In October 2019 we went on a trip to Miyakojima island(宮古島) and nearby islands. Miyakojima is in the southwest of Japan and belongs to Okinawa Prefecture (沖縄県). We mainly enjoyed snorkeling there. The sea was clean and warm, with beautiful coral reefs.
Diary
| 10/17 | Narita Airport → Shimojishima Airport Shimoji-shima & Irabu-jima Trip ・Nakanoshima Beach (中の島ビーチ) ・Lake Tori-ike (通り池) ・Toguchi Beach (渡口の浜) ・Irabu noodle restaurant “Kame” (伊良部そば・かめ) ・Sawada Beach (佐和田の浜) |
| 10/18 | Miyako-jima Trip ・Yonaha-maehama Beach与那覇前浜 ・Shigira Beach (シギラビーチ) ・Higashi-hennazaki Cape (東平安名岬) |
| 10/19 | Miyako-jima Trip ・Shigira Beach (シギラビーチ) ・Maruyoshi Restaurant (丸吉食堂) ・Miyako-jima Onsen (宮古島温泉) |
| 10/20 | Miyako-jima & Shimoji-shima Trip ・Nakanoshima Beach (中の島ビーチ) ・Shigira Ogon Onsen (シギラ黄金温泉) |
| 10/21 | Miyako-jima & Shimoji-shima Trip ・Sunayama Beach (砂山ビーチ) ・Sawada Beach (佐和田の浜) Shimojishima Airport → Narita Airport |
We stayed at pension “Pork Luncheon Meat”. It’s located near Painagama Beach in Miyako-jima island. I think the pension is only for Japanese travelers. If you are not Japanese, major hotels such as Tokyu, or hotels in Shigira resort area are better.
Beach
Nakanoshima Beach (中の島ビーチ)
The first place I visited after arriving at Shimoji-shima Airport was Nakanoshima Beach. It was a beautiful beach in a small bay. We snorkeled and found a lot of fish.
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Shigira Beach (シギラビーチ)
Shigira Beach is a beach in the luxury resort area of Miyako-jima. There are a dive shop, shower and cafeteria near the beach, so anyone can enjoy diving, snorkeling or sea-bathing.
Shigira Beach had a beautiful coral reef near the coast and was rich in tropical fish such as clownfish. Shigira beach is a habitat of sea turtle. You will find sea turtles with a high probability.
シギラビーチ / Shigira Beach 
クマノミ / Clownfish 
ウミガメ / Sea turtle
Sawada Beach (佐和田の浜)
Sawada beach is located near Shimoji-sima Airport. Sea with many rocks makes fantastic seascape.
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View Spot
Lake Tori-ike(通り池)
There are two round lakes called “Tori-ike” on the west coast of Shimoji-sima. These lakes are linked to the sea underground.
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Higashi-Hennazaki Cape (東平安名岬)
Higashi-hennazaki is a cape located in the south east of Miyako-jima. It’s long and narrow cape with steep cliff. The weather was not good, but the view from the cape was great.
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A secret view spot
This is a secret place where you can see airplanes flying low over the beautiful emerald sea. The best view spot in Miyako islands.
Onsen
There are two famous Onsen in Miyako-jima. The one is “Miyako-jima Onsen” and the other is “Shigira Ogon Onsen”. The latter is recommended for foreign travelers.
Shigira Ogon Onsen (シギラ黄金温泉)
Shigira Ogon Onsen is located in the Shigira resort area. It’s about 5 mins from Shigira beach by car. The feature of this facility is a large onsen pool in a tropical garden. You can enjoy even on rainy or cold days.
Cuisine : Soki-soba (ソーキそば)
Miyako-jima’s famous local food is Soki-soba(ソーキそば). Soki-soba is a noodle with pork ribs. We went Maruyoshi-shokudo(丸吉食堂) restaurant to eat Soki-soba. Maruyoshi-shokudo is located near Shigira resort. The restaurant is very popular and crowded with many customers.
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