Places to Visit

Koike Confectionary Store: The Most Famous Awamanjū Shop

One of the top specialties in the Aizu region is Awamanjū (あわまんじゅう), a slightly chewy bun filled with red bean paste. While manjū is a common traditional sweet that can be found across Japan, Awamanjū is only sold in Aizu, where it originates. Speaking of Awamanjū, Koike Confectionary Store (小池菓子舗) is the most famous shop […]

Koike Confectionary Store: The Most Famous Awamanjū Shop Read More »

Funaks Beach: The Must-Go Hidden Gem on Ikema Island

On the north of Ikema Island, there is a compact beach that includes all the elements of Miyakojima‘s beautiful beaches within a small area. The white sandy beach shore, the crystal clear azure color seawater, coral reefs, and tropical fishes can all be found at Funaks Beach (フナクスビーチ). You can even hide behind the big

Funaks Beach: The Must-Go Hidden Gem on Ikema Island Read More »

Yabiji-Reef-Ikema-Island-Miyakojima-Okinawa-Japan

Yabiji Reef: Japan’s Largest Stunning Coral Reef System

You might have heard of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the world’s largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs. Well, Japan has something similar, but just smaller in scale. The Japanese version of the Great Barrier Reef is the Yabiji Reef (八重干瀬), also known as Yae-Kise. It is located north of

Yabiji Reef: Japan’s Largest Stunning Coral Reef System Read More »

Shigira-Onsen-Miyako-jima-Okinawa-Japan

Shigira Hot Spring: Miyakojima’s Luxurious Onsen Hotel

While Miyako-jima is most famous for its amazing beaches and being a watersport paradise, the island also has a place to enjoy onsen! Shigira Hot Spring (シギラ黄金温泉) is Japan’s southernmost hot spring. It is also one of the few spots in Japan where you can enjoy the onsen without getting fully naked. Because there is

Shigira Hot Spring: Miyakojima’s Luxurious Onsen Hotel Read More »

Miyakojima-City-Museum-Okinawa-Japan

The Best Guide to What to Do at Miyakojima City Museum

Miyakojima City Museum (宮古島市総合博物館), located around 1km from Miyakojima Tropical Botanical Garden, is where the island’s important historical materials and daily utensils are stored and exhibited. Miyako Island‘s culture and tradition are introduced in a simple way that can be easily understood. Although all notations in the museum are in Japanese, there is an English

The Best Guide to What to Do at Miyakojima City Museum Read More »