Unique beaches

Yonaha Maehama Beach is the most famous beach in Miyakojima, where white sand stretches for seven kilometers. The ocean is colored in emerald blue, mesmerizing visitors with its beauty. Compact Sunayama Beach, known for its arch-shaped rock, is tucked away in a small cove, and is accessed by walking through a narrow tunnel of trees.

Diverse and colorful fish

Snorkeling is a must-try in Miyakojima. Dense coral reefs, schools of tropical 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 diving mecca, with a wealth of dive sites to explore, including many underwater caves and caverns. 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 abundant underwater environment.

The bridges

Irabu Bridge is the longest toll-free bridge in Japan. It connects Miyakojima and Irabujima, stretching for 3540m, drawing a gentle curve. The length of the bridge can also be read as "san (3) go (5) no shi (4) ma," meaning coral island in Japanese. Smaller bridges connect Irabu and Shimoji islands, giving visitors additional beach options. On Shimoji Island, there is a boardwalk around Tooriike, two dramatic marine ponds connected to each other and the sea by an underwater cave system.

Fresh island food

Delight your senses with succulent, melt-in-your-mouth Miyako beef, delicious Miyako soba (noodles served in broth), or fresh fruit. Okinawa prefecture boasts the highest mango yield in Japan, and Miyako Island's warm subtropical climate is optimal for growing fresh, juicy mangoes. Ice cream with a pinch of salt known as "yuki shio (snow salt)" does more than simply keep you cool.

SOURCE: OKINAWA TRAVEL GUIDE