Three Days Exploring Around Okinawa’s Miyako Island

Ocean’s Vista is located inside Ocean’s Resort Miyakojima, perched on a cliff amidst lush greenery. As the name suggests, the panoramic ocean view from the restaurant is spectacular. The Original Miyako Miso Soba is the popular house specialty.

Sea View restaurant specializes in classics of Okinawan cuisine, such as Miyako soba or the soft simmered pork rafte gozen lunch set. It is located on the second floor of Kaihoukan next to Boraga Beach, offering panoramic views of the coastline.

A variety of experiences await you at Kaihoukan. Visitors can explore the natural surroundings while kayaking, diving, cave exploring, or visit their Shell Museum and learn how to make whimsical souvenirs by crafting with shells.

Dive into the enchanting underwater world aboard a semi-submersible boat. Miyako Island's stunning underwater scenery will be revealed in full color as you sail up close to the island's thriving coral reef, tropical fish, and the rare sighting of sea turtles.

Reach new heights at Okinawa's first and only pair lift, across 283 meters between the sea and a nearby hill. Take in the island's breathtaking aerial views of the vibrant green and blue coastline as you sail through the air as if floating.

Make delicate fabrics with hand-woven striped patterns using natural raw materials. The fabrics can also be dyed with indigo for overlapping shades of blue, where you can use traditional techniques to create your own personal design.

Miyako Island’s native palm, chigaya, is a very durable raw material that, when dried, can be woven into many useful or decorative items. In this experience, you can learn how to create these objects yourself, and take home a unique souvenir filled with fun memories!

Miyakojima City Botanical Garden is one of Okinawa’s largest biodiversity areas, with several walking courses that take you to attractive viewing points among its lush forests full of native Okinawan wildlife, lovely ponds, and resting spots.

This restaurant’s recommended dishes include the Miyako Island wagyu beef rice bowl as well as mangoes and other seasonally available organic fruits from Kurima Island, Miyako Island, and Okinawa, are popular.

On Kurima Island, Kissho is the Miyako Island branch of the long-established restaurant in Tokyo’s Ginza district. Their changing seasonal menu also uses fresh ingredients from Miyako Island and Okinawa, such as the sashimi gozen lunch set.

Climb to the top of the three-story Ryugujo Observatory for an rewarding panoramic view of the surrounding sea, all the way to Yonaha Maehama Beach or Irabu Island. The tower is inspired by the dragon's palace of a popular folktale, set on a hilltop.

Ryukyu Zakka Aosora is a shop that specializes in Okinawan crafts such as yachimun pottery, Ryukyu glass, bingata dyed fabrics. All the items were personally selected by the shop owner during his visits to artists’ workshops across the islands.

Bask in the soft light of the sunset’s golden hour with privileged views of the endless ocean and sky, while cruising the sea of Miyakojima. Then, sip on your drink provided by the cruise and contemplate the radiant views on this enchanting ride through the sea.

While there’s no shortage of beautiful beaches in Okinawa, Yonaha Maehama Beach stands above them all with some of the most idyllic sights that keep attracting travelers from around the world. A must-visit to wander or just relax lying on the white sand.

This seaside station offers a wide variety of local products, from fresh seafood and locally grown vegetables to casual dining and crafty souvenirs. It’s the perfect stop to eat and shop, while gazing at the majestically snaking Irabu Bridge.

Built in 1982, Makiyama Observatory is one of the symbols of Irabu Island, loosely shaped like a buzzard taking off from the island’s highest point. Visitors can take in panoramic views of neighboring islands, and enjoy forest bathing below.

Tooriike Pond is a natural treasure and a popular diving spot on the west coast of Shimoji Island. It consists of two small, deep blue ponds formed by limestone erosion, separated by a natural stone bridge and connected to the sea through an underwater cave.

Discover the natural aquarium on Shimoji Island's southwestern side. Beneath this beach’s white sand and crystal clear turquoise water is a rich and extensive coral ecosystem teeming with marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.

This local soba shop was established in 1932 and still makes its signature noodles using old-school methods. You can enjoy their Miyako soba or soki soba, topped with spare ribs, while surrounded by the nostalgic atmosphere under red roof tiles.

This popular ramen and soba shop serves homemade chewy noodles made daily with whole wheat flour in a salt broth. The menu features local Miyako tiger prawns and Miyako beef, carefully seasoned to bring out the best possible taste.