Prepare to be whisked away to a true island “Wonder” at Miyakojima Island, a paradise of pristine beaches and sparkling turquoise waters.

Name: Miyakojima Island (宮古島 – Miyako-jima)

Address: Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
(As Miyakojima is an island city, this is its general geographical designation. The main populated area is Hirara.)

How to get there:
Miyakojima is an island paradise that is only accessible by air.

• By Plane (Primary Method):
  • Miyako Airport (MMY): This is the main airport on Miyakojima. Direct flights are available from major Japanese cities like Tokyo (Haneda), Osaka (Kansai), Nagoya (Centrair), and Fukuoka, as well as Naha (Okinawa Main Island), Ishigaki, and Tarama.
  • Shimojishima Airport (SHI): Located on Shimoji Island (connected to Miyakojima by bridges), this airport also has direct flights from Tokyo (Haneda), Kobe, and Naha, sometimes offering more budget-friendly options.
  • Flight times from major cities range from 2.5 to 3 hours from Tokyo, and about 45 minutes from Naha.
• Getting Around the Island:
  • Rental Car (Highly Recommended): This is by far the most convenient way to explore Miyakojima and its connected islands. Rental car companies have outlets at Miyako Airport. The island is relatively compact, allowing you to drive around the entire main island in a few hours.
  • Taxis: Available, but can be expensive for extensive touring.
  • Buses: A bus network exists, but service is infrequent, especially to tourist spots, making it less practical for sightseeing.
  • Bicycles/Scooters: Available for rent, suitable for exploring smaller areas or if staying within a resort.

Landscape and Architecture:
Miyakojima’s landscape is defined by its breathtaking natural beauty, particularly its coastlines, and a minimal, harmonious human footprint.

• Pristine Beaches and Crystal-Clear Waters: The island is renowned for having some of Japan’s most beautiful beaches, characterized by powdery white sand and incredibly transparent, emerald to cobalt-blue waters. This exceptional clarity is often attributed to the lack of major rivers flowing into the sea, which prevents sediment runoff.
  • Yonaha Maehama Beach: Frequently ranked among the best beaches in Japan.
  • Sunayama Beach: Famous for its iconic natural arch rock formation.
  • Yoshino Beach: Known for excellent snorkeling right off the shore.
  • Painagama Beach: A convenient beach close to Hirara.
• Coral Reefs and Underwater Caves: The island is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, making it a mecca for snorkeling and diving. Numerous underwater caves and caverns add to the allure for divers.
• Scenic Bridges: A significant “architectural” element is the series of long, toll-free bridges that connect Miyakojima to its smaller neighboring islands:
  • Irabu Ohashi Bridge: Japan’s longest toll-free bridge (3,540 meters), connecting Miyakojima to Irabu Island, offering spectacular ocean views.
  • Ikema Ohashi Bridge: Connects Miyakojima to Ikema Island.
  • Kurima Ohashi Bridge: Connects Miyakojima to Kurima Island.
• Coastal Capes and Lighthouses: Dramatic capes like Cape Higashi-Hennazaki on the southeastern tip, a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty, feature rugged cliffs and picturesque lighthouses, offering panoramic ocean vistas.
• Sugarcane Fields: Inland, vast fields of sugarcane create a different kind of green landscape, swaying gently in the breeze.
• Low-Rise Development: While a popular resort island, development is generally low-rise, with resorts and homes blending into the natural environment, maintaining a relaxed and unobtrusive aesthetic.

What makes it famous:
Miyakojima’s fame rests on several captivating attributes:

• World-Class Beaches and Ocean: Its dazzling white sands and unparalleled clear, blue waters are the primary draw, attracting beach lovers, snorkelers, and divers from around the world.
• Spectacular Bridges: The iconic, long, toll-free bridges connecting to adjacent islands have become symbols of Miyakojima, offering incredible scenic drives and photo opportunities over the stunning ocean.
• Diving and Snorkeling Paradise: The vibrant coral reefs, abundant marine life (including sea turtles), and fascinating underwater caves make it a top destination for underwater exploration.
• Relaxed Tropical Vibe: It offers a more laid-back and less commercialized atmosphere compared to some other popular tropical destinations, providing a true escape.
• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, Miyakojima is gaining recognition as an excellent spot for stargazing, with clear views of the Milky Way and constellations.

Differences from some other wonders:

• Focus on Marine Beauty: While Japan has many beautiful islands, Miyakojima’s “wonder” status is almost exclusively tied to the exceptional clarity and vibrant colors of its surrounding ocean and coral reefs. Many other islands might be famous for mountains, volcanoes, unique culture, or historical sites; Miyakojima’s prime attraction is its pristine marine environment.
• Interconnected Island Experience: The series of long, scenic bridges connecting Miyakojima to Irabu, Ikema, and Kurima Islands creates a unique “island hopping” experience that can be done entirely by car, allowing visitors to explore multiple distinct, beautiful areas within one visit without needing ferries.
• Lack of Prominent Rivers/Mountains: Unlike many islands that feature rivers, lakes, or prominent mountains (like Ishigaki Island with its peaks or Honshu’s varied terrain), Miyakojima’s relatively flat topography and absence of large rivers contribute to its unique water clarity.
• Subtropical Climate and Culture: As part of Okinawa Prefecture, Miyakojima offers a distinct subtropical climate and a unique Ryukyuan culture that differs significantly from mainland Japan, providing a “tropical paradise” feel not found in most of Japan’s other “wonders.”
• Emphasis on Relaxation and Water Activities: While other wonders might involve strenuous hiking, cultural tours, or urban exploration, Miyakojima strongly leans into relaxation, beach leisure, and water-based activities like snorkeling, diving, and paddleboarding, defining its appeal as a serene escape.