Miyako Island Complete Travel Guide

Miyako Island is a flat, reef-fringed island reachable only by plane, prized for the long white sweep of Yonaha Maehama Beach and for the bridges that link it to Irabu, Shimoji, Kurima, and Ikema islands for an easy self-drive island-hopping day.

Quick Facts

Best Things to Do

• Spend time at Yonaha Maehama Beach, a roughly 7km stretch of white sand that regularly ranks among Japan's best beaches.
• Drive across Irabu Ohashi, one of Japan's longest toll-free bridges, to Irabu and Shimoji islands.
• Visit Sunayama Beach, reached through a small tunnel of trees and a natural rock arch.
• Snorkel from shore at Aragusuku Beach, where sea turtle sightings are common.

Tickets and Fees

Checked in July 2026: Miyako's beaches themselves are free to enter, with paid parking (roughly yen 500 per day) at some of the more developed beach lots and free showers and changing rooms typically included. There is no ferry to Miyako, so flights are the only way in; confirm current schedules and fares before booking, since seat availability tightens in peak season.

How to Get There

Fly into Miyako Airport, about 45 to 55 minutes from Naha on ANA, JAL, Peach, or Skymark, or direct from Tokyo Haneda, Osaka Kansai, or Nagoya on some routes. A rental car is close to essential, since public buses are infrequent and do not reach most beaches; an international driving permit is required for foreign licenses.

Nearby Attractions

Miyako pairs naturally with a full loop of Irabu, Shimoji, and Ikema islands by rental car in a single day. It is a separate outer island from Okinawa's main island, so treat Shurijo Castle and Churaumi Aquarium as a different leg of the trip that needs its own roughly 45-minute to one-hour flight to or from Naha.

Book Before You Go

Use official information for opening hours and ticket rules, then book tours or tickets only when they fit your route.