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Weather is always a concern when traveling. Especially on remote islands like Miyakojima, the weather can change quickly, and sudden tropical showers are not uncommon. While the emerald green sea is a major draw of Miyakojima, there are also many places you can enjoy because it’s raining.
In this feature, we’ll introduce spots full of learning and hands-on experiences that let you make the most of Miyakojima—even on rainy days!
🏛️ Miyakojima City Museum
“Explore the History, Culture, and Nature of Miyakojima in Depth”
This comprehensive museum offers insights into the history, culture, and natural environment of Miyakojima. Inside, you’ll find detailed exhibits on the island’s formation, traditional lifestyles, and local festivals. Many displays—including those on the native Miyako horse and life-sized dioramas of island living—are visually engaging, making it an enjoyable experience for both children and adults.
📌 Highlights
✔ Learn about Miyakojima’s history, culture, and nature all in one place
✔ Exhibits include folk materials, rare artifacts, and traditional tools from the past
✔ A video corner introduces traditional events and island life
📍 Address: 1166-287 Higashinakasonezoi, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
📞 Phone: 0980-73-0567
🚗 Access: About 10 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
⏰ Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM)
💰 Admission: Adults: 300 yen / Elementary & Junior High School Students: 150 yen
🧵 Miyakojima City Traditional Craft Center
“Experience Craftsmanship Up Close! Discover the Beauty of Miyako Jofu and Local Handicrafts”
This facility offers visitors the chance to learn about Miyakojima’s traditional crafts, including the famed Miyako Jofu textile. Designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan, Miyako Jofu is renowned for its exquisite weaving technique. Visitors can observe artisans at work and even try hand-weaving themselves. Items made with Miyako fabrics, such as small accessories, are also available for purchase as souvenirs.
📌 Highlights
✔ Observe Miyakojima’s textile culture and artisan techniques up close
✔ Try your hand at weaving on a traditional loom (reservation required)
✔ Learn in detail about the weaving process of Miyako Jofu
📍 Address: 1166-284 Higashinakasonezoi, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
📞 Phone: 0980-74-7480
🚗 Access: About 10 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
⏰ Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed irregularly)
💰 Admission: Free (weaving experience requires a fee)
🎨 Melty Art
“Recreate the Beauty of Miyakojima’s Ocean Through Resin Art”
At this hands-on studio, you can create your own original resin art that captures the vivid emerald-green sea of Miyakojima. Under the guidance of professionals, your work becomes a one-of-a-kind memory of your trip. It’s a popular spot for couples and families, offering a creative and enjoyable indoor activity—even on rainy days.
📍 Address: 50-1 Kugai, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa (inside Guesthouse hanahana)
📞 Phone: 080-2151-3682
📸 Instagram: @melty.art_miyakojima
🚗 Access: About 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
⏰ Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (reservation required)
🧂 Yukishio Museum
“Experience the Charm of ‘Yukishio’—the World’s Finest Salt”
This facility lets you learn about the production process and unique qualities of Yukishio, a specialty salt from Miyakojima. Certified by Guinness as the world’s finest-grained salt, Yukishio’s secrets are revealed here. The on-site shop sells sweets and cosmetics made with Yukishio, and the salt-flavored soft-serve ice cream is especially popular!
📌 Highlights
✔ Learn about the production and unique qualities of Yukishio
✔ Taste samples at the salt-tasting corner
✔ Enjoy the popular Yukishio soft-serve ice cream
🚗 Access: About 20 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
⏰ Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (until 5:00 PM from September to March)
💰 Admission: Free
📍 Address: 191 Karimata, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
📞 Phone: 0980-72-5667
🌐 Official Website: Yukishio Museum
🍶 Taragawa Distillery Tour
“Discover the Charm of Awamori and Enjoy a Tasting Experience”
When it comes to Okinawa, it’s all about awamori! At Taragawa, a long-established distillery in Miyakojima, you can tour the facilities and observe the production process. You’ll also get to sample the drink and learn about the unique characteristics of Miyakojima-style awamori and its various aging methods.
📌 Highlights
✔ Observe the awamori production process up close
✔ Purchase limited-edition awamori directly from the factory
✔ Discover your favorite brand through tastings
🚗 Access: About 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
⏰ Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (reservation required)
💰 Admission: Free
📍 Address: 85 Sunagawa, Gusukube, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
📞 Phone: 0980-77-4108
🌐 Official Website: Taragawa Distillery
🌊 Miyakojima Marine Park
“See the Ocean Without Getting Wet! Enjoy the Underwater World Even on Rainy Days”
This facility allows you to observe Miyakojima’s beautiful sea in a real, natural underwater setting—unlike an aquarium. Through large acrylic windows, you can view wild fish and coral in their natural habitat. It’s a comfortable and fascinating way to experience the ocean, even in rainy weather.
📌 Highlights
✔ Observe the real underwater world through acrylic windows
✔ Learn about marine ecosystems and coral reef formation
✔ Weather-proof fun, perfect for families with children
🚗 Access: About 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
⏰ Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
📍 Address: 2511-1 Karimata, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
📞 Phone: 0980-74-6335
🌐 Official Website: Miyakojima Marine Park
💧 Miyakojima Underground Dam Museum
“Uncover the Secrets of the World’s First Underground Dam”
Miyakojima has no rivers and often faces water shortages. To solve this issue, the world’s first underground dam was built right here. At this museum, you can learn about the dam’s unique structure and history. It’s a rare spot where you can truly appreciate the importance of water.
📌 Highlights
✔ Learn about the structure and technology behind the underground dam
✔ View real bore cores and detailed scale models
✔ Understand the importance of water resources on Miyakojima
🚗 Access: About 20 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
⏰ Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💰 Admission: Free
📍 Address: 1645-8 Fukuzato, Gusukube, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
📞 Phone: 0980-77-7547
🌦 So Many Ways to Enjoy a Rainy Day! Miyakojima’s charm isn’t just about the sea. Why not explore its history, culture, cuisine, and hands-on art experiences— and discover a deeper side of the island that only a rainy day can reveal?