Okinawa Prefecture is famous for its stunning beaches. Among all the beaches in Okinawa, the ones on Miyako-jima Island are considered the best. Not only are the island’s beaches a beautiful cobalt blue, it also has many historical and cultural attractions, trendy cafes, and interesting boutique shops awaiting your visit! In addition, the island is also one of the top destinations for water sports!
The best thing about Miyako Island is that while beaches on Okinawa’s main island are usually packed, the same isn’t the case on Miyako-jima. This seclusion gives you all the space you need to truly enjoy a holiday (^_-)-☆.
Below is a list of attractions on Miyako-jima Island. They are grouped into categories. Simply grab a few from each group for a 2 to 3-Day itinerary!
- First of all, the Beaches in Miyakojima!
- Miyako-jima’s unique scenery
- Knowing Miyako-jima’s history and culture
- For Miyako-jima’s souvenirs
- Other awesome attractions in Miyako-jima that don’t quite fit into any categories
Tip: Exploring Miyakojima in the traditional Ryukyu costume can be a great way to explore the island in style. Refer to HERE to book a dress-up session!
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 below tours?
- Snorkeling Tour to see the Sea turtle
- Pumpkin Hall Limestone Cave Tour
- Pumpkin Hall Limestone Cave + Snorkeling Tour
- Beach SUP + Tropical Snorkeling + Pumpkin Hall Limestone Cave Canoe Tour
- Starry Sky & Subtropical Jungle Night Tour
- One-Day SUP/Canoe and Snorkeling Tour
- Half-Day SUP/Canoe and Snorkeling Tour
- 2-Hour SUP/Canoe Tour
- Sunrise SUP/Canoe Tour
- Sunset SUP/Canoe Tour
- Sunset Kayak Tour
- Nighttime Canoe Tour
Miyako-jima’s Weather
Miyako Island belongs to the subtropical oceanic climate, characterized by warm weather throughout the year 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. But with that being said, the average lowest temperature is 15 degrees.
Tip: Miyako-jima’s mango season is between June to mid-September.
What to Wear When Visiting Miyako-jima
- From April to September, a T-shirt and a pair of shorts will suffice. But remember to put on sunscreen.
- While it is hot outdoors, the air conditioning can be strong indoors. So remember to bring a piece of thin, long-sleeved clothing.
- From October, the morning and night can be quite chilly.
Tip: Rain gear is always recommended. Sudden rain is not uncommon on Miyako-jima.
How to Travel Between Attractions on Miyako-jima
- Renting a car is the best option. You can circumnavigate the island in less than two hours by car.
- Alternatively, most attractions can be reached by local buses. Just note that the number of services can be limited.
- If it is sunny, a rental bicycle or motorbike is another option.
- Note it can be hard to cycle on sandy beaches. The island does also have some steep slopes.
- You can also hire a sightseeing taxi for around 10,000 yen per day. More information on the sightseeing taxi can be obtained from the sightseeing center.
Miyako-jima’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 in the sky is an exciting way to enjoy breathtaking nature. And one of the companies that can help you to do so is Blue Ocean Club.
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 to ensure a safe and pleasant 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 HERE. You can translate it to English using Google Chrome’s translation function at the right of the address bar.
Important:
☛ A weight limit applies. You must be less than 75kg to participate.
☛ Reservation is essential. If you have any questions, you can email them at [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 peeping 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, carol reefs, tropical fish, and even sea turtles can be spotted!
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 eating first!
If you prefer an alternative to the buffet lunch or dinner, go for the Open Deck Option. The plan allows you to bring in your own food, but you can not 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 HERE. You can translate the webpage to English using Google Chrome’s translation function at 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, you can see four out of the six islands in Miyakojima City!
The cape’s landmark is the three windmills scattered on the cape. 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 sightly arched bridge crossing the emerald sea is one of the most amazing scenes on the island.
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 situated, it is difficult 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). It is where the locals have come to pray for fertility, marriage, and success in business negotiation.
Because the temperature inside the cave is always around 20 degrees, Nakabari Limestone Cave is also a storage for the 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 do so. 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 HERE.
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 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 5 pm except for Tuesdays and 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. It is a park where various species of wild birds stride among the forest, home to five different types of mangroves. Crabs and gobies can also be spotted on muddy ground and saline water.
The 1km wide mangrove forest will show you 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.
For a guided tour, you can check with SevenSeas HERE. The company also conducts kayak and SUP tours.
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 HERE 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 complementing the sunset is just 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 HERE for the service’s timetable. You can translate it to English using Google Chrome’s translation function at the right of the address bar.
Miyako-jima’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 occupy 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 to get some freshly harvested fruits and vegetables?
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)!
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!
The market is also a great place to head to for 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!
Waido means “Do your Best!” in Miyako-jima’s language.
Waido Market’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Waido Market is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily.
- 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 of the stalls in the market even provide fruit and processed product-tasting samples to their customers, so eat before you buy!
Similarly to Waido Market, fruits and vegetables are sold by the farmers who grow them. So, the prices are quite reasonable and cheaper than in supermarkets. It is also the perfect place to source some 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 Farmer’s Market also has a cafe attached, albeit there is 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.
- It closes on the 4th Wednesday from January to May and September to November.
- 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 to do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Whether it is pickles, sweets, cakes, dressing and seasoning, alcohol, or preserved food, almost all Miyako-jima’s local specialties can be found at Island Station Miyako.
One thing to be aware of before visiting is Island Station Miyako is more like a souvenir and local specialty shop. While it has local fresh produce on the shelf, you will be disappointed if the typical roadside station facility is what you are after.
The prices of agricultural produce are higher than 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
- 9 am to 6 pm from October to March
- 9 am to 7 pm from April to September
- The bakery Shokupan no Nishizato (食パンのニシザト) is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily except for Wednesdays.
- 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, “this is really Shisa”?
You can also make your original Shisa lion. All you need is two hours of your time and 3,500 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 5 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 of the variety of items on the shelf, making it the best spot to shop for souvenirs on Miyako Island if you want to get souvenirs sorted 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 sake brewery is especially known for its Kūsu (古酒) sake, which is Awamori that has been aged for more than three years. As time passes, the sake’s aroma becomes richer, and the taste becomes more mellow.
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 HERE and translate it to English using Google Chrome’s translation function at the right of the address bar.
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 the three-year period to see if you want the sake to be 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 HERE for the service’s timetable. You can translate it to English using Google Chrome’s translation function at the right 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 to you, but on weekends and public holidays, it can receive more than 1,000 visitors in a day!
What the facility is about is 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 peak into the ocean regardless of weather and tidal condition.
From above the ground, it is hard to imagine an amazing facility existing underneath!
Miyako Island Underwater Park’s internal space looks rather like a typical aquarium. But instead of viewing caged marine life, you will be the one in the cage!
The idea is similar to those of caged jeeps in safari parks. You are protected by the 12cm thick acrylic sheets 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 has various shells on display. 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 any vegetarian light meal menu, you can still take a coffee break at the cafe above the ground that offers a great ocean view!
Miyako Island Underwater Park’s Opening Hours, Admission Fees, and Access Information
- Miyako Island Underwater Park is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm daily.
- 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). It is then a 20-minute walk to the park.
- Refer to HERE 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 just note that the price of souvenir isn’t cheap as a 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 9 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 having a German castle constructed in Okinawa may seem weird, the castle was built to commemorate a historical event and the virtue of fraternity as embraced by the locals. In addition, it is the place to 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.
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!
Private Rooms
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 Fees, 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.
Utopia Farm Miyakojima (ユートピアファーム宮古島)
Utopia Farm Miyakojima is one of the top tropical fruit farms on the island. 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 fruit desserts at the cafe are delicious. When the fruits are in season, freshly cut fruits will be on the menu too.
Utopia Farm Miyakojima’s Business Hours, Admission Fees, 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 360 yen for senior high school students and above.
- It is around a 15-minute drive from Miyako Airport (宮古空港).
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!
If you need ideas of where else in the city is worth your time, refer to our article on The Top 12 Attractions in Miyakojima City!
