Real Tips from 3 Family Trips Over 2 Years!
Thinking about a trip to Okinawa? Don’t miss Miyako Island—one of the most popular outer islands of Okinawa. While slightly less accessible than the Okinawa main island, Miyako offers a dramatically more beautiful coral reef, a relaxed local atmosphere, and unforgettable regional cuisine.
🌊 Why Visit Miyako Island?
Miyako Island, one of the southernmost islands in Okinawa Island, is known for:
- 🪸Incredible turquoise waters and white-sand beaches
- 🤿Famous spots like Famous spots like Aragusuku Beach, Shigira Beach, and Yabiji (Yaebishi) coral reef
- 🌉Bridge access to nearby islands like Irabu and Kurima
- 🍜If you head into town, you can enjoy Okinawa’s unique food culture
- 👪A calm, local vibe ideal for family travel
Compared to Okinawa Main Island, ✨Miyako Island’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.
📷Yabiji (Yaebishi): Japan’s largest coral reef area, perfect for snorkeling and experiencing Miyako Island’s stunning sea.
✈️ How to Get to Miyako Island (Okinawa Island)
Miyako Island is served by two airports: Miyako Airport (MMY) and Shimojishima Airport (SHI). Both provide access to the island’s main areas, and travel times by car are reasonable.
🛬 Miyako Airport (MMY)
- 📍 Located in the center of Miyako Island
- 🚗 Travel Times:
- Hirara City (downtown): approx. 10 min
- Kurima Island: approx. 20 min
- Ikema Island: approx. 30 min
- 🛫 Connects to major cities in Japan
- 🏷️ Airlines: ANA, JAL, JTA, RAC
- 🔗 Check latest flight info here
🛬 Shimojishima Airport (SHI)
- 📍 Located on Irabu Island (connected to Miyako Island by bridge)
- 🚗 Travel Times:
- Hirara City: approx. 25–30 min
- Kurima Island: approx. 35 min
- Ikema Island: approx. 45 min
- 🛫 Domestic & international flights available (incl. Seoul, seasonal to Hong Kong & Taipei)
- 🏷️ Airlines: Skymark, Jin Air, HK Express, Starlux Airlines
- 🔗 Check latest flight info here
No matter which airport you fly into, we recommend renting a car for a smooth and flexible journey around the island.
🍽️ Top 10 Local Foods in Miyako Island
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.
⌚️ Things to Do in Miyako Island with Family
👨👩👧👦 Here are our favorite family-friendly activities on Miyako Island:
- 🐠 Snorkeling from the shore at Aragusuku Beach and Shigira Beach
- 🍦 Enjoying mango soft-serve at local farm cafés
- 🌉 Driving across scenic bridges to Kurima and Irabu Islands
- 🌅 Watching the sunset from a quiet beachside café
⏳ We recommend spending at least 3 nights and 4 days on the island. If possible, stay 2 or more nights at the same hotel or villa to fully unwind and avoid packing stress.
🚗 With a rental car, you can easily reach beaches and sightseeing spots within a few hours. If you plan to cook or shop often, staying near Hirara town is especially convenient.
🏡 Staying in a Private Miyako Island Villa
🏨 Why we recommend villas for families:
- 👶 Private pools are perfect for small children
- 🌙 You can enjoy night swimming—hotels often prohibit kids after hours
- 🧘♀️ Quiet, uncrowded space for true relaxation
🏡 Villas have become increasingly popular on Miyako Island. If you’re curious about where we stayed, check out our review below:
🚗 Rental Car & Booking Activities in Miyako Island
Miyako Island 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.
Activities like snorkeling, stargazing, and glass-bottom boats are also available through Klook, which offers:
One of the highlights of Miyako Island family travel? Just parking by a quiet beach and snorkeling right from shore. No need for a tour boat!
🎒 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!
✨ Why Miyako Island is Our Favorite Family Destination
📷Yuni-no-Hama: A magical sandbar that appears only at low tide, unique to Miyako Island.
With each trip, we find new reasons to love Miyako Island even more. The ocean is stunning, the food is delicious, and the experience is relaxing. It’s also easily accessible from Japan’s major cities, making it a convenient choice for both first-timers and repeat visitors.
Miyako Island offers one of Japan’s most beautiful coral reef seas, along with Okinawa’s distinct food and cultural experiences. With more resort hotels and private villas opening, it’s an ideal destination for a slow, immersive stay.
Let this guide be your starting point to create memories in Miyako Island that last a lifetime!
👇 Looking for more ideas? Each Okinawa island has its own charm—check out our other island travel blog below:
