Miyako Islands Guide
Overview
Around Miyako Island, there are three islands connected by bridges:
Irabu Island, Kurima Island, and Ikema Island.
From the main city area (Hirara), you can reach all of them by car in about 20 minutes.
Irabu Island → Largest, many attractions, airport & more shops
Kurima Island → Small, stylish cafes
Ikema Island → Least developed, untouched nature
🌊 Ocean Spots
Scenic Ocean Views
17END Beach（Recommend）
Google Maps
A beach behind Shimojishima Airport.
Crystal clear water.
On south wind days, planes land right overhead.
*Landing direction changes with wind.
Sankakuten Cliff（Recommend）
Google Maps
A breathtaking cliff viewpoint.
⚠️ Dangerous – visit at your own risk.
Iguana Rock
Google Maps
Another dramatic cliff viewpoint.
⚠️ Dangerous – visit at your own risk.
Shinbiji Beach（Recommend）
Google Maps
You can enjoy the same ocean view from ground level.
Also possible to swim here.
Makiyama Observatory
Ryugu Observatory
Imgya Marine Garden
Irabu Bridge（Recommend）
Ikema Bridge Parking Area（Recommend）
Higashi-Hennazaki Cape
Google Maps
Easternmost point of Miyako Island.
Great sunrise spot with wide open views.
Nishi-Hennazaki Cape
Google Maps
Another sunrise spot.
Famous garlic shrimp shop nearby.
Beaches (Relax & View)
Sawada Beach（Recommend）
Google Maps
Famous sunset spot.
Shallow water, perfect for relaxing or SUP.
Best sunset on the island.
Toguchi Beach
Google Maps
Wide, white sandy beach often used for weddings.
Sunayama Beach
Google Maps
A beach beyond a sand hill.
Resort-like atmosphere.
Yonaha Maehama Beach
Google Maps
One of Asia’s best beaches.
Safe but can be crowded.
Back Maehama Beach
Google Maps
Less crowded than Maehama.
Beautiful sunset spot.
Snorkeling Spots
Nakanoshima Beach（Recommend）
Google Maps
Best snorkeling spot.
Tons of fish even near shore.
Reef area has tunnels and unique terrain.
Sabautsuga & Blue Cave（Recommend）
Google Maps
Summer snorkeling spot.
Not suitable in winter.
Possible to see giant trevally (GT).
Funaus Beach（Recommend）
Google Maps
Very clear water, lots of fish, fewer people.
Aragusuku Beach（Recommend）
Google Maps
High chance of swimming with sea turtles.
Stargazing Spots
Shiratori Misaki West Park Parking
Google Maps
No light pollution.
Amazing starry sky.
Nagamahama Beach
Google Maps
Beautiful for both sunset and stargazing.
🌿 Nature (Non-Ocean)
Nudokubiabu（Recommend）
Google Maps
Feels like ancient ruins.
Highly recommended.
⚠️ Wear proper shoes.
Ubutakenaka Nakado Cave
More Info
Another mysterious cave spot.
Usununsunbu
Google Maps
Hidden location.
10-minute walk through fields and forest.
Pumpkin Hall
Google Maps
Famous cave spot (usually visited by tour).
🍽️ Food & Restaurants in Miyako Island
◆ Miyako Soba
Irabu Soba Yurari
Google Maps
Miyako soba with chewy homemade noodles and light, flavorful broth.
Cold soba is perfect on hot days.
Local rice dish (juicy) is also delicious.
San (Irabu Island)
Google Maps
A high-end shabu-shabu restaurant at night.
Their lunch specialty “TKS (Tamago Kake Soba)” is outstanding.
New Hamaya (Irabu Island)
Google Maps
Fresh noodles with light broth.
Mixed soba is also recommended.
Niima Soba (Miyako Island)
More Info
Curly noodles with a chewy texture.
Very popular local spot.
Marukami Soba (Kurima Island)
Google Maps
Similar to Niima Soba.
Extremely delicious and often has long lines.
Ijima Tourism Service (Irabu Island)
Google Maps
Loved by locals.
Located near Toguchi Beach.
Try adding their special spicy seasoning.
Kame Soba (Irabu Island)
Google Maps
Classic, traditional Miyako soba.
◆ Curry
Moses Curry (Miyako Island)
Google Maps
Hidden gem with amazing spice curry.
Turns into a bar at night.
Hatake Kitchen (Miyako Island)
Google Maps
Curry restaurant run by a mango farm.
Mango curry, juice, and lassi are excellent.
Spice Curry insula (Irabu Island)
Google Maps
Daily changing spice curry.
Unique owner and atmosphere.
◆ BBQ & Yakiniku
Sachiya Meat Shop (Miyako Island)
Google Maps
Incredible quality BBQ meat at low prices.
Casual backyard-style setting.
Yakiniku CURURU (Irabu Island)
Google Maps
High-quality meat with good value.
More affordable than typical tourist pricing.
◆ Izakaya (Japanese Pub)
Irabu Sakaba Yurari
Google Maps
Izakaya using local island ingredients.
Enjoy drinks from all six Miyako breweries.
Recommended: pineapple pork shabu-shabu, local bonito, Miyako beef hamburger.
Late night karaoke available.
*Discounts for guests.*
Bijashi (Irabu Island)
Google Maps
Local hidden gem.
Everything is delicious and affordable.
Izakaya Denmi
Google Maps
Great overall menu.
Denmi soba lunch (Thu & Sun only) is popular.
Oden Aya (Irabu Island)
Google Maps
Very local atmosphere.
Cheap and tasty island-style oden.
Karaoke available.
Ryugu (Irabu Island)
Google Maps
Top-quality izakaya.
A bit pricey but one of the best in Miyako.
En no Sato (Miyako Island)
Google Maps
Custom course meals available.
High-end Japanese cuisine using local ingredients.
Okobore Shoten (Miyako Island)
Google Maps
Great value and tasty food.
SUBAKO (Miyako Island)
Google Maps
Stylish interior and great food.
Watowa (Miyako Island)
Google Maps
Charcoal-grilled meat dishes.
Great taste and value.
Deiriguchi (Miyako Island)
Google Maps
Seafood-focused menu.
Everything is delicious.
Takara Oden (Miyako Island)
More Info
Popular among locals.
Affordable and tasty.
Brown Sugar (Miyako Island)
Google Maps
Cheap and consistently delicious.
Mishore (Miyako Island)
Google Maps
Amami-style cuisine.
Everything tastes great.
Churashima (Miyako Island)
Google Maps
Live Okinawan music and performances.
Trending on TikTok.
Churabuta (Miyako Island)
Google Maps
Sister restaurant of Churashima.
Agu pork shabu-shabu with shrimp broth is excellent.
◆ Ramen
Menya Summer Taiyo
Google Maps
Best ramen spot in Miyako.
Shrimp ramen and hormone ramen are great.
Jungle Hanten
Google Maps
Open late.
Chinese dishes are cheap and delicious.
◆ Desserts
Nakayukui Shoten (Irabu Island)
Google Maps
Best sata andagi (Okinawan donuts) in Japan.
Nanami Cafe (Irabu Island)
Google Maps
Great donuts and excellent coffee.
Natural Ice Otogi (Miyako Island)
Google Maps
Premium shaved ice made with natural ice.
Gelato Cafe Ninufa (Ikema Island)
Google Maps
Enjoy gelato with an ocean view.
Private beach nearby.
Ricco Gelato (Miyako Island)
Google Maps
Most popular gelato shop in Miyako.
Blue Seal (Painagama Branch)
Google Maps
Famous Okinawan ice cream.
Cute interior design.
◆ Rainy Day Spots
Miyakojima Underwater Park
Yukishio Museum
Shigira Onsen
Official Site
Only hot spring in Miyako.
Swimsuit area available.
Taragawa Brewery Tour
Miyako Underground Dam Museum
Miyakojima Museum
Miyako Resin Experience
Google Maps
Hands-on resin art experience.
