Miyako Island: The Bluest Water in Japan
How to visit Miyako Island in Okinawa: Yonaha Maehama beach, the Irabu Bridge, snorkelling spots, when to go and flights from Tokyo and Naha.
Quick answer
- What it is: a flat coral island in southern Okinawa, about 300 kilometres southwest of the main island.
- Famous for: some of Japan's best beaches and very clear water.
- Top beach: Yonaha Maehama, about 7 kilometres of white sand.
- Time needed: 3 or 4 days.
- Best time: April to October for swimming.
- Map: Open Miyako Island in Google Maps
Miyako has no rivers, so little soil washes into the sea. The result is water of an almost unreal blue, known across Japan as Miyako blue.
Why Miyako is a wonder
The island is ringed by coral reefs and long sandy beaches. Yonaha Maehama often tops lists of Japan's finest beaches, with soft sand and shallow water.
Bridges link Miyako to smaller islands. The Irabu Bridge, at 3,540 metres, is the longest toll-free bridge in Japan.
Snorkelling and island drives
Beaches such as Aragusuku and Imgya Marine Garden have coral and tropical fish close to shore. On calm days, the reefs are full of life.
Driving the bridges to Ikema, Kurima and Irabu islands is one of the joys of a visit, with sea views on both sides.
Places to visit
| Spot | What you see | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Yonaha Maehama | A long white sand beach | swimming and sunset |
| Irabu Bridge | A sweeping bridge over blue water | driving and views |
| Higashi Hennazaki | A long cape with a lighthouse | walking and views |
| Imgya Marine Garden | A sheltered cove with fish | snorkelling |
| Sunayama Beach | A beach behind a sand dune and rock arch | photos |
When to go
- April to June: warm seas before the summer peak.
- July and August: hot and busy, with a typhoon risk.
- September and October: warm water and fewer crowds, but check for typhoons.
- Winter: mild but too cool for most swimmers.
Our tip: Rent a car. Buses are few, and the best beaches and bridges are spread around the island.
Getting there
- From Tokyo: direct flights to Miyako take about 3 hours.
- From Naha: flights take about 50 minutes.
- Shimojishima Airport: a second airport on Shimoji, linked by bridge, has some low-cost flights.
Visiting responsibly
- Do not touch, stand on or take coral.
- Swim at beaches with lifeguards or nets, and watch for currents.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen where possible.
- Check the forecast for typhoons in late summer.
Frequently asked questions
Is Miyako Island worth visiting?
Yes, especially for beaches, snorkelling and quiet island drives.
How do you get to Miyako?
By plane from Tokyo, Osaka or Naha.
Do you need a car on Miyako?
It helps a lot, as buses are limited.
What is the best beach on Miyako?
Yonaha Maehama is the most famous.
Tofuku-ji
A wooden bridge over a valley of maples that burns red each November.
We check this guide regularly. Prices, hours and rules in Japan can change, so confirm with the official sources below before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.