Go to The Okinawa Islands and See The Japan’s First Coast| A Travelers Guide to Miyako Island

Miyako Island is the main island in the Miyako islands. It is located in the Pacific ocean, and is about 300 kilometers southwest from the Okinawa Islands. Miyako island was formed by he growth of the coral reef. It has a beautiful white beach which with the dazzling sea waves makes this island belong to the top level of beautiful island in the Okinawa islands. Miyako Island has the largest coral reef in all of Japan “Sekiseishoko.” The reef is located about 5-22 kilometers north of Miyako’s northern Ikema-jima island. It is 17 kilometers north to south, and 6.5 kilometers from east to west. Every year, during one high tide, the reef rises up from the bottom. Because of its reputation as “Japan’s Coral Fort” it has become a popular spot for snorkeling and swimming. Apart from enjoying the coral habitat and equatorial fish inside, from December to March there’s a good chance of seeing rays, and sometimes whales and dolphins can also be seen.

Higashi Hennazaki is located in the most eastern part of Miyako Island, and faces out to the 2 kilometer long cape out towards the sea. It was formed from the limestone that came from the growth and death of the coral. Higashi Hennazaki is one of Japan’s top 100 Scenic Spots. The flowers, lighthouse and coast come together to form a beautiful picture. With the sky and sea the same color, its truly beautiful and charming. The lighthouse on the cape has been selected as one of the top 50 lighthouses in all of Japan. From the top of the lighthouse you can see the beautiful scenery of the Pacific ocean and the cape. Every April every year, there are three iron bicycle competition held here. Because of this place has become the part of the Miyako island that has the most people there.

The bridge that connects Miyako Island to the Ikema-jima island in the north is 1425 meters long. From upon the bridge you can see the emerald green of the big ocean. The emerald sea matches perfectly with the bridge. Surpassing the beauty of imagination, its undoubtedly the most stunning scenery to be found on Miyako Island. Its best to head to Ikema-jima bridge is by hired car. This way you can walk along the beach where there is absolutely no one, and you can park in the permitted parking spaces on the bridge and take some pictures. The nearby Nishi Henna Saki Viewing Platform, is also a leisurely lookout bridge and a place to view the brilliant ocean scenery.

The largest coral reef in Japan is called “Sekiseishoko.” The reef is located about 5-22 kilometers north of Miyako’s northern Ikema-jima island. It is 17 kilometers north to south, and 6.5 kilometers from east to west. Sekiseishoko is usually under the sea bed, every year during one high tide it rises up in the sea. People call it by the popular name of “Dream Land,” it also is known as “Japan’s Coral Fort.” Sekiseishoko is a coral reef habitat, and is a popular spot for snorkelers and swimmers. From January to March you can see ghost manta, from April to October you can see all kinds of small fish and Sekiseishoko’s dogtooth tuna and the sight of the coral breeding. Sometimes, you can even see whales and dolphins.

If you want to go see Europe’s castles, you don’t need to sit on a plane for over ten hours. Miyako Island has a the German culture themed Ueno German Culture Village. Built to look like castles from the 18th century, it gives travelers the feeling of being in a fairy tale scene. In 1873, a German merchant ship was wrecked off the waters of Miyako. The peasants saved a group of sailors from the wreck. The German Ambassador, in order to show gratitude, built a pillar representing fraternity. After this the themed park was built. There is a fraternity memorial museum themed around the German fairy tale of Kinder Haus, a semi-submersible boat ride called Sea Sky, and other tourist attractions. No matter if its the castle right out a fairy tale, or the traditional farmer houses, this cultural village’s building can be compared to Germany. The architecture is researched and the cultural village also has detailed records of Germany's history.

Sunayama Beach is 8 kilometers from Miyako island. The pure white sand beach has a natural coral cave and is a the perfect place to enjoy the sunset view. And has become the most frequent place used in news reports from the Okinawa islands. The entrance to the beach is a rising sand dune. After passing over the sand dunes, the dazzling view of the emerald sea is right in front of your eyes. The sand at Sunayama Beach is very fine and the water is very clear. Quick! Come and head into Miyako islands big ocean!

Located at the Southwest of Miyako island, Yonaha Maehama Beach is a beautiful ocean beach formed of white sand. For two years running, Yonaha Maehama Beach has been awarded first place in Trip Advisor’s “Japan’s Greatest Beaches,” and has been called “Japan’s Number One Beach.” The beach stretches out along the coast for seven kilometers and you can see islands off into the sea. Because of issues with the shoal and sea pits, banana boats and other activities on the water are most suitable. Apart from this, the sunset pulls on the strings of people’s hearts, and adds even more charm to Yonaha Maehama Beach!