Real Tips from 3 Family Trips Over 2 Years!
Miyakojima, located in the heart of Okinawa Island, is a tropical paradise we can’t get enough of. Over the last 2 years, our family has taken 3 unforgettable trips to Miyakojima, each filled with stunning beaches, delicious food, and relaxing villa stays. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for more, this family travel guide covers everything you need to know.
This guide is designed to help you with:
- ✈️ How to Get to Miyakojima (Okinawa Island)
- 🍽️ Best Local Foods in Miyakojima
- ⌚️ Things to Do in Miyakojima with Family
- 🏡 Staying in a Private Miyakojima Villa
- 🚗 Rental Car & Activity Booking Tips
🌊 Why Visit Miyakojima?
Miyakojima, one of the southernmost islands in Okinawa Island, is known for:
- Incredible turquoise waters and white-sand beaches
- Famous spots like Yonaha Maehama Beach & Sunayama Beach
- Bridge access to nearby islands like Irabu and Kurima
- A calm, local vibe ideal for family travel
Compared to Okinawa Main Island, Miyakojima’s beaches are surprisingly clear and vibrant. One of our favorite parts is being able to grab a snorkel, hop in the rental car, and snorkel at many beaches without needing a boat tour.
✈️ How to Get to Miyakojima (Okinawa Island)
There are two main airports:
- Miyako Airport (centrally located)
- Shimojishima Airport (served by low-cost carriers)
We’ve flown directly from Tokyo with our child and found both airports easy to navigate.
▶ How to Get to Miyakojima – Travel & Flight Guide
🍽️ Top 10 Local Foods in Miyakojima
We’ve tried many dishes across our visits, from tropical ice cream to rich bowls of Miyako soba. Here are the most delicious local eats worth hunting down.
⌚️ 4-Day Miyakojima Family Travel Itinerary
⌚️ Things to Do in Miyakojima with Family
While we don’t have a fixed 4-day itinerary, our past visits gave us plenty of ideas for how to enjoy Miyakojima at your own pace.
- 🐠 Snorkeling at local beaches like Shigira Beach and Aragusuku
- 🍦 Tasting mango soft-serve at farm cafés
- 🌉 Driving across Irabu and Kurima bridges
- 🌅 Watching sunsets from beachside cafes
Each day, we simply chose a few relaxed activities and let the island’s rhythm guide us. No pressure, just fun.
If you’re planning your trip, we highly recommend staying at least 3 nights and 4 days. Even better, book 2 nights or more at the same villa or hotel—you’ll be able to truly unwind and make the most of the island without rushing.
Miyakojima is small enough to drive around in just a few hours, so with a rental car, most areas are accessible. However, if you plan to cook or need frequent access to supermarkets and restaurants, staying closer to town or shopping areas may be more convenient.
🏡 Staying in a Private Miyakojima Villa
Staying at a Miyakojima villa with a private pool has become our favorite lodging style. No hotel crowds, just space, quiet, and ocean breeze.
▶ Villa Review: Private Pool Paradise in Miyakojima
🚗 Rental Car & Booking Activities in Miyakojima
Miyakojima is best explored by car. You’ll need one to get to most beaches and scenic spots. Though rental counters exist in the airport, we always book a rental car through Klook for peace of mind.
▶ Reserve Your Miyakojima Rental Car on Klook
Activities like snorkeling, stargazing, and glass-bottom boats are also available through Klook, which offers:
- ✉️ Multilingual support
- ⏰ Easy mobile booking
- 🚨 No waiting in line
▶ Explore Miyakojima Activities on Klook
One of the highlights of Miyakojima family travel? Just parking by a quiet beach and snorkeling right from shore. No need for a tour boat!
✨ Why Miyakojima is Our Favorite Family Destination
With each trip, we find new reasons to love Miyakojima even more. The ocean is stunning, the food is delicious, and the experience is relaxing. It’s our top recommendation for anyone planning family travel to Okinawa Island.
Let this guide be your starting point to create memories in Miyakojima that last a lifetime!
🎒 Family Travel Tips for Miyakojima
To make the most of your Miyakojima family travel, here are a few practical tips from our experience:
- 🧴 Bring reef-safe sunscreen – the sun is strong, and local stores may have limited options.
- 🥽 Pack your own snorkeling gear – it’s fun to stop at random beaches and jump in.
- 🧢 Hats and UV clothing – especially for kids, the sun can be intense.
- 💵 Carry cash – not every local shop accepts cards.
We also recommend downloading offline maps and bookmarking your favorite beaches before arrival. Wi-Fi can be spotty in some areas, so it’s great to be prepared!
