Famous for its sunny beaches and natural wonders, Miyako Island welcomes many visitors during holidays.
Unique beaches
Yonaha Maehama Beach is the most famous beach in Miyako Island, where white sand stretches for seven kilometers. The ocean is colored in bright blue, attracting visitors with its beauty. Compact Sunayama Beach, known for its arch-shaped rock (拱形石), is well hidden in a small cove (小海湾), and is accessed by walking through a narrow tunnel (隧道) of trees.
Diverse and colorful fish
Snorkeling (浮潜) is a must-try in Miyako Island. Dense coral reefs, schools of tropical (热带的) fish, sea turtles and plenty of space to free dive to depths of 8 to 15 meters close to the shore are standout features. For beginners, Aragusuku and Shigira are a good choice, but advanced snorkelers may see Imgyo Marine Garden, Waiwai Beach and Shimojishima as their ultimate spots.
Scuba diving
Miyako Island is a popular diving place, with a wealth of dive sites to explore, including many underwater caves. Even those without a diving license need not be held back. Dive shops and tour operators also offer tours for beginners to explore Miyako Island's rich underwater environment.
The bridges
Irabu Bridge is the longest toll-free bridge in Japan. It connects Miyako Island and Irabujima, stretching for 3540m, drawing a gentle curve. The length of the bridge can also be read as "sango no shi ma," meaning coral island in Japanese. Smaller bridges connect Irabu and Shimoji islands, giving visitors additional beach options.
