Part of Japan’s Ryukyu island chain, this small group of subtropical islands between Okinawa Island and Ishigaki is known for its world-class diving and snorkeling, and several of the beaches here are consistently ranked among Japan’s best. A visit to Miyako-jima, as it is known in Japanese, is sure to be a relaxing one.
Known locally as Kayaffa Beach, this natural beach on Shimoji Island is surrounded by a large reef that keeps the bay protected from large waves. Thanks to its calm and exceptionally clear water, Nakanoshima is a great spot for viewing the many coral and tropical fish that inhabit the area.
These two ponds on Shimoji Island are connected to each other underwater, and one is also connected by an underwater tunnel to the ocean, through which advanced divers can swim. Due to large differences in water depth, salt concentration and temperature, a wide variety of marine life inhabit the ponds.
With its white sand and brilliant turquoise water that stretches out toward Kurima Island in the distance, Yonaha Maehama Beach is truly exquisite and has been called the most beautiful beach in the Far East.
Holding the title of longest toll-free bridge in Japan, Irabu Bridge connects Miyako and Irabu islands, and is well worth the drive simply for the amazing panoramic views, which change according to the level of the tide and the angle of the sun.
Higashi-Hennza-zaki, or East Henna Cape, is a thin windswept protrusion of land reaching out two kilometers into the Pacific, with the East China Sea to the north and the Philippine Sea to the south.
Known for its fishing port as well as beautiful sandy beaches, Irabu Island is the second-largest of the Miyako islands and is connected to Miyako-jima by the long and graceful Irabu Ohashi Bridge.
The festival is held each year on the first Sunday of April at Yonaha Maehama Beach, a popular beach known for having incredibly clear water even as compared to others beaches in Okinawa Prefecture.
