Miyako Island: 3 Days of Beaches and Bridges

Driving long bridges over impossibly blue water to Irabu, Shimoji and Ikema, with a different beach every afternoon.

  • 3 days
  • 14 stops
  • Relaxed pace
  • Best for: Beach lovers and road-trippers

Miyako is famous for the clearest water in Japan and for the bridges that tie its islands together. Base yourself in Hirara, the main town, and each day drives a different direction: south for Maehama, west across Irabu Bridge, east to the lighthouse cape.

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  1. Day 1 Β· Maehama and a Sunayama sunset

    • 11:00–11:30

      Arrive at Miyako Airport

      Travel

      Pick up the car. Everything on Miyako is within 40 minutes.

    • 12:30–15:30

      Yonaha Maehama Beach

      Do

      Seven kilometres of powder-white sand, often called the best beach in Japan.

    • 16:00–17:00

      Kurima Bridge and Ryugu Observatory

      Do

      Look back across the strait to Maehama.

    • 18:00–19:00

      Sunset at Sunayama Beach

      Do

      A sand dune leads down to a natural rock arch. Beautiful at sunset.

    • Stay in Hirara

      Stay

      Restaurants and bars are within walking distance.

  2. Day 2 Β· Irabu, Shimoji and Ikema

    • 09:00–09:30

      Drive Irabu Bridge

      Travel

      Japan's longest toll-free bridge at 3.5 km. Stop at the viewpoint before you cross.

    • 10:00–12:00

      Tori-ike Ponds

      Do

      Two deep pools connected to the sea underground. Eerie and photogenic.

    • 12:30–14:30

      17END

      Do

      A runway-end beach with shallow, glowing water. Check flight times to see planes land.

    • 15:30–17:00

      Ikema Bridge and island loop

      Do

      A quick loop of Ikema with roadside cafes.

    • 19:00–20:30

      Dinner in Hirara

      Eat

      Try Miyako soba and awamori from a local distillery.

    • Stay in Hirara

      Stay

  3. Day 3 Β· Eastern cape and home

    • 08:30–10:00

      Cape Higashi-hennazaki

      Do

      A 2 km cape ending in a lighthouse. Climb it for 360-degree views.

    • 10:30–12:00

      Aragusuku Beach

      Do

      Calm, shallow and full of fish. Great for beginner snorkellers.

    • 13:30–14:00

      Fly home

      Travel

Good to know

  • Miyako has no train and few buses. Book a rental car early.
  • Water is calmest in the mornings; save the beaches with currents for then.
  • Many restaurants close one or two days a week. Check before you go.

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