The area centred on Ueno, on the southern side of Miyako Island, holds the most accessible beaches on the island, just 10 to 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport.
Large facilities such as Shigira Resort and Ueno German Culture Village sit here, and so do a good number of snorkeling spots where you can meet sea turtles. It slots easily into an arrival or departure day, making it well suited to anyone with limited time who still wants to see the water.
This guide covers the five beaches of the Ueno and southern area, along with a viewpoint worth visiting while you are here.
The five beaches covered here are as follows.
- Imgyaa Marine Garden
- Shigira Beach
- Hakuai WaiWai Beach
- Nnato Beach
- Maruko Beach
Let’s take a look.
5 Beaches of the Ueno and Southern Area
Imgyaa Marine Garden
On the southern coast of Miyako Island, Imgyaa Marine Garden is a marine park built around the shape of an inlet.
Being a bay, the water stays remarkably calm, which suits snorkeling beginners and families with children. Sea turtles sometimes swim in.
The park has an observation deck as well; climb the steps and the whole inlet and the Pacific open up before you. Restrooms, showers, and free parking are all in place, making this a well-equipped spot.
| Access | About 25 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | 605-2 Tomori, Gusukube, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Activities | Available |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restrooms | Available |
Shigira Beach
The resort beach that defines the Ueno and southern area is Shigira Beach.
Set within Shigira Seven Miles Resort, it has a beach house, restaurants, and a marine activity desk. Thanks to those facilities it is that rare thing on Miyako Island: a beach where you can turn up empty-handed and stay all day.
Coral reef lies close by, and it is known for sea turtle sightings while snorkeling. Parking is paid (1,000 yen), which is the one thing to note.
| Access | About 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Shinzato, Ueno, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Activities | Available |
| Parking | Several paid car parks. Fee: 1,000 yen |
| Restrooms | Available |
Hakuai WaiWai Beach
Hakuai WaiWai Beach is a man-made beach in Miyaguni, Ueno.
A designated swimming area is marked out, with showers, restrooms, and lifeguards on hand, so it works even with small children. Free parking is another welcome touch.
Coral reef spreads out nearby, and sea turtles turn up from time to time. This is a family beach that manages both solid facilities and genuinely beautiful water.
| Access | About 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Miyaguni, Ueno, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Activities | Available |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restrooms | Available |
Nnato Beach
Nnato Beach sits within the grounds of Ueno German Culture Village.
You can use the village’s car park and restrooms, and since few people come this way it stays relaxed. It is right next to Hakuai WaiWai Beach, so the two pair easily.
Next door to a tourist attraction yet still feeling like a hidden find, it occupies an unusual position among the island’s beaches.
| Access | About 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | 775-1 Miyaguni, Ueno, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Activities | Available |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restrooms | Available |
Maruko Beach
At 10 minutes by car from Miyako Airport, Maruko Beach is the closest in the area.
It is known for the vivid water people call Miyako Blue, and you can snorkel or try SUP here. There is free parking, but no restrooms.
Being so close to the airport, you can stop by right after picking up a rental car or in the last hour before returning it, which is its greatest advantage.
| Access | About 10 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | 354 Miyaguni, Ueno, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restrooms | None |
Other Sights in the Ueno and Southern Area
Irie Bay Observation Deck
The Irie Bay Observation Deck is a quietly known viewpoint on the southern coast of Miyako Island.
From the rise you look down over Irie Bay, and a gazebo makes it a good place to pause. Being slightly off the usual tourist route, hardly anyone comes here.
There is free parking, so you can pull up and step straight out. Note that there are no restrooms.
| Access | About 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Kadekaru, Shimoji, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restrooms | None |
Around the Ueno and Southern Area
Activities on Miyako Island
Snorkeling, diving, SUP, and other marine sports in Miyako Island’s crystal-clear water are hugely popular.
The Ueno and southern area has plenty of spots where sea turtles appear, which makes it a popular destination for snorkeling tours. Reserve as soon as your dates are set.
Renting a Car on Miyako Island
A rental car is by far the best way to get around Miyako Island.
The Ueno and southern area is close to the airport, but its beaches and viewpoints are spread along the coast. Bus services on Miyako Island are infrequent, and having a car makes a huge difference to how much you can fit in.
Reservations fill up quickly in peak season, so book early once your travel dates are decided.
Allamanda Imgyaa Coral Village
Allamanda Imgyaa Coral Village is a private villa hotel within Shigira Seven Miles Resort on Miyako Island, set beside a coral inlet.
Every room is a cottage with a loft, and each comes with a jacuzzi and a washing machine, making it practical for families and longer stays.
Pools, a kids’ space, and daily activities round out the facilities and services, so you can enjoy resort life surrounded by nature.
Summary
This guide has covered the five beaches of the Ueno and southern area of Miyako Island.
Shigira Beach and Hakuai WaiWai Beach are the well-equipped resort type; Nnato Beach and Maruko Beach are easy, low-key stops; and Imgyaa Marine Garden is a calm inlet. Each has a clearly different character.
All of them are within 10 to 25 minutes of Miyako Airport, which makes them easy to slot into the gaps on your arrival or departure day. The high chance of meeting a sea turtle is not to be overlooked either.
When you visit Miyako Island, be sure to make time for the beaches of the Ueno and southern area.
Thank you for reading to the end.
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