Is Miyakojima worth a visit?
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Is Miyakojima worth a visit? The short answer is yes! Miyakojima IS worth a visit.
Miyakojima is considerably different to Okinawa’s main island with an abundance of nature, unspoilt and uncrowded beaches and fewer tourists.
Miyakojima is Okinawa Prefecture’s fourth largest island and one of my favourite places in Japan. It is located 300 kilometres south of Okinawa’s main island and it takes around 45 minutes to fly here from Naha, Okinawa, or three hours direct from Tokyo.
Miyakojima has such a chilled island vibe that makes you wonder if you’re actually still in Japan. Tokyo social rules certainly don’t apply here! Don’t be surprised to find Japanese locals talking and laughing loudly and dressing very casually, even wearing flip-flops to restaurants!
The water in Miyakojima is the type of turquoise you dream about, the locals are the most friendly I’ve encountered in Japan and the food is fresh and oishii (yummy). Miyakojima is certainly worth the visit, especially if you want to relax on the beach in paradise, you will not be disappointed.
What to do in Miyakojima?
You won’t find theme parks here, or many man-made attractions, Miyakojima is all about nature and the ocean. Firstly, you must enjoy the beach. There are so many to choose from in Miyakojima, you’re spoilt for choice. Here are our picks for the best secret beaches in Miyakojima.
The best secret beaches in Miyakojima
Playa de Funaks on Ikema Island
This little beach is divine. You walk through a small shrub-lined path until you reach this lovely little beach. The water is clear and turquoise and the sand so fine and yellow.
This is a great beach for snorkelling and there is a little shack renting snorkelling gear at the nearby car park. Unfortunately on the day we went, the sea was a little too choppy and the store said they weren’t renting as it wasn’t safe enough.
There were also toilets and change rooms in the car park, however these were closed the day we went, I wonder if that coincided with the more dangerous conditions to deter people from swimming.
On a clear and calm day, this beach is a must-visit. Take a picnic as there are no stores close by.
Address: Ikema Hirara, Miyakojima, Okinawa 906-0421, Japan
Access: It’s easiest to rent a car and drive in Miyakojima, however there is a regular bus network. Take the number 6 bus from Miyakojima City Hall. More information and bus timetable here.
Nagamahama Beach on Kurima Island
This beach is long and unspoilt and only accessible via a foliage-covered pathway from a muddy car park. It was so gorgeous and pristine, we even spotted a turtle swimming among the waves. This beach is heaven.
The sandy shore was full of hermit crabs in all sizes and the kids loved to watch them.
This is the perfect place for a relaxing, secluded day at the beach. There are no shops close by or amenities, so bring food and drinks with you.
Address: Kurima-484-1 Shimoji, Miyakojima, Okinawa 906-0306, Japan
Access: It’s easiest to drive, as the closest bus (bus 4)will take you to the other side of this island only then it’s a 20 minute walk to the beach.
Oyadomari no hama (親泊の浜(おやどまりのはま)
This little beach right next to the road on Irabu Island is just dreamy. With the view of the Irabu Bridge in the background, yellow sand, the clearest water and palm trees, it’s worth stopping for a splash. It’s best to use the address below or my map to find this beach as the English version of the name isn’t found on Google.
You can park your car right next to the little beach with a few spaces there.
Opposite the beach and a short walk back down the road, you will find a gorgeous historic site called Yamatobu Crag (ヤマトブー大岩) that is covered in greenery with turquoise water underneath.
This huge boulder is made of travertine, a type of limestone formed by mineral deposits of hot springs. The boulder is 25 metres high and 18 metres in diameter weighing over 30,000 tonnes. It’s believed to be the ancient landmark of the Shitamaki Coast and demonstrates ancient quarrying methods by the first people of Irabu.
Address: Ikemazoe-923 Irabu, Miyakojima, Okinawa 906-0502, Japan
Access: Driving is easiest and it’s fun to drive across the incredible Irabu Bridge, however a bus option is available, more bus details and timetable.
Where to eat in Miyakojima
We loved every meal we ate in Miyakojima and only wished we had more time to enjoy more of the delicious cuisine!
Harry’s Garlic Shrimp Truck
We love to eat at food trucks. The kids can run around, make a little mess and we can enjoy eating outdoors in a casual atmosphere.
Harry’s shrimp is the greatest, tastiest shrimp ever. Okay, I really loved it. Harry’s truck is actually a big yellow school bus where you order and receive your food.
There’s a grassy hill to sit and have a picnic, otherwise there is a large undercover seating area and an observation deck where you can enjoy your meal overlooking the ocean.
If you’re not a huge fan of shrimp, they also serve fries and a Miyako beef combo (I wished I ordered this as I realised how rare and special Miyako beef is after leaving)!
The shrimp flavours are plain, spicy hot, butter garlic and the ‘Special’ which combines buttery garlic with spice.
Address: Japan, 〒906-0002 Okinawa, Miyakojima, Hirara, Karimata−358-1 西平安名岬展望台前
Access: It’s easiest to drive here, although you could take the number 6 public bus, but you’d have to walk around 20 minutes from the bus stop to the Shrimp Truck.
Hours: Open every day 11am until 5pm
Garlic Chicken Chiki Chiki
This delicious little roadside/beachside restaurant has the most tender and tasty roast chicken!
You can buy a plate of half-roasted chicken with rice for just ¥1,000. They also offer curry and drinks.
Sit out the back facing the beautiful ocean as you dine on a sunny day, or take shelter undercover on a rainy day. Parking is directly outside.
Address: Karimata-4451-4 Hirara, Miyakojima, Okinawa 906-0002, Japan
Access: It’s easiest to drive here, but you can also get the number 6 local bus and this food stop is directly on the bus’ route.
Hours: Open everyday 10am – 6pm
Bocca Burger
This funky little burger place had the tastiest burgers but also the friendliest staff. The artwork is pretty great too.
The burgers all use Miyako beef and local vegetables which is probably why they are so delicious! We also tried the fish burger which was also scrumptious. They also offer ‘Happy set’ for kids with either a burger or nuggets and they have plenty of side options also.
Address: Kugai-654-6 Hirara, Miyakojima, Okinawa 906-0015, Japan
Access: It’s easy to drive here as there’s free parking directly opposite the restaurant. It’s also quite centrally located so you may be able to walk to get a taxi if staying in the city centre.
Hours: Open every day 11am -8pm
Blue Seal Ice Creamery
This Blue Seal branch is right opposite Bocca Burger if you have room for dessert. This is the best Blue Seal I have seen.
The store is full of huge ice cream sandwiches, scoops and dripping deliciousness galore! It looks like it belongs in a theme park it’s so well designed and created. It’s the perfect location for kids to have a blast and get a bunch of ice cream themed selfies.
Their flavours mimic the usual suspects in their light and refreshing way like pistachio and salt cookies, but they also have many local Okinawan flavours too. Try Ryukyu milk tea or purple ube (sweet potato) or sugarcane. How to decide?!
This store also offers some great merchandise. If you haven’t bought your blue seal ice cream T-shirt yet, time to do it here.
Address: 〒906-0015 Okinawa, Miyakojima, Hirara, Kugai, 654-23パームタウン内
Access: Drive here because there is parking directly out the front
Hours: 10am-8pm every day
Pizzeria Crown
Pizzeria Crown was seriously incredible. The pizzas were of course wood fired and we tried the special margherita, the diavola and the pesto potato pizza. They were all so yummy. The kids couldn’t resist eating the pesto one (even though they seem to be allergic to green things).
We also tried the homemade tuna for an appetiser and it was literally melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It was smooth like a pate and could be spread onto the crostini it came with. This tuna dish is something I will dream about for years to come!
Address: Shimozato-575 Hirara, Miyakojima, Okinawa 906-0013, Japan
Access: This restaurant is right in the middle of downtown Hirara, so it’s easiest to walk if staying in the town, or get a taxi. There is parking nearby, but it may get busy.
Hours: 5pm-11pm every day except Mondays.
Miyako Beef (gyu)
Miyako has its own kind of beef! Its cows are fed straw and fattened very slowly to make the beef more flavourful. It takes a long time, hence why the beef is rare and hence super expensive and sought after.
Because this beef is so rare, it is often referred to as ‘phantom beef’.
I suggest trying Miyako beef for a lunch set as it tends to be less expensive but just as good. Dinner options can be around 15,000 yen per person for a set meal.
You can also try a little Miyako beef with your meal at Harry’s Shrimp Truck or the burgers at Bocca all use Miyako beef!
What else to do in Miyakojima?
Live music restaurants
There are a few traditional live music venues in Miyako’s main town centre. If we weren’t full on pizza or had another day, we would have visited one of these restaurants. We could hear the lively traditional music from outside on the street and we were longing to go in. Another time!
About Miyakojima
The Miyakojima as it is today was established only recently in 2005, when the different districts of the island became one. The towns of Hirara, Gusukube, Irabu, Shimoji and Ueno all merged to become Miyako.
Population of Miyakojima
The population of Miyakjima is around 55,000 people.
Industries of Miyakojima
Miyakojima’s industries are mainly derived from agriculture and livestock. Miyako exports sugar cane, tobacco, mango, cattle and seaweed.
See the Berlin wall in Miyakojima
Interestingly, Miyakojima has a long relationship with Germany when in 1873 the German ship Robertson shipwrecked on the island. The local islanders cared for the crew and Germany erected a friendship monument in 1876.
In 1987, the Ueno German Culture Village was built on Miyakojima. This theme park has a replica of the Marksburg Castle, which also serves as the museum and two pieces of the Berlin wall placed behind glass inside.
I wish we went here on our trip! Next time!
Where is Miyakojima?
Miyakojima is the fourth largest island of Okinawa prefecture and lies approximately 300 kilometres southwest of Okinawa Island. It is a 45 minute flight from Naha to Miyako’s airport in downtown Hirara.
How to get to Miyakojima
The only way to get to Miyako is by plane as it’s quite isolated.
Miyako airport has direct flights from many locations in Japan: Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, Osaka’s Kansai Airport, Nagoya Centrair International Airport and from Naha Airport on Okinawa.
Also from Miyako you can reach other Okinawan islands, Ishigaki and Tarama.
The main carriers JAL and ANA fly into Miyakojima but there are also other options such as SkyMark which sometimes offer discounted tickets.
