What is the difference between Ishigaki Island and Miyako Island? Ocean or Mountain? Activities are also introduced!
Table of Contents
- 1 Differences between Ishigaki Island and Miyako Island
- 2 Good points of Miyako Island and Ishigaki Island respectively.
- 2.1 Good points of Ishigaki Island
- 2.2 Good points of Miyako Island
- 2.3 Three representative beaches of Miyako Island
- 2.4 Three representative tourist spots of Miyako Island
- 2.5 Three gourmet restaurants representing Miyako Island
- 2.6 Three representative souvenirs of Miyako Island
- 2.7 3 Activities in Miyako Island
- 3 summary
Differences between Ishigaki Island and Miyako Island
Impression of Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki Island has great nature and many tourist attractions and shopping malls, so families with children can stay for a week and not get bored. Also, the resort facilities are well maintained, making it the perfect place for couples to visit for a relaxing vacation.
Read more about family trips to Ishigaki Island here↓.
Impression of Miyako Island
Miyako Island has few tourist attractions, but it is an island of great nature with a very beautiful sea. Because the island is small and there are few tourist attractions, families with children may find their children bored during a long stay. However, if you visit with friends or couples, we promise that once you see the crystal clear waters, you will never forget it. Both places have great nature and beautiful sea, but you can see the difference in the amount of tourist attractions and so on. So, it may be a good idea to choose the one you would like to visit with your friends, couples, or family.
Click here for more information on Miyako Island couples.
Good points of Miyako Island and Ishigaki Island respectively.
Good points of Ishigaki Island
Must-try for your taste buds! Local Cuisine of Ishigaki Island
Okinawa is famous for Goya Chanpuru (bitter melon stir-fry) and Agu, and Ishigaki Island offers such Okinawan cuisine as well as ingredients produced on Ishigaki Island. Ishigaki beef is famous for its A5 grade black Japanese beef that has been grazed in accordance with the regulations of Ishigaki JA. The restaurants that serve Ishigaki beef are crowded every day and reservations are required, so it is recommended to contact them in advance. You can also enjoy fresh island vegetables and seafood, so when you visit Ishigaki Island, we recommend you to go to the restaurants where you can taste Ishigaki Island's specialty foods.
For more information on Ishigaki Island's gourmet food, click here↓.
More urban areas and leisure facilities than other islands
As explained above, Ishigaki Island is more developed than other remote islands and is equipped with convenience stores, karaoke rooms, and Internet cafes. There are also clinics and hospitals, so you can spend your time without any inconvenience just like in the city center.
Click here for an article about convenience stores in Ishigaki Island.
Excellent access from various cities
Ishigaki Island has direct flights from central Tokyo and Osaka. The boarding time is only 2 hours and 45 minutes, so even those with children can access the island with ease.
There are also flights from Ishigaki Airport to Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan, so it may be a good idea to combine your visit with an overseas trip.
For details on access to Ishigaki Island, click here↓.
A wide variety of activities
Ishigaki Island has a strong image of beautiful ocean and beaches, so marine activities are considered to be popular. Of course, there are various marine activities such as SUP, sea kayaking, marine sports, snorkeling, and so on. However, Ishigaki Island is not only that. Ishigaki Island also offers many activities outside of the ocean such as trekking in the mountains, canyoning and sea kayaking in the canyons and rivers. This is possible because Ishigaki Island is a remote island blessed with nature of ocean, mountains, and rivers. It is hard to find a place where you can enjoy such a wide variety of activities, so please enjoy various activities when you visit.
Click here for a list of activities on Ishigaki Island
Access to nearby islands by ferry.
From Ishigaki Island, there is a good access environment to the surrounding islands. There are regular ferry services to Iriomote Island, Hateruma Island, Kuroshima Island, Taketomi Island, Hateruma Island, and other islands, so if you want to visit various islands by ferry, we recommend you to go to Ishigaki Island at first.
Click here for ferry reservations to remote islands
Click here for an article about the remote islands of Ishigakijima↓.
Good points of Miyako Island
Calm waters of unparalleled beauty
Miyako Island is known as "Miyako blue" for its clarity, which is particularly high among the remote islands of Okinawa. Miyako Island has Maehama Beach, which is said to be the most beautiful beach in the East, and the contrast between the beautiful powdery white sand beach and the emerald green sea is very beautiful. Even those who are not good at swimming can enjoy the shallow waters where corals are growing in clusters. As reported above, the sea boasts outstanding transparency, but it is often calm. Miyako Island has many beaches, but they are all inner bays and places with abundant coral reefs, so many of them are suitable for swimming. Even those who are not good at swimming will be able to enjoy themselves.
Click here for details on snorkeling tours in Miyako Island.
More beaches compared to Ishigaki Island.
Compared to Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island, there are more beaches. Of course, during the hot season, the island is crowded with tourists to some extent, but it is not so many that you can enjoy leisurely sightseeing and activities with a high degree of freedom. Compared to Ishigaki Island where there are many leisure facilities, there are not so many, but it is a relaxing environment surrounded by rich nature.
Click here for more information about beaches in Miyako Island.
Easy sightseeing in the surrounding islands
The Miyako Archipelago is dotted around Miyako Island, and many of these islands are connected by bridges, which can be accessed by car or bus. The Miyako Islands are accessible by car or bus. The islands surrounding Ishigaki Island are basically accessible only by boat, so there is a time limit, but Miyako Island is more convenient because you can extend your visit whenever you want to. In addition, each of the islands has its own specialties and scenic spots that can only be experienced on each island, so you can enjoy each of them.
Click here for more information about the surrounding islands of Miyakojima.
The unusual island cuisine is exquisite!
This is a point shared by Ishigaki Island as well, but the island cuisine is delicious anyway. Miyako Island has specialties such as Miyako beef and Miyako soba (buckwheat noodles), and on Ogami Island, known as God's Island, a smoked octopus specialty called kākidako is very popular. There are many delicious foods in the Miyako Archipelago, and you can enjoy a wide variety of delicious foods. There are exquisite gourmet foods that cannot be made, and it can be said that this is a satisfying spot with regard to food. Please visit Miyako Island, a very popular resort where you can experience satisfaction with your whole body.
Gourmet food in Miyako Island is here.
Three representative beaches of Miyako Island
Representative beaches of Miyako Island (1) Yonaha Maehama Beach
Yonaha Maehama Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on Miyako Island, so beautiful that it has been called the most beautiful beach in the East. The contrast between the emerald green sea and the powdery white sand beach is beautiful. The beach is shallow, so small children and those who are not good at swimming can enjoy swimming without anxiety. There are also many activities available, such as parasailing, jet skiing, banana boating, and wakeboarding. In the evening, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset view, and at night you can admire a star-filled sky, making it truly the best beach in the East.
Click here for activities at Yonaha Maehama Beach
Address: 1199-1 Aza Yonaha, Shimoji, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Phone number: 0980-76-2177
Toilet: Yes
Shower: Available
Stores: Yes
Admission: Free
Access: 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport, 30 minutes by car from Hirara Port
Parking: Free
Miyako Island's representative beach (2) Imugaya Marine Garden
Imugya Marine Garden is surrounded by the unique topography of an inlet on the south coast of Miyako Island. It is famous as a snorkeling spot with coral and tropical fish. Because of the intricate topography, the tidal currents and waves are not so high, so this beach is recommended for families with small children and for beginners.
There is also a boardwalk and observation deck nearby, where you can view the sunset in the evening and the beautiful starry sky at night.
Click here for activities at Imgay Marine Gardens.
Address：Jobe Tomori, Miyakojima City
Access: 20 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Phone number: 0980-76-6840 (Agricultural Policy Division, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Miyakojima City)
Hours of operation: None
Parking: Free
Fee: Free of charge
Stores: Yes
Toilet: Yes
Shower: Available
Vending machine: Yes
Miyako Island's representative beach (3) Shigira Beach
Shigira Beach is located in the Shigira resort area of Miyakojima and is managed by the Shigira Resort. Because it is a hotel-managed beach, it is well maintained, very clean, and crowded with spectators every year. There are many services provided by the stores of the Siragiri Resort, where you can enjoy Malian activities such as snorkel sets. When snorkeling, you can encounter coral reefs, tropical fish, and even sea turtles.
Click here for activities at Shigira Beach.
Address: Uenomiyakuni, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Phone number: 0980-76-3008
Three representative tourist spots of Miyako Island
Miyako Island's Representative Tourist Spots (1) Nakahara Cave
Nakahara Cave is the only tourist limestone cave on Miyako Island, located in a sugarcane field. Although it is a sightseeing cave, you may not know where it is located at a glance, so please ask the owner for help and he will kindly guide you there. This limestone cave is also known as a power spot, and there are mariavus and stalagmites that are said to be blessed with fertility.
It is also a good place to visit for matchmaking.
For more information about Nakahara Cave, click here.
Address: 1114 Aza-Tomori, Jobe, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Business hours: 10:00-17:00
Closed: No regular holidays
Miyako Island's representative sightseeing spot (2) Nishiheinanazaki
Nishiheinanazaki is a cape located at the northernmost tip of Miyako Island. Because it is the northernmost point, it is one of the most spectacular spots where you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the ocean on the north coast.
There is also a promenade and a windmill around the observatory, so visitors can enjoy a wide variety of views. Around the observatory, there is a pasture where visitors can interact with Miyako horses, and the Snow Salt Museum, where visitors can observe the snow salt production process and purchase snow salt products.
Click here for activities related to Nishiheinanazaki
Address: Karimata, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Miyako Island's representative tourist spot (3) Higa Road Park
Higa Road Park is located on the east coast of Miyako Island and offers a spectacular view of the sea east of Miyako Island. The elevation of 70 meters is higher than the surrounding area, and its location next to the east coast allows visitors to watch the sun rise over the horizon of the eastern ocean. This spot is a famous sunrise spot in Miyako Island. Parking lots and restrooms are available in the surrounding area, so it is easy to visit. Especially on New Year's Day, this spot is crowded with many people for the first sunrise of the year.
Click here for activities related to Higa Road Park
Address: Shirobe, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
Three gourmet restaurants representing Miyako Island
Miyako Island's representative gourmet 1) Miyako Beef
Have you ever heard of Miyako beef? Miyako beef is a "phantom beef" that can only be handled by a limited number of restaurants on Miyako Island. In Miyakojima, people have been raising several cows at home while doing their main jobs for a long time, so there was no need to fatten them up in a hurry. Therefore, the meat is known for its high quality fat and delicious flavor. Since they are still raised in small numbers by families, they are called "phantom cows" because they are hard to find in small numbers.
Miyako Island's representative gourmet 2) Okinawa Oden
As the name suggests, "Shima Oden Takara" is a very popular restaurant. The restaurant is so popular that it is constantly receiving phone calls from customers, so it is recommended that you make a reservation before visiting. Island oden is oden with tebichi (pig's feet).
When you come to the restaurant, order the "Island Oden" first.
In addition to the ingredients unique to island oden, such as greens and taebichi (pig's feet), there are also a variety of classic dishes, such as daikon radish and eggs, that will keep your eyes glued to the menu.
Especially, the tebichi is tender and really tasty.
Even those who do not usually eat pig's feet are sure to become addicted to it, and we highly recommend trying it.
Related Rankings:oden | Miyakojima City
Miyako Island's representative gourmet 3) Tropical fruits
Rakuen no Kajitsu is a cafe directly operated by a mango farm near the Ryugu Observatory. Because it is directly managed by a farmer, you can enjoy fresh and lush mango sweets. In addition to mango pudding and gelato, you can enjoy many other tropical fruits from Miyako Island, such as papaya and dragon fruit. The mango parfait using a whole mango is especially popular, so why not try it for yourself?
Address: 476-1 Kurima, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Business hours: 11:00-18:30
Closed: Tuesday
Duration: 40 minutes
Three representative souvenirs of Miyako Island
Souvenirs representing Miyako Island (1) Miyakojima Mamoru-kun Chinsuko
Do you know the character "Miyakojima Mamoru-kun"? Miyakojima Mamoru-kun" is a doll of a police officer who has been installed in various places in Miyakojima. The doll has been attracting more and more attention in recent years, as he has been involved in activities such as raising awareness of bank transfer scams and serving as a tax inspector for a day. There are 19 Mamoru-kun brothers standing at 19 locations on the island, each with his or her own post. This product is available only in Miyako Island, as it is packaged with the faces of Mamoru-kun and his brothers, and their names and places of work are printed on the package. The package and even the individual bags are printed with Mamoru-kun, making this a souvenir only available in Miyakojima. There are other Mamoru-kun goods as well, so you will surely receive them as a gift as an assortment.
Souvenirs representing Miyako Island (2) Happiness Mango
Happiness Mango of Miyako Island is not the name of a mango product, but the name of a nectar made from processed mangoes. Originally, fully ripe mangoes from Miyako Island were supposed to be shipped as fresh mangoes, but due to bad weather and poor shape, they could no longer be shipped as fresh fruit, so they were processed into nectar. The above background may show that although it cannot be shipped as fresh fruit, it is very tasty. We sell such mango nectar in pouches and stylish bottles. It can be frozen and enjoyed as a sorbet, used in alcoholic cocktails, and for many other things. It is also popular as a gift, so when you give Happiness Mango as a souvenir, the recipient will surely be happy.
Miyako Island's representative souvenir 3) Sugarcane syrup
When one thinks of the scenery of Miyako Island, what comes to mind is the blue sea, beautiful sky, and sugarcane fields spreading all over the island. Sugarcane is the most widely planted agricultural crop on Miyako Island. Sugarcane syrup is made by squeezing sugarcane. The sweetness of natural sugarcane spreads in your mouth, and the original landscape of Miyako Island comes to mind. Why not give this mineral-rich syrup as a souvenir?
3 Activities in Miyako Island
Miyako Island Activities (1) Yaebise Boat Snorkeling
Yaebise is one of the largest coral reef areas in Japan, with a circumference of 25 km, located between Miyako Island and Ikema Island on the north side of Miyako Island. Yaebise is the most popular marine activity spot on Miyako Island, with over 100 large and small colorful untouched coral reefs and the tropical fish that inhabit the area. Yaebise is also called "Japan's Great Barrier Reef" for its beauty, and was designated as a national natural monument in 2013 for having the largest group of tabletop coral reefs in Japan. Yaebise is also an ideal snorkeling spot, as it can be reached by snorkel boat from Ikema Island. Around one of the largest coral reefs in Japan, you can see thousands of colorful tropical fish such as snappers and bears, which make for a very pretty sight. You can also see sea turtles, which are said to be found only in clean waters, the "meibai," a high-end Okinawan fish, and sharks that do not attack people, making it feel like a natural aquarium. The creatures you will encounter and the beauty of the sea make Yaebise one of the best snorkeling spots in the world, and you will lose track of time.
Click here to book Yaebise Boat Snorkeling
Miyako Island Activity 2: Pumpkin Hole Caving
Miyakojima Island has a strong image of beautiful sea and tropical resorts. Did you know that there is a mysterious power spot on Miyako Island? It is called "Pumpkin Hole," a limestone cave featuring stalactites shaped like large pumpkins. It is also known as "Dragon's Palace" by the local islanders of Miyako Island. Since the entrance to the cave faces the sea, the entrance sinks at high tide, so the tour is held at low tide when the sea level is low. After putting on safety gear and passing through the cave entrance, you will find yourself in a mysterious space. The large ochre-colored pumpkin-shaped stalactites are the origin and symbol of Pumpkin Hole. The interior of the stalactite cave, formed over a long period of time, creates a unique and mysterious space. The last part of the cave exploration is super exhilarating and athletic, and at this diving spot, where you can jump from the raised stalactites into the emerald green sea, it is said that your wish will come true if you jump in while thinking of your wish, making it a true power spot on Miyako Island.
Click here to book Pumpkin Hole Caving.
Miyako Island Activity 3: Sea Turtle Snorkeling
Snorkeling in the beautiful waters of Miyako Island is one of the most popular activities on Miyako Island, as the calm waves and crystal clear waters make it seem like you are in a painting.
Instructors will give you a brief lecture on snorkeling, and once you get used to snorkeling, you can experience snorkeling in earnest. If the weather is good, you can even see 50 meters ahead in the ocean, so you can experience the underwater world of Miyako Island. Even in the shallows, there are many tropical fish and coral, and you can get much closer to the fish than you can at an aquarium. Of course, you can also encounter "bears" and "bluefin reef sharks," which are famous in the movie "Finding Nemo. At the sea turtle spot, you can swim with sea turtles so close that you can almost touch them right under your nose.
Click here to book sea turtle snorkeling
summary
How was it? We have thoroughly explained Miyako Island and Ishigaki Island. Both islands have their own merits that cannot be replaced by any other. We hope you will find this article useful when you visit Miyakojima and Ishigakijima.
