Traveling with children can feel like an overwhelming task, yet it’s one of the most rewarding experiences. Aren’t you looking for a place where both children and adults, the whole family, can relax and have fun? My family traveled Miyakojima in July, and we had a wonderful time with our 3-year-old child. I’ll share some plans and activities that are perfect for families with young children. I hope this article leaves you with an unforgettable experience of Miyakojima and helpful tips for visiting with children.
Did you wonder, where exactly is Miyakojima? It is a beautiful island located in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. It is known for its stunning beaches, clear blue waters, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a paradise for tourists. The island also offers various activities that young kids can join, such as cycling, kayaking, and exploring its scenic spots like Cape Higashi-Hennazaki and Miyakojima City Tropical Plant Garden. Of course, you can also enjoy Okinawa’s local food. You can indulge in tropical fruits that are rarely seen in the mainland, as well as fresh shellfish and fish. Miyakojima’s warm climate and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal destination for both adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re looking to unwind on the beach or explore underwater worlds, Miyakojima has something to offer every traveler.
Table of Contents:
1. Miyakojima and Surrounding Islands
2. How to Get There
3. Recommended places in Miyakojima
4. Weather
5. Family-Friendly Hotel
1. Miyakojima and Surrounding Island
The largest island on the map is Miyakojima. From Miyakojima, there are smaller surrounding islands, and Kurima Island, Irabu Island, and Ikema Island are connected to Miyakojima by bridges, making it possible to travel by car. Each of these bridges is over 1,000 meters long and offers breathtaking views. Particularly around Ikema Ohashi (Ikema Bridge), you are surrounded by the stunning gradient of deep azure known as ‘Ikema Blue,’ creating a spectacular scenery.
2. How to Get There
To get to Miyakojima, you have a few options:
- By Air: The most common way to reach Miyakojima is by plane. There are direct flights from Tokyo (Haneda Airport), Osaka (Kansai Airport), Nagoya (Central Japan Airport), and Naha (Okinawa Main Island). The flight from Naha takes about 45 minutes.
- By Boat: There are also ferry services from Naha Port to Miyakojima, but this option takes around 8 hours and operates a few times a week.
- By Boat: There are also ferry services from Naha Port to Miyakojima, but this option takes around 8 hours and operates a few times a week.
3. Recommended places in Miyakojima
I recommend visiting the following spots, but first, let me suggest the best ways to get around. Ideally, renting a car is recommended, but since the roads are relatively narrow and the central areas can get quite congested, using taxis or buses is often better. Although it’s a smaller island compared to the mainland or Okinawa’s main island, walking is not advisable. Especially in summer, the unique heat can be intense, so it’s best to use a vehicle.
- Yonaha Maehama Beach: Known for its white sandy shores and clear waters, this is one of the most beautiful beaches in Miyako Island. It’s a perfect spot for families to relax and enjoy.
- BLUE SEAL Miyakojima Painagaya Store: BLUE SEAL is a popular ice cream store in Okinawa. You can spend a dreamy moment, as if you’ve stepped into an ice cream kingdom. The place is photogenic, and since Miyako Sunset Beach is nearby, you can enjoy ice cream while watching the sunset.
- PANIPANI:”PANIPANI is a charming café surrounded by trees, creating a jungle-like atmosphere. The floor is covered with fine soft white sand brought from Yonaha Maehama Beach, and while the adults enjoy their coffee break, the children can play in the sand.
- Shigira Seven Miles Resort:This resort features eight hotels, ranging from luxury to casual accommodations. There are many restaurants, and one of the top recommendations is a place where you can enjoy local food while listening to live Ryukyu folk music, which is truly soothing. Additionally, there are plenty of activities that are perfect for kids, such as feeding sea turtles and taking a ride on an underwater sightseeing boat. The resort also has a lift, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely aerial stroll while feeling the pleasant breeze.
- Shigira Golden Hot Spring: Shigira Golden Hot Spring, located in the Shigira district, is the southernmost and westernmost natural hot spring in Japan. The atmosphere is jungle-like with small caves. Unlike typical hot spring facilities where swimsuits and floatation devices are prohibited, here you can wear swimsuits and enjoy it like a pool. At night, you can bathe while gazing at the star-filled sky.
4. Weather in Miyakojima
Summer in Miyako Island is characterized by high temperatures and high humidity. From June to September, temperatures range from 30°C to 35°C. July and August are the hottest months, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 40°C. The weather is generally sunny, with little rainfall, though occasional typhoons can affect the island. The typhoon season lasts from July to September, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. It’s essential to take precautions against the heat.
5. Family-Friendly Hotel
Miyako Island and the Okinawa islands are perfect for family trips. There are many accommodations that are safe and welcoming for families. Let me introduce the hotel we stayed at this time.
We stayed at IRAPH SUI, which is located on Irabu Island. You can travel from Miyakojima to Irabu Island by crossing a bridge. As you open the entrance door, your eyes are immediately drawn to a magnificent pool, and beyond it, the shimmering sea stretches out in all its glory. Some rooms at this hotel come with private pools on the balcony, with a depth of 120 centimeters. The rooms are spacious and offer an open, airy atmosphere.
We swam with tropical fish in the shallow, crystal-clear sea, enjoyed shaved ice while watching the bright red sunset sink into the ocean, and drove around feeling the pleasant breeze, making it the best summer memory.
I hope this gave you some ideas on what to see and do with small children in Miyakojima.