Introduction
This Okinawa family travel guide is here to help you decide between Okinawa’s most popular remote destinations—Ishigaki, Iriomote, and Miyako. While Okinawa’s main island offers the most flights, hotels, and sightseeing spots, our family prefers the remote islands.
- Clear coral seas that outshine the main island
- Relaxed beach days and water activities you won’t find in the city
- Compact sightseeing—most key spots can be seen in 1–2 days
This Okinawa island comparison looks at each island from a family perspective, highlighting the best fit based on your travel style and your children’s ages.
Ishigaki Island Family Travel – The Ferry Hub with a Bit of Everything
Recommended age: Suitable for toddlers to adults
Exploring Banna National Park – Views & Ventures by Car
Banna National Park sits in the heart of Ishigaki Island, about a 25-minute drive from the airport, making it a perfect first or last stop during your island journey. The park features several perched lookout points that offer unforgettable westward views, including the iconic Emerald Sea Observation Deck, where Ishigaki’s city and ocean merge in vivid blues and greens. For bird lovers, the Crested Serpent Eagle Observation Deck near the north entrance offers overlooks of the forest canopy and city beyond.
If you’re driving yourself, you can enjoy a relaxing 1–2 hour loop that lets you soak in nature, get your steps in, and pause at viewpoints at your pace. Even on a quick itinerary, this mini-adventure offers a refreshing taste of Ishigaki’s lush beauty.
Kabira Bay – Coral Beauty Without Getting Wet
Kabira Bay is one of Ishigaki Island’s most famous spots, celebrated for its exceptionally beautiful coral. We joined a glass-bottom boat ride—no advance booking was needed—which made it an easy choice for a relaxed family outing.
It’s perfect for young children or elderly travelers who aren’t comfortable in the water, yet still want to see the vibrant marine life. On our trip, we were lucky enough to spot clownfish and other tropical fish. Even our daughter, who was not fond of the water at the time, had a wonderful time watching the underwater world from the safety of the boat.
Fusaki Beach – Ishigaki’s Iconic Sunset Spot
Fusaki Beach is one of Ishigaki’s most famous sunset spots, and you can enjoy the view even if you’re not staying at Fusaki Resort. In late July, the sun sets around 7:30 PM (but it’s best to check the exact time online before your visit).
Our family has stayed at Fusaki Resort twice since our daughter was born, and both times the sunset was a highlight. On one trip, we had dinner in downtown Ishigaki at 5:00 PM, then took a taxi back—arriving just in time to catch the last moments of the sunset.
Why Families Love Fusaki Beach Resort
What sets Fusaki Beach Resort apart is its outstanding attention to families with children. At the breakfast buffet, we were amazed to find baby food and baby utensils provided, making mornings stress-free for parents with little ones. For slightly older kids, there’s a special corner stocked with favorites like chicken nuggets and fries—and during our second stay, we discovered a pancake-making machine that quickly became a daily ritual for both our daughter and me. Of course, the adult menu is just as impressive, with enough variety to keep every morning fresh, even on longer stays.
The pools are another highlight. The kid-friendly pool feels almost like a mini water park, designed so even non-swimmers can have fun safely. It’s the kind of place where children can happily spend hours, giving parents a chance to truly relax.
Activities for Every Weather at Fusaki Beach Resort
One of the best things about Fusaki Beach Resort is the variety of activities available, many of which can be booked on the same day if space is open. On sunny days, guests can enjoy SUP, banana boat rides, and other water sports right from the beach.
When the weather turns, there’s still plenty to do indoors. Our daughter joined a craft workshop where she made an Okinawa-style candle decorated with seashells and sand—a unique keepsake to take home. Other options included photo frame decorating, which was just as fun.
For adults, the resort offers relaxing foot massages, and there’s also a spacious indoor pool. On a typhoon-affected rainy day, we swam there before unwinding in the large public bath located in the same building—a perfect way to spend a slow, cozy afternoon.
Booking Tips for Fusaki Beach Resort
For the best value, book your stay as early as possible—early-bird rates at Fusaki Beach Resort can significantly lower the cost, especially during peak travel periods. Rooms, kids’ activities, and water sports slots often fill up quickly, so securing your stay well in advance ensures more options and better prices.
Related articles: Ishigaki Island Family Travel Itinerary | Fusaki Resort Review
Iriomote Island Family Travel – A Nature Lover’s Paradise
Recommended age: Elementary school age and older
Why Iriomote Island Has My Heart
Iriomote Island is my personal favorite, because it let me fulfill a childhood dream—venturing upriver by boat into the wild. I’ve visited three times, and on each trip, I joined an optional tour kayaking through mangrove-lined rivers.
From my experience, kayak tours are best suited for elementary school–aged children and older. On another trip (not in Iriomote), we tried a four-person canoe with our 3-year-old, but she became scared and lost interest halfway through—it felt a bit too soon. When she tried kayaking again at age 8, it was a completely different story—she loved it and handled it easily.
Paddling deeper into lush green tunnels, surrounded by the sounds of nature, is pure adventure. For me, it’s the perfect mix of excitement, beauty, and that sense of discovery you can only find in a place like Iriomote.
Beyond the Mangroves – Snorkeling Adventures in Iriomote
Iriomote’s charm isn’t limited to its mangrove forests and waterfalls. Just a short boat ride—often less than an hour—takes you to spectacular snorkeling spots with vibrant coral reefs.
We joined the Barasu Island snorkeling tour twice: the first time as a half-day trip, and the second as a full-day adventure. On the longer tour, we not only snorkeled but also landed on Barasu Island itself—a tiny patch of coral sand in the middle of the sea—which was an unforgettable experience.
Both times, we were amazed to encounter sea turtles while snorkeling. On the full-day trip, we also visited Hatoma Island, where we had time to stroll around and explore before heading back to the water. If you love snorkeling, these tours are an absolute must in Iriomote.
Wildlife Encounters Your Kids Will Never Forget
A third highlight of Iriomote Island is the chance to meet an incredible variety of wildlife. During our kayak and snorkeling tours, we encountered many sea and forest creatures up close—experiences that were truly special for our daughter.
Over two trips, we saw fiddler crabs, sea turtles, lizards, gobies, and even clownfish hiding in coral. On a separate night tour, we were amazed by giant hermit crabs and coconut crabs—creatures far larger than we ever expected. Our then 8-year-old daughter was absolutely thrilled, and still talks about it as one of her favorite Iriomote memories.
Staying at Hoshino Resort Iriomote – More Than Just a Hotel
One of Iriomote Island’s greatest highlights is staying at Hoshino Resort Iriomote. From its private beach, the sunsets are nothing short of breathtaking. The on-site tour desk makes it easy—especially for international visitors—to book optional tours without the hassle of arranging them in advance.
With so many exciting activities available, I highly recommend staying at least two nights. Our family spent two nights on our first visit and three on our second, and next time, we’re planning for four. The longer you stay, the more you can fully experience the island’s unique nature and adventures.
For the best rates, book early—the resort offers early-bird discounts that can make a noticeable difference, especially during peak travel seasons.
Check room availability and optional tour details on the Official Hoshino Resort Iriomote Website
Related articles: Iriomote Island Family Travel Itinerary | Hoshino Resort Iriomote Review
Miyako Island Family Travel – Beach Heaven You Can Drive To
Recommended age: Suitable for toddlers to adults
Family Friendly Beaches
A coral island famous for its white sandy beaches and shallow, crystal-clear waters—perfect for families.
With a rental car, you can easily explore multiple beaches and restaurants at your own pace.
Popular beaches like Yonaha Maehama and Sunayama have showers, rental parasols, and snorkeling gear available—just bring your swimsuit and towel.
Morning Magic at Yuni-no-hama – Miyakojima’s Hidden Sandbank
Recently a trending hidden gem, Yuni-no-hama is a sandbank that appears in the middle of turquoise waters. We joined a morning tour from a nearby port, taking a small boat out to the spot before other groups arrived.
A local guide welcomed us and even used a drone to capture family photos and videos—an unforgettable souvenir. From the sandbank, we could see groups arriving by SUP from the Irabu Ohashi Bridge side. With many different tours available, it’s easy to choose one that fits your child’s age and your family’s style.
Private Villas with a View – Perfect for Families
In 2023, we stayed at Ferris Villa Suites and loved every moment. Each villa faces Sawada Beach and comes with a private pool—perfect for families, especially since some large resorts restrict kids from certain pools.
Baby gear and beach toys are available to rent, so we could travel light. The combination of ocean views, family-friendly facilities, and the freedom to swim anytime made it an unforgettable stay.
👉 Read our full Ferris Villa Suites review here for more photos, tips, and booking details.
Day-Break Glory at Yabiji: Cruising into Japan’s Great Barrier Reef
We chartered a private cruiser for an early morning trip to Yabiji, Japan’s largest coral reef—about 40 minutes by boat from Miyako Island. The captain decided to go ahead despite a rainy forecast, trusting that Miyako’s weather can surprise you—and it did: the skies cleared, the sea shimmered in “Miyako Blue,” and even our captain admitted it was one of the most stunning views he’d ever seen.
We snorkeled twice among vast coral tables and vivid tropical fish. With only us and the reef around, it felt like discovering a secret world beneath the sea. It was a breathtaking, unforgettable experience.
Family Fishing Fun Before Yabiji
On the morning of our Yabiji trip, we stopped in the calmer waters closer to Miyako for a family fishing experience. The bites came quickly, and both kids and adults were thrilled—our 10-year-old was completely hooked on the excitement.
To avoid heat-related fatigue, it’s important to take breaks, drink plenty of water, and limit direct sun exposure. The highlight? The captain prepared our catch as fresh sashimi right on the boat—it was unbelievably delicious and tasted even better after the fun of catching it ourselves.
Tasting Miyakojima – Unique Island Flavors
Miyakojima isn’t just about beaches—it’s also a paradise for food lovers. Across the island, restaurants and cafés serve unique local dishes and sweets, making it fun to explore by rental car.
One of our favorites was Miyako Sōmen, a twist on Japan’s thin noodles. Instead of the usual dashi and soy sauce, you can choose from six original sauces. Our top pick was a rich mix of mackerel and pork—flavorful but not spicy, so even our 10-year-old enjoyed it.
👉 See our “Top 10 Miyakojima Eats” guide here for more local flavors you shouldn’t miss.
Related articles: Miyako Island Family Travel Guide | Miyakojima 4-days Itinerary | Miyakojima Local food
Okinawa Island Comparison – Family-Friendly Travel Table
| Category | Ishigaki | Iriomote | Miyako |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Friendly Beach | ◎ | ◎ | ◎◎ |
| Child-friendly | ◎ | ○ | ◎ |
| Activity level | ◎ | ◎◎ | ○ |
| Rainy-day options | ◎ | △ | ○ |
Our Personal Favorites – What We Loved Most
While this guide compares the three islands from a family travel perspective, our own favorites might help you decide:
For me, Iriomote Island wins. The activities are exciting, and with advance booking for optional tours and transfers, you can manage without a rental car—especially if you stay at Hoshino Resort Iriomote. Booking early often makes it surprisingly affordable, and I think it’s excellent value for what you get.
My husband’s top choice is Miyakojima. He loves the sheer number of beaches to explore, and even booked a private villa for next year. His ideal stay is simple—shopping at a nearby supermarket, cooking meals, then driving to a different beach each day. It almost feels like living on the island.
Our 10-year-old daughter’s favorite is Fusaki Resort on Ishigaki Island. She loves the kids’ pool, same-day hotel activities, and rainy-day workshops like candle-making and photo frame crafting. Even after two visits, she still says she wants to go back. The breakfast buffet even has a baby food section and a kid-friendly menu area, making it a great choice for families with little ones.
Recommended Islands by Child’s Age
- Toddlers & preschoolers → Miyako or Ishigaki
- Elementary school & older → Iriomote, or Ishigaki + Iriomote combo
- For slow-paced stays → Miyako
- For active adventures → Iriomote
- For endless snorkeling in beautiful coral reefs → Miyako
Travel Tips for Families in Okinawa
- For trips of 3 nights or more, consider combining two islands
- Best seasons: May–June and October – These months offer warm ocean temperatures, excellent visibility for snorkeling, and fewer typhoons compared to peak summer. Crowds are smaller than in July–August, and hotel rates are often lower.
- Bring sun protection and seasickness remedies for ferry rides. For water activities, a rash guard and rash leggings are essential to protect your skin from UV rays and jellyfish stings. A wide-brimmed hat is also a must, and if you’re doing SUP or want to avoid tanning, a face guard or UV mask can be a great addition.
✈️ Plan Your Okinawa Adventure
Want more tips and detailed itineraries for Okinawa?
Check out our Ultimate Okinawa Family Travel Guide for island-hopping routes, hotel reviews, and activity ideas across the entire region.
Now you have a complete Okinawa family travel guide to help you choose between Ishigaki, Iriomote, and Miyako. Whether you prefer adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, this Okinawa island comparison ensures your trip will be memorable for the whole family.
