JP · Okinawa Prefecture · 24.77°N 125.32°E

miyakojima

Some of Japan's bluest water, long sea bridges and quiet white-sand beaches.

Best time
April to June and October are warm, with fewer crowds. July and August are peak beach season, and typhoons are most likely from about July to September. Winter is mild but windy, and cool for swimming.
How long
3–4 days
Getting there
Fly from KL to Naha, Tokyo or Osaka with a connection, then take a domestic flight to Miyako Airport or Shimojishima Airport. From Naha it's about 50 minutes.
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JP · Okinawa Prefecturemiyakojima24.77°N 125.32°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Some of Japan's bluest water, long sea bridges and quiet white-sand beaches.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingMiyakojimaJP, Okinawa Prefecture
KLmiyakojima
≈ 3,491 km from KL, as the crow flies
沖縄県宮古島市の宮古島にある与那覇前浜

Photo: Paipateroma · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A flat coral island in Okinawa, about 300 km southwest of the main island, with some of the clearest water in Japan. Long bridges link it to smaller islands nearby, and days are spent driving between white-sand beaches and snorkelling spots.

Makan

  1. Miyako sobaOkinawa-style noodles in a light broth, with the toppings traditionally hidden under the noodles.Map ↗
  2. Umibudo'Sea grapes', a crunchy seaweed that pops in your mouth.Map ↗
  3. MangoesMiyako's mangoes are in season in summer.Map ↗
  4. AwamoriOkinawa's rice spirit, made at several distilleries on the island.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Irabu BridgeA 3.5 km toll-free bridge to Irabu and Shimoji islands, with turquoise water on both sides.Map ↗
  2. Yonaha Maehama BeachA long stretch of soft white sand, often ranked among Japan's best beaches.Map ↗
  3. Sunayama BeachA small beach reached over a sand dune, with a rock arch at one end.Map ↗
  4. 17ENDThe end of Shimojishima Airport's runway, where the shallow water is famously clear and blue.Map ↗
  5. SnorkellingAragusuku and Yoshino beaches on the east side have coral and fish close to shore.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Rent a car, as buses are limited. Malaysians drive on the left too, but you need an International Driving Permit from JPJ to rent a car in Japan.
  • Box jellyfish appear in summer. Swim at beaches with nets or lifeguards, and wear a rash guard.
  • Don't stand on or touch the coral.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.