Known locally as Kayaffa Beach, this natural beach on Shimoji Island is surrounded by a large reef that keeps the bay protected from large waves.

Thanks to its calm and exceptionally clear water, Nakanoshima is a great spot for viewing the many corals and tropical fish that inhabit the area. Because the beach is not supervised by lifeguards, visitors will need to watch over their own safety.

These two ponds on Shimoji Island are connected underwater, and one is also connected by an underwater tunnel to the ocean, through which advanced divers can swim.

Due to large differences in water depth, salt concentration, and temperature, a wide variety of marine life inhabit the ponds. The mysterious appearance of the ponds has inspired more than one local legend, and they are a popular spot on Shimoji-shima for sightseers.

With its white sand and brilliant turquoise water that stretches out toward Kurima Island in the distance, Yonaha Maehama Beach is truly exquisite and has been called the most beautiful beach in the Far East.

It is also one of the longest beaches on Miyako Island and offers extensive marine sports and other activities, from riding jet skis and banana boats to parasailing.

Holding the title of the longest toll-free bridge in Japan, Irabu Bridge connects Miyako and Irabu Islands. It is well worth the drive simply for the amazing panoramic views, which change according to the level of the tide and the angle of the sun.

Higashi-Henna-zaki, or East Henna Cape, is a thin windswept protrusion of land reaching out two kilometers into the Pacific, with the East China Sea to the north and the Philippine Sea to the south.

The ocean views along the cape are all superb, but for the most spectacular vista, be sure to visit the lighthouse at the end. In spring, the Easter lilies add an extra dimension to the cape's beauty.

Known for its fishing port and beautiful sandy beaches, Irabu Island is the second-largest of the Miyako Islands. It is connected to Miyako-jima by the long and graceful Irabu Ohashi Bridge.

The colorful houses by the port lend the area a foreign feel. Top beaches include Toguchi no Hama, with its 800 meters of white sand, and Sawada no Hama, selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Beaches.

This event celebrates the opening of Miyako Island's beaches for the summer season with music performances, dancing, and lots of other fun activities.

The festival is held each year on the first Sunday of April at Yonaha Maehama Beach, a popular beach known for having incredibly clear water even compared to other beaches in Okinawa Prefecture. Locals and visitors alike come for the food, fun, and friendly beach atmosphere.

The Miyako Islands offer many excellent dive spots, ranging from challenging ones suitable only for advanced divers to those accessible to divers of all abilities, even beginners.

Popular locations include the Yabiji coral reef area and reefs around Shimoji and Irabu islands. Many dive tour operators also offer snorkeling and other marine activities.

Miyako Beef is counted among the best kinds of Japanese wagyu beef, acclaimed for its high quality. The cows are raised on beautiful island pastures in the mild Miyako climate.

The small island of Kurimajima is southwest of the Miyako mainland, across from pretty Yonaha Maehama Beach, and accessible via Kurima Bridge.

While primarily agricultural, the island offers gorgeous ocean views, especially from the Ryugujo Observatory, a three-story building whose design evokes the undersea palace of Ryugujo of Japanese folklore.

The powder-like white sand of Nagamahama Beach, on the island's northwest coast, is a joy to feel underfoot. The absence of facilities on the beach is a plus for travelers wishing to relax and watch the sun set in a completely natural setting.