The eastern area of Miyako Island, centred on Gusukube, is where snorkeling is at its most active anywhere on the island.
It runs from Aragusuku Coast and Yoshino Coast, where the odds of meeting a sea turtle are high, to quiet shores that tourists almost never reach. Higashi-Hennazaki, the view that defines Miyako Island, is here too.
This guide covers the eight beaches of the eastern area, along with five capes and viewpoints worth visiting while you are here.
The eight beaches covered here are as follows.
- Aragusuku Coast
- Yoshino Coast
- Higashi-Henna Beach
- Myba Coast
- Boraga Beach
- Nagamata-hama (Nagama Coast)
- Shirakawa-hama (Susakabama)
- Maja Beach
Let’s take a look.
8 Beaches of the Eastern Area
Aragusuku Coast
The most popular snorkeling spot in the eastern area is Aragusuku Coast.
The water is shallow and calm, and swimming just a few dozen metres out brings you to coral and tropical fish. It is known for a high sea turtle sighting rate, and draws a steady stream of visitors here to snorkel.
Showers, restrooms, and a shop renting gear are all here, so you can turn up empty-handed and still enjoy the day.
| Access | About 40 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Aragusuku, Gusukube, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Swimming season | Year-round |
| Activities | Available |
| Parking | Available (both paid and free car parks) |
| Restrooms | Available |
Yoshino Coast
Right next to Aragusuku Coast is Yoshino Coast.
This is another snorkeling destination built on well-developed coral, and for sheer variety of fish it ranks among the best on Miyako Island. Step into the water and colourful tropical fish surround you almost immediately.
Parking is paid, and opening hours are 8:30 to 18:00. The walk down to the beach is a steep slope, so plenty of visitors use the shuttle service.
| Access | About 40 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Aragusuku, Gusukube, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Opening hours | 8:30–18:00 |
| Swimming season | Year-round |
| Activities | Available |
| Parking | Available (paid car park) |
| Restrooms | Available |
Higashi-Henna Beach
At the foot of Higashi-Hennazaki, Higashi-Henna Beach is a quietly known snorkeling spot.
It never gained the reputation of Aragusuku or Yoshino, so it stays uncrowded, yet sea turtles still turn up here.
There are no restrooms and no shop, so come prepared.
| Access | About 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Bora, Gusukube, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Opening hours | None |
| Swimming season | Not specified |
| Activities | None |
| Parking | Parking available |
| Restrooms | None |
Myba Coast
Myba Coast in Bora, Gusukube, is also known as a sea turtle nesting site.
It has never been developed for tourism, and time moves slowly here. Snorkeling is possible, but with no swimming facilities at all, you enter the water at your own risk.
Free parking makes it easy to stop by if you are driving.
| Access | About 35 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Bora, Gusukube, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Opening hours | None |
| Swimming season | Not specified |
| Activities | None |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restrooms | None |
Boraga Beach
Boraga Beach is a facility-style beach with an adjoining beach park.
It has a pool, showers, and a shop, and is also the departure point for kayak tours to Pumpkin Hall, the limestone cave.
The season runs from 1 April to 31 October. Opening hours change through the season, so check before you go.
| Access | About 35 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | 1139-1 Bora, Gusukube, Miyakojima City, Okinawa 906-0101 |
| Opening hours | 1 Apr–31 Oct / 8:00–19:00: Golden Week and July–August / 9:00–18:00: all other periods through 31 Oct |
| Activities | Yes |
| Parking | Parking available |
| Restrooms | Yes |
Nagamata-hama (Nagama Coast)
Nagamata-hama in Nagama, Gusukube, is a quiet hidden beach that tourists almost never reach.
At 20 minutes by car from Miyako Airport it is one of the easier spots in the eastern area to get to, yet its low profile means having the place to yourself is far from unusual.
There are no swimming facilities, so it suits anyone who wants unhurried time on the sand.
| Access | About 20 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Nagama, Gusukube, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Opening hours | None |
| Swimming season | Not specified |
| Activities | None |
| Parking | Available |
| Restrooms | None |
Shirakawa-hama (Susakabama)
Shirakawa-hama, also known as Susakabama, is a hidden beach on the island’s east coast.
Its address is in Hirara, but it sits on the east coast, and being off the usual tourist route it sees almost no one.
The quiet you will not find at a tourist beach is the draw, making it ideal for a slow afternoon.
| Access | About 20 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | 3237-1 Higashinakasonezoe, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Opening hours | None |
| Swimming season | Not specified |
| Activities | None |
| Parking | Available |
| Restrooms | None |
Maja Beach
Tucked away on the east coast is Maja Beach.
This is another spot where you can snorkel, though few people come. At 20 minutes by car from Miyako Airport, the short drive is an advantage too.
With no swimming facilities, come equipped and take care of your own safety.
| Access | About 20 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Nishihara, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Opening hours | None |
| Swimming season | Not specified |
| Activities | None |
| Parking | Available |
| Restrooms | None |
Other Sights in the Eastern Area
Higashi-Hennazaki Cape
Higashi-Hennazaki is a cape reaching some two kilometres out from the easternmost point of Miyako Island.
Designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty, it is known as the view that defines the island. Hennazaki Lighthouse stands at the tip, and climbing it opens a panorama taking in the Pacific and the East China Sea at once.
Allow about an hour if you climb the lighthouse, or 30 to 40 minutes if you do not. Free parking and restrooms are in place.
| Access | About 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Gusukube, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Time needed | About 1 hour with the lighthouse climb / about 30–40 minutes without |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
Higashi-Hennazaki Observation Deck
The Higashi-Hennazaki Observation Deck lets you take in the cape side-on.
Unlike standing on the cape itself, from here you see the whole slender headland with the sea spreading out on both sides. If you are visiting Higashi-Hennazaki, this is worth adding.
There is no dedicated car park, so you pull over on the roadside; take care not to obstruct traffic. Allow 15 to 20 minutes.
| Access | About 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Gusukube, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Time needed | About 15–20 minutes |
| Parking | No dedicated car park, but roadside parking is possible |
| Restrooms | None |
Higa Road Park
On the coast road in Gusukube, Higa Road Park is a viewpoint looking out over the east coast.
Facing east, it is known for sunrises, and with few lights nearby it is popular for stargazing as well.
At 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport it is the closest spot in the eastern area, and it has free parking and restrooms. Fifteen minutes is enough for a stop.
| Access | About 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Gusukube, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Time needed | About 15 minutes |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
Muiga Cliff
Muiga Cliff is a viewpoint looking down on the Pacific from the sheer cliffs of the east coast.
Humpback whales migrate past between winter and spring, so with luck you may spot one blowing offshore.
Free parking and restrooms mean you can pull up and step straight out. Some stretches have no railing, so keep well back from the edge.
| Access | About 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Gusukube, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
Shichimata Coast Shiokumiba
In Fukuzato, Gusukube, the Shichimata Coast Shiokumiba is a distinctive landscape of rugged rock running along the shore.
It is said to be where seawater was once drawn for making salt, and the contrast between the raw rock and the clear water is striking.
There is free parking, but the footing is poor, so trainers or similar walking shoes are recommended.
| Access | About 35 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Fukuzato, Gusukube, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restrooms | None |
Around the Eastern Area
Activities on Miyako Island
Snorkeling, diving, SUP, and other marine sports in Miyako Island’s crystal-clear water are hugely popular.
The eastern area has plenty of snorkeling spots where sea turtles appear, which makes it a popular tour destination. Reserve as soon as your dates are set.
Renting a Car on Miyako Island
A rental car is by far the best way to get around Miyako Island.
The eastern area lies away from town, with beaches and viewpoints spread along the coast. Bus services on Miyako Island are infrequent, and having a car makes a huge difference to how much you can fit in.
Reservations fill up quickly in peak season, so book early once your travel dates are decided.
Ocean’s Resort Villa Vorla
An all-villa resort hotel set in the green surroundings of Miyako Island’s east coast.
The generous 52-square-metre rooms include options with a private pool and jacuzzi, making for an unhurried stay.
Yoshino Coast and Higashi-Hennazaki are both close by, so it suits anyone who wants to make the most of Miyako Island’s scenery and step away from the everyday.
Summary
This guide has covered the eight beaches of the eastern area of Miyako Island.
Aragusuku and Yoshino Coast are well-equipped snorkeling destinations; Higashi-Henna Beach, Myba Coast, and Nagamata-hama are quiet spots few people reach. Being able to choose by purpose is what makes the eastern area worthwhile.
Add the view from Higashi-Hennazaki, sunrise and stars at Higa Road Park, and whales off Muiga Cliff, and there is plenty here even without getting in the water.
When you visit Miyako Island, be sure to make time for the beaches of the eastern area.
Thank you for reading to the end.
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