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Miyako Island (Miyakojima), located 300 kilometers south of Okinawa Main Island and 100 kilometers north of the Yaeyama Islands, is known for some of Japan's best beaches and as a great destination for snorkeling and diving in the coral reefs. The sub tropical climate provides mild weather year around.
Miyako is the fourth largest island in Okinawa Prefecture. It lacks any major hills or mountains and is mostly covered by sugar cane fields and a few towns, among which Hirara is the largest with a moderate range of restaurants and bars. Resort hotels and pensions are found across the island. Unlike other parts of Okinawa, Miyako is free of habu snakes.
Goya chanpuru and soba noodles, two famous Okinawa dishes, are also popular on Miyako
Beaches:
Beaches are Miyako's most famous attraction. There are picturesque sand beaches for swimming and relaxing and coral reefs that provide excellent snorkeling. While the beaches are open year round, they are best enjoyed from April to November when the air temperature consistently tops 25 degrees and the water is very warm.
When enjoying the beaches, beware of strong currents that can pull you out to sea and poisonous creatures such as Habu Jellyfish, a type of box jellyfish, that is most prevalent from June to October. Although jellyfish stings are rare, if stung you should pour vinegar over the sting, remove any tentacles, and seek medical help as it may become life threatening if left untreated.
Ratings:
 best of the best
 best of Japan
 outstanding
Other Attractions:
Besides its beaches, snorkeling and diving, Miyako offers a small range of other attractions, including places of natural beauty and cultural interest, and a couple of elegant bridges to neighboring islands.
Ratings:
best of the best
best of Japan
outstanding
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How to get there
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Miyako Airport has direct flights to Tokyo's Haneda Airport (2.5 to 3 hours, 1 flight/day), Osaka's Kansai Airport (2 hours, 1 flight/day), Naha Airport on Okinawa Main Island (45 minutes, frequent flights), Ishigaki (30 minutes, 2-3 flights/day) and Tarama (20 minutes, 2 flights/day), a small island between Miyako and Ishigaki. Air passes can provide big savings on the Tokyo and Osaka routes, in particular.
Ferry services between Ishigaki, Miyako and Okinawa Main Island were discontinued in 2008.
How to get around
Miyako is a relatively small island, measuring about 25 kilometers from south to north and about 15 kilometers from east to west.
A rental car is the most convenient means of getting around Miyako. Most rental car companies have an outlet at Miyako Airport. Driving on Miyako is easy and enjoyable. There are also rental shops for bicycles and scooters.
Many hotels offer their guests free shuttle bus rides from/to the airport. Likewise, many leisure and water sport companies will pick up their customers from hotels free of charge. A bus network on the island is existent, but it is not easy to use, and bus connections are infrequent. Airport access is provided by taxis rather than buses.
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Travel Community
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Popularity of Miyako Island:
Users who have been to Miyako Island: 4
Most visited: Ranked 112th out of 113 destinations
Ratings for Miyako Island:
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japan-guide.com Rating:
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best of Japan
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User Rating:
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n/a
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insufficient data
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