Just 15 minutes by boat from Miyako Island lies Ogami Island, known as the island of the gods.
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.
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rental car | About 30 minutes | Free parking space at the port |
| Taxi | About 30 minutes | Metered fare. Taxis do not wait at the port, so arrange your return trip in advance |
| Local bus | About 40–60 minutes | Yachiyo Bus Ikema Loop Line / Karimata Loop Line. Infrequent, and only some services pass this way |
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
| Fare type | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (12 and over) | 370 yen | 710 yen |
| Children (6 to under 12) | 180 yen | 360 yen |
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)
| Sailing | Depart Shimajiri Port | Depart Ogami Island |
|---|---|---|
| Sailing 1 | 08:30 | 08:50 |
| Sailing 2 | 10:30 | 11:15 |
| Sailing 3 | 13:30 | 14:00 |
| Sailing 4 | 16:20 | 16:40 |
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.
| Location | Ogami, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Circumference | About 3 km |
| Population | About 30 |
| Access | About 15 minutes by boat from Shimajiri Port |
| Suggested time to allow | About 2–3 hours |
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.
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.
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