A
subtropical climate, aquamarine blue sea, white sand beaches, colorful
marine life and very kind islanders... It won't take long before you fall hopelessly in love with Miyako.Enjoy your day relaxing on almost deserted beaches and playing all kinds of water sports, after a glass of awamori with many newly found friends in one of the countless izakayas in the evening.
Let
the island's world enchant you. Rummage through pictures, read about
backgrounds & legends and get useful advise on planning your stay. If you have any further questions don't hesitate to contact us by phone or email.
Miyakojima
The islands of Miyako are located in the middle of the Ryukyu Archipelago, 303km southwest from the city of Naha on the Okinawa mainland and 133km east-northeast from Ishigaki Island. The land is mostly flat, with the highest point being 114m, and the islands consists of exposed coral and Ryūkyū limestone filled by sandstone and clay. More than half of the total land area (12,000ha) is cultivated.Miyako's IslanDS
MiyakoThe biggest of Miyako's islands. With its lively center Hirara, an enormous number of bars and restaurants and some of the most beautiful beaches of Japan Miyako is the heart of the archipelago.
Ikema
A fishing island, its main catch is bonito. Ikema Marsh, located at the center of the island, is a paradise for wild fowl. Traditional ways of worship still remain, and the island is known as a treasure trove of folklore.
Ōgami
The residents of this small island, 2km in circumference, still believe strongly in Soshin, a secretive and ancestor-based worship. Legend holds that the treasure of pirate captain Kidd still lies hidden on the island.
Ferry: Ōgami Kaiun, tel.: 0980-72-5477
Shimoji
Shimoji-jima has a 3000m runway used for training airline pilots - the same length as the main runway of Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Surrounding the airportis the panorama of the ocean.
Irabu
Fishing has been prosperous on the island for a long time and its catch is usually among the biggest in Okinawa. The island is 15 minutes by ferry from Miyakojima and the main tourist spots include: Miyakojima lookout point, Toguchi beach and Sawada beach. The island is becoming a center for remote island tours.
Minna
Minna island is located 10km north of Tarama. The island is rich in plant life and is surrounded by coral reefs.
To charter boat call Miyaguni (tel.: 0980-79-2773)
Tarama
This small round island is located midway between Ishigaki and Miyako. the island is still home to many classical and traditional arts such as the August Dance Festival. Here you can savor the older houses and life style of the southern islands.
Time to Miyakojima
By plane: 25 min. (RAC, RyūkyūAir Commuter, tel.: 0980-79-2806)
By ferry: 3hr. 30 min. (Tarama Kaiun, Hirara Office, tel.: 0980-72-9209)
Kurima
You can see this island from Maehama beach. In winter the island becomes a bird refuge as sashiba (a migratory hawk) stop over on the way to wintering in Southeast Asia. Also of interest are remains of big stone graves and Fuso (open-air burials).this island is accessible by bridge from Miyako.
Data on miyako Island
| Location |
24-25° North latitude 125-126° East latitude
|
| Area | 226.3 km |
| Population | 56,040 persons (March 2006) |
| Households | 22,666 (March 2006) |
| Density | 257 per square km |
| Highest Point | Yokodake (114.6 m) |
| Average Temperature | 23°C |
| Average Humidity | 80 % |
| Average annual Precipitation | 2033.1 mm |
| Climate | Subtropical |
| Seasonal Events | °C | °C (Sea water) | Suggested Clothing | ||
| Jan | Winter | Cold spells | 17.2 | 20.1 | Light jacket |
| Feb | Early spring cold spells Cherry trees start to blossom Spring flowers begin to bud |
17.6 | 20.2 | Sweat Shirt | |
| Mar | Spring | Swallows start to move to the North Spring Equinox Deigo trees start to blossom |
19.3 | 21.2 | |
| Apr | Early Summer - Rainy Season | Deigo trees in full blossom Cold spells |
22.1 | 23.2 | T-Shirt, Shorts |
| May | Start of the rainy season | 24.8 | 25.9 | ||
| Jun | Hot nights begin | 26.8 | 27.6 | ||
| Jul | Summer | Midsummer Intense heat |
28.3 | 29.0 | |
| Aug | Swallows go south Fall begins Typhoons |
28.0 | 28.9 | ||
| Sep | End of hot nights Fall winds start Typhoons |
27.1 | 28.3 | ||
| Oct | Fall | Arrival of Sashiba hawks short hot spells |
24.9 | 22.1 | Sweatshirt |
| Nov | Monsoon | 22.1 | 23.6 | ||
| Dec | Winter | Early winter cold spells | 19.0 | 21.4 | Jacket |
