-
Article
-
Channel
-
Region
-
Season
-
Tag
Articles
-
Video article 5:08
The Sky and the Sea Mingle to Create a Stunning View! Miyakojima in Okinawa Prefecture Is One of the Best Resorts in Japan!
Travel Nature Things to Do- 134 plays
- YouTube
A Beautiful View of Miyakojima The video "Okinawa 4K Aerial Footage" ([4K]Okinawa,Miyako Island, Aerial Shoot(宮古島ドローン空撮)), shows a stunning view of Miyakojima in Okinawa Prefecture. Okinawa is one of the best and most popular resorts in Japan where you can find a lot of amazing sightseeing spots. In this article, we'll introduce some sightseeing spots, tourist information, and travel tips for the Miyakojima area. In the video, you see an aerial view of the cobalt blue sea and deep blue sky of Miyakojima. You're probably thinking “Do places this beautiful really exist in Japan?” Well, let's find out! Miyakojima Photo:Miyakojima coast Miyakojima City is located 300 km southeast of Okinawa's main island, and consists of 6 islands of various sizes: Miyakojima, Irabujima, Ikemajima, Kurumajima, Shimojishima, and Ogamijima. The population is 52,780 as of June, 2019. The circumference of Miyakojima is about 100 km, which is longer than it seems, and the total area is 158,93 km with a peak altitude of 119 meters. You can fly to Miyakojima from Naha or Tokyo Haneda Airport. If you wish to move around in Miyakojima, local tours or rental cars are a good option What About That Bridge Shown in the Video? - A Sightseeing Route to Enjoy the View of the Okinawan Sea. The 3,540-meter long Irabu Bridge, known as the longest bridge in Japan, spans the distance between Miyako Island and Irabu Island. An exhilarating drive, touring across the bright blue landscape, where the sky and sea intertwine, is an experience you'll remember for a lifetime. Miyakojima is also connected to Ikemajima by the Ikema-Oohashi bridge and to Kurumajika by the Kuruma-Oohashi bridge. These are also great spots to enjoy the resort's views. A bridge to a paradise in a cobalt blue sea awaits you! Enjoying the Sights and Flavors of Miyakojima! Photo:Miyakojima Nishihenna Cape・Wind turbines If you're looking to take some Instagram pics, be sure to check out Nishihenna Cape or Higashihenna Cape. If there's any history buffs out there, we recommend stopping by the Miyakojima City Museum. Some local dishes you'll want to try while you're there are Okinawa Soba and Miyako Soba (Soba: Japanese buckwheat noodles); Original dishes of Miyakojima. Other local specialties include tropical drinks or Shima Oden (lit. "Island Oden"). Oden is a Japanese hot-pot dish with several ingredients stewed in soy-flavored soup. There are plenty of places to visit in the city center too, where you can enjoy those delicious tropical drinks and buy souvenirs. Enjoy the Beautiful Okinawan Sea Photo:Sea turtles Okinawa is known to have a warm and mild climate year round. Various marine activities are available in Miyakojima for you to try as well! Yabiji is a popular snorkeling spot in Miyakojima. You can enjoy watching sea turtles swimming in the sea along the beautiful coral reef. If you wish to go swimming in the sea, Sunayama beach or Yonahamaehama beach is a perfect place to go. The popular resort activity sea kayaking is also worth trying in Miyakojima. Summary “Okinawa 4K Aerial Footage” shows a stunning view of Miyakojima. The scenery shown in the footage can hardly be conveyed in words alone. Be sure to check out the video if you still haven't yet! This article introduced access, sightseeing spots and popular activities of Miyakojima. If this article has you interested in Miyakojima be sure to consider it for your next holiday! -
Video article 2:12
Prepare to Get Muddy! Miyakojima, Okinawa's "Paantu" Is a Bizarre Festival That Will Have You and Your Underwear Covered in Mud as You Try to Outrun the Gods!
Festivals & Events- 703 plays
- YouTube
Miyakojima's Paantu! This video is titled "Miyakojima Shimajiri Paantu 2018 Unesco World Cultural Heritage." (宮古島・島尻パーントゥ2018 UNESCO World cultural heritage). It introduces the traditional festival in Miyakojima, Okinawa, "Paantu." During the festival, supernatural gods called Paantu wear masks and chase out evils to bring luck to the villagers. The traditional event is held in two locations in Miyakojima: the Hirano Shimajiri region and the Ueno Nohara region. Each location has its differences. In 1982, both events were selected as Intangible folk cultural properties, and in 1993, they were designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Assets. "Raihojin," (ritual visits of deities in masks and costumes) was added to UNESCO’s intangible folk cultural asset list in 2018. Paantu and Satupunaha Source :YouTube screenshot According to the local history records, the origin of the word "Paantu" is a combination of two words "Paan"(to eat) and "Pitu" (people). It has the meaning of a ghost or a demon. "Satupunaha" (wishes for home) of Shimajiri, Miyakojima takes place three times a year. Paantu is an event that takes place at the third event and it is called Paantu Satupunaha or Paantu Punaha. It was originally held on the "lucky day" (an unspecified day of the month) of the ninth month of the lunar calendar, but now it is held in October. Paantu’s appearance is similar to Namahage, another spiritual creature in Japan. Local young adult men are chosen to become Paantu and there are three roles available (Uya, Naka and Fufa). Check out the video at 0:06 to see what the Paantu look like. The three chosen men wear ivy grass called "Shionokikazura" and apply mud from the bottom of a well called "Nmarigah," which The Nmarigah is located in the vicinity of Miyajima Elementary School, and the mud is smeared on people and houses in the pantu. Children cry and scream and the smell of the mud is so bad that it cannot be removed for several days. You can see the children screaming and crying at 0:14, and teenagers running away at 1:21. Paantu even smear mud on the police car at 1:27. Playing Tag With the Gods Source :YouTube screenshot Local people explain that this event is like playing tag with the gods. The event is loved by the local people, and it's considered lucky to get muddy, as the mud will keep bad spirits away thank to its horrible smell. At first glance, it looks scary, as you see the whole village running away, but when you see the smiling faces of the villagers after being covered with mud, you'll understand the beauty of the festival. In recent years, the festival has been in danger of being cancelled due to complaints of being dirtied and problems with the festival causing trouble. Paantu would smear mud on everyone, including tourists, elderly people, police, and little children. However, the event is very important for the local people as it helps to drive out demons and cleanse the island of bad luck. Therefore, this event still continues and only people who can accept this event should participate this event. Source :YouTube screenshot Please be aware that if you are visiting Shimajiri, Miyakojima during the festival, you WILL get muddy. If you would like to know more about this event, you can also visit the Miyakojima City Museum. At this facility, you can learn about the history of Paantu and Miyakojima. You can also wear Paantu masks and take pictures. The mask is said to have washed ashore on the coast of Miyakojima Island more than a hundred years ago, wrapped in kuba leaves. Summary of Paantu Source :YouTube screenshot Are you looking forward to Paantu? The unique culture of Miyakojima, a remote island, brings many visitors to the island every year. Special goods and T-shirts are also sold, and they help stimulate the local economy, so if you're looking for souvenirs to commemorate your trip, don't miss out on them! Bisit Shimajiri, Miyakojima and have a fun-filled experience in the mud! 【Tripadvisor】City of Miyakojima https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g680765-Miyakojima_Okinawa_Prefecture-Vacations.html -
Video article 1:56
The Toughest Race in the World - The Triathlon! 1,700 Strongmen Take on the Ironman Race Covering a Total Distance of Over 200 Kilometers in Miyakojima!
Sports- 170 plays
- YouTube
The All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima! This is a video of the 35th All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima, released by Ryukyu Shimpo. 1,700 athletes participated in the rigorous competition in Miyakojima, Okinawa, on April 14th, 2019; Some aiming for glory, and others aiming to just finish. Starting at Yonaha Maehama Beach, athletes rushed through the 3 events, swimming, biking, and running through the 202.195 km course, to the goal at Miyakojima City Track and Field. With voices of cheering spectators on the roadside giving them strength. The Miyakojima Triathlon Photo:Traithlon A triathlon is a sport that involves swimming, cycling, and running. The international distance (used at the Olympics) is 51.5 km long. However, the Miyakojima triathlon is not a normal triathlon. It is classified as an Ironman Triathlon, and covers a total distance of 202.195 kilometres- 3 km swimming, 157 km cycling, and 42.195 kms running. The origin of its name is the combination of the suffix tri, meaning 3 in Greek, and athlon which means "an event." The history of triathlons is relatively short, with the world’s first triathlon held in San Diego, California in 1974. After that, events, such as the World Championship series and World Cup, started to be held in various places. Triathlons Are a Brutal Sport! Photo:Triathlon There are other kinds of triathlon, for example the standard distance mentioned earlier, as well as the Sprint-Distance (27.75km), and the Ultra-Triathlon (226km). The Triathlon, which consists of 3 events- swimming, cycling, and running, is a brutal race, and the name "Ironman" fits it quite well. Because of this, the All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima is also called "STRONGMAN." The All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima Photo:Traithlon・Ikema Bridge The All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima is an event held in Miyakojima, a popular resort location in Okinawa. As seen at 0:08 in the video, the race starts from Shimoji Miyakojima City Yonaha Maehama Beach, known as a diving spot, and the course goes around Miyakojima’s sightseeing spots, finally finishing at Miyakojima City Track and Field, as seen from 1:10 in the video. Summary of the All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima When traveling to Ishigakijima or Miyakojima, be sure to stop by the All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima course! If you are interested in sports, you can train for the All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima, and get wetsuits and marathon clothing in preparation! 【Official Website】All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima https://tri-miyako.com/en/ -
Video article 2:10
17END - A Beautiful Attraction on Miyakojima Only Seen at Low Tide! A Guide to the White Sandy Beaches and Clear Waters in Okinawa
Travel Nature Things to Do- 137 plays
- YouTube
Miyakojima '17END': Video Introduction This video, titled "[8K 60P] 17END - A Beautiful Beach on Miyakojima, Okinawa, Japan" ([8K60P] 17END 宮古島の絶景ビーチ Beautiful Beach Miyako,Okinawa,Japan), was uploaded by "Saha Entertainment TV." Miyakojima (Miyako Island), the pride of Okinawa, has many beautiful beaches. Among them, Yonaha Beach (Yonaha Maehama Beach) is famous as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. However, these actually a beach that is even more beautiful than Yonaha Beach... That is '17END.' The name 17END comes from the fact that the runway is angled at 170 degrees from north (0 degrees), and the runway identification number is 17. The 'END' portion comes from the aviation term "Runway End" where the beach is located. 17END is a fantastic beach that can be seen only when certain conditions are met. Before going any further though, be sure to check out the beauty of the beach in this 8K video. 17END - A Phantom Beach With White Sand and Clear Blue Waters! Photo:17END, a phantom beach Next, we'll go over some of the charms of 17END, a fantastic beach that can only be seen when the weather and tides are in harmony. [17END Attraction #1] White Sandy Beaches and Clear Blue Waters The beautiful white sand and the clear turquoise blue sea make this beach one of the most beautiful spots on Miyakojima. [17END Attraction #2] Awesome Airplanes Overhead! The island is located directly behind Shimojishima Airport, so if you time it right, you can watch airplanes take off and land up close. It is also the only place in Japan where visitors can watch touch-and-go landing drills. [17END Attraction #3] Breathtaking Sunsets Although famous for its white sandy beaches and clear blue waters, 17END is also known for its beautiful sunsets, with the sky and sea turning to vibrant shades of orange. 17END is a photogenic spot, as it offers an unobstructed view of the ocean. Things to Do at 17END Photo:People enjoying the beach at 17END At 17END you can do more than just walk along the beach and admire the spectacular views. Swimming is also allowed in the clear blue waters. If you make reservations at one of the marine shops nearby, you can even try SUP (Stand-up Paddleboarding) and have a blast while enjoying the water. In addition, you can take a jet ski tour to a mysterious cave at 17END while enjoying the beautiful beach to your heart's content. When the weather is nice, we also recommend renting a bicycle to cross Irabu Ohashi Bridge and exploring the area from Irabu Island to Shimoji Island. Location and Access Information for 17END, Miyakojima Photo:Shimojishima Airport, Miyakojima, Okinawa If you're considering visiting 17END, please keep in mind that you have to visit at low tide. At low tide, the pure white beach is revealed, but at high tide, the beach is submerged, and cannot be seen. Located on Shimoji Island, a remote island on Miyakojima, access is a 10-minute drive from Shimojishima Airport. Vehicles are not allowed on the beach, so please use a nearby parking lot. There are no lifeguards on duty at the beach either, and because there are places where rip currents occur, be sure to check dangerous places in advance and avoid them during your visit. Be sure to take care of your belongings as well. Summary of 17END If you still haven't watched the video yet, we definitely recommend checking it out as you can see hear the sound of the wind and waves while viewing the beautiful waters of the beach. 17END is a fantastic beach located on Shimoji Island, a remote island of Miyakojima, which only appears at low tide. By carefully monitoring the weather conditions and tides, you'll have a higher chance of seeing this fantastic beach. It's a spectacular spot that Miyakojima takes pride in, and you should definitely see it of you have the chance. For lodging, there are hotels available on Shimoji Island as well as on the neighboring Irabu Island. Some people say that of all the beaches on Miyako Island, 17END is by far the most beautiful. Come and see the sandy white beaches and clear blue waters with your own eyes! The amazing scenery will surely make for a memorable part of any trip to Okinawa. 【Official Website】Shimoji Island | Miyakojima | Official Okinawa Travel Guide https://visitokinawajapan.com/destinations/miyako-islands/shimoji-island/ 【TripAdvisor】Shimoji Island https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g680765-d1373557-r426945332-Shimojishima_Island-Miyakojima_Okinawa_Prefecture.html -
Video article 4:17
The Transparent Waters of Sunayama Beach on Miyakojima + Sightseeing Spots and Attractions on the Island in Okinawa
Nature Travel- 89 plays
- YouTube
Aerial Footage of Sunayama Beach on Miyakojima: Video Introduction This video, titled "[Drone Aerial Photography] Sunayama Beach, Miyakojima|Healing Drone Okinawa" (【ドローン空撮】宮古島 砂山ビーチ Healing Drone Okinawa), was uploaded by "Umi Note." It introduces the beautiful blue skies, sandy white beach, and clear waters of Miyakojima. Highlights of Sunayama Beach – Spectacular Views at Every Turn! Photo:Sunayama Beach, Miyakojima, Okinawa Sunayama Beach is located approximately 4 km from the center of Hirara, a city in Miyakojima, Okinawa Prefecture, in Japan's Kyushu Region. Despite its easy accessibility, the beach is surrounded by unexplored nature and beautiful, clear waters. The video shows the spectacular views of Sunayama Beach from beginning to end. The drone offers a unique view that you wouldn't normally be able to see, and the beach seen from the ocean side is so beautiful that it will leave you speechless. [Video] 0:35 - View From the Beach As the name of the beach suggests (砂山, Sunayama; lit. "Sand Mountain"), it's located over a small sand hill. From the parking lot near Sunayama Beach, there is a narrow path leading uphill. It's a bit difficult to climb while carrying luggage, but the view after reaching the top makes it totally worth the effort. You can't help but stop to take in the view. The Rock Arch at Sunayama Beach – A Popular Instagram Spot! The rock arch is a popular spot at Sunayama Beach. You can see the blue ocean through the rock and take photogenic pictures as well. It's also known as a sunset spot, where you can even see the sunset over the ocean inside the rock arch. We recommend relaxing on the beach and watching the sun set inside the rock arch. Things to Be Careful of at Sunayama Beach Photo:Sunayama Beach, Miyakojima, Okinawa The fact that Sunayama Beach is mostly unspoiled by human hands, means that it's full of natural beauty, but this also means there are a few precautions you should take when visiting the beach. The rock arch is currently closed off due to the danger of falling rocks and collapse. Visitors are advised to only go close to the rocks to take pictures. You can also swim at Sunayama Beach, but the waves are surprisingly tall and accidents have been known to occur. Be careful when snorkeling in areas where the water is even a little deep. Swim rings and life jackets may be necessary. There are also signs warning of sharks. We recommend staying in the shallow areas at Sunayama Beach, as there are no lifeguards on duty. Stay away from the beach when there is a surf advisory in effect. It's important to remember that you're dealing with nature, so please keep this in mind while enjoying your time on the beach. Restrooms and shower rooms are located in the parking lot. Toilets should be used before heading to the beach. The path to the beach is hilly and a bit long, so flip-flops or comfortable walking shoes are recommended. If you're with children, be sure to hold their hands when walking. There are no beach houses or restaurants on Sunayama Beach, so be sure to bring your own food or have lunch in the area. We recommend Sunayama Cafe in front of the beach. How to Get to Sunayama Beach Photo:An aerial view of Sunayama Beach, Miyakojima, Okinawa Compared to the main island of Okinawa, Miyakojima is relatively small. By car, it takes only 20 minutes to reach the beach from Miyako Airport and 10 minutes to reach from Hirara Port. Free parking is available as well. The video shows an aerial view of the entirety Miyakojima. [Video] 3:20 - Miyakojima From the Sky If you don't have a car, you can also rent a bicycle. If you rent a bicycle at Hotel Atoll Emerald Miyakojima, you can get to Sunayama Beach in about 15 minutes. Miyakojima Sightseeing Spots! In addition to Sunayama Beach, there are many other places on Miyakojima where you can enjoy the beautiful ocean, such as Yonaha Maehama Beach, Aragusuku Beach, and Shigira Beach. In addition to taking a dip in the ocean, simply admiring the scenery will leave you feeling content. Also, with the opening of the Miyako Shimojishima Airport Terminal in 2019, there are more fashionable cafes and restaurants. Miyakojima Tokyu Hotel & Resorts and Shigira Bayside Suite Alamanda are the most famous resort hotels, but there are also many nice hotels scattered throughout the area. Summary of Sunayama Beach, Miyakojima If you haven't already watched the video, be sure to check it out! You can enjoy Miyakojima's Sunayama Beach from the sky. Enjoy the sandy white beach, blue sky, and the crystal-clear waters of Miyakojima. If you're planning a trip to Okinawa, why not extend your trip a little further and visit Miyakojima? There are connecting flights to Miyakojima from Naha Airport and direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. The beautiful Sunayama Beach is waiting for you just beyond a sandy mountain. This is a place you don't want to miss! 【TripAdvisor】Sunayama Beach, Miyakojima https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g680765-d1382554-Reviews-Sunayama_Beach-Miyakojima_Okinawa_Prefecture.html -
Video article 7:39
Scuba Diving and Other Things to Do on Okinawa's Miyako Island! Enjoy Beautiful, Maze-Like Sea Caves, Mystical Underwater Worlds, and Sandy Beaches!
Things to Do Living Things Travel- 96 plays
- YouTube
Popular Scuba Diving Spots in the Sea of Miyako Island (Miyakojima): Video Introduction This video, titled "The Unbelievably Beautiful Diving in Miyako Island" (宮古島のダイビングがありえないほど綺麗な件), was uploaded by Ldive, a scuba diving specialty store located in the Nagoya area of Aichi prefecture. In the video, you can explore maze-like caves that will make you feel like an explorer and the fantastical blue light illuminates them. The video captures what it feels like to go scuba diving, with encounters with sea creatures, the sound of divers breathing, and the changing colors of the sea as light filters down. Be sure to enjoy the video as you read on. Miyako Island, a Great Place for Scuba Diving in Okinawa, Japan Photo:A diver Miyako Island, located approximately 300km southwest of the main island of Okinawa, between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, is a popular destination for scuba diving. The island is surrounded by several smaller islands, including Irabu Island, Tarama Island, and Shimoji Island. It has a subtropical maritime climate that is warm, hot, and humid throughout the four seasons. Most of the strata are Ryukyu limestone from uplifted coral reefs, formed by overlapping blocks of sandstone and mud slabs. The entire island has an almost flat, low plateau-like landscape. The area around Hirara Port, a 15-minute drive from the airport, has accommodations, restaurants, and dive stores, making it a convenient spot for sightseeing on the island. A rental car is recommended for sightseeing. However, sightseeing cabs and local buses are also available to take you to popular sightseeing spots. Miyako Island and Ishigaki Island are the most popular remote islands in Okinawa. However, if you want to take your time to enjoy the water, we recommend Miyako Island, with its many attractive scuba diving sites. The West Coast of Shimoji Island: A Popular Spot for Scuba Diving Photo:Cave diving on Miyako Island One of the characteristics of Miyako Island's diving spots is the abundance of caves. Some caves are so narrow that only one person can pass through and there are also places where it is pitch black without an underwater light. The darkness of the caves is what makes the blue light that filters through the openings even more incredible. The blue light and the bubbles exhaled by the divers create a fantastic scene. Be sure to check it out in the video. [Video] 3:00 - A Narrow Cave [Video] 3:50 - A Diver and the Mystical Blue Light In the video, you can also see various encounters with sea creatures and other moments that can only be experienced while scuba diving. The Palace of the Demon King is a popular spot among divers, with its structure resembling a labyrinth with three rooms connected by corridors. The light that filters through the opening and into the corridor 25 meters deep makes it seem like an underwater palace. [Video] 4:40 - Encounters with Marine Life [Video] 6:42 - Encounters with Marine Life [Video] 7:26 - Encounters with Marine Life Toriike Pond, a Natural Monument Known as the 'Dragon's Eye' Photo:Toriike Pond, Miyako, Island Toriike Pond, often called 'The Dragon's Eye" is a National Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument. The two ponds are connected via an underground cave, with the pond on the west side being connected to the ocean. There is also a nearby mini-grotto, which is said to have incredibly beautiful water. In addition to these, there are other popular diving spots such as "Antonio Gaudi" with artistic overlapping arches that change depending on the angle from which they are viewed, is also located nearby. "Nakanoshima Hall" has a fantastic view of blue light pouring straight down through a series of vertical caverns to a depth of approximately 25 meters. Another popular dive site is "Marine Lake," where you can see a long cave and a view of strong sunlight that shines into the cave like a laser beam. Irabu Bridge and the Scuba Diving Sites of Irabu Island That Await You Photo:Irabu Island, Okinawa Irabu Bridge, which connects the main island of Miyakojima and Irabu Island, offers beautiful scenery surrounded by the blue seas and skies. Beyond that, Irabu Island is also dotted with popular diving sites. Blue Cave, is a mysterious cave glowing with blue light located on the north side of Irabu Island, where you can see colorful coral and schools of tropical fish. Near Blue Cave, there is also Cross Hole, which is said to be the most beautiful place on Irabu Island. "Shiratori Kindergarten," uniquely named because of the large number of juvenile fish there, and "Snake Hole," where fog is generated due to waves and manta rays often pass by in early spring, are also popular dive sites with many attractions. Scuba Diving Tours to Popular Points on Miyako Island Photo:A woman diving There are various types of diving tours available, including tours that include free rental of equipment such as underwater cameras, underwater lights, and dive computers, tours that include round-trip airfare, lodging, and diving, tours that include rental cars, tours that include box lunches made from local ingredients, and tours that include free photos as a gift. There are two types of scuba diving: experience diving, in which beginners can participate, and fun diving, in which only licensed divers (C-card holders) can participate. The experience diving course for beginners includes basic training, such as how to breathe, how to remove pressure in ears, how to handle equipment, and hand signs (hand signals), and you can also enjoy a walk underwater with a guide or instructor. The popular diving license acquisition course includes a plan that allows you to stay at a hotel with a diving store attached to it, and is recommended for those who want to acquire a license in a short period of time (2 to 3 days). Miyako Blue: The Beautiful Waters of Miyako Island Photo:Coral reefs at Yabiji, Miyako Island Miyako Island has many breathtaking spots where you can enjoy its beautiful waters which have been dubbed "Miyako Blue." ●Yabiji Yabiji is Japan's largest coral reef group, consisting of over 100 large and small coral reefs. Known as the Great Barrier Reef of Japan, it's a popular spot where you can see vibrant coral, tropical fish, and sea turtles in the emerald green sea. ●Yonaha Maehama Beach Yonaha Maehama Beach is a 7km long stretch of white sandy beach and is said to be the most beautiful sea in the East. The sea is a gradient of emerald green to deep blue, and is especially beautiful at sunset. ●Cape Higashi-Hennazaki Located at the easternmost point of Miyako Island, sits the approximately 2km beautiful cape of Higashi-Hennazaki. It offers a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean to the south and the East China Sea to the north, and it has been designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty. Other popular spots include the Sunayama Beach, known for its fine powdery snow-like sand and rock arches formed via erosion from waves, as well as Irabu Island's Triangulation Point, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of Miyako Blue from a 70-meter cliff. Traditional Crafts, Delicious Food, and One-Of-A-Kind Souvenirs on Miyako Island Photo:Miyako Soba (Soki Soba), Okinawa Miyako Island is known for its unique cuisine and traditional crafts that are popular as souvenirs. Miyako Island's gourmet foods include Miyako soba, which is Okinawa soba that originated on Miyako Island, Miyako beef, which must be raised on the island for at least 15 months, Miyako adzuki a traditional vegetable, and Doug's Burger," made with yellow fin tuna from Miyako Island and Japanese black beef from Tarama Island. Other popular products include ripe mangoes with a perfect balance of sugar, acidity, and flavor, chunky sweet and sour island bananas, and additive-free pure brown sugar made from nutrient-rich sugarcane. The Miyakojima City Traditional Crafts Center sells various items and hosts tours where visitors can experience traditional Miyako Island crafts, such as Miyako Jofu, a traditional textile which is woven with threads made from fibers of the ramie plant, Miyako-ori, a hand-woven fabric made using cotton for the warp and spun ramie fibers for the weft, and Miyako-asaori, in which hemp is used both for the warp and weft. Other Things to Do on Miyako Island (Miyakojima) Besides the beaches and scuba diving, there are a variety of other things you can do on Miyako Island. It's recommended that you stay for at least two days to see everything the island has to offer. Here are a few places we recommend checking out when visiting the island. Miyako Shrine Miyako Shrine, built in 1590, is the southernmost shrine in Japan (as a shrine under the comprehensive administration of the Jinja Honcho or Association of Shinto Shrines). The shrine has a unique architecture and color that can't be found in other shrines in Japan, and is great for taking photos and exploring the history and culture of Miyako Island. Hours: Open 24 hours Admission Fee: Free Seasah Story Shisa are mythical lion-dogs found in Okinawan mythology. Seasah Story is a shop that specializes in shisa statues. There are all sorts of unique shisa that can be seen and purchased inside the store. It's a great place to go for souvenirs! Hours: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Taragawa Brewery Taragawa Brewery has been brewing awamori, a strong alcoholic beverage unique to Okinawa, for more than 70 years. The brewery also has a unique method for storing awamori in a 60-meter-longcave located 5 meters underground. You can take a tour of the brewery and even purchase your own awamori at the end. Hours (Tours): 11:00 am, 1:30 pm, 3:00 pm. Each tour is 45 minutes to an hour long. Admission Fee: Free How to Get To Miyako Island (Miyakojima) Despite being technically a part of Okinawa, Miyako Island is located quite a ways south of Okinawa. Because of this, the only way to get to the island is via plane. From Tokyo, you can take a 3-hour flight from either Haneda Airport or Narita Airport. From Naha, Okinawa, you can take a 50-minute flight to directly to Miyako Airport. From Osaka, it's a 2 hour and 15 minute flight from Kansai International Airport. Summary of Miyako Island, a Place Dotted With Popular Scuba Diving Spots The maze of caves and the underwater world with blue light pouring in from the surface, makes diving on Miyakojima a one-of-a-kind experience. The fantastic caves will make you feel like an explorer as you encounter all sorts of fascinating marine life. We hope that watching the video and reading this article has you interested in a trip to Miyakojima! 【Trip Advisor】Miyako Island (Miyakojima) https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g680765-Miyakojima_Okinawa_Prefecture-Vacations.html