Ishigaki Island - Hirugi Forest in Miyara River
Check it out and make a reservation early☆.
⬇︎Tuk-tuks and electric trikes are also rapidly gaining popularity☆
About the Mangrove Forest along the Miyara River
Located on the southern side of Ishigaki Island, this large natural mangrove forest spans 35.40 square kilometers near the mouth of the Miyara River.
This tropical landscape was designated as a Natural Monument and a National Cultural Property in Showa 47 (1972).
It's located along the road leading from New Ishigaki Airport to the city center, so I highly recommend it—you can easily stop by even on the day you arrive♪
How to Get to the Mangrove Forest on the Miyara River
The Miyara Mangrove Forest is located between New Ishigaki Airport and the city center; it takes about 10 minutes by car from New Ishigaki Airport and about 15 minutes by car from the city center to reach it.
◆From the Remote Islands Terminal, head west on Route 390 to reach your destination.
How to Enjoy the Mangrove Forest Along the Miyara River
Cruising by canoe or SUP along the Miyara River—a national natural monument featuring mangroves that grow wild along both banks for about 1.5 km—is a popular activity!
On the tour, you can also explore caves deep within the Miyara River that are accessible only by canoe or similar means.
Details on the Mangrove Forest along the Miyara River
The Miyara River, which boasts the largest watershed on Ishigaki Island, originates near the mid-slopes of Mount Omoto—the highest peak in Okinawa Prefecture—on its northeastern side, and joins the Soko River, one of its tributaries, in its upper reaches.
It flows southward, merging with the Hegina River, and empties into Miyara Bay.
Most of the mangroves along the Miyara River consist of species of the Rhizophora genus, which are designated as National Natural Monuments.
Also, when the tide goes out, many parts of the riverbed are exposed, so you can walk around and explore.
"Mangrove" is a general term for plants that grow naturally in brackish water areas where saltwater and freshwater mix.
At low tide along the Miyara River, all sorts of creatures come out.
Below is a brief introduction to the creatures that live in the tidal flats.
Yaeyama Fiddler Crab
The Yaeyama Palm Fiddler Crab is a species of fiddler crab commonly found at the bases of mangrove trees and on the mudflats of the Miyara River.
It is characterized by eyes that seem to protrude vertically from its body.
Eviota japonica (species of pygmy goby found in Japanese waters)
The Southern Flying Goby is a member of the flying goby family known for its adorable habit of hopping across the mudflats.
Locally, it’s affectionately known as “Tontonmi.”
Since there are so many of them, you can almost certainly see them leaping at low tide.
Recommended Tours on the Miyara River
Mangrove Canoe Tour
A canoe cruise along the mangrove-lined Miyara River.
Cruising through a lush, verdant jungle is a thrilling experience, but rest assured—our guides will provide full support, so you can participate with confidence!
Exercising surrounded by greenery is great for your health, so it makes for the ultimate relaxing experience! ♪
"Miyara River" Hidden Gem Mangrove SUP Tour
This plan includes SUP cruising along the Miyara River, a mangrove river designated as a national cultural asset as a natural monument.
SUP is a versatile activity that can be enjoyed sitting, standing, or lying down.
The exhilaration of moving swiftly through the water is like nothing you have ever experienced before!
Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near the Mangrove Forest Along the Miyara River
Ohama Beach
Ohama Beach is a quiet beach that is rarely visited by tourists.
Since tours are rarely held here, there aren’t many people around, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
This beach is a scenic spot with a private atmosphere where you can enjoy sunrises, starry skies, and more.
Access: 15 minutes by car from the remote island terminal
Parking: Available
Fulst Hara Ruins
The Furusto Hara Ruins feature rows of stone walls and the remains of gates, and are believed to be the site of Oyake Akahachi’s castle.
Be sure to take a look at the home of Akahachi, the hero from Hateruma who dreamed of independence for the Yaeyama Islands!
Address: Ohama, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Directions: About a 15-minute drive from Ishigaki Port
Phone number: 0980-82-1535 (Ishigaki City Hall Tourism and Culture Division)
Hours of operation: None
Parking: Available
Restaurant: None
Toilet: None
Rest Area: None
Oyake Akahachi Monument
The Oyake Akahachi Monument is a bronze statue and stone monument located in the Ohama settlement that honors the island’s hero, Oyake Akahachi.
In the late 15th century, Oyake Akahachi was born on Hateruma Island and established his power base in Ohama on Ishigaki Island.
Akahachi, a hero since childhood, rose up to defend the farmers who were suffering from poverty due to heavy taxes and rebelled against the Ryukyu government.
He fought bravely to the end, but he and his wife were defeated in battle and lost their lives.
Location: Within Sakihara Park, Ohama, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 15 minutes by car from the remote island terminal
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: Yes
Details on the Mangrove Forest along the Miyara River
| Location | Miyara, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture (View in MAP) |
| Access | Approximately 15 minutes by car from the remote island terminal |
| parking lot | 3 units |
| toilet | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| Business Hours | - |
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