the warm ocean current around Miyakojima. The annual average humidity exceeds 75%, which makes the feeling temperature very different from dry places with a similar mean annual temperature such as Townsville in Queensland, Australia. The sea temperature is warm all around the year, ranging between 21\u00b0C (70\u00b0F) and 31\u00b0C (88\u00b0F). The rainy season on the Miyako Islands is usually between mid May and mid June (it can be early\/late by up to 10 days depending on the year) but it rarely rains all day. Often it&#8217;s just a quick downpour in-between blue sky (except for the very first couple of days of the rainy season, which tend to be grey all day). Miyakojima has a lot more sunshine hours than Okinawa Main Island and its surrounding islands during the rainy season. The core season for typhoons\/tropical storms is August-September but some years have very few typhoons\/tropical storms while other years have many typhoons\/tropical storms even as early as May or as late as November. However, at least one typhoon\/tropical storm hits the Miyako Islands during August or September every year. Usually a typhoon\/tropical storm affects the weather only for a few days and you get beautiful clear blue sky as soon as the typhoon passes away. It&#8217;s impossible to predict the typhoon even at a closer date as the typhoon path can totally change even just a few days before the initially predicted landfall time.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Note<\/strong>: Unfortunately all international weather forecasts for Miyako Island are inaccurate (including weather histories), such as all the default weather apps on smartphones including iPhone, Accuweather, Windy, etc. They are almost always a few Celsius degrees lower than the actual temperatures measured on Miyako Island (especially during winter), and often they can be completely wrong since they don&#8217;t have access to the proprietary data from both Miyakojima weather station owned by JMA (Japan Meteorological Agency) and JMA&#8217;s supercomputers.<br \/>\nWe recommend this weather forecast using the JMA&#8217;s proprietary data (It&#8217;s in Japanese with Celsius but it&#8217;s straightforward).<br \/>\n<em>Miyakojima weather forecast<\/em>:<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/forecast.weathermap.jp\/?point=A93041#week10_box\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/forecast.weathermap.jp\/?point=A93041#week10_box<\/a><br \/>\n(Accuracy of the forecast is shown as A,B,C,D,E. A is the highest accuracy while E is the lowest).<br \/>\nThe weather on any southern Japanese island, however, is so unpredictable that weekly weather forecasts (even two days ahead) should really be used as a guide only. The conditions can also be very different even on the same island between north and south or mountains and coastal areas.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][vc_line_chart type=&#8221;line&#8221; style=&#8221;modern&#8221; x_values=&#8221;JAN; FEB; MAR; APR; MAY; JUN; JUL; AUG; SEP; OCT; NOV; DEC&#8221; values=&#8221;%5B%7B%22title%22%3A%22Average%20high%20temperature%20%C2%B0C%22%2C%22y_values%22%3A%2220.6%3B%2021.1%3B%2022.8%3B%2025.1%3B%2027.7%3B%2030.3%3B%2031.7%3B%2031.3%3B%2030.1%3B%2027.8%3B%2025.3%3B%2022.2%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22pink%22%7D%2C%7B%22title%22%3A%22Average%20low%20temperature%20%C2%B0C%22%2C%22y_values%22%3A%2216.3%3B%2016.6%3B%2017.9%3B%2020.4%3B%2023.0%3B%2025.7%3B%2026.8%3B%2026.5%3B%2025.6%3B%2023.8%3B%2021.3%3B%2018.2%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22peacoc%22%7D%5D&#8221; animation=&#8221;easeOutElastic&#8221; title=&#8221;Average temperatures of Miyako Island, Okinawa, Japan (1991-2020, Japan Meteorological Agency)&#8221;][\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243;][vc_custom_heading]Miyakojima, Miyako Islands Travel Guide: Best Things to Do &amp; Insider Tips[\/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text] &lt; Back to Miyako Island general page [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":67661,"parent":1265,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1226","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1226","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1226"}],"version-history":[{"count":78,"href":"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1226\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":66729,"href":"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1226\/revisions\/66729"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1265"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/67661"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ippei-janine.com\/travel-japan-islands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1226"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}