Sunlight pouring into a cave, the largest table reef in Japan, a wall of pelagic fish crossing right in front of you. The sea around Miyako Island changes so much from area to area that it’s hard to believe it’s one island.

Which area you get, though, comes down to the wind on the day. Even on the same island, the water you dive changes with the season you visit.

This article lays out which areas to target season by season, and what each of the five areas does best. Use it to plan your trip.

The best area changes with the season

On Miyako Island, the sea goes calm on whichever side is downwind. Southerly winds favor Irabu Island and Yabiji to the northwest; northerly winds favor Shimoji Island. As the seasonal wind shifts, so does the area you dive.

Three things to take from the table.

• Yabiji is open water. Cancellations pile up in the northerly winter, so aim for spring or summer if coral is your goal
• Winter centers on Shimoji Island. When even that gets rough, Kurima Island and the south coast take over
• Takano depends on wind, not season. It comes into play when a westerly roughs up the west side of the island

*The final call also depends on the waves and swell on the day. Follow your dive shop’s judgment.

How to book a dive

Diving around Miyako Island means joining a dive shop’s tour. If there’s a site you want, mention it when you book (whether it happens depends on the conditions that day).

The easiest way to compare plans and check availability is to search Viator or GetYourGuide. Fun dives and try dives sit side by side.

Popular seasons fill up early. Once your dates are set, lock it in.

Dive sites by area

Here are the five areas, in order of how often they get dived. Each one has its own article with the full site details, so start with whichever area interests you.

Shimoji Island (27 sites)

Toriike, Devil’s Palace and Antonio Gaudi — the “Three Great Formations of Miyako Island” — are all on this one island. It’s the best known diving area on Miyako.

Caves, holes, arches, crevices, drop-offs, ponds: the range of terrain here is unmatched. From shallow caves at 3m to drop-offs at 40m, there’s something for every level.

It’s 30 to 40 minutes by boat from Hirara Port. The main season runs from autumn to spring, when northerly winds blow.

The signature sites in this area are as follows.

• Toriike
• Devil’s Palace
• Antonio Gaudi
• Queen’s Room
• Nakanoshima Hole

For the full details on Shimoji Island, see “Shimoji Island Dive Sites, Miyako Island: 27 Spots Including the Three Great Formations“!

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Irabu Island (19 sites)

Just across the Irabu Ohashi Bridge, this area and Shimoji Island next door form the heart of diving on Miyako.

It’s mostly shallow arches and holes between 2m and 18m, which makes it a great fit even if terrain diving is new to you. Shiratori Hole, Twin Hole and Surprise Hole all start from around 2m.

Big animals such as sea turtles and dogtooth tuna are on the cards, along with schools of anthias. The main season runs from spring to summer, when southerly winds blow.

The signature sites in this area are as follows.

• Cross Hole
• L-Shaped Arch
• Snake Hole (Gakeshita)
• Hanadai no Ne
• W Arch

For the full details on Irabu Island, see “Irabu Island Dive Sites, Miyako Island: 19 Sites of Shallow Arches, Holes and Big Animals“!

Irabujima Dive Sites, Miyakojima: 19 Shallow Arches, Holes and Big-Animal Spots

This time we're looking at the dive sites around Irabujima, Miyakojima.Irabujima is linked to Miyakojima's mai...

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Yabiji (14 sites)

A vast complex of table reefs north of Ikema Island — the largest in Japan. More than 100 reefs are scattered across an area 16.8km east to west and 14.5km north to south, and it’s designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument.

Coral grows from the surface down to about 15m, and at around 5m the light brings the colors out vividly. It also faces the open sea, so big animals such as barracuda and giant trevally are in play.

Cancellations pile up when northerly winds blow in winter, so spring to summer is the best season.

The signature sites in this area are as follows.

• White City
• Hanadai Arch
• Blue Corner
• Bimaku
• Yurabiji

For the full details on Yabiji, see “Yabiji Dive Sites, Miyako Island: 14 Spots on Japan’s Largest Table Reef“!

Yabiji Dive Sites, Miyako Island: 14 Spots on Japan’s Largest Table Reef

This time we're looking at the dive sites in the Yabiji area of Miyako Island.Yabiji is a vast complex of table ree...

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Kurima Island & south coast (20 sites)

The southern side of the island, running from Kurima Island out to Higashi-Hennazaki Cape. It comes into its own on rough midwinter days when strong northerlies put Irabu Island and Shimoji Island out of reach.

The caves and arches here sit in shallow water, so beginners can enjoy the terrain. Ushisan Kowaiyo, with a cave more than 40m long, is a good example of rock formations that feel quite different from Irabu and Shimoji.

Alongside 16 boat sites, there are four you can enter from shore. Being divable even when boats can’t run is a strength unique to this area.

The signature sites in this area are as follows.

• Muiga
• Ushisan Kowaiyo
• Nanamata Arch
• Angel Cave
• Panari to Panari

For the full details on this area, see “Kurima Island & South Coast Dive Sites, Miyako Island: 20 Spots“!

Kurima Island & South Coast Dive Sites, Miyako Island: 20 Spots

This time we're looking at the dive sites around Kurima Island and Miyako Island's south coast.This is the are...

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Takano (4 sites)

On the east coast of Miyako Island’s main island, dived out of Takano Fishing Port. It becomes an option when westerly or southwesterly winds rough up the west side of the island.

The reefs are well developed and the fish life is dense, and with few boats and few people you get to dive in peace. Some sites are only about five minutes from the harbor, so travel time is short.

More than 20 sites have been named publicly, but few have published depths or levels, and the area is still being opened up. We cover four representative sites.

The signature sites in this area are as follows.

• Tsufutsuwa Reef
• Nidan Reef
• Sakyu Densetsu
• Rock II

For the full details on Takano, see “Takano Area Dive Sites, Miyako Island: A Guide to the East Coast“!

Takano Area Dive Sites, Miyako Island: A Guide to the East Coast

This time we're looking at the dive sites in the Takano area of Miyako Island.The Takano area sits on the east coas...

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Which area suits beginners?

If terrain diving is new to you, start with Irabu Island. There are plenty of shallow holes you can enter from around 2m, and the bright water lets you watch the light come through at your own pace.

If you’d rather take the coral slowly, the shallows of Yabiji are the pick. It’s a boat ride out into open water, though, so if you’re prone to seasickness a half-day plan or a closer site is the safer option.

For a try dive, the candidates are the shore-entry sites around Kurima Island and the south coast, or Nakanoshima Channel and Nakanoshima Beach on Shimoji Island, both shallow and sheltered. Note that the Three Great Formations are not available on a try dive.

Takano, on the other hand, suits intermediate divers and above. Tsufutsuwa Reef and Rock II both reach 30m and can have current, so it’s safer to leave them off the list at first.

Summary

This article covered 84 dive sites around Miyako Island, split into five areas.

Shimoji Island has the big terrain, headlined by the Three Great Formations; Irabu Island has shallow arches and holes; Yabiji has the largest coral reef in Japan. Kurima Island and the south coast catch the winter days, and Takano is the pick when a westerly blows — each has its moment.

Where you end up comes down to the wind that day, but if your travel dates are set, reading the article for that season’s main area first makes it much easier to picture the dive.

When you dive Miyako Island, we hope you find a site of your own.

Thank you for reading to the end.

The post Miyako Island Diving: 84 Dive Sites by Area, from the Three Great Formations to Hidden Gems first appeared on Okinawa Bookmark.

Shimoji Island lies immediately west of Irabu Island, and it’s the best known dive area on Miyako Island.

Toriike, Devil’s Palace and Antonio Gaudi — the “Three Great Formations of Miyako Island” — are all here on Shimoji Island.

Caves, holes, arches, crevices, drop-offs and ponds: the sheer range of terrain here is unmatched.

This article covers 27 dive sites around Shimoji Island, with depths and levels.

What makes the Shimoji Island area special

The Shimoji Island area lies northwest of Miyako Island and is known for dramatic terrain, clear water and beautiful caves and arches.

The character of Shimoji Island comes down to these three points.

All three Great Formations are on Shimoji Island

All three of the formations known as Miyako Island’s Three Great Formations are on Shimoji Island, about 30 to 40 minutes by boat from Hirara Port.

All three are deep with complex terrain, so they call for intermediate experience or above.

A huge range of terrain diving

What makes Shimoji Island special is that it has essentially every type of terrain.

From shallow caves at 3m to drop-offs at 40m, there’s something for every level from beginner to advanced.

It also has an unusual number of sites where you can catch sunbeams pouring into a cave — another Shimoji Island signature.

Main season: autumn to spring

Shimoji Island’s main season runs from autumn to spring, when northerly winds blow.

Conversely, from spring through summer when southerlies dominate, the Irabu Island area next door takes over.

That said, the wind on the day decides where you go, so either season can work.

*Which sites are reachable changes with the wind and sea conditions on the day. Follow your dive shop’s judgment.

Shimoji Island area dive site list

Here are the 27 dive sites in the Shimoji Island area.

If you’d like the overview first, start with the table below.

Dive sites in the Shimoji Island area

Devil’s Palace

Devil’s Palace is a maze-like site where several holes are linked by caves.

The three chambers are known as the Entrance, the Devil’s Palace and the Devil’s Bedroom, and light reaches all of them from the surface.

The innermost chamber is called the Throne, where light through a hole in the ceiling spreads out like a king’s cloak.

It’s hugely popular with repeat divers, and counts as one of Miyako Island’s Three Great Formations.

The light is at its most beautiful around midday in summer, when the sun is highest.

Antonio Gaudi

Antonio Gaudi is defined by intricate terrain where arches and openings pile up on one another.

The shapes bring to mind the work of the Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, which is how the site got its name.

It’s deep, so bottom time is limited, but as one of Miyako Island’s showpiece formations it belongs to the Three Great Formations.

Toriike

Toriike is where two ponds on land on Shimoji Island connect to the sea — and it’s the site that represents Miyako Island diving.

A large arch linking the sea and the ponds sits at around 20m, and you swim through it and surface inside the pond.

The sand beneath the arch falls away to almost 40m, so depth management is essential.

Inside the pond you can see the “chemocline” where fresh water meets seawater, a shimmering scene you won’t find anywhere else.

It’s deep with complex terrain, and is regarded as the most demanding site on Miyako Island.

Nakanoshima Hole

Nakanoshima Hole drops from a chimney at around 5m straight down to about 30m — a dramatic site.

It’s known for an exit whose shape looks like “Moomin’s profile.”

It’s deep, so you need a dive plan with margin on air and decompression.

Hachinosu Hole (Marine Lake)

Hachinosu Hole, also known as Marine Lake, is a complex pond-like formation.

It’s one of Miyako Island’s best sites for laser-like beams, with several fine, sharp shafts of light coming through.

It’s shallow, so you can wait for the light and take your time shooting.

Queen’s Room

Queen’s Room is a hole with one of the most dramatic spaces on Miyako Island.

The contrast between white sand and blue water is beautiful, and it’s a popular site for photography.

It’s deep at its maximum, so it suits divers with some experience behind them.

35 Hole

35 Hole is a site where a chimney opens inside a pitch-dark cave.

Away from the chimney the blue is deep and intense; directly beneath it, the water turns a lighter, sunlit blue.

Whitetip reef sharks sometimes rest here, so you get terrain and marine life together.

*Some shops use “35 Hole” as another name for Sango Hole.

Mini Grotto (Mini Toriike)

Mini Grotto is known as a miniature version of Toriike.

A horizontal cave at around 10m leads through to the pond, where you can surface into fresh water.

It’s shallower than Toriike, so beginners can enjoy the terrain too.

Nakanoshima Channel

Nakanoshima Channel is a maze-like site where crevices run one after another in shallow water.

It’s shallow with gentle current, so try dives are sometimes possible here.

Coral and small fish are plentiful, making it a nicely balanced site with both terrain and marine life.

Ichinose Hole

Ichinose Hole is a spacious hole you enter through a chimney in the shallows, coming out over sand at around 30m.

The moment when light through the ceiling opening forms a pillar is what this site is about.

There’s also a route in from the large seaward opening, heading landward.

Twin Cave

Twin Cave is named for its two caves running side by side.

Sweepers and soldierfish school inside, and the light coming through is lovely.

It’s shallow, so you can take your time.

Naruhodo The Cave

Naruhodo The Cave is a doughnut-shaped cave whose entrance and exit are the same.

Light comes in through several openings, and the contrast between light and shadow inside is beautiful.

It’s shallow, so beginners can enjoy the terrain here.

Panata

Panata sits on the northwest side of Shimoji Island; the name means “cliff edge.”

It’s known for schools of bigeye trevally that hold at the tip of a large submerged pinnacle.

Schools of several hundred to a thousand fish are possible, and the encounter rate for Napoleon wrasse and sea turtles is high too.

It sits in the fastest-flowing water on the Shimoji Island side, so you need the experience to handle current.

Hon Drop

Hon Drop is a drop-off site suited to hunting big animals.

Pelagics such as giant trevally and dogtooth tuna pass through from time to time.

It’s deep and gets current easily, so it suits divers with some experience.

333 (Triple Three)

333 (Triple Three) is named for three arches running one after another.

You may meet pelagics such as whitetip reef sharks and spotted eagle rays.

Terrain and big animals in one dive — it’s Shimoji Island in a nutshell.

Sango Hole

Sango Hole is a spacious hole along a wall that falls from the shallows past 30m.

Its heart-shaped opening and the soft coral blanketing the wall are what set it apart.

Plenty of fish gather inside, including soldierfish and sweepers.

Ichinose Drop

Ichinose Drop is dived along a sheer drop-off.

Huge sea fans are the highlight, and pelagics pass by at times.

The terrain makes it easy to slip deeper than you meant to, so watch your depth.

Crystal Park

Crystal Park is a site where bommies dot the sand at around 10m.

Schools of glassfish and juvenile fish are abundant, which makes it great for watching marine life.

Rock Beauty

Rock Beauty is a relaxed site over shallow sand flats.

You can watch garden eels in the shallows, and it suits macro photography too.

Moonlight Hole

Moonlight Hole is a shallow site with a magnificent corridor of light.

Schools of sweepers filling the cave are another highlight.

Witch’s Room

Witch’s Room is a site where the blue beyond the opening is beautiful.

It’s also known for a high encounter rate with hawksbill turtles.

Drop No.1

Drop No.1 has one of the highest giant trevally encounter rates on Miyako Island.

You may see two to four on a single dive, and because it’s fairly shallow, even beginners can target big animals here.

Tsunami-iwa

Tsunami-iwa lies in the water in front of Obi-iwa, a tsunami boulder said to have been pushed ashore by the Great Meiwa Tsunami.

The terrain looks like arches stacked on top of one another and riddled with openings, running into large crevices and a shallow boulder field.

Green sea turtles, reef manta rays, whitetip reef sharks and giant trevally all turn up at times.

It catches current easily, so air consumption tends to run high.

Tsunami-iwa Drop

Tsunami-iwa Drop is a drop-off site right beside Tsunami-iwa.

It’s known as a site for targeting giant trevally, and at 18m it’s fairly shallow.

Dango-iwa

As the name says, Dango-iwa is a site with a huge boulder lying on the bottom.

It involves a fair bit of swimming, and depths reach 33m.

Umiushi Goten

Umiushi Goten is a macro site over sand no deeper than 10m.

True to the name, it’s a great place to hunt nudibranchs, and the shallow depth lets you take your time.

Nakanoshima Beach (Kayaffa)

Nakanoshima Beach is one of the few inlets on Shimoji Island where you can enter from shore.

It’s bay-shaped so waves rarely get in, and it’s used regularly for try dives and snorkeling.

Recommended sites for beginners

If you’ve just been certified, or it’s your first time terrain diving, these are the sites to go for.

All of them are shallow with gentle current, which makes them an ideal way into terrain diving.

Diving safely around Shimoji Island

Toriike, Antonio Gaudi, Queen’s Room, 333, Hon Drop and Ichinose Drop all reach around 40m. Leave margin on your air and no-decompression limit.

Many sites take you into caves and holes, so always carry a light. Unstable buoyancy can damage the terrain or wreck the visibility.

Panata and Toriike can get fast current. If you aren’t confident in current, don’t push it — talk to your dive shop.

Never touch the coral or the rock formations. What took decades or centuries to grow can be destroyed by a single contact.

You need to leave time between diving and flying. Plan with room to spare — for example, don’t dive on the day you leave Miyako Island.

FAQ

Can beginners dive the Three Great Formations?

Toriike and Antonio Gaudi are deep, and intermediate experience is required in almost all cases.

Devil’s Palace is more often rated as intermediate, so it’s safer to build up some dives before taking it on.

If terrain diving itself is new to you, start with shallow sites such as Nakanoshima Channel or Naruhodo The Cave.

Can I go on a try dive?

At shallow, sheltered sites such as Nakanoshima Channel and Nakanoshima Beach, some shops accept try divers.

The Three Great Formations are not available on a try dive.

When is the best time to go?

If Shimoji Island’s terrain is your target, the main season runs from autumn to spring when northerly winds blow.

That said, the wind on the day decides where you go, so either season can work.

How is it different from Irabu Island?

Shimoji Island is mostly big terrain, headlined by the Three Great Formations, with plenty of deep sites.

Irabu Island, on the other hand, plays to shallow arches and holes plus big animals such as turtles and pelagics. See dive sites in the Irabu Island area for details.

Around Shimoji Island

Beaches on Irabu Island and Shimoji Island

7 beaches on Irabu Island and Shimoji Island covers spots you can enjoy from land, including Toguchi-no-hama, 17END and Sawada-no-hama.

There’s plenty to stop in at before or after a dive, so it’s worth a look.

7 Recommended Beaches of Irabu & Shimoji Islands! Plus Snorkeling and Other Activities

A complete guide to the beaches of Irabu and Shimoji Islands, reached by Irabu Ohashi Bridge from Miyako Island — from s...

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Dive sites on Irabu Island

Irabu Island, connected by bridge, has shallow arches and holes plus sites for turtles and pelagics. Spring through summer is its main season.

Irabujima Dive Sites, Miyakojima: 19 Shallow Arches, Holes and Big-Animal Spots

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Activities on Miyako Island

Miyako Island offers all kinds of marine activities.

Alongside fun dives and try dives, you can book snorkeling, SUP and more.

If you’re interested, take a look at what’s on offer through Viator or GetYourGuide.

Renting a car on Miyako Island

A rental car is by far the best way to get around Miyako Island.

Scenic spots such as Yonaha Maehama and Irabu Ohashi Bridge are scattered across the island, so having a car lets you explore at your own pace. With so few buses on Miyako Island, whether or not you have a car makes a real difference to the trip.

Popular seasons book up quickly, so reserve early once your dates are set.

Summary

This article covered 27 dive sites in the Shimoji Island area.

Shimoji Island has all three of Miyako Island’s Three Great Formations: Toriike, Devil’s Palace and Antonio Gaudi.

From shallow caves at 3m to drop-offs at 40m, there’s something for every level from beginner to advanced — and that’s the appeal.

The main season runs from autumn to spring when northerly winds blow, so plan around that if the Three Great Formations are your goal.

Dive sites in Miyako Island’s other areas are covered together in the articles below.

Thank you for reading to the end.

Miyako Island Diving: 84 Dive Sites by Area, from the Three Great Formations to Hidden Gems

This time we're covering all 84 dive sites around Miyako Island, grouped into five areas.Sunlight pouring into a ca...

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The post Shimoji Island Dive Sites, Miyako Island: 27 Spots Including the Three Great Formations first appeared on Okinawa Bookmark.

Irabu Island is linked to Miyako Island’s main island by the Irabu Ohashi Bridge, and together with Shimoji Island just to the west it forms the heart of diving on Miyako Island.

If Shimoji Island is the island of big terrain, headlined by the Three Great Formations, Irabu Island’s strengths are shallow arches and holes plus big animals such as turtles and pelagics.

Most sites are shallow, so even divers who have only just been certified can enjoy terrain diving here.

This article covers 19 dive sites around Irabu Island, with depths and levels.

What makes the Irabu Island area special

The Irabu Island area lies northwest of Miyako Island and is known for clear water and atmospheric terrain.

The character of Irabu Island comes down to these three points.

Shallow arches and holes all in one place

The sites around Irabu Island are mostly shallow arches and holes.

Shiratori Hole, Twin Hole and Surprise Hole all start from around 2m, so even a first taste of terrain diving is manageable.

At the same time, sites like L-Shaped Arch and Warp Hole reach 30m, so you can pick to suit your experience.

Big animals and schooling fish

Irabu Island’s other strength is its big animals and fish schools.

Overhang in particular is known for a high turtle encounter rate.

Main season: spring to summer

Irabu Island’s main season runs from spring to summer, when southerly winds blow.

Conversely, from autumn through spring when northerlies dominate, the Shimoji Island area next door takes over.

That said, the wind on the day decides where you go, so either season can work.

*Which sites are reachable changes with the wind and sea conditions on the day. Follow your dive shop’s judgment.

Irabu Island area dive site list

Here are the 19 dive sites in the Irabu Island area.

If you’d like the overview first, start with the table below.

Dive sites in the Irabu Island area

Cross Hole

Cross Hole takes its name from the cross-shaped fissure that opens at around 5m, and it’s a firm favorite.

Look up from the bottom of the hole and the opening forms a cross, with shafts of light pouring down onto pure white sand.

Yellowfin goatfish and striped large-eye bream school near the entrance, while soldierfish and sweepers gather inside the hole.

Depths reach 27m, so leave yourself margin on air and depth.

L-Shaped Arch

L-Shaped Arch is a dramatic site where you swim through a huge L-shaped arch.

Dogtooth tuna and rays pass by the arch from time to time, so you get terrain and big animals together.

Warp Hole

Warp Hole is defined by a long cave that runs for around 30m.

Inside you’ll find soldierfish and spiny lobsters.

Because of the distance involved, a light and careful air management are essential.

Snake Hole (Gakeshita)

Snake Hole is known as a blue cave with a shape you’ll struggle to find anywhere else in the world.

Its entrance sits below the waterline, so no light enters from above — which is exactly why the blue is deeper here than in a typical blue cave.

Partway in there’s an air dome where you can surface and take a breather.

Outside the cave, anthias swarm in their thousands.

Hanadai no Ne

As the name suggests, Hanadai no Ne is a bommie completely covered in anthias.

Purple queen anthias, scalefin anthias and other species mix together until the whole 360-degree view turns orange — it’s genuinely overwhelming.

Beneath the bommie you’ll find dusky batfish, giant trevally and bluefin trevally, and when plankton is thick, manta rays sometimes appear.

Shiratori Hole

Shiratori Hole is a spectacular site where light pours down from the ceiling.

The light is at its best around the middle of the day.

W Arch

W Arch has two arches side by side, and from the right angle one of them looks like a heart.

It’s shallow with almost no current, so beginners can enjoy the terrain.

The beams of light falling beneath the arch are wonderfully photogenic.

Z Arch

Z Arch is named for an arch that looks like the letter Z.

Red sea fans cling to the wall, standing out vividly against the blue water.

Twin Hole

Twin Hole is a blue cave with two openings side by side.

Silversides gather at the entrance, and with the light behind them the scene turns magical.

Surgeon Reef

Surgeon Reef is dived by drifting along the edge of the reef.

You may meet sea turtles, dogtooth tuna, whitetip reef sharks and schools of striped large-eye bream.

The current can pick up, so some experience with moving water is reassuring.

Overhang

Overhang is a site defined by a large bommie that juts out over the bottom. Scalefin and purple queen anthias school above it.

Sea turtles turn up around that bommie so often that it’s known as one of the best places on Irabu Island to meet them.

The Wreck

The Wreck lies between Irabu Island and Miyako Island, and is the closest site to Miyako Island. It’s about 15 minutes by boat from Nikadori Port.

It’s a car ferry that ran before the Irabu Ohashi Bridge opened, sunk here and now serving as an artificial reef.

Coral has taken hold on the hull, and friendly batfish swim right up to divers. In summer you’ll also find schools of glassfish and sweepers.

Inside there’s a vehicle deck, a passenger cabin and a wheelhouse, making it one of the few wrecks you can penetrate.

Surprise Hole

Surprise Hole is a hideaway that only divers get to see.

You can surface inside the cave and take a break, which makes for a distinctive experience.

Shiratori Kindergarten

Shiratori Kindergarten is a bommie site near Shiratorizaki.

True to the name, it draws large numbers of juvenile fish, which makes it ideal for macro photography.

Shiratorizaki

Shiratorizaki is a calm site off Shiratorizaki (Shiratori Cape) on the west coast of Irabu Island.

You’ll see plenty of brightly colored fish here, including scalefin anthias and pink anemonefish.

Saba-oki

Saba-oki is a coral and sand site offshore from Irabu Island. It splits into several bommies, including Out Reef and East Coral.

The shallower bommies are thick with fish, including schools of scissortail sergeant. Anemonefish, pink anemonefish and striped large-eye bream are plentiful too.

Some spots reach 30m, where you may run into big animals such as whitetip reef sharks, dogtooth tuna and sea turtles.

Saba-oki Hills

Saba-oki Hills is a bommie site within Saba-oki.

Depths reach 30m, and fish gather around the bommie.

Denter Rock

Denter Rock lies offshore from Shiratorizaki and is marked by a large tooth-shaped bommie — which is where the name comes from.

Depths reach 30m, and you get both wide-angle scenery and macro life in one dive.

Turtle Town

Turtle Town is, as the name says, a site for finding sea turtles.

It’s shallow at up to 10m with gentle current, so you can follow the turtles at your own pace.

Recommended sites for beginners

If you’ve just been certified, or it’s your first time terrain diving, these are the sites to go for.

All of them are shallow with gentle current, which makes them an ideal way into terrain diving.

Diving safely around Irabu Island

L-Shaped Arch, Warp Hole, Z Arch, Cross Hole and Saba-oki all reach around 30m. Leave margin on your air and no-decompression limit.

Many sites take you into caves and holes, so always carry a light. Unstable buoyancy can damage the terrain or wreck the visibility.

L-Shaped Arch and Surgeon Reef can get current. If you aren’t confident in current, don’t push it — talk to your dive shop.

Never touch the coral or the rock formations. What took decades or centuries to grow can be destroyed by a single contact.

You need to leave time between diving and flying. Plan with room to spare — for example, don’t dive on the day you leave Miyako Island.

FAQ

Can beginners dive here?

There are plenty of shallow sites you can enter from around 2m, including Shiratori Hole, Twin Hole and Surprise Hole.

For a first go at terrain diving, Irabu Island is the easier area to start in.

Can I go on a try dive?

At shallow, sheltered sites, some shops accept try divers.

Which site you get depends on the sea conditions and the shop’s judgment on the day, so check when you book.

When is the best time to go?

If Irabu Island is your target, the main season runs from spring to summer when southerly winds blow.

That said, the wind on the day decides where you go, so either season can work.

How is it different from Shimoji Island?

Irabu Island is mostly shallow arches and holes, with big animals such as turtles and pelagics on the cards too.

Shimoji Island, on the other hand, has all three of Miyako Island’s Three Great Formations: Toriike, Devil’s Palace and Antonio Gaudi. See dive sites in the Shimoji Island area for details.

Around Irabu Island

Beaches on Irabu Island and Shimoji Island

7 beaches on Irabu Island and Shimoji Island covers spots you can enjoy from land, including Toguchi-no-hama, 17END and Sawada-no-hama.

There’s plenty to stop in at before or after a dive, so it’s worth a look.

7 Recommended Beaches of Irabu & Shimoji Islands! Plus Snorkeling and Other Activities

A complete guide to the beaches of Irabu and Shimoji Islands, reached by Irabu Ohashi Bridge from Miyako Island — from s...

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Dive sites on Shimoji Island

Shimoji Island, connected by bridge, has the big terrain sites headlined by Miyako Island’s Three Great Formations. Autumn through spring is its main season.

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Activities on Miyako Island

Miyako Island offers all kinds of marine activities.

Alongside fun dives and try dives, you can book snorkeling, SUP and more.

If you’re interested, take a look at what’s on offer through Viator or GetYourGuide.

Renting a car on Miyako Island

A rental car is by far the best way to get around Miyako Island.

Scenic spots such as Yonaha Maehama and Irabu Ohashi Bridge are scattered across the island, so having a car lets you explore at your own pace. With so few buses on Miyako Island, whether or not you have a car makes a real difference to the trip.

Popular seasons book up quickly, so reserve early once your dates are set.

Summary

This article covered 19 dive sites around Irabu Island.

Irabu Island is mostly shallow arches and holes you can enter from around 2m, which makes it easy to enjoy even on your first terrain dives.

The turtles at Overhang, the dogtooth tuna at L-Shaped Arch and the schools at Hanadai no Ne mean big animals and dense fish life are highlights too.

The main season runs from spring to summer when southerly winds blow, so plan around that.

Dive sites in Miyako Island’s other areas are covered together in the articles below.

Thank you for reading to the end.

Miyako Island Diving: 84 Dive Sites by Area, from the Three Great Formations to Hidden Gems

This time we're covering all 84 dive sites around Miyako Island, grouped into five areas.Sunlight pouring into a ca...

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The post Irabu Island Dive Sites, Miyako Island: 19 Sites of Shallow Arches, Holes and Big Animals first appeared on Okinawa Bookmark.

This is the area you dive on rough midwinter days when strong northerlies put Irabu Island and Shimoji Island out of reach.

Led by Ushisan Kowaiyo, a cave that runs more than 40m, the rock formations here have a character all their own — quite different from Irabu Island and Shimoji Island.

Kurima Island and the south coast also have shore-entry sites, which makes the area a good fit for try dives and beginners.

This article covers 16 boat sites and 4 shore-entry sites — 20 in all.

What makes the Kurima Island and south coast area special

The south coast area runs along the southern shore of Miyako Island, from Kurima Island out to Higashi-Hennazaki Cape.

The character of this area comes down to these three points.

The area that comes into its own on northerly winter days

Diving on Miyako Island centers on Irabu Island when the wind is southerly and Shimoji Island when it’s northerly.

But in midwinter, when strong northerlies whip up the sea, even Shimoji Island becomes unreachable on some days.

That’s when this area, on the south side of the island, comes into play.

Put another way, it’s the area that rescues the dive you’d otherwise have written off to bad weather.

Shallow, bright terrain

The terrain around Irabu Island and Shimoji Island is deep, with most sites aimed at intermediate divers and above.

The terrain sites here, by contrast, sit in shallow water, so beginners can enjoy arches and caves too.

Because it’s shallow, light reaches easily, and the beams inside the caves show up clearly — another strength of the area.

Sites you can enter from the beach

Kurima Island and the south coast have sites you can enter from shore.

All of them are shallow, between about 4m and 7m, and are often used for try dives and certification courses.

Being able to dive even on days when boats can’t run is a strength unique to this area.

Boat dive site list

Here are the 16 sites reached by boat.

If you’d like the overview first, start with the table below.

Muiga

Muiga is a site off Muiga Cliff in southeastern Miyako Island.

It sits right beside the Nanamata Coast that the cliff looks down on, and is often dived together with Nanamata Arch in the same area.

Coral gardens spread across the bottom, and there’s everything from tiny critters to big animals.

Depths reach 30m, so leave yourself margin on depth and air.

Gao

Gao is a site where you swim through arch formations and crevices.

It runs from 3m in the shallows down to 25m, giving the biggest sense of terrain anywhere on the south coast.

Ushisan Kowaiyo

Ushisan Kowaiyo (“Mr. Cow, I’m scared”) has a cave more than 40m long — one of the longest cave sites on Miyako Island.

It’s one of the “Ushisan series” of sites, named because divers used a cow statue on the nearby shore as a landmark.

The tunnel is pitch dark all the way through, so a light is essential. That said, it’s wide inside and not especially demanding as terrain goes.

Inside you’ll find crustaceans such as banded coral shrimp and dancing shrimp, and the ethereal light through the exit is another highlight.

Because of the distance involved, go in with plenty of air in reserve.

Ushisan Arigatou

Ushisan Arigatou (“Thank you, Mr. Cow”) lies a little to the west of Ushisan Kowaiyo.

The story goes that divers found their way here using a cow statue on the shore nearby, and the name is a thank-you to that cow.

Follow the tunnel from a crevice between two bommies and you come out into a chimney with daylight pouring down from above.

Inside you’ll find black jack, and bluefin trevally around the entrance. Near the cave mouth there are also stingfish and large harlequin sweetlips.

With almost no current and fairly shallow water, you can take the terrain at a relaxed pace.

Nanamata Arch

Nanamata Arch sits offshore from the sheer cliffs of the Nanamata Coast. You drop into the opening at around 6m and swim through a series of arches.

Deep in the cave there’s a freshwater spring, where you can see the chemocline formed as fresh water meets seawater.

Light comes in through a number of openings, which also makes it a great site for photos.

Angel Cave

Angel Cave is a cave site beneath the reef off Higashi-Hennazaki Cape.

A cave roughly 20m long twists and turns like a maze, with passages linking up in complex ways.

There are four chambers in the middle, where sunlight falls through gaps in the reef overhead.

That light looks just like an angel descending, which is how the site got its name.

The light shifts between white, emerald green and blue. It shows up best during the day, especially at low tide.

You’ll also see blennies, damselfish and Napoleon wrasse here.

Coral Garden

Coral Garden is a shallow site south of Kurima Island, at around 8m.

At a maximum of 8m with almost no current, beginners can dive it with complete confidence.

All kinds of coral spread across the bottom, drawing butterflyfish, damselfish and anemonefish.

Labyrinth

Labyrinth lives up to its name, taking you through one crevice after another.

It’s a good pick if you want to focus on terrain.

No.5 Arch

At No.5 Arch you pass under an arch, then return through a cave in the offshore rock.

There are several ways to run the route, so the same site can feel different each time.

No.11 Hole

The main opening at No.11 Hole is narrow, but beyond it lies a chimney known as the “mini Devil’s Palace.”

Even on days when you can’t reach the real Devil’s Palace on Shimoji Island, you get something of the same feeling here.

Ingama Coral

What sets Ingama Coral apart is the sheer variety of coral.

The underwater scenery is tropical in the most classic Okinawan sense.

Hama Paradise

Hama Paradise is a relaxed sandy site at around 7m.

A bommie known as “Tomato Anemonefish Castle” is packed with tomato anemonefish, and other species such as white-bonnet anemonefish and clownfish are plentiful too.

Diana

Diana is a site where vast sand flats open out from a shallow reef.

Bommies of all sizes dot the sand, and you dive it by moving through midwater from one to the next.

Fusiliers school around the bommies, and green sea turtles sometimes drop in.

Small World & Garden Garden

Small World & Garden Garden is made up of two bommies.

The deeper “Small World” is thick with fish, while “Garden Garden,” covered in coral, offers a sweeping panorama.

Intermediate divers and above can cover both bommies in a single dive.

Yoshino Reef

Yoshino Reef spreads offshore from Yoshino Beach, north of Higashi-Hennazaki Cape.

Yoshino Beach is known for coral that starts almost at the water’s edge, and this site lies just beyond it.

Depths and levels are not published, so check with your dive shop before booking.

Panari to Panari

Panari to Panari lies off Higashi-Hennazaki Cape, in the east coast area around the cape.

It’s Miyako Island’s premier drift site, and is said to be the number one spot for schooling pelagics.

Dogtooth tuna, bigeye trevally, bluefin trevally, giant trevally and schools of fusiliers all show up, along with whitetip reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse and spotted eagle rays.

If you’re lucky, you may even run into a manta ray.

The current can run very hard, and dives here are usually drifts. It’s one of the few advanced sites in the area, and you need the experience to handle moving water.

Sites you can enter from the beach

Kurima Island and the south coast have four sites you can enter from land.

We cover all of them as beaches elsewhere on the site, so do take a look.

Kurima Beach

Kurima Beach is a shore-entry site on Kurima Island.

You can walk straight in from the breakwater steps, into a sand-and-coral site around 6m at its deepest.

Alongside clownfish you’ll find green sea turtles, broadclub cuttlefish and ornate ghost pipefish.

For the beach itself, see our article on Kurima Fishing Port Beach.

Hakuai WaiWai Beach

Hakuai WaiWai Beach is a shallow beach with a large resident turtle population.

At around 5m it’s shallow enough to be used regularly for try dives and snorkeling.

For the beach itself, see our Hakuai WaiWai Beach article.

Shigira Beach

Shigira Beach is a shallow beach site at a maximum of around 4m.

Green sea turtles turn up here, and being right in front of the resort makes it very easy to access.

For the beach itself, see our Shigira Beach article.

Imgyaa Marine Garden

Imgyaa Marine Garden sits in an inlet cut off from the open sea.

Tomato anemonefish are abundant and the water stays calm, so it doubles as a fallback when conditions are poor.

For the beach itself, see our Imgyaa Marine Garden article.

Recommended sites for beginners

If you’ve just been certified, or it’s your first time terrain diving, these are the sites to go for.

All of them are shallow with gentle current, so you can dive them comfortably.

Diving safely in this area

The cave at Ushisan Kowaiyo runs more than 40m. Always carry a light and go in with plenty of air in reserve.

Angel Cave is a complex, maze-like cave. Stay close to your guide.

Muiga and Gao reach 25–30m. Watch your depth and no-decompression limit.

This is an area with plenty of sites that take you into caves and arches. Unstable buoyancy can damage the terrain or wreck the visibility.

Never touch the coral. What took decades or centuries to grow can be destroyed by a single contact.

You need to leave time between diving and flying. Plan with room to spare — for example, don’t dive on the day you leave Miyako Island.

FAQ

When do people dive this area?

It’s the area you dive on rough midwinter days when strong northerlies put Irabu Island and Shimoji Island out of reach.

In other words, the more you dive Miyako Island in winter, the more likely you are to end up here.

Can beginners dive here?

There are plenty of shallow sites with gentle current, including Coral Garden, Nanamata Arch and Angel Cave.

Compared with the terrain around Irabu Island and Shimoji Island, which mostly suits intermediate divers and above, this area makes terrain diving accessible to beginners.

Can I go on a try dive?

At shallow shore-entry sites such as Kurima Beach, Hakuai WaiWai Beach and Shigira Beach, some shops accept try divers.

Cave sites like Ushisan Kowaiyo are not available on a try dive.

What happens on days when boats can’t run?

Shops may switch to the shore-entry sites.

Imgyaa Marine Garden in particular sits in an inlet cut off from the open sea, so the water stays calm and it’s often used as a fallback when conditions are poor.

Around Kurima Island and the south coast

Beaches on Kurima Island

All 5 beaches on Kurima Island covers the island’s beaches and viewpoints, including Nagama-hama and Nagasaki-hama.

There’s plenty to stop in at before or after a dive, so it’s worth a look.

All 5 Beaches of Kurima Island! Observation Decks and Hidden Gems

Kurima Island sits off the southwest of Miyako Island, linked by the Kurima Ohashi Bridge and reachable by car. Known fo...

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Beaches in the Ueno and southern area

5 beaches in the Ueno and southern area brings together the south coast beaches, including Shigira Beach and Hakuai WaiWai Beach.

5 Beaches of the Ueno and Southern Area of Miyako Island, Where You Can Meet Sea Turtles

Five beaches in the Ueno and southern area, the most accessible on Miyako Island at 10 to 25 minutes from the airport. F...

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Activities on Miyako Island

Miyako Island offers all kinds of marine activities.

Alongside fun dives and try dives, you can book snorkeling, SUP and more.

If you’re interested, take a look at what’s on offer through Viator or GetYourGuide.

Renting a car on Miyako Island

A rental car is by far the best way to get around Miyako Island.

Scenic spots such as Yonaha Maehama and Irabu Ohashi Bridge are scattered across the island, so having a car lets you explore at your own pace. With so few buses on Miyako Island, whether or not you have a car makes a real difference to the trip.

Popular seasons book up quickly, so reserve early once your dates are set.

Summary

This article covered 20 dive sites around Kurima Island and the south coast.

This is the area that comes into its own on rough midwinter days, when strong northerlies put Irabu Island and Shimoji Island out of reach.

Because the caves and arches sit in shallow water, beginners can enjoy terrain diving here — and that’s its biggest draw.

There are shore-entry sites too, so it also catches the days when boats can’t run.

If you’re planning to dive Miyako Island in winter, knowing these sites gives you more options.

Dive sites in Miyako Island’s other areas are covered together in the articles below.

Thank you for reading to the end.

Miyako Island Diving: 84 Dive Sites by Area, from the Three Great Formations to Hidden Gems

This time we're covering all 84 dive sites around Miyako Island, grouped into five areas.Sunlight pouring into a ca...

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The post Kurima Island & South Coast Dive Sites, Miyako Island: 20 Spots first appeared on Okinawa Bookmark.

The Takano area sits on the east coast of Miyako Island’s main island, and dives here run out of Takano Fishing Port.

It isn’t as well known as the terrain around Irabu Island and Shimoji Island or the coral of Yabiji, but the reefs are well developed and the fish life is dense.

Among Miyako Island’s dive areas, this is also the one where new sites are still being opened up.

One dive shop specializes in the Takano area, and more than 20 sites have been named publicly.

This article covers the dive sites in the Takano area and what the water here is actually like.

What makes the Takano area special

The Takano area is located on the east coast of Miyako Island.

The character of the Takano area comes down to these four points.

The untouched feel of the east coast

Diving on Miyako Island is concentrated around Irabu Island, Shimoji Island and Yabiji.

The Takano area lies on the east coast, away from both, so there are few boats and few people. Diving here in peace is exactly its appeal.

Marine Diving describes the island’s east coast as “an area centered on Takano where new sites are still being opened up.”

In other words, this is an area where more dive sites are likely to appear.

Well-developed reefs and dense fish life

The reefs in the Takano area are exceptionally well developed.

Everything from macro critters to colorful anthias turns up here, and that variety is the area’s real strength.

Tsufutsuwa Reef, offshore from Takano Fishing Port, is a crescent-shaped hishi reef (a shallow reef that dries at low tide) lying east-northeast of Miyako Island. It’s about 15 to 20 minutes from the harbor by boat.

Coral colonies stretch out from around 5m, while the deeper side falls away to roughly 50m. Vivid blue branching coral and sprawling green finger coral are the highlights.

Close to the harbor, with short boat rides

Rock II is only about five minutes from the harbor by boat, so almost no time goes into travelling.

That makes the area a good fit if you get seasick easily or want to keep boat rides short.

Which wind directions bring you here

On Miyako Island, the wind on the day decides which area you dive.

The Takano area is on the east coast, so on days with strong easterly or northeasterly winds the sea is too rough to go.

Conversely, it becomes an option when westerly or southwesterly winds leave Irabu Island and Shimoji Island rough.

*The actual call also depends on the waves and swell on the day. Follow your dive shop’s judgment.

Takano area dive site list

Here are the four dive sites in the Takano area.

*Depths and levels vary by shop and course. Always check with your dive shop before booking.

*”—” means the information could not be confirmed from public sources.

*There are other sites as well, including Rock I, Triangle and Table Mountain. Check with the shop you use for the sites they actually visit.

Dive sites in the Takano area

Tsufutsuwa Reef

Tsufutsuwa Reef is a crescent-shaped hishi reef off Takano Fishing Port. It lies east-northeast of Miyako Island, about 15 to 20 minutes from the harbor by boat.

Coral colonies of many kinds stretch out from around 5m, with damselfish and anthias schooling above them.

Vivid blue branching coral and sprawling green finger coral are the highlights.

Beyond the shallow coral, the outer reef drops away to around 50m. Dives themselves go no deeper than about 30m.

Sites on this reef include Fish Park (Tsufutsuwa Fish Park), Tsufutsuwa East, Heart Break Reef and Ochabatake.

The current can pick up here, so the site suits intermediate divers and above.

Nidan Reef

Nidan Reef is the Takano area’s other major coral reef, alongside Tsufutsuwa Reef.

Its sites include Oasis, Nishiki-no-mori, Maru, Dango Drop and Kumaza.

Depths and levels are not published, so check with your dive shop before booking.

Sakyu Densetsu

Sakyu Densetsu is a sandy site about five minutes by boat from Takano Fishing Port.

It can be dived all year, and even in winter you can take your time hunting for critters, which makes it popular with photographers.

It is split into several sites under the name “Sakyu Densetsu series.”

Depths and levels are not published, so check with your dive shop before booking.

Rock II

Rock II is only about five minutes by boat from Takano Fishing Port.

Despite sitting so close to the harbor, the fish life is dense, with schools of gurukun (double-lined fusilier) and surgeonfish always around.

Pelagics such as bigeye trevally, dogtooth tuna and barracuda move through as well, making it far more rewarding than a close-in site would suggest.

Rock I sits right next door, and together the two are regarded as the Takano area’s big-animal sites.

Depths reach 30m, so leave yourself margin on depth and air.

Diving safely in the Takano area

Tsufutsuwa Reef and Rock II both go to a maximum of 30m. Leave margin on your air and your no-decompression limit.

The current at Tsufutsuwa Reef can pick up. If you aren’t confident in current, don’t push it — talk to your dive shop.

The east coast turns rough on days with strong easterly or northeasterly winds. Whether you can go depends on the wind that day, so follow your shop’s judgment.

Never touch the coral. What took decades or centuries to grow can be destroyed by a single contact.

You need to leave time between diving and flying. Plan with room to spare — for example, don’t dive on the day you leave Miyako Island.

FAQ

Can beginners dive the Takano area?

Tsufutsuwa Reef and Rock II both reach 30m and can have current, so they suit intermediate divers and above.

If you’ve only just been certified, it’s safer to start with the shallow sites around Irabu Island or the shallows of Yabiji.

That said, there are also sandy sites like Sakyu Densetsu that can be dived year-round. Ask your shop if you’re interested.

When do shops go to the Takano area?

The shop decides where to go based on the wind that day.

When westerly or southwesterly winds leave the west side of the island rough, the Takano area on the east coast may be chosen. See “Which wind directions bring you here” for details.

If there’s an area you want to dive, telling the shop when you book can help.

How many dive sites are there in the Takano area?

More than 20 sites have been named publicly. This article covers four representative ones.

The Takano area is still being explored, and each shop visits a different set of sites.

Ask the shop you plan to use about the sites they actually dive.

Can I enter the water on my own from Takano Fishing Port?

Takano Fishing Port is a working harbor used by the local fishing industry.

All of the sites covered here are reached by boat, so join a dive shop’s tour.

Around the Takano area

Shirakawa-hama (Susakabama)

Shirakawa-hama (Susakabama) is a hidden beach in Higashi-Nakasonezoe, Hirara, the same district as Takano Fishing Port.

It’s a quiet stretch of sand that tourists almost never reach, about 20 minutes by car from Miyako Airport.

It’s an easy stop before or after a dive, with the untouched scenery that defines the east coast.

Shirakawa-hama (Susakabama) | A Hidden Miyako Island Beach! A Quiet Escape Away From the Tourist Trail

Shirakawa-hama (Susakabama) in eastern Miyako Island is a quiet, simple hidden beach with untouched nature and openness ...

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Shimajiri Mangrove Forest

Shimajiri Mangrove Forest is the largest mangrove stand in the Miyako Islands.

A wooden boardwalk runs through it, making it an easy stop when you head to the north of the island.

Shimajiri Mangrove Forest | Time Needed, Parking & Nearby Guide!

The Shimajiri Mangrove Forest is the largest mangrove colony in the Miyako Islands and a city natural monument, where yo...

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Activities on Miyako Island

Miyako Island offers all kinds of marine activities.

Alongside fun dives and try dives, you can book snorkeling, SUP and more.

If you’re interested, take a look at what’s on offer through Viator or GetYourGuide.

Renting a car on Miyako Island

A rental car is by far the best way to get around Miyako Island.

Scenic spots such as Yonaha Maehama and Irabu Ohashi Bridge are scattered across the island, so having a car lets you explore at your own pace. With so few buses on Miyako Island, whether or not you have a car makes a real difference to the trip.

Popular seasons book up quickly, so reserve early once your dates are set.

Summary

This article covered the dive sites in the Takano area.

The Takano area is on the east coast of Miyako Island’s main island, with dives run out of Takano Fishing Port.

The reefs are well developed and the fish life is dense, and although the sites sit close to the harbor, you still get to dive in peace.

More than 20 sites have been named publicly, but few have published depths or levels — this is an area that will keep opening up.

You may well be taken here on a day when the wind suits, so it’s worth asking your dive shop.

Dive sites in Miyako Island’s other areas are covered together in the articles below.

Thank you for reading to the end.

Miyako Island Diving: 84 Dive Sites by Area, from the Three Great Formations to Hidden Gems

This time we're covering all 84 dive sites around Miyako Island, grouped into five areas.Sunlight pouring into a ca...

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The post Takano Area Dive Sites, Miyako Island: A Guide to the East Coast first appeared on Okinawa Bookmark.

Yabiji is a vast complex of table reefs spreading out in the open sea north of Ikema Island — the largest of its kind in Japan.

It is designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument, and is sometimes called “Japan’s Great Barrier Reef.”

If Irabu Island and Shimoji Island are the areas for terrain, Yabiji is the area for coral and big animals.

This article covers 14 dive sites in the Yabiji area, with depths and levels.

What makes the Yabiji area special

The Yabiji area lies north of Miyako Island, where one of Japan’s largest reef systems spreads out.

The character of the Yabiji area comes down to these three points.

The coral here is the best on Miyako Island

The star of Yabiji is, without question, the coral.

All kinds of coral grow from the surface down to around 15m, and in the shallows around 5m the light reaches easily, so the colors really come through.

It photographs and films beautifully, so plenty of divers come here specifically to shoot underwater.

Open-ocean sites for big animals

Yabiji faces the open sea, so alongside the coral you can also target big animals — pelagic fish, sharks and other large marine life.

The big-animal sites do get current, though, and it can run hard.

Until you have a few dives under your belt, starting with the shallow coral sites is the safer choice.

The best season runs from spring to summer

Yabiji sits in open water north of Ikema Island, so in winter, when northerly winds are strong, there are more days when boats can’t run.

Spring through summer, when southerly winds dominate, is the main season, with far more calm days.

Early spring brings broadclub cuttlefish spawning, and summer brings the hatchlings and coral spawning — seasonal sights you won’t see at other times.

*Whether boats can leave changes day to day with sea conditions. Follow your dive shop’s judgment.

Yabiji area dive site list

Here are the 14 dive sites in the Yabiji area, ordered from the most popular.

If you’d like the overview first, start with the table below.

Dive sites in the Yabiji area

White City

White City is a relaxed site where coral bommies dot a stretch of white sand.

Rays often lie buried in the sand, and sharks pass through from time to time.

It’s shallow with gentle current, so beginners can dive it comfortably.

Hanadai Arch

Hanadai Arch brings together arch terrain, coral and fish — a rare combination in Yabiji.

You’ll see everything from big animals such as giant trevally and sea turtles down to the smallest critters.

It’s regarded as one of Miyako Island’s finest open-ocean sites for big animals, but the current can run hard.

Blue Corner

Blue Corner is one of the standout big-animal sites in Yabiji.

Barracuda around a meter long sometimes gather in schools of more than 100 fish, and the sight is genuinely overwhelming.

It’s an open-ocean site that gets current easily, so you need the experience to handle moving water.

Agaragausa

Agaragausa is a site where Echinopora lamellosa and Pachyseris speciosa coral spread across the seabed at around 30m.

The scene is often compared to a cabbage field, and it’s unlike anything else in Yabiji.

Cuttlefish spawning in early spring and the hatchlings in summer are further highlights here.

Bimaku

The main draw at Bimaku is an unusual coral, Pavona clavus.

It’s estimated to be more than 1,000 years old, which gives you a real sense of Yabiji’s history.

Table coral spreads out here too, and green sea turtles sometimes rest among it.

Yurabiji

Yurabiji is said to be the most colorful site in Yabiji.

Purple queen anthias swarm over the shallow branching coral, and at around 5m the light brings the colors out sharply.

The current is gentle too, making it a relaxed site you can take slowly.

Tugboat Wreck

Tugboat Wreck is a site where you can dive a tugboat resting on the bottom.

It’s smaller than the wreck off Irabu Island, but the visibility here more than makes up for it.

Current can pick up, so take care not to stray too far from the wreck.

Coral Beauty

Coral Beauty is a shallow site carpeted with branching coral in every color.

Because the colonies sit in shallow water, the colors come out beautifully in photos and video.

Ifu

Ifu is a bright, shallow site that photographs well.

Sea turtles drop in from time to time, and you’ll also find schools of glassfish and sweepers.

Providence I

Providence I is a site where purple queen anthias blanket the bommies.

On the seaward side you may also meet sea turtles and giant trevally.

Providence II

Providence II is an open-ocean site with dogtooth tuna, schooling barracuda and Napoleon wrasse.

You can occasionally spot the uncommon longnose hawkfish here too.

The current runs fast, so dives are usually timed for slack water.

Hanadai Corner

As the name suggests, the highlight at Hanadai Corner is the schooling purple queen anthias.

You may also catch giant trevally passing through, or whitetip reef sharks resting up.

Tannyabiji

Tannyabiji is a calm site where table coral spreads across the bottom.

Anthias dancing above it make for a memorable scene.

Emerald Garden

Emerald Garden is a site where you work your way around bommies dotted through the sand, looking for small marine life.

Glassfish and sweepers school around the bommies.

Recommended sites for beginners

If you’ve just been certified, or it’s your first time at Yabiji, these are the sites to go for.

All of them are shallow with gentle current, so you can take your time with the coral.

Diving safely at Yabiji

There is no shore access at Yabiji. Every dive is by boat, departing from Ikema Fishing Port, Hirara Port, the harbors on Irabu Island and elsewhere.

Because it’s open water, tours are sometimes cancelled for weather or sea conditions. Build some slack into your itinerary.

The current at Blue Corner, Hanadai Arch and Providence II can pick up. If you aren’t confident in current, don’t push it — talk to your dive shop.

Yabiji is a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument. Never touch the coral, and follow the rules on where you may go.

You need to leave time between diving and flying. Plan with room to spare — for example, don’t dive on the day you leave Miyako Island.

FAQ

Can beginners dive Yabiji?

There are plenty of shallow sites with gentle current, including White City, Yurabiji and Coral Beauty.

On the other hand, sites like Blue Corner and Providence II do get fast current, so talk to your shop about what suits your dive count.

Can I go on a try dive?

Some shops that specialize in Yabiji run try-dive tours.

That said, it’s a boat ride out into open water, so if you’re prone to seasickness a half-day plan or a closer site is the safer option.

Snorkeling or diving — which is better?

If you just want to see the shallow coral, snorkeling is plenty.

If you want to get close to the fish schooling over the bommies, or you’re after big animals, diving is the better fit.

Can you see the “Phantom Continent” while diving?

When the spring tide around March 3 on the lunar calendar lifts Yabiji above the surface, you view it from a boat during the hours the tide is out.

The Yabiji article covers this in detail.

Around Yabiji

Yabiji

The Yabiji article explains what kind of place Yabiji is, how to choose a tour, and when the “Phantom Continent” appears.

It’s worth reading before you book a tour.

Yabiji Reef | Miyako Island’s Finest Snorkeling and Diving Spot Explained!

Yabiji, spreading across the open sea north of Ikema Island, is one of Japan's largest coral reef systems and a des...

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Activities on Miyako Island

Miyako Island offers all kinds of marine activities.

Alongside diving and snorkeling tours at Yabiji, you can book SUP and more.

If you’re interested, take a look at what’s on offer through Viator or GetYourGuide.

Renting a car on Miyako Island

A rental car is by far the best way to get around Miyako Island.

Scenic spots such as Yonaha Maehama and Irabu Ohashi Bridge are scattered across the island, so having a car lets you explore at your own pace. With so few buses on Miyako Island, whether or not you have a car makes a real difference to the trip.

Popular seasons book up quickly, so reserve early once your dates are set.

Summary

This article covered 14 dive sites in the Yabiji area.

Yabiji is Japan’s largest table reef complex, spreading north of Ikema Island, and is designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument.

Beautiful shallow coral and open-ocean big animals in one place — that’s what makes this area special.

Cancellations pile up in winter when northerly winds blow, so aim for the spring-to-summer season when you plan.

Dive sites in Miyako Island’s other areas are covered together in the articles below.

Thank you for reading to the end.

Miyako Island Diving: 84 Dive Sites by Area, from the Three Great Formations to Hidden Gems

This time we're covering all 84 dive sites around Miyako Island, grouped into five areas.Sunlight pouring into a ca...

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The post Yabiji Dive Sites, Miyako Island: 14 Spots on Japan’s Largest Table Reef first appeared on Okinawa Bookmark.

It’s called Shinbiji. Barely mentioned in guidebooks, this hidden spot rewards you at the bottom of the steps with Miyako Blue water shifting from emerald green to deep cobalt.

Pushing through the narrow, overgrown path and having that view open up in front of you feels like stumbling on a secret. With almost no other visitors around, it’s ideal if you just want to sit and watch the sea in peace.

In this article we cover what makes Shinbiji special, the highlights worth seeing, how to get there, parking information, and the things you should know before you go.

Rating for Shinbiji

Shinbiji at a Glance

Shinbiji is not a managed swimming beach, so there are no restrooms, showers, shops or any other facilities at all.

There is no jellyfish net and no lifeguard either, so entering the water is entirely at your own risk. Bring your own drinks and towels before you head out.

What Makes Shinbiji Worth the Detour

The white staircase down to the sea is Shinbiji’s signature

The highlight of Shinbiji is, without question, the white stone staircase running straight down toward the water.

The steps continue almost to sea level, and as you walk down, the ocean fills your entire field of view.

Steep rock walls rise on either side, giving the place the feel of a private box seat. It’s a popular photo spot too — the view works whether you shoot down from the top of the steps or look up from the bottom.

Snorkeling is possible on calm days

Below the staircase the seabed is a mix of rock and coral, and on calm days you’ll sometimes see people snorkeling here.

That said, Shinbiji faces the open sea on the island’s north coast, so on some days the waves pick up and the current runs strong. This is not a designated swimming area and there is no lifeguard, so judge carefully based on the conditions on the day before going in.

If you’d rather snorkel with peace of mind, joining a guided tour is the safer option.

Almost no crowds — a place that still feels private

There’s no large sign on the roadside at Shinbiji, and it’s the kind of place you’d drive straight past if you didn’t know it was there.

As a result there are very few visitors, and depending on the time of day you may not see another soul. It’s a world away from busy beaches like Toguchi-no-hama or 17END, and that quiet, unhurried island time is exactly what makes Shinbiji special.

Easy to combine with Shiratorizaki and Funausagi-banata

Shinbiji sits right between Shiratorizaki (Shiratori Cape) and the Funausagi-banata observation deck on the north side of Irabu Island.

Both are only a few minutes away by car, so the best plan is to drive the island’s north coast and take in all three in one go. Shiratorizaki has restrooms and benches, which makes it a convenient place to break up the trip.

What to know before you visit

Precisely because Shinbiji is still wild and undeveloped, there are a few things to watch out for.

• The path from the parking area to the sea is overgrown, and the footing is uneven
• The staircase is steep and gets slippery when wet
• There’s a lot of rock and coral, so water shoes are a good idea
• There is almost no shade, so take precautions against heatstroke in summer
• There are no trash cans, so be sure to take your rubbish home with you

Sneakers or water shoes are far easier to walk in than sandals, so choose your footwear before you set off.

Access & Parking

Shinbiji is about 15 minutes by car from Irabu Ohashi Bridge; the entrance is a narrow lane heading down toward the sea, just before Funausagi-banata.

At the bottom of the lane there’s an unpaved area with room for about four cars — that’s the parking. Since the surface is unpaved, drive slowly, especially in a low-clearance car.

From the parking area it’s about a 3-minute walk along the path down to the sea.

Around Shinbiji

Activities on Miyako Island

Snorkeling, diving and SUP in Miyako Island’s crystal-clear water are hugely popular.

On some tours you may even be lucky enough to spot a sea turtle, so be sure to make the most of it!

Funausagi-banata

Just a few minutes’ drive from Shinbiji, Funausagi-banata is a scenic viewpoint marked by an observation deck shaped like a grey-faced buzzard, the migratory bird that passes through the islands.

From the deck you can take in Irabu Island’s cliffs and the blue sea in one sweep, making it an essential stop on any drive along the island’s north coast.

Funausagi-banata | A Stunning Irabu Island Viewpoint! Parking & Nearby Guide

Funausagi-banata on Irabu Island's north coast is a stunning viewpoint whose name means "the cape that sees of...

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Rental cars on Miyako Island

A rental car is by far the best way to get around Miyako Island.

Highlights such as Yonaha Maehama and Irabu Ohashi Bridge are scattered across the island, so having a car lets you explore at your own pace. With very few buses on Miyako Island, whether or not you have a rental car makes a big difference to your trip.

Cars book out fast in peak season, so reserve as soon as your dates are set.

Summary

Shinbiji on Irabu Island is a hidden spot where a white staircase leads down to the sea and the water shifts through every shade of Miyako Blue.

The quiet and the sense of having the place to yourself come precisely because it hasn’t been developed for tourism — perfect if you want a slow, unhurried island day. The moment the view opens up after pushing through the grass gives the walk a small sense of adventure.

That said, there are no swimming facilities or restrooms at all, and because it faces the open sea the waves can be high on some days. Going in is at your own risk, so check the conditions carefully and put safety first.

When you visit Irabu Island, make time for Shinbiji alongside Shiratorizaki and Funausagi-banata!

The beaches in the Irabu Island and Shimoji Island area, where Shinbiji is located, are all covered in the article below — take a look.

7 Recommended Beaches of Irabu & Shimoji Islands! Plus Snorkeling and Other Activities

A complete guide to the beaches of Irabu and Shimoji Islands, reached by Irabu Ohashi Bridge from Miyako Island — from s...

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The post Shinbiji | A Hidden Snorkeling Spot on Miyako Island — Parking & Area Guide first appeared on Okinawa Bookmark.

It is a small island about 3 km around, with no traffic lights and no convenience stores — only untouched nature and a very slow pace of life.

This article explains how to get from Miyako Island to Ogami Island.

Fares, the timetable, whether you can book ahead, and what happens when sailings are cancelled — everything you need to plan the trip with confidence.

How to get to Ogami Island

There is only one way to reach Ogami Island: the passenger boat from Shimajiri Port (Shimajiri Fishing Port) in northern Miyako Island.

The crossing takes about 15 minutes each way, with four round trips (eight sailings) a day.

Getting to Ogami Island from Miyako Airport breaks down into two steps.

• Step 1: Travel from Miyako Airport to Shimajiri Port
• Step 2: Take the passenger boat from Shimajiri Port to Ogami Fishing Port

Step 1: Miyako Airport → Shimajiri Port

The boat to Ogami Island departs from Shimajiri Port in the north of Miyako Island.

First make your way from Miyako Airport to Shimajiri Port, and board from there.

Below are the main ways to get from Miyako Airport to Shimajiri Port, with journey times.

A rental car is the surest option. Shimajiri Port has free parking, so finding a space is rarely a problem.

If you take the bus, Yachiyo Bus runs the Ikema Loop Line and the Karimata Loop Line through the village of Shimajiri. Note that the outbound and return routes differ, and only one direction passes through Shimajiri.

Services are also infrequent, so check times and routes on the Yachiyo Bus website before you set out.

The port has a vending machine and a covered waiting area, but no shop. It is worth bringing drinks and snacks with you.

Step 2: Shimajiri Port → Ogami Fishing Port

From Shimajiri Port you take the Ukan Kariyusu, the passenger boat operated by Ogami Kaiun, across to Ogami Fishing Port.

It is a small vessel, 16 metres long with capacity for 50 passengers, and the crossing takes about 15 minutes.

Passengers are asked to board at least five minutes before departure, so allow time to reach the port.

Fares

Discounted fares are available for island residents, but only for those issued with the outlying-island resident discount card by Miyakojima City.

For full fare details, see the official Ogami Kaiun website.

Sailing schedule

The schedule changes with the season and the weather, so check the official Ogami Kaiun website for the latest times.

★Ukan Kariyusu (4 round trips a day)

How long you spend on the island depends on which sailings you take out and back.

Take Sailing 1 out (8:30) and Sailing 3 back (14:00) and you get about five hours; Sailing 2 out (10:30) and Sailing 3 back (14:00) gives you around two and a half.

If you want to walk the island and climb up to the lookout, allow two to three hours.

Booking the boat

The Ukan Kariyusu cannot be booked in advance.

Unlike Zamami and some other islands, there is no online or telephone reservation system — you simply turn up at the port on the day and board.

Capacity is 50 passengers. It can get busy during long weekends and the summer holidays, so give yourself plenty of time at the port.

There are also guided tours where the crew shows you around the island. If you want to get to know the place properly, they are worth considering.

When sailings are cancelled

Sailings to Ogami Island can be cancelled because of weather or sea conditions.

Ogami Kaiun states on its website that operating decisions are made on the day based on the weather, so there is no advance confirmation.

★How to check for cancellations

• By phone
  Calling Ogami Kaiun (TEL: 0980-72-5477) on the day is the most reliable way.
• On the website
  Timetable changes are posted here.
  → https://oogamikaiun.com/

★Things to keep in mind

• Even if the outbound sailing runs, the return one may still be cancelled.
• There is almost no visitor accommodation on Ogami Island, so on doubtful days it is safer to plan an early return.
• When a typhoon approaches, sailings can stop for several days. Leave some slack in your itinerary.

About Ogami Island

What kind of island is Ogami?

Ogami Island sits at the northern tip of the Miyako Islands — a small, pyramid-shaped island roughly 3 km around.

Around 30 people live here. There are no traffic lights and no convenience stores, and time moves at its own pace.

Why it is called the island of the gods

Ogami Island has long held a special place in the faith of the people of Miyako Island.

Most of the island outside the village is regarded as sacred ground, and traditional rites are still carried out today.

Because the island was not opened up to tourism for a long time, its subtropical nature has been left largely untouched.

Some areas are off-limits, so please follow local etiquette and enjoy the island quietly.

There is almost no shop and no vending machine on the island

Ogami Island has one small shop and hardly any vending machines.

Walking the island takes two to three hours, so buy drinks and snacks on the Miyako Island side before you cross.

There is almost no visitor accommodation either, so this is essentially a day trip.

Please take your rubbish home with you.

A day-trip itinerary

At about 15 minutes by boat, half a day is enough to walk the whole island.

The view from the lookout and the Notch rock formations are among the sights unique to Ogami Island.

The article below sets out a day-trip itinerary and the highlights of the island in detail.

Ogami Island | Sightseeing Guide: A Model Day-Trip Course from Miyako

A complete guide to Ogami Island, the sacred "island of the gods" just 15 minutes by boat from Miyako Island. ...

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You can snorkel at Ogami Island too

A lagoon full of tropical fish surrounds Ogami Island, and snorkeling is possible here.

There are no lifeguards, however, so joining a tour or going in with a guide is the sensible choice.

If any of that appeals, take a look on Viator or GetYourGuide.

Renting a Car on Miyako Island

A rental car is by far the best way to reach Shimajiri Port — and to see Miyako Island in general.

Buses on Miyako Island are infrequent, and only some services pass Shimajiri Port. With a car you can work around the sailing times at your own pace, which matters a lot when you are crossing to Ogami Island.

Cars fill up quickly in the peak season, so we recommend booking early once your travel dates are set. One important note for overseas visitors: to drive in Japan you must obtain an International Driving Permit (Geneva Convention) in your home country before you depart, and remember that traffic in Japan drives on the left.

Summary

This article explained how to get to Ogami Island.

The crossing runs from Shimajiri Port in northern Miyako Island and takes about 15 minutes, costing 370 yen one way and 710 yen return for adults.

With only four round trips a day and no advance booking, do check the time of your return sailing before you cross.

There is almost no shop or vending machine on the island, so bring drinks and snacks from the Miyako Island side.

If you are visiting Miyako Island, do make the trip out to Ogami, the island of the gods.

Thank you for reading to the end.

The post How to Get to Ogami Island | Ferry Times and Fares from Miyako Island first appeared on Okinawa Bookmark.

Miyako Island has plenty of beaches, and not only on the main island — Irabu, Shimoji, Ikema, and Kurima, all linked by bridge, have their own. Covered here are 39 beaches plus 20 other sights such as observation decks and capes: 59 spots in all.

Some beaches draw crowds of visitors; others are quiet places only locals seem to find. Each area has a distinct character of sea, and that is what defines Miyako Island.

Details on each beach are collected in the guide for its area, so start from whichever area interests you.

Let’s begin with the town area.

Beaches in the Town Area

The town area has four beaches.

Fifteen to twenty minutes by car from Miyako Airport. Being in Hirara, the island’s main town, it is easy to fit into spare time on your arrival or departure day.

• Sunayama Beach
• Painagama Beach
• Miyako Sunset Beach
• Yuni no Hama

The area also has the following sights.

• Miyako Shrine

There is no separate guide for it, but Nishizato Odori, the lively main street right by Miyako Shrine, is covered as well.

The town area is covered in detail in “4 Beaches in Miyako Island’s Town Area, Plus Miyako Shrine and Nishizato Odori“, so take a look if it interests you.

4 Beaches in Miyako Island’s Town Area, Plus Miyako Shrine and Nishizato Odori

Four beaches in Hirara, the town centre of Miyako Island. Sunayama Beach, Painagama Beach, Miyako Sunset Beach, and Yuni...

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Beaches of the Shimoji and Kurima Area

The Shimoji and Kurima area has eight beaches.

Led by Yonaha Maehama, called the most beautiful in the Orient, this area holds some of the whitest sand on the island. Cross the Kurima Ohashi Bridge and small beaches and observation decks appear one after another along the road circling the island.

• Yonaha Maehama Beach
• Yonaha Beach North (Uramaehama)
• Nishihama Beach (Nishihamazaki)
• Sanitsu Beach
• Nagama-hama
• Musunun Beach
• Nagasaki-hama
• Kurima Fishing Port Beach

The area also has the following sights.

• Kurima Ohashi Bridge Observation Deck
• Ryugujo Observation Deck
• Matsunoki Observation Deck
• Tako Park

The Shimoji and Kurima area is covered in detail in “8 Beaches of the Shimoji and Kurima Island Area, Plus Yonaha Maehama and the Observation Decks“, so take a look if it interests you.

8 Beaches of the Shimoji and Kurima Island Area, Plus Yonaha Maehama and the Observation Decks

Eight beaches in the Shimoji and Kurima Island area, led by Yonaha Maehama, often called the most beautiful beach in the...

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Beaches of the Ueno and Southern Area

The Ueno and southern area has five beaches.

At 10 to 25 minutes by car from Miyako Airport, this is the easiest area on the island to reach. It also has a number of snorkeling spots where you can meet sea turtles.

• Imgyaa Marine Garden
• Shigira Beach
• Hakuai WaiWai Beach
• Nnato Beach
• Maruko Beach

The area also has the following sights.

• Irie Bay Observation Deck

The Ueno and southern area is covered in detail in “5 Beaches of the Ueno and Southern Area of Miyako Island, Where You Can Meet Sea Turtles“, so take a look if it interests you.

5 Beaches of the Ueno and Southern Area of Miyako Island, Where You Can Meet Sea Turtles

Five beaches in the Ueno and southern area, the most accessible on Miyako Island at 10 to 25 minutes from the airport. F...

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Beaches of the Eastern Area

The eastern area has eight beaches.

This is where snorkeling is at its liveliest. Alongside Aragusuku and Yoshino Coast, where the chances of meeting a sea turtle run high, the area holds Higashi-Hennazaki, the view that represents Miyako Island.

• Aragusuku Coast
• Yoshino Coast
• Higashi-Henna Beach
• Myba Coast
• Boraga Beach
• Nagamata-hama (Nagama Coast)
• Shirakawa-hama (Susakabama)
• Maja Beach

The area also has the following sights.

• Higashi-Hennazaki Cape
• Higashi-Hennazaki Observation Deck
• Higa Road Park
• Muiga Cliff
• Shichimata Coast Shiokumiba

The eastern area is covered in detail in “8 Beaches of Miyako Island’s Eastern Area, Plus Higashi-Hennazaki and Other Viewpoints“, so take a look if it interests you.

8 Beaches of Miyako Island’s Eastern Area, Plus Higashi-Hennazaki and Other Viewpoints

Eight beaches in the eastern area of Miyako Island, centred on Gusukube. From Aragusuku and Yoshino Coast, where sea tur...

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Beaches of the Irabu and Shimoji Islands Area

The Irabu and Shimoji Islands area has seven beaches.

About 4 km northwest of Miyako Island, across the Irabu Ohashi Bridge. From 17END with planes passing close overhead to the Blue Cave, which can only be entered from the sea, the area has character found nowhere else.

• Toguchi-no-hama
• 17END Beach
• Sawada-no-hama
• Nakanoshima Coast
• Oyadomari-no-hama
• 35END Beach
• The Blue Cave (Sapphire Cave)

The area also has the following sights.

• Toriike Pond, Shimoji Island
• Makiyama Observation Deck
• Shiratori-zaki Cape
• Shinbiji
• Funausagi-banata

There are no separate guides for them, but Obiishi, Irabu Ohashi Umi-no-Eki, and the Yamatobu Boulder are covered as well.

The Irabu and Shimoji Islands area is covered in detail in “7 Recommended Beaches of Irabu & Shimoji Islands! Plus Snorkeling and Other Activities“, so take a look if it interests you.

7 Recommended Beaches of Irabu & Shimoji Islands! Plus Snorkeling and Other Activities

A complete guide to the beaches of Irabu and Shimoji Islands, reached by Irabu Ohashi Bridge from Miyako Island — from s...

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Beaches of Ikema Island and the Northern Area

The Ikema Island and northern area has seven beaches.

This covers Ikema Island, across the Ikema Ohashi Bridge, and the north of Miyako Island. Beaches busy with visitors sit alongside quiet ones only locals seem to find.

• Ohama Beach
• Funakusu Beach
• Ikizu Beach
• Kaginmi Beach
• Mijunmahida
• Nishi-no-hama Beach
• Manatsu Beach

The area also has the following sights.

• Nishi-Hennazaki Cape
• Shimajiri Mangrove Forest
• Yabiji Reef
• Ogami Island

Yabiji and Ogami Island cannot be reached overland, so they are covered separately as places you visit by boat.

The Ikema Island and northern area is covered in detail in “7 Beaches of Ikema Island and Northern Miyako, Plus Yabiji Reef and Ogami Island“, so take a look if it interests you.

7 Beaches of Ikema Island and Northern Miyako, Plus Yabiji Reef and Ogami Island

Seven beaches across Ikema Island and northern Miyako Island. From popular Ohama and Funakusu Beach to quiet hidden shor...

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Practical Information for Miyako Island

Activities on Miyako Island

Snorkeling, diving, SUP, and other marine sports in Miyako Island’s crystal-clear water are hugely popular.

Snorkeling and diving, along with landing tours to Yabiji and Yuni no Hama, can be booked here as well. Popular plans fill up early, so reserve as soon as your dates are set.

Rental Cars on Miyako Island

A rental car is by far the best way to get around Miyako Island.

Beaches and observation decks are spread across every area of the island, and Irabu, Ikema, and Kurima are all reachable by car over their bridges. 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.

Hilton Okinawa Miyako Island Resort

Opened in June 2023, the Hilton Okinawa Miyako Island Resort sits about 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport, with easy access to central Hirara and the Irabu Ohashi Bridge.

Its greatest appeal is the setting: next to Miyako Sunset Beach, looking out over the world-renowned Miyako Blue sea, striking sunsets, and the Irabu Ohashi Bridge.

Along with 329 rooms, it has three outdoor pools and two indoor pools, a spa, a fitness center, and a kids club, offering a refined resort stay for couples and families alike.

Summary

This guide has covered all 59 beaches and sights of Miyako Island, sorted into six areas.

The town area is close to the airport and works even for a short stop; the Shimoji and Kurima area holds Yonaha Maehama, the beach that represents the island. The eastern area is for snorkeling, Irabu and Shimoji for distinctive scenery, and Ikema and the north for finding quiet corners — each rewards a different approach.

If your stay is short, reading the guide for the area nearest your accommodation first should help you get around efficiently.

When you visit Miyako Island, take the time to find a beach of your own.

For Miyako Island’s dive sites, see the guide below, which covers them area by area.

Thank you for reading to the end.

Miyako Island Diving: 84 Dive Sites by Area, from the Three Great Formations to Hidden Gems

This time we're covering all 84 dive sites around Miyako Island, grouped into five areas.Sunlight pouring into a ca...

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The post 59 Beaches and Scenic Spots of Miyako Island by Area: Miyako, Irabu, Shimoji, Ikema, and Kurima first appeared on Okinawa Bookmark.

What defines this area is the mix: beaches busy with visitors sitting alongside quiet ones only locals seem to find. Offshore lies Yabiji, one of Japan’s largest coral reef systems, and beyond that Ogami Island, the island of the gods, reached by ferry.

This guide covers the seven beaches of Ikema Island and northern Miyako, along with the viewpoints worth visiting and the two places you reach by boat, Yabiji and Ogami Island.

The seven beaches covered here are as follows.

• Ohama Beach
• Funakusu Beach
• Ikizu Beach
• Kaginmi Beach
• Mijunmahida
• Nishi-no-hama Beach
• Manatsu Beach

Let’s take a look.

7 Beaches of Ikema Island and Northern Miyako

Ohama Beach

The first striking beach you meet after crossing the Ikema Ohashi Bridge is Ohama Beach.

The sight of a pure white bridge set against emerald water is unmissable if you are visiting Ikema Island. Beyond the clarity of the water, it has parking and restrooms, which makes stopping by easy.

Sitting right at the end of the bridge, it slots naturally into the start of a day on Ikema Island.

Ohama Beach | A Stunning Beach Overlooking Ikema Ohashi Bridge — Parking & Nearby Guide

Ohama Beach is the first stunning spot you meet after crossing Ikema Ohashi Bridge to Ikema Island, with a white bridge ...

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Funakusu Beach

The best-known snorkeling spot on Ikema Island is Funakusu Beach.

The clear water people call Ikema Blue spreads out here, and swimming just a few metres from shore brings you to coral and tropical fish. Most visitors come specifically to snorkel, making this the most popular beach on the island.

There are no restrooms, so it is worth stopping somewhere beforehand.

Funakusu Beach | A Snorkeling Spot on Ikema Island — Parking & Nearby Guide

Funakusu Beach on Ikema Island boasts remarkably clear "Ikema Blue" water and rich coral reefs. A hideaway whi...

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Ikizu Beach

On the eastern side of Ikema Island, Ikizu Beach is a hidden spot that almost no one but locals visits.

The clarity rates a full 5.0, and the open view has nothing in the way. On the other hand there is no parking, no restrooms, and no swimming facilities, so come properly equipped.

It suits anyone who wants unhurried time by a quiet, empty sea.

Ikizu Beach | A Hidden Ikema Island Beach! Access & Nearby Guide

Ikizu Beach on Ikema Island's west side is a true hidden gem with untouched nature, wonderfully clear "Ikema B...

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Kaginmi Beach

Kaginmi Beach is another of Ikema Island’s quiet finds.

Clear water and untouched surroundings remain here, and you will rarely see another visitor. There is no dedicated car park, so check the roadside space nearby before you go.

It is a good choice if you want Ikema Island’s water without the crowds.

429 Too Many Requests

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Mijunmahida

Mijunmahida is a beach set within Ikema Island’s residential streets.

Rather than a tourist site, this is the sea right beside island life, and time passes quietly here. Around ten parking spaces make it easy to reach by car.

It suits anyone who wants to see the island as it actually is, before tourism shapes it.

Mijunmahida | A Beautiful Beach in an Ikema Island Neighborhood — Parking & Nearby Guide

Mijunmahida is a small beach woven into island life within Ikema Island's village. Behind the community center, it ...

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Nishi-no-hama Beach

On the main-island side of the Ikema Ohashi Bridge, in Karimata, sits Nishi-no-hama Beach.

From here you can see both Nishi-Hennazaki and Ikema Island, with a row of wind turbines adding to the scene. The water is clear too, making it a good place to simply look out at the sea.

There is no parking and no restrooms, so treat it as a stop to fold into a trip to Nishi-Hennazaki.

429 Too Many Requests

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Manatsu Beach (Manatsu Coast)

Manatsu Beach in Karimata is a quiet spot where you can also snorkel.

At 20 minutes by car from Miyako Airport it is the easiest place in this area to reach, and free parking is provided.

Clarity and openness both rate highly, yet few people come, which makes it ideal for snorkeling in peace.

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Other Sights of Ikema Island and Northern Miyako

Nishi-Hennazaki Cape

Nishi-Hennazaki is a slender cape reaching out from the northwestern tip of Miyako Island.

From the observation deck you take in the Ikema Ohashi Bridge, Ikema Island, and a line of wind turbines. Facing west, it is also known for sunsets and draws a crowd at dusk.

Free parking and restrooms are in place, so you can pull up and step straight out.

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Shimajiri Mangrove Forest

In Shimajiri, Hirara, the Shimajiri Mangrove Forest is one of the largest mangrove stands on Miyako Island.

A boardwalk runs through it, letting you look closely at the mangrove roots and the crabs and mudskippers living among them. Allow 20 to 40 minutes.

It sits right by Shimajiri Port, where the ferry to Ogami Island departs, so it also works as somewhere to spend the wait.

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Yabiji Reef and Ogami Island, Reached by Boat

Yabiji Reef

Spreading across the open sea north of Ikema Island, Yabiji is one of Japan’s largest coral reef areas, with more than 100 reefs running roughly 12 km north to south and 7 km east to west.

In 2013 it was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument. Because the reefs surface only during the spring tides, it is also known as the Phantom Continent.

Visiting requires a boat tour, and departing from Ikema Fishing Port gets you there fastest, in 15 to 20 minutes.

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Ogami Island

About 15 minutes by ferry from Shimajiri Port lies Ogami Island.

It is a small island of some 20 residents, and because the island as a whole has long been an object of faith it is known as the island of the gods. Some utaki sacred sites are off limits, so following local rules as you walk is essential.

From the Tomidai lookout you can see across to Miyako Island and Ikema Island, and the notched rock formations are a sight in themselves. With only four ferries a day, plan a day trip backwards from the last return sailing.

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Around Ikema Island and Northern Miyako

Activities on Miyako Island

Snorkeling, diving, SUP, and other marine sports in Miyako Island’s crystal-clear water are hugely popular.

Yabiji tours can be booked here as well. Popular plans fill up early, so 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.

Ikema Island and northern Miyako lie away from town, with the beaches spread out. 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.

Crystal Villa Ikema

Crystal Villa Ikema stands on Ikema Island, reached by bridge from Miyako Island, and is known for white buildings that recall Santorini in Greece.

Every room looks out over the exceptionally clear water known as Ikema Blue, so you can take in breathtaking views and beautiful sunsets from your own private space.

Pools, jacuzzis, and other well-appointed facilities make it a superb place to stay, with the sound of the waves letting you forget everyday life entirely.

Summary

This guide has covered the seven beaches of Ikema Island and northern Miyako.

Ohama Beach and Funakusu Beach are popular spots with facilities to match; Ikizu Beach and Kaginmi Beach are quiet finds few people reach. Even on the same island, the character differs sharply.

Add the sunset at Nishi-Hennazaki, the nature of the Shimajiri Mangrove Forest, and Yabiji and Ogami Island reached by boat, and this area alone will fill an entire day.

When you visit Miyako Island, be sure to make time for the beaches of Ikema Island and northern Miyako.

Thank you for reading to the end.

59 Beaches and Scenic Spots of Miyako Island by Area: Miyako, Irabu, Shimoji, Ikema, and Kurima

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