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 an outdoor mixed-gender hot spring area, Shigira Hot Spring is the perfect place for couples and families to relax.
There are, of course, various restaurants and cafes in the hot spring resort. Although they don’t have a vegetarian menu, you can check with the restaurant to see what dishes they can make for you without seafood and meat.
If you need some help communicating in Japanese, refer to the phrases in our Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Vegetarians and Vegans article.
Jungle Pool (ジャングルプール)
The spacious Jungle Pool decorated with various tropical plants is the hot spring zone where everyone can enter as long as a swimsuit is worn. Not counting the swimming pool, the hot spring pools blend into the tropical scenery. Just when you thought you had walked into a pond, it is a pool of hot springs!
At night, in the absence of light pollution, indulging in the onsen while stargazing is the best thing to do at Shigira Resort!
Tip: If a workout session is your daily routine, head to the Fitness Gym close to the Jungle Pool. There are various gym equipment and a space for yoga and pilates. Gymware can be rented for 510 yen.
Gender-Specific Hot Spring Areas
If you are accustomed to Japanese culture and think hot spring is something that should be enjoyed without clothes, there are also single-sexed onsen areas where everyone bathes naked.
The best thing about these outdoor hot spring areas is that no matter what you do, it feels like it is done in nature. It is probably one of the best places to experience washing off your body in the wild with maximum security.
There is also an observatory pool for each gender that overlooks the sea!
Shigira Hot Spring’s Private Guestrooms
For those who have extra cash to splash and need some privacy, reserve one of the five Private Rooms.
Shigira Onsen’s Private Rooms are basically private resort-style hotel suite rooms that you can rent for 90 minutes, 3 hours, or half a day. The room with an outdoor hot spring pool is also equipped with a reclining sofa, a TV with Netflix, a fridge, and much more!
If you are interested in renting one of the private rooms, you can do so by booking online HERE.
Shigira Hot Spring’s Opening Hours, Admission Fee, and Access Information
- Shigira Hot Spring is open from 11 am to 10 pm.
- The last admission is at 9:30 pm.
- The admission fee is
- 1,530 yen for adults on weekends and 1,630 yen on weekends and public holidays
- 820 for children between the age of 4 to 11 on weekends and 920 yen on weekends and public holidays
- The admission fee includes towels
- The fitness gym costs 1,530 for adults.
- It is around a 10-minute drive from Miyako Airport (宮古空港).
- You can also take Miyako Kyōei Bus’s (宮古協栄バス) Shinzato Miyaguni LIne (新里宮国線) and get off at Ueno Doitsu Mura (うえのドイツ村).
Tip: It is probably best to visit Shigira Onsen on your last day on Miyako-jima so you can use their washing machines to dry up your swimming suits while you indulge in the hot spring. The shower facility also ensures you look presentable on the way home.
Discover Other Awesome Attractions on Miyako Island
On top of the breathtaking beaches, Miyako Island also has a couple of attractions in other categories. There are, of course, farmers’ markets and food-related spots on the island that await your visit!
For more information, refer to our article on Miyako Island (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
