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– Recommended Route to Fully Enjoy Miyakojima, Kurima Island, Ikema Island, Irabu Island, and Shimoji Island –
This scenic driving route is perfect for first-time visitors to Miyakojima. Starting from Miyako Airport, you’ll explore not only the main island but also four connected islands via bridges. Along the way, you’ll experience the stunning beauty of Miyako Blue and a variety of breathtaking landscapes. It’s recommended to take this route on your first day to get an overview of the islands, then spend the following days relaxing at your favorite beaches and spots.
1. Arrive at Miyako Airport & Pick Up Your Rental Car
Once you arrive, start your trip by picking up a rental car! Your first destination is the Ryugu Observatory on Kurima Island. Set your navigation and hit the road!
2. Kurima Island – Ryugu Observatory: Set your navigation to Ryugu Observatory first
Cross the Kurima Bridge (1,690m long), which connects Miyako Island and Kurima Island, and you’ll soon see the Ryugu Observatory. From the observatory, you can enjoy a stunning view of the white sands of Maehama Beach directly ahead, with Kurima Bridge to the right and Irabu Island to the left.
If you have time, it’s also a great idea to take a commemorative photo at Maehama Rural Park before crossing the bridge.
3. Take a photo with Mamoru-kun & Head to Higashi-Hennazaki
After crossing the Kurima Bridge and returning to Miyako Island, turn right at the first traffic light (where Mamoru-kun is standing), and safely park your car to take a commemorative photo. Taking a picture with “Miyakojima Mamoru-kun,” the local traffic safety mascot, is also a way to pray for safe driving.
Then, head to Higashi-Hennazaki, a breathtaking scenic spot located at the easternmost tip of Miyako Island.
4. The Breathtaking View at Higashi-Hennazaki & a Hidden Photo Spot
Higashi-Hennazaki is one of the most scenic spots on Miyako Island. This protruding cape offers stunning panoramic views of the emerald-green ocean on both sides. If you climb the lighthouse, you’ll be treated to even more expansive views of the famous “Miyako Blue.” After capturing some great photos, continue your drive around the island in a counterclockwise direction — next stop: a snorkeling spot!
Also, to reach the hidden photo spot, follow this route:
Before reaching the monument at Higashi-Hennazaki Park, turn left onto a narrow path. Continue for a while, and you’ll find an open viewpoint on the right.
From there, you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Miyako Blue ocean — it’s also a perfect spot for taking photos with the lighthouse in the background.
⚠️ It’s often windy, so please be careful with hats and small items that may be easily blown away when visiting.
5. Yoshino Beach & Aragusuku Beach
Head to Miyakojima’s top snorkeling spots: Yoshino Beach and Aragusuku Beach.
⚠️ During the peak season (summer), rental cars cannot access the beach directly. Please park in the designated lot and take a shuttle bus.
After enjoying the stunning views at Yoshino Beach, head to Aragusuku Beach. This beach is accessible by car and is equipped with restrooms and showers, making it a comfortable spot to relax.
ARAGUSUKU BEACH
6. Cape Nishihennazaki & Higa Road Park
Set your navigation to Cape Nishihennazaki, and stop by Higa Road Park along the way. Here, you can enjoy a 180° panoramic view.
At Cape Nishihennazaki, you might find a garlic shrimp food truck — perfect for a lunch break.
7. Head to Ikema Island & Yukishio Museum
On the way to Ikema Island, take a break at the Yukishio Museum and enjoy their famous Yukishio soft serve ice cream.
After crossing the Ikema Bridge (1,425 meters long), you’ll be greeted with stunning views of Ōgami Island and the beautiful Ikema Blue ocean on your right.
After arriving on Ikema Island, head to the area with souvenir shops. Go up to the observation deck near the Ikema Bridge to take in the breathtaking Ikema Blue, then enjoy a drive around the island before returning to Miyako Island.
8. To the Irabu Island & Shimoji Island Area
Set your navigation to Tōri-ike. Cross the Irabu Bridge (3,540 meters long), which connects Miyako Island and Irabu Island. Once on Irabu Island, drive counterclockwise and head toward Shimoji Island while passing by the café-restaurant “Blue Turtle.”
9. Shimoji Island – Tōri-ike & Obi-iwa
As you enter Shimoji Island, continue driving while passing Nakanoshima Beach on your left.
・Visit Obi-iwa (a massive rock believed to have been washed ashore by a tsunami)
・Take a commemorative photo at Tori-ike
After visiting Tori-ike, head back and make your way to 17END.
10. Stunning Beach and Plane Watching at 17END
Head to 17END, where a pure white beach appears during low tide.
If the timing is right, you can see planes taking off and landing at Miyako Shimojishima Airport up close.
11. Drive Around Irabu Island & Return to Miyako Island
Finally, circle Irabu Island clockwise and head back to Miyako Island.
- Drive toward Shiratori Cape while enjoying the ocean view on your left.
• Before crossing the Irabu Bridge, check out the Yamato-bu Big Rock on your right.
• Return to Miyako Island and head to your accommodation.
⚠️ There used to be scenic spots like Sankakuten and Iguana Rock on Irabu Island, but they are currently off-limits. Let’s hope for future safety improvements.
Summary: Highlights of the Miyakojima 5-Island Drive
• A scenic driving route of approximately 100 km starting from Miyako Airport
• Visit stunning viewpoints such as Ryugu Observatory, Higashi-Hennazaki, Nishi-Hennazaki, and Higa Road Park
• Enjoy the famous beaches like Yoshino Beach, Aragusuku Beach, and 17END to fully experience the Miyako Blue
• Explore Toriike and Obi-iwa on Shimoji Island, and take in the Ikema Blue on Ikema Island
• Note: Beach access may be restricted during peak seasons (Yoshino Beach)
• After circling Miyako Island, it is recommended to spend the second night and beyond relaxing at your favorite spots
This route is one I personally use when guiding friends visiting Miyakojima for the first time.