Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip

Miyako Island lies about 300 km southwest of Okinawa’s main island and is the largest of the eight Miyako Islands.

We reached it by air; the source gives about 50 minutes from Naha Airport.
The flat island was formed by uplifted coral reefs. With no rivers carrying soil into the sea, it is known for exceptionally clear beaches.

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 2

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 3

Yonaha Maehama Beach is affectionately called Maehama Beach on Miyako.

Its white sand extends for more than 7 km. Often praised among Asia’s best beaches, the contrast between fine white sand and the sea’s “Miyako blue” was breathtaking.
The beach offers marine activities and is also described as the start point of the Miyakojima triathlon.

“Miyako blue” refers to the particularly beautiful blue of the sea around these islands.

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 4

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 5

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 6

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 7

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 8

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 9

Ueno German Culture Village commemorates local residents rescuing people from a German shipwreck during the Meiji period; the story reached Germany and became a symbol of friendship.
The source lists a lawn, coastal walking paths, a memorial hall reproducing Germany’s Marksburg Castle, a Kinderhaus themed around German fairy tales, a pool, and an underwater-viewing boat.

A heart-shaped rock also made it a popular photo spot.

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 10

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 11

Another highlight was Irabu Bridge, opened in 2015 and extending 3,540 meters between Miyako and Irabu islands.
The original describes it as Japan’s longest toll-free bridge.
In good weather, simply driving across it was a memorable Miyako experience.

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 12

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 13

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 14

Toriike consists of two similarly sized ponds connected below the surface.

The unusual landform is designated both a national scenic place and a natural monument.
The source describes it as a diving and snorkeling destination, particularly admired for sunlight entering through its two openings underwater; this archival description is not an access or activity-safety check.

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 15

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 16

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 17

Further beyond Toriike is Shimojishima.

Its airport, described as opening in 2019, is also known for the beautiful surrounding sea.
Aircraft passing overhead during takeoff and landing can make striking photographs with the Miyako water when timing allows.

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 18

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 19

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 20

Sunayama Beach is another place celebrated for its beauty.

Descending a soft, snow-white sand dune brings the brilliant Miyako-blue sea into view.
It is a small beach, but the contrast of blue water and white sand feels like natural art.

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 21

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 22

During the pandemic, most restaurants were closed, so we quickly stopped at nearby Irabu Shokudo.

I ordered a pork-belly rice-bowl set.

It came with Miyako soba, whose noodles differed from the Okinawa soba I knew, making a convenient simple meal.

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 23

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 24

The next photographs show Sankakuten, a dangerous viewpoint that the source explicitly says was already closed.

A jungle-like path led to a dizzying cliff with an extraordinary view.

There were no safety installations, and even finding it had been difficult. This is a record of a past visit, not a recommendation to enter the closed location.

Even in poor weather, it was beautiful.

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 25

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 26

We finally stopped for another good meal at Restaurant Kingo in central Miyako Island.

I ordered the aka-sakana ankake set, a whole fried golden-eye snapper with sauce as described by the source.

The sweet sauce and crisp fish were delicious.

We also enjoyed rich red-miso soup, soft tofu topped with mustard, mozuku seaweed, and steamed egg.

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 27

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 28

For accommodation, we stayed at Hotel Castle Village Miyako, which had a hot spring in the source account.

The room had a very classic interior, and I liked the bed.

The bath used saline hot-spring water described as high in sodium.

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 29

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 30

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 31

The next morning, we explored Higashi-Hennazaki, a nationally designated scenic place also selected among Japan’s notable urban parks.

With the Pacific to the right and East China Sea to the left, strong waves crashed against the cliffs in a powerful landscape.

Large rocks that seemed to have arrived from far away long ago added to the atmosphere.

The source also recalls its appearance in a Missha cosmetics commercial featuring actress Go Joon-hee.

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 32

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 33

Miyako Island: Blue Water, White Beaches, and an Archived Island Trip — original photograph 34

Our final stop was Imgya Marine Garden, with coral-reef scenery. Following the path from the entrance took us around the beach to a viewpoint with a lovely panorama. The source describes it as a diving destination close to town and popular with visitors.

Alongside Ishigaki, Miyako is one of the best-known island destinations around Okinawa. Its blue sea and clean white sand felt different from the main island. The source also counted three golf courses, another reason golf enthusiasts might be interested.

Miyako Island (宮古島)
Address: Miyakojima City, Okinawa (沖縄県宮古島市)

Phone recorded: 0980-72-3751