🚧 For Everyone Driving on Miyako Island

〜 A Comprehensive Guide to Road Etiquette and Safety for Car, Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Electric Kickboard Users 〜

With blue skies, the stunning “Miyako Blue” sea, and quiet roads surrounded by sugarcane fields,

Miyako Island is a charming place to explore freely by rental car, motorcycle, bicycle, or electric kickboard.

However, with the growing number of tourists and new residents, traffic troubles and accidents are on the rise.

To help you travel safely and enjoyably around Miyako Island, here’s a complete guide covering the island’s unique road conditions and key safety tips.

🚗 Private Transportation is the Norm on Miyako Island

Since public transportation such as buses or trains is scarce on Miyako Island,

most people rely on rental cars, motorcycles, bicycles, or electric kickboards to get around.

Rental cars in particular have increased year by year and are now widely used for sightseeing.

✅ Don’t Let Your Guard Down at Sugarcane-Lined Intersections

In the rural areas of Miyako Island, there are many intersections with no traffic signals,

and the surrounding sugarcane fields often block your view.

🚦 Even if you’re on a priority road, always stop and check both directions.

Many accidents have occurred when tourists assumed they had the right of way and proceeded without checking.

Local light trucks, bicycles, and farming equipment can appear suddenly,

so always treat intersections with caution — come to a full stop, proceed slowly, and confirm safety.

🌉 Safety Rules and Risks at the Three Major Bridges

There are three major bridges connecting Miyako Island with nearby islands:

• Irabu Bridge
• Kurima Bridge
• Ikema Bridge

All of these bridges are:

🚫 No stopping or walking allowed zones

Stopping for sightseeing or photography is a traffic violation

and can lead to accidents or block traffic.

In fact, there was a fatal accident on Irabu Bridge when a tourist fell off.

📷 If you want to take photos, please use the parking lots or scenic viewpoints located at both ends of each bridge.

🛵 Safety Guidelines by Transportation Type

Transportation Type ｜ Key Safety Points
🚗 Car / Rental Car ｜ Even on priority roads, always stop and check at intersections with no signals. Never stop on bridges.
🛵 Motorbike / Scooter ｜ Helmet required. Avoid sudden movements and running red lights. Follow traffic laws even while sightseeing.
🚲 Bicycle ｜ Ride on the left side of the road. No side-by-side riding. At night, use lights and reflectors. Avoid riding on sidewalks.
🛴 Electric Kickboard ｜ Often requires a license for public road use. Sidewalk riding prohibited. Obey speed limits and use lights.

🌙 Many Roads Are Pitch Dark at Night

Most roads on Miyako Island lack streetlights, and many become completely dark after sunset.

This is especially true on Irabu Bridge and other bridges,

where guardrails and road edges are hard to see, and falling off is a real danger.

There are also many pedestrians and joggers at night without lights or reflective gear,

and combined with headlight glare from oncoming traffic, this often leads to “blackout” moments where you can’t see anything.

🔦 5 Key Tips for Safe Night Driving

1. Turn on headlights early and keep them on at all times
2. Drive more slowly than during the day — it’s okay to go under the speed limit
3. Always assume that there might be pedestrians, bicycles, or joggers nearby
4. Never stop or walk on bridges at night
5. Use high and low beams effectively to maintain visibility

🎯 Summary: 7 Golden Rules for Safe Driving

① ｜Even on priority roads, always stop and check at intersections with no signals
② ｜Never stop on bridges. Use viewpoints at the ends of bridges for photos
③ ｜Turn on headlights early and drive carefully at night
④ ｜Motorbikes, kickboards, and bicycles must follow traffic rules
⑤ ｜Drive slowly and yield in farming areas and residential streets
⑥ ｜Practice defensive driving, always assuming pedestrians or cyclists are nearby
⑦ ｜As a guest on the island, be considerate on local residential roads

🌺 A Great Trip Begins with Courtesy and Safety

To enjoy the beautiful scenery of Miyako Island to the fullest, safety must come first.

A little attention and kindness go a long way toward creating a pleasant and memorable trip.

If everyone on the road follows the rules and respects one another,

Miyako Island’s roads will become even more welcoming and enjoyable for all.