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Miyako Jima’s scenic crystal clear waters and white sand beaches have long been considered one of Japan’s most beautiful destinations.
Its natural setting, people and fascinating cultural events make Miyako an amazing escape any time of the year.
Miyakojima is the fourth largest island of the Ryukyu chain, located just 190 miles south of Okinawa Island. The main island, which measures just over 60 square miles, is relatively flat in terrain, making for easy transportation via scooter or bicycle. Bridges connect Miyako to its closest islets, Ikema Jima and Kurima Jima to the north and southwest respectively, expanding possibilities for exploration.
Nature lovers rejoice, as Miyako radiates beauty in air, sea and land. Minimal build-up and infrastructure over low terrain afford uninhibited views of fluffy clouds and blue horizon, while translucent waters house vibrant reefs and colorful fish.
This island sets the bar for slow living, and many of the more famous sites reflect a comforting return to the basics. Visitors can explore, lounge, swim, or dive Miyako Jima’s pristine beaches. The major ones include Yoshino-Kaigan and Yonaha-Maehama. Sunayama and Aragusuku beaches also offer eccentric rock formations, picturesque views and colorful shallows. The scenery, however, is not the only draw.
“Miyako’s people are wonderful,” says Anton Hajime, a local source of most things Okinawan. “When you make friends with them, they treat you like family.” But he warns: “Watch out for “otouri.”
Otouri, he explains, is the local practice of drinking “awamori,” the island’s craft rice liquor. Friends and family gather, each taking turns toasting and pouring rounds. Once the toaster completes full circle, the next person toasts and pours, the rounds continuing until the celebrations have ended.
It’s easy to envision how such a night would turn out, but I understood Anton’s point. The people of Miyakojima share what they have, whether it’s their island’s breathtaking scenery, their hearty friendship, or in this case, a sip of their famous awamori. Seven distilleries produce some of the finest liquors in Okinawa, the priciest upwards of 5,000 yen a bottle.
The island’s people observe a unique festival called Paantu, traditionally occurring the ninth month of the lunar calendar, though exact dates and practices vary from village to village. Led by a procession of guardian priestesses, the ceremony is meant ward off evil spirits. Men playing the role of Paantu (ghost) don grass and wooden masks, cover themselves with mud and run about the village smearing the stuff on homes and people. To be dirtied is a blessing, providing spiritual protection for the year.
Getting there: Several flights are available to and from Miyako Airport daily, only 45 minutes travel time from Naha Airport. Travel and hotel accommodations can be booked through HIS Okinawa, or via any travel website. Rental cars, scooters, bicycles, or taxis provide easy access around the island during your stay. Local buses are also available, but difficult to use.
For more information, contact HIS Okinawa at 098-982-7600, or visit tripadvisor.com for traveler recommendations.
