🚢 Cruise Ship Arrival Days Bring “Taxi Refugees”

The Reality of an Island Where No Taxis Are Available—at the Airport, Port, or in Town

Miyakojima continues to see a surge in cruise ship arrivals. While these bring significant economic benefits, they also reveal a critical issue: on cruise ship arrival days, “taxi refugees” emerge. With transportation options stretched thin across the airport, ports, and city center, both tourists and local residents are experiencing growing frustration.

✈️ “Not a Single Taxi” at the Airport

When travelers arrive at Miyako Airport and head to the taxi stand, they’re often met with an empty lot.

Even calling for a taxi doesn’t guarantee a ride—many hear, “None are available right now.”

This has become a daily occurrence, especially on cruise ship days, when many airport taxis are rerouted to the ports, leaving the airport without service altogether.

🛳️ Cruise Passengers Get Top Priority at the Port

At Hirara Port and Shimozaki Wharf, thousands of cruise passengers disembark at once.

Most taxis are booked for private, full-day tours by cruise guests, leaving independent travelers and local residents without options.

“Cruise guests often book full-day charters, which are more profitable. It’s business—we have no choice but to prioritize them,”

say local taxi drivers.

As a result, finding a taxi anywhere on the island becomes almost impossible on those days.

🌃 Tourists Left Stranded in the City at Night

In the bustling downtown area, the situation doesn’t improve. After dining out, many tourists report,

“I couldn’t get a taxi,” or “All the driving services were full.”

Stranded without transportation, some walk back to their hotels.

Even local residents say, “I avoid going out at night now because I can’t get a ride home.”

🚖 There Are Enough Taxis—But No One to Drive Them

While the number of taxis on the island is technically sufficient, the real problem is a lack of drivers.

Many quit during the pandemic and, due to aging and lifestyle changes, have not returned.

As a result, the island faces a chronic shortage of drivers—there are cars, but no one to drive them.

Cruise ship days bring a spike in demand, yet the few available drivers are tied up with charters, leaving no capacity for individual riders.

⚠️ Securing Transportation in Advance Is Essential

According to tourism industry insiders,

“If you don’t secure your transportation in advance on cruise ship days, you might not be able to get anywhere.”

This now applies not only to tourists but also to business travelers and residents.

Planning your rides in advance is no longer optional—it’s a necessity.

🏝️ A Beautiful Island With a Transportation Paradox

Miyakojima is famous for its crystal-clear waters and abundant nature.

But the reality is: if you don’t have a ride, you can’t enjoy any of it.

Buses are limited, and for those who don’t use rental cars, taxis are one of the few options.

When they stop functioning, the entire tourism experience suffers.

🔍 A Whole-Island Approach to Transportation Reform Is Needed

Tourism growth and transportation collapse go hand-in-hand.

Now more than ever, the following measures are needed:

• Improve taxi driver wages and attract new talent
• Forecast demand on cruise days and plan accordingly
• Expand shuttle and shared transportation services
• Introduce ride-hailing apps to optimize efficiency

For both visitors and residents to move around comfortably,

Miyakojima must urgently create a system that supports sustainable transportation to match its growing tourism.