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Miyako Island is home to many popular beaches such as Maehama Beach and Yonaha Bay Beach, which attract numerous tourists.
However, for those who find these spots too crowded and want to enjoy the Miyako Blue in peace, we recommend exploring the island’s “hidden beaches.”
In this guide, we’ll introduce some lesser-known spots where you can avoid the crowds and still experience the island’s stunning seaside beauty.
1. URA-MAEHAMA BEACH
A Hidden Spot Where You Can Enjoy the Same Beauty of Maehama Beach in Peace
Ura-Maehama Beach is located just near Maehama Beach, one of Miyako Island’s most iconic beaches. Compared to the bustling Maehama Beach filled with tourists, this hidden gem is much quieter, yet offers the same stunning emerald-green waters and white sandy shores.
This is what makes it special!
✔ Fewer tourists, perfect for a relaxing time
✔ Shallow waters and calm waves, ideal for families
✔ Not suitable for snorkeling, but great for swimming
🚗 Access: About 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
2. Manatsu Beach
FULL OF A PRIVATE FEELING! A SERENE BEACH IN NORTHERN MIYAKOJIMA
Manatsu Beach is a hidden secret beach located in the northern part of Miyakojima.
Surrounded by reefs, it’s rarely visited by tourists, giving you the feeling of a private beach.
With its white sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s truly a hidden gem.
HERE’S WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL!
✔ Enjoy the Miyako Blue in peace
✔ A hidden beach with few tourists
✔ Surrounded by rocky formations, perfect for photos
🚗 Access: About 40 minutes by car from Miyako Airport (no parking available)
3. Musunun Beach
A HIDDEN HEALING SPOT ON KURIMA ISLAND
Musunun Beach is a quiet beach on Kurima Island with few tourists.
It features white sand and a clear emerald-green sea, offering a sense of untouched nature and a true hidden gem.
HERE’S WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL!
✔ Few people, perfect for a relaxing time
✔ Calm waves and a peaceful atmosphere
✔ Beautiful sunsets, ideal for photography
🚗 Access: About 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport (via Kurima Bridge)
4. Nagamahama Beach
A HIDDEN BEACH ON KURIMA ISLAND WHERE YOU CAN HAVE THE WIDE SHORE AND MIYAKO BLUE ALL TO YOURSELF
Nagamahama Beach on Kurima Island is a secluded spot rarely visited by tourists.
The beach is spacious and open, offering a peaceful atmosphere to relax.
It’s surprisingly easy to reach—just cross the Kurima Bridge from Miyako Island.
HERE’S WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL!
✔ Wide sandy beach, perfect for relaxing
✔ Great for beachcombing and leisurely walks
✔ Quiet atmosphere with hardly any tourists
🚗 Access: About 25 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
5. Sawada-no-hama Beach
A PEACEFUL BEACH ON IRABU ISLAND WITH STUNNING SUNSETS
Sawada-no-hama is a beach on Irabu Island known for its unique scenery.
Scattered with massive rocks, the landscape creates a mystical atmosphere you won’t find at other beaches.
HERE’S WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL!
✔ Enjoy stunning rocky scenery not found on Miyako Island
✔ Beautiful sunsets create a romantic atmosphere
✔ Not ideal for snorkeling, but perfect for relaxing by the shore
🚗 Access: About 35 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
6. Cat Tongue Beach (Pacha Beach)
A MAGICAL BEACH THAT APPEARS ONLY AT LOW TIDE
This special beach appears only when the tide goes out.
The contrast between the Miyako Blue sea and the white sand is stunning, making it a popular hidden photo spot.
HERE’S WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL!
✔ A special view that appears only at low tide
✔ Exceptionally clear waters and beautiful white sand
✔ A mystical spot where you can feel the power of nature
🚗 Access: About 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport (visible only during low tide)
⚠️ Important Tips for Visiting Hidden Beaches
Hidden beaches in Miyakojima are quiet and beautiful, but many of them lack safety facilities. Please take the following precautions:
- No lifeguards on duty – Swim at your own risk. Watch out for rip currents and avoid going too far offshore.
- Limited mobile reception – In case of emergency, you may not be able to call for help. Check the location in advance and go with others.
- Few shaded areas – Be mindful of heatstroke. Bring plenty of water, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen.
- No shops or vending machines nearby – Bring your own drinks and snacks.
- Sharp rocks or shells – Wear marine shoes to protect your feet.
- Check tide times – Knowing when tides change can help you avoid dangerous situations.
Prepare well and enjoy the quiet, beautiful hidden beaches safely and responsibly.