Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sand beaches, Miyakojima is home to some of the finest coastline in Okinawa Prefecture. Unlike the often crowded beaches on Okinawa’s main island, Miyakojima offers a far more secluded tropical escape, complete with dramatic coastal capes, scenic drives across ocean-spanning bridges, and world-class snorkeling. Beyond its famous blue waters, the island features rich Ryukyu culture, historic sites, and vibrant local markets.
Finding plant-based dining in Miyakojima can be a challenge since traditional Okinawan cuisine relies heavily on pork and hidden katsuodashi (fish stock). However, exploring the island as a vegetarian or vegan is entirely doable with the right preparation. This complete Miyakojima travel guide covers essential attractions, logistics, weather tips, and plant-friendly dining spots to help you build the perfect 2- to 3-day island itinerary.
Miyakojima Island Travel Tips
- How to Get to Miyakojima Island
- Best Time to Visit: Weather, Typhoon Season & Mango Season
- What to Wear When Visiting Miyakojima
- How to Get Around (Car Rentals, Bus Routes, Sightseeing Taxis)
- Best Beaches & Water Sports on Miyakojima
- Scenic Capes & Natural Wonders on Miyakojima’s
| Attraction | Key Feature / Highlight | Access / Location |
| Cape Higashi-Hennazaki (東平安名崎) | 2 km narrow peninsula, white lighthouse, panoramic ocean views | ~40 min drive from Hirara (East Coast) |
| Cape Nishihennazaki (西平安名崎) | Windmills, sunset views, overlooks Ikema Bridge | ~25 min drive from Hirara (Northwest) |
| Nakabari Limestone Cave (仲原鍾乳洞) | Underground cavern with natural stalactites | Central Miyakojima |
| Shimajiri Mangrove Park (島尻マングローブ) | Boardwalk trail through a dense mangrove ecosystem | ~20 min drive from Hirara (North) |
| Sunset Beach (宮古サンセットビーチ) | Prime evening beach views near Irabu Bridge | Near Hirara Town (West Coast) |
- Spots to Know Miyakojima’s history and culture
- Spots to Get Miyakojima’s souvenirs
| Spot | Specialty Items | Best For |
| Waido Market (ワイドー市場) | Traditional Okinawan snacks, produce, local goods | Value shopping & groceries |
| Atarasu Farmers Market (あたらす市場) | Island mangoes, tropical fruits, local vegetables | Fresh regional produce |
| Island Station Miyako (島の駅みやこ) | Yukishio salt products, local souvenirs, sweets | One-stop souvenir shopping |
| Shisa Story Gallery (シーサーモノガタリ) | Handcrafted Shisa lion-dog statues | Artisan crafts & home decor |
| Ryūkyū Folk Craft Miyakoya (琉球民芸みやげ品みやこ屋) | Authentic Okinawan folk arts, textiles, trinkets | Traditional souvenirs |
| Taragawa Sake Brewery (多良川酒造) | Traditional Awamori (Okinawan distilled liquor) | Brewery tours & liquor gifts |
| Miyakojima no Yukishio (雪塩ミュージアム) | Powdered sea salt, salt soft-serve ice cream, bath salt | Factory tour & specialty salt |
- Other awesome attractions in Miyakojima that don’t quite fit into any categories
| Attraction | Unique Highlight | Best For |
| Miyako Island Underwater Park (宮古島海中公園) | Observation windows 4m underwater | Viewing sea life without swimming |
| Ryūkyū’s Wind Yatai Village (琉球の風 屋台村) | Open-air food stalls with live Okinawan musical shows | Casual evening dining & music |
| Ueno German Culture Village (うえのドイツ文化村) | European-style castle commemorating an 1873 rescue | Unique architecture & history |
| Shigira Hot Spring (シギラ黄金温泉) | Natural thermal bath surrounded by tropical greenery | Relaxation & wellness |
| Utopia Farm Miyakojima (ユートピアファーム宮古島) | Bougainvillea canopy & tropical fruit parfaits | Floral photo ops & desserts |
Tip: Because the attractions on Miyakojima Island are scattered across the island, Rent a Car for a more efficient visit!
How to Get to Miyakojima Island
Because no ferry services depart for Miyako Island, you can only access the island by airplane.
- The fight takes around 50 minutes from Naha Airport. From 7 am to 6 pm, flights will depart almost every hour.
- The number of services from Tokyo/Haneda Airport is limited, sometimes only one flight per day!
- The flight takes around 170 to 180 minutes.
- If you are on a budget and are traveling from Tokyo or other cities in Japan, it might be cheaper to fly to Naha first.
If you don’t plan to drive on Miyako Island, Miyako Kyōei Bus (宮古協栄バス) has service lines covering almost the entire island. So while you can’t fully enjoy Miyako-jima without a car, you will still need to keep an eye on the next service, as service can be limited on some lines.
While it is in Japanese only, refer to Kyōei Bus’s Website for the route map and timetable. You can match the Japanese characters of the bus stop we mentioned in the access information of the attractions below to read. Or you can contact us, and we will be happy to assist you!
- You can also use one of Japan’s Transport Apps to plan your visit.
Enjoy Miyakojima With a Guided Tour
If you prefer a guide to introduce you to the charms of Miyakojima and the surrounding destinations, how about joining one of the tours below?
- Snorkeling Tour to See the Sea Turtle
- Miyakojima Caving & Sea Kayaking Half-Day Tour (Okinawa)
- Starry Sky & Subtropical Jungle Night Tour
- Sunset Kayak Tour
Best Time to Visit: Weather, Typhoon Season & Mango Season
Miyako Island has a subtropical oceanic climate, with warm weather year-round and abundant rainfall.
- The rainy season starts in early May and ends around late June.
- The typhoon season peaks in August and September.
- The coldest month on Miyako-jima is January. That said, the average low temperature is 15 degrees.
Tip: Miyako-jima’s mango season is between June and mid-September.
What to Wear When Visiting Miyakojima
- From April to September, a T-shirt and shorts will suffice. But remember to put on sunscreen.
- While it is hot outdoors, the air conditioning can be strong indoors. So bring a thin, long-sleeved layer.
- From October, mornings and nights can be chilly.
Tip: Rain gear is always recommended. Sudden rain is not uncommon on Miyako-jima.
How to Get Around (Car Rentals, Bus Routes, Sightseeing Taxis)
- Renting a car is the best option. You can circumnavigate the island in less than two hours by car.
- Alternatively, you can reach most attractions by local bus. Just note that service can be limited.
- If it is sunny, a rental bicycle or motorbike is another option.
- Note that cycling on sandy beaches can be difficult. The island also has some steep slopes.
- You can also hire a sightseeing taxi for around 10,000 yen per day. You can get more information about the sightseeing taxi at the sightseeing center.
Miyakojima’s Amazing Beaches
Miyako Island is best known for its beaches. The island is literally a paradise for beach watersport enthusiasts. The best thing about Miyako-jima is that each beach has its charm. So we have created a guide to Miyako Island’s top beaches for you to peruse.
For more information, refer to our Complete Guide to the Beaches on Miyako-jima!
Blue Ocean Club (ブルーオーシャンクラブ)
In addition to diving and snorkeling at Miyako-jima’s beaches, flying is an exciting way to enjoy breathtaking nature. Blue Ocean Club can help you do that.
Even if you are a complete beginner at powered paragliding, it is not a problem! A professional paraglider will accompany you the entire trip. The session cost covers everything you need for a safe, enjoyable flight.
If you want to capture this unforgettable part of the journey, rent one of their GoPro cameras!
Flight sessions are held at multiple beaches on Miyako Island. For more information, please refer to their website. You can translate it to English using Google Chrome’s translation function on the right side of the address bar.
Important:
☛ A weight limit applies. You must weigh less than 75kg to participate.
☛ Reservation is essential. If you have any questions, email [email protected].
Mont Blanc Bay Cruise Miyakojima (モンブラン)
If you typically enjoy buffet cruises, hop onto Mont Blanc, which departs from Hirara Port (平良港).
The sightseeing cruise boat has a gorgeous traditional English-style entrance hall. From the large windows in the dining area, you can adore the magnificent ocean and Okinawa’s longest bridge, Irabu Ōhashi (伊良部大橋).
When you feel like peeking into the world underneath the azure sea surface, you can head down to the Aqua Lounge (アクアラウンジ). From the boat’s bottom-deck windows, you can spot coral reefs, tropical fish, and even sea turtles!
In addition, live traditional Okinawan performances are on the stage if you join the sunset and dinner cruise.
Tip: If you arrive early, you might be able to board the boat first. This means securing a better dining table and potentially starting to eat first!
If you prefer an alternative to the buffet lunch or dinner, go for the Open Deck Option. The plan allows you to bring your own food, but you cannot go down to the Dinner Lounge or the Aqua Lounge.
Or, get up early to join the 9 am morning cruise!
- For more information and to reserve a spot, refer to the official website. You can translate the webpage to English using Google Chrome’s translation function to the right of the address bar.
- A reservation is essential to join the Lunch and Dinner Cruise.
Cape Higashi-Hennazaki (東平安名崎)
Although Miyako-jima is filled with scenic nature, the most beautiful part of the island has to be Cape Higashi-Hennazaki. The cape, located on the eastmost coast of Miyako Island, is Japan’s National Place of Scenery Beauty. The promenade stretching from the car park to the white lighthouse at the tip of the cape will be one of the most amazing walkways you will walk on in your life!
But this destination is more than just a cape. For more information, refer to our Cape Higashi-Hennazaki article!
Cape Nishihennazaki (西平安名崎)
While not as famous as its counterpart, Cape Higashi-Hennazaki, Cape Nishihennzaki in the northwest is another scenic cape on Miyako Island. The cape is known as the place on Miyako-jima to adore sunrise and sunset scenery. When you walk along the promenade, not only will you be accompanied by the emerald green ocean, but you can see four out of the six islands in Miyakojima City!
The cape’s landmark is the three windmills scattered across it. If you haven’t seen one up close, it is your chance to do so at Cape Nishihennazaki!
The 2-story observation deck at the tip of the cape is the best spot to view the 1.425km long Ikema Ōhashi Bridge (池間大橋) that links Miyako-jima with Ikema Island (池間島). It is the second-longest bridge in Okinawa.
The view of the slightly arched bridge crossing the emerald sea is one of the island’s most amazing scenes.
Tips:
☛ There is a toilet and a vending machine close to the car park.
☛ If you feel like jumping into the beautiful water for a swim, head to Sunayama Beach (砂山ビーチ), close to the entrance of Cape Nishihennazaki. It is one of the best beaches on Miyako-jima!
How to Get to Cape Nishihennazaki
- From Hirara Port (平良港) in the town center, it is around a 20-minute drive.
- From Miyako Airport (宮古空港), it is around a 30-minute drive.
Nakabari Limestone Cave (仲原鍾乳洞)
The Nakabari Limestone Cave is a mysterious space. Not only the cave itself but also the surrounding nature. It is a limestone cave underneath a sugarcane field. Around 10,000 years ago, a part of the cave collapsed, forming a rare dome-shaped cave. With ample sunlight, foliage began to grow around and inside the cave, making it a hidden gem for some quality quiet time.
And when we say hidden, it really is hidden. From the surface, where the cave’s orange office is, itis hard to picture where the Nakabari Limestone Cave is. So many tourists came and missed the spot because they thought they were at the wrong place!
To the side of the cave’s office in the sugarcane field, a set of red staircases will lead you to the limestone cave. The Nakabari Limestone Cave is situated at the bottom of a 15-meter-tall cliff. No wonder it is hard to figure out where it is from the motorway!
From the cave’s dome-shaped entrance, the cave stretches for 265 meters, although the area accessible to the public is only half the total length. Inside the cave, there is a spot called Nmariabu (ンマリアブ). Locals come here to pray for fertility, marriage, and success in business negotiations.
Because the temperature inside the cave is always around 20 degrees, Nakabari Limestone Cave also stores Okinawa sake, Awamori.
Important: Make a reservation if you want to visit Nakabari Limestone Cave. The owner might not be around to guide you if you don’t. You can ask the staff at your accommodation to reserve on your behalf by calling +81-90-8291-3946. If you understand Japanese, reserve online.
Tips:
☛ Bring a flashlight if you want to see the cave’s interior clearly.
☛ If you plan to return to Miyako Island, you can buy a bottle of Awamori and store it in Nakabari Limestone Cave. Note that this will incur a small annual fee.
Nakabari Limestone Cave’s Opening Hours, Admission Cost, and Access Information
- Nakabari Limestone Cave is open daily from 10:30 am to 3 pm except for Thursdays.
- The admission cost is
- 600 yen for adults
- 400 yen for children
- From Hirara (平良), take Miyako Kyōei Bus’s (宮古協栄バス) Tomori Line (友利線) and get off at Nakahara (仲原).
- If you plan to drive, follow Prefectural Road 235 heading to Cape Higashi-Hennazaki (東平安名崎). Start paying attention to the road signs when you get close to Gusukube Nakabaru Muiga (城辺仲原ムイガー).
Shimajiri Mangrove Park (島尻マングローブ)
If you enjoy birdwatching and finding various types of crabs, head to Shimajiri Mangrove Park, where Miyako Island’s largest mangrove colony is located. Various species of wild birds stride through the forest, and the park is home to five different types of mangroves. You can also spot crabs and gobies on the muddy ground and in the saline water.
The 1 km-wide mangrove forest shows different scenery depending on the tides. Small creatures that call the mangrove forest home can easily be seen during the low tide. On the other hand, high tide is most suitable for paddling through the mangrove forest.
If you only plan to take a stroll on the well-maintained promenade, it will take you around 10 to 15 minutes.
Tips:
☛ If you hear the birds chirp but can’t see them, you can wait quietly for a moment. They might poke their heads out of the gaps between the mangroves.
☛ The best time to visit Shimajiri Mangrove Park is 2 hours before and after low tide.
☛ There is a toilet in the car park.
The reason why a large part of the mangrove roots is exposed is for the plant to gain enough oxygen from the air.
How to Get to Shimajiri Mangrove Park
- Shimajiri Mangrove Park is around a 20 to 30-minute drive from Miyako Airport (宮古空港).
- You can also take Yachiyo Bus (八千代バス) from Miyakojima City Hall (Miyakojima Shiyakusho, 宮古島市役所) and get off at Shimajiri Fisherman’s Wharf (Shimajirikō, 島尻港). The park is then around a 20-minute walk.
- You can refer to Yachiyo Bus website for the Japanese timetable, which can be translated to English using Google Chrome’s translation function at the right of the address bar.
Sunset Beach (宮古サンセットビーチ)
As the name suggests, this beach is famous for its sunsets. The beach is known as one of Miyako Island’s top attractions. In addition to the sunset, it is one of the best spots in the area to admire the magnificence of Miyakojima City’s longest bridge, Irabu Bridge. The view of the 3,540-meter-long bridge, paired with the sunset, is awe-inspiring!
The artificial beach is open for swimming from July to October. While the beach has hub jellyfish prevention nets and toilet and shower facilities, it isn’t a suitable place for snorkeling. And note that there are no shops or restaurants around.
But with the spectacular views from the beach, Sunset Beach is a great place to enjoy SUP or kayaking!
How to Get to Sunset Beach
- Sunset Beach is around a 15-minute drive from Miyako Airport (宮古空港).
- You can also take Miyakojima Loop Bus (宮古島ループバス) and get off at Painagama Beach (パイナガマビーチ).
- Refer to Miyako Island Bus website for the Japanese timetable, which you can translate to English using Google Chrome’s translation function on the right side of the address bar.
Miyakojima’s Cultural and Historical Spots
The main reason to visit Miyako Island for many is most likely its stunning beaches. After all, the island’s beaches make up half of Japan’s top 10 beaches. But, Miyako-jima, around 290km away from Okinawa‘s main island, also has its unique culture and history for you to discover when you need a break from the water!
For more information, refer to our article on The Top Historical and Cultural Spots on Miyako-jima Island!
Waido Market (ワイドー市場)
So, where can you get freshly harvested fruits and vegetables on Miyako Island?
One of the best places to purchase Miyako-jima-grown tropical fruits is the Waido Market. It is a relatively hidden gem to tourists. Most customers are locals. Whether it is mangos or dragon fruits that you are after, all can be found at the Waido Market at a cheap price! And when we say cheap, it is usually around 30 to 50% cheaper than other places, such as Atarasu Market (あたらす市場) or Shima no Eki (島の駅)!
Waido means “Do your Best!” in Miyako-jima’s language.
The market is also a great place to find handicrafts and local specialties for souvenirs, such as handmade Ryūkyū glassware and mineral-rich Miyako-jima salt. You can even get the Okinawan traditional three-stringed instrument Sanshin (三線) here!
Tips:
☛ Miyako-jima’s mango season is from June to August. During these months, a mango corner is set up.
☛ If you like miso, grab a pack of Miyako Miso (宮古みそ). It is made with natural Kōji (麹菌), or Aspergillus oryzae in English. The health benefits and taste are quite different to those sold at supermarkets!
Waido Market’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Waido Market is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily from Monday to Saturday.
- Waido Market is around a 10-minute drive from Miyako Airport (宮古空港) and less than a 10-minute drive from Hirara Port (平良港) or Pinagama Beach (パイナガマビーチ).
Atarasu Farmer’s Market (あたらす市場)
If you haven’t had enough shopping at Waido Market, Atarasu Farmer’s Market can be your next stop. The market is twice as big as Waido Market. Some stalls even offer fruit and processed-product tasting samples, so eat before you buy!
Like Waido Market, farmers sell fruits and vegetables. So prices are quite reasonable and cheaper than at supermarkets. It is also a great place to pick up side dishes for snacks and beer to enjoy in your hotel room.
But because Atarasu Farmers Market is one of the spots on most sightseeing tours’ itineraries, the market can sometimes be packed.
Atarasu Farmers Market also has an attached cafe, though it has no vegetarian menu.
Tip: Even if you visit Miyako-jima in winter, you can still enjoy the mangos. The only difference is that they will be frozen.
Atarasu means “Adorable (愛おしい)” in Miyako-jima’s language.
Atarasu Farmer’s Market’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Atarasu Farmers Market is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily.
- Atarasu Market is less than a 5-minute drive from Miyako Airport (宮古空港) and around a 10-minute drive from Hirara Port (平良港) or Pinagama Beach (パイナガマビーチ).
Island Station Miyako (島の駅みやこ)
Like everywhere else in Japan, Miyako-jima has a roadside station. But instead of a “road”, it is an “island” station. With a wide range of local products, it is probably the best place for last-minute souvenir shopping. Whether it is pickles, sweets, cakes, dressings and seasonings, alcohol, or preserved food, you can find almost all of Miyako-jima’s local specialties at Island Station Miyako.
One thing to keep in mind before visiting is that Island Station Miyako is more like a souvenir and local specialty shop. While it has local fresh produce on the shelves, you will be disappointed if you are looking for a typical roadside station.
Agricultural produce at Island Station Miyako is more expensive than at Waido Market and Atarasu Market, especially the mangos. But the side dishes and bread sold here are delicious, which is the only reason the locals come here.
Island Station Miyako’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Island Station Miyako is open from 7:30 am to 6 pm.
- The bakery Shokupan no Nishizato (食パンのニシザト) is open daily except for Wednesdays and Sundays.
- Atarasu Market is a 10-minute drive from Miyako Airport (宮古空港) and around a 15 to 20-minute walk from Hirara Port (平良港) or Pinagama Beach (パイナガマビーチ).
Shisa Story (シーサーモノガタリ)
If you love ceramics, Shisa Story should be on your itinerary. It is both a workshop and a gallery. Although the price tag isn’t exactly cheap, it is where you discover how many different faces a Shisa can have. Many of the lions in the gallery are so unique that they will make you think, “Is this really a Shisa”?
You can also make your original Shisa lion. All you need is two hours of your time and 3,900 yen. The final product will be sent to you in a month’s time. And great news: they can ship it internationally!
Even if making handicrafts isn’t your strength, with guidance from the friendly and patient staff, we are sure your Shisa will be adorable (^_-)-☆. There should be staff who can speak English, but if you want to ensure this on the day of your visit, you can check with the gallery by sending them a message on Instagram.
Tip: Head to the courtyard to meet the gallery’s mascot tortoise!
Shisa Story’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Shisa Story is open from 10 am to 6 pm.
- If you plan to take a bus, get off at Yonaha Kadekari Line’s (与那覇嘉手苅線) bus stop, Aeon Town Minami-ten (イオンタウン南店). Shisa Story is around a 10-minute walk away.
Ryūkyū Folk Craft Souvenir Miyakoya (琉球民芸みやげ品みやこ屋)
For those who want to do some late-night souvenir shopping in the town center, Ryūkyū Folk Craft Souvenir Miyakoya is open until 9 pm. The shop may seem small, but the owner boasts a wide variety of items on the shelves, making it the best spot to shop for souvenirs on Miyako Island if you want to get everything in one go!
The catch is that you won’t get the lowest prices here. For food, supermarkets are cheaper.
Taragawa Sake Brewery (多良川酒造)
If you like alcohol, you probably want to bring a few bottles of Awamori (泡盛) home. Awamori is a distilled sake indigenous and unique to Okinawa.
On Miyako-jima, the best Awamori maker is Taragawa Sake Brewery. The brewery is especially known for its Kūsu (古酒) sake, Awamori aged for more than three years. As time passes, the sake’s aroma grows richer, and the taste becomes mellower.
Taragawa Sake Brewery also opens up its sake cellar to its customers. Different from the other sake breweries in the country, Taragawa Sake Brewery’s cellar is in a cave. With many Awamori stored, the cave is filled with sake’s nice fragrance (*´ω｀).
The sake brewery tour is free and takes around 60 minutes. But note that the explanatory video of the Awamori production process and the tour are in Japanese.
For more information about the tour, please refer to their website and change the language to English.
Tip: If you live in Japan, you can purchase a bottle of Awamori and ask the brewery to store it in the cave for three years. The brewery will check with you at the end of three years to see whether you want the sake shipped to you or prefer it to age longer. This service can be an interesting memory and/or a unique souvenir!
Taragawa Sake Brewery’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Taragawa Sake Brewery is open daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm except for Sundays.
- It is around a 15-minute drive from Miyako Airport (宮古空港).
- You can also take Miyakojima Loop Bus (宮古島ループバス) and get off at Miyako Seitō・Taragawashuzō-mae (宮古製糖・多良川酒造前).
- Refer to Miyako Island Bus website for the service’s timetable. You can translate it into English using Google Chrome’s translation function on the right side of the address bar.
Miyakojima no Yukishio (雪塩ミュージアム)
Close to the entrance of Nishihennazaki Cape, there is a salt museum you will want to drop by for the award-winning Miyako-jima Snow Salt! The facility may not seem big, but on weekends and public holidays, it can receive more than 1,000 visitors a day!
The facility is about locally produced salt. But don’t underestimate its quality. The salt called Yukishio is so fine that it is recognized by Mode Selection and is in the Guinness World Records!
For more information, please refer to our article on Miyakojima no Yukishio!
Miyako Island Underwater Park (宮古島海中公園)
On the way to Nishihennazaki Cape, there is an attraction that allows you to observe tropical fish without getting wet. Miyako Island Underwater Park is the spot on Miyako-jima where you can peek into the ocean regardless of weather and tidal conditions.
From above ground, it is hard to imagine an amazing facility beneath it!
Miyako Island Underwater Park’s interior looks like a typical aquarium. But instead of viewing caged marine life, you will be the one in the cage!
The idea is similar to that of caged jeeps in safari parks. The 12cm-thick acrylic sheets protect you from the seawater. On the other side of the transparent sheets is the space where fish and sea turtles swim freely. If you are lucky, you might even see a shark!
The underwater park also displays various shells. In addition, you can participate in one of the workshops to make some shell accessories or other decorative items for your house.
Just note that the stairs to the underwater park, located 4 meters below sea level, are rather long.
Tips:
☛ The facility is wheelchair-friendly.
☛ Although there isn’t a vegetarian light-meal menu, you can still take a coffee break at the cafe above ground, which offers a great ocean view!
Miyako Island Underwater Park’s Opening Hours, Admission Fee, and Access Information
- Miyako Island Underwater Park is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm daily.
- The last admission is 4:45 pm.
- The admission fee is
- 1,000 yen for adults
- 800 yen for senior high school students
- 500 yen for elementary and junior high school students
- It is around a 25-minute drive from Miyako Airport (宮古空港).
- You can also take Miyakojima Bus’s (宮古島 バス) Ikema Loop Line (池間一周線) and get off at Chūgakkō-mae (中学校前). From there, it is a 20-minute walk to the park.
- Refer to Miyakojima City Hall’s website for the service’s timetable. You can translate it to English using Google Chrome’s translation function at the right of the address bar.
Ryūkyū’s Wind Yatai Stall Village (琉球の風 屋台村)
For a rather unique attraction, visit Ryūkyū’s Wind Yatai Stall Village. This place isn’t just about food or souvenirs. It is a food court-styled leisure complex filled with restaurants, souvenir shops, and, most importantly, a stage where various performances are held each night at 7:30 pm. While there aren’t many vegetarian options on the menu, you don’t need a feast to enjoy the free Okinawan performance!
At the Ryūkyū market, you can find a variety of souvenirs and local specialties from not only Miyako-jima but also the surrounding islands, including Amami Ōshima Island (奄美大岛). But note that souvenir prices aren’t cheap, as the hotel manages the village.
Ryūkyū’s Wind Yatai Stall Village’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Ryūkyū’s Wind Yatai Stall Village is open from 9 am to 10 pm.
- It is around a 15-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).
Ueno German Culture Village (うえのドイツ文化村)
Close to Ryūkyū’s Wind Yatai Stall Village, there is a gigantic western castle close to the beach shore. While the idea of a German castle in Okinawa may seem unusual, the castle was built to commemorate a historical event and the virtue of fraternity embraced by locals. In addition, you can see the real Berlin Wall and find the naturally formed heart-shaped rock in the sea!
For more information, please refer to our article on Ueno German Culture Village!
Shigira Hot Spring (シギラ黄金温泉)
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 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.
For more information, refer to our Shigira Hot Spring article!
Utopia Farm Miyakojima (ユートピアファーム宮古島)
Utopia Farm Miyakojima is one of the island’s top tropical fruit farms. Unlike the Maipari Miyakojima Tropical Orchard (まいぱり 宮古島熱帯果樹園) close to Yonaha Maehama Beach, Utopia Farm Miyakojima’s selling point is its flower garden. The garden, with more than 250 different types of flowers planted, is a photogenic spot perfect for Instagram on Miyako-jima!
Plus, the cafe’s fruit desserts are delicious. When the fruit is in season, freshly cut fruit will be on the menu too.
Utopia Farm Miyakojima’s Business Hours, Admission Fee, and Access Information
- Utopia Farm Miyakojima is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm except for Sundays.
- The last admission is at 4:30 pm.
- The admission fee is
- 500 yen for adults
- 250 yen for children
- It is around a 15-minute drive from Miyako Airport (宮古空港).
Vegetarian & Vegan Guide: Navigating Miyakojima
Unlike major Japanese cities with dedicated vegan dining scenes, finding plant-based meals on Miyakojima Island can be a real challenge. Local Okinawan cuisine heavily features pork, seafood, and hidden katsuodashi (bonito fish flakes) in almost every soup broth, stir-fry, and sauce. Additionally, traditional island cafes often have limited menus with few, if any, customizable options for strict vegetarians or vegans.
Despite these hurdles, you won’t go hungry if you know where to look. Below is a list of vegetarian/vegan-friendly spots on Miyako Island where you can enjoy delicious plant-based dining during your trip.
Yusarabi (ゆさらび)
- Highlights: Dedicated vegan-labeled lunch items & scenic coastal atmosphere
- Best For: Plant-based lunches, cold vegan noodles, and fresh island salads
While Yusarabi serves seafood and Okinawan meats, its lunch menu clearly features specifically labeled vegan (ビーガン) options, making ordering straightforward and hassle-free. Nestled in a scenic setting near the Sigira Resort area, lunch highlights include their Cold Vegan Tomato Ramen (Tomato Soba, served cold in summer and warm in winter with zero animal products), fresh Island Green Salad, baguette, and Yukisio (Snow Salt) French Fries. It is an ideal lunch stop for plant-based travelers looking for clearly marked options without the communication barrier.
Shisa’s Cafe & BBQ (シーサーズカフェ＆バーベキュー)
- Highlights: Customizable BBQ sets & fresh local produce
- Best For: Casual outdoor dining, groups with mixed diets, and sunset meals
Finding vegan-friendly options at traditional Japanese BBQ joints is usually tough, but Shisa’s Cafe & BBQ offers a scenic, flexible solution. Known for its laid-back resort vibe near Hirara, this spot provides customizable grill-your-own options alongside fresh salads, seasonal appetizers, and vegetable-loaded dishes. It is an excellent option if you are traveling with non-vegetarians. You can enjoy grilling an assortment of local Okinawan vegetables and plant-based/vegetarian sides over an open grill while taking in the island scenery.
Plant-Based Travel Tips for Miyakojima
- Watch for Hidden Dashi: Always ask if soup broths or sauces contain fish stock (“Dashi ni sakana wa tsukawarete imasu ka?”). Standard Miyako Soba broth almost always contains pork and fish stock.
- Embrace Island Tofu & Tropical Fruit: Local Miyako Tofu (宮古豆腐) is naturally rich, firm, and made using ocean saltwater, making chilled tofu dishes (Hiyayakko) a great protein source. For snacks, visit Atarasu Farmers Market or Waido Market for fresh mangoes, dragonfruit, and sea grapes (Umi Budo).
Miyakojima FAQ
Q: How many days do you need in Miyakojima?
A: A 3-to-4-day trip is ideal for Miyakojima. This gives you enough time to explore the main island’s capes, drive across the connecting bridges to Ikema, Kurima, and Irabu islands, and spend a full day enjoying water sports or relaxing on the beaches without rushing.
Q: Can you visit Miyakojima without renting a car?
A: While it is possible to use the Miyako Kyōei local bus network or hire sightseeing taxis, renting a car is strongly recommended. Public bus schedules are infrequent, and many scenic capes and hidden beaches are difficult to access on foot from bus stops.
Q: Is Miyakojima vegetarian and vegan friendly?
A: Finding plant-based meals on Miyakojima can be challenging because traditional Okinawan cuisine relies heavily on pork and katsuodashi (fish stock). However, spots like Yusarabi (ゆさらび) offer clearly labeled vegan menu items, and Shisa’s Cafe & BBQ provides customizable vegetable grilling options. Local markets also sell fresh island tofu and tropical fruits.
Q: What is the best time of year to visit Miyakojima?
A: The best time to visit is from April to June or October to November, when the weather is warm and dry. Mid-summer (July to September) offers great beach weather and mango season, but it coincides with peak typhoon season and intense humidity.
Q: How do you get to Miyakojima from Tokyo or Naha?
A: Miyakojima is accessible only by plane (there are no passenger ferries). Direct flights run daily from Tokyo (Haneda) and take around 3 hours. Alternatively, you can catch a quick 50-minute connecting flight from Naha Airport in main Okinawa.
Discover Other Islands in Miyakojima City
As previously mentioned, Miyako-jima isn’t the only island in Miyakojima City. If you have time, another seven beautiful islands are awaiting you to explore!
The Top 12 Attractions in Miyakojima City guide covers the city’s absolute best highlights, from the stunning turquoise waters of Yonaha Maehama Beach and the massive Irabu Bridge to hidden coral reefs like Yabiji Reef and unique cultural landmarks. Whether you are planning to island-hop across the connected bridges or hunt for sea turtles, this comprehensive itinerary breakdown will help you make the most of your Miyakojima getaway.
