Miyakojima, I'm back!!! It may not sound pleasant, but this is the reality.
1️⃣ Preparation
✅ Documents: Bring a valid passport. If traveling visa-free by cruise ship, confirm the relevant visa-free policy and required documents.
✅ Clothing: Pack light summer clothing 👔, sunscreen clothing, swimwear, slippers, etc. Bring your own diving equipment if needed.
✅ Other items: Sunscreen 🧴, sunglasses 🕶️, hat 🧢, common medications 💊, power bank, etc.
2️⃣ Transportation
✅ External transportation: You can fly ✈️ to Miyakojima from Tokyo, Osaka, Naha, etc., with flight times of approximately 3 hours 15 minutes, 2 hours 35 minutes, and 45 minutes respectively. You can also take a ferry ⛴️ from port cities on Honshu Island, which takes about 8 hours to Naha Port, with 3 departures per week.
✅ Island transportation: You can choose to rent a car for self-driving, hire a car, or take a taxi 🚕. An international driver's license is required for car rentals. Car hires can be booked online in advance.
3️⃣ Recommended Attractions 👍
🌟 Beaches and Coastal Scenery
✅ Yonaha Maehama Beach: With pristine white sand 🏝️ and crystal-clear water, it's a perfect spot for watching the sunrise 🌅 and sunset 🌄. You can also participate in water activities.
✅ Higashi-hennazaki Cape: There is a white lighthouse at the tip of the cape. Climb up to enjoy the panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, the spectacular cliffs, clear waters, and scattered reefs.
🌟 Bridges
✅ Irabu Bridge: Connecting Miyakojima and Irabu Island, the bridge seems to float in the air against the backdrop of the azure ocean and blue sky. After crossing the bridge, you can visit the Makiyama Observatory to see the spectacular view of five connected islands.
🌟 History and Culture
✅ Miyako Shrine: With a long history and mysterious legends, the shrine is shaded by lush trees, offering a sense of tranquility and peace. It's a great place to learn about local history and culture.
4️⃣ Food Recommendations 👍
✅ Seafood: Enjoy fresh sea urchin, caviar, grilled eel, sushi 🍣, sashimi, etc. Restaurants like Kaisen Goku are recommended.
✅ Specialty Noodles: Seaweed noodles are rich in nutrients and have a smooth texture. Okinawa soba and other local noodles are also worth trying.
✅ Desserts and Drinks: Brown sugar products such as brown sugar ginger tea, as well as watermelon smoothies and sugarcane juice, are all worth a try.