Did you know about a little piece of paradise called Miyakojima, located to the South of Okinawa’s main island? Well, buckle in, because this once-hidden gem of the Ryukyus has blossomed in popularity in recent years due to its blend of unique cultural traditions, beautiful renowned beaches, and its fusion of modern amenities with traditional crafts and customs. We always say that “Miyako has one of everything,” and you will hopefully be able to find your everything in this guide! 🌺
Overview
Miyakojima, as well as its surrounding islands of Kurima, Irabu, Shimoji, Ikema, and Ogami, was once an island tributary of the Ryukyu Kingdom. With its own culture developing alongside the influence of the Ryukyu, Miyako and all of its local factions developed their own languages, culture, and customs, all vastly different from each other despite only being a mere handful of kilometers away. As a result, Miyako’s culture is a wonderful mix of the odd, the eccentric, the new, the old, the traditional, and the innovative.
Due to its southern position, Miyako is only reachable via plane to either the main Miyako Airport (MMY) or Shimojishima Airport (SMJ). Being an island originally formed from coral, Miyako is home to fantastic beaches, great snorkeling, and diving. Some of our beaches are even ranked as the most beautiful beaches in all of Japan, with Maehama Beach being the most famous of them all. Rumor has it that Sunayama Beach was the inspiration for Destiny Island in the Kingdom Hearts franchise as well.
History & Culture
The three oldest parts of Miyakojima can be traced back to the Shimajiri people of Irabu, Ikema, and Nishibe, with the people of Hisamatsu and Shimoji further expanding the network of culture here. Many people still celebrate their traditions to this day, with some form of major ceremony or celebration happening every season. The current culture and atmosphere in Miyako is one of kindness, warm-heartedness, and openness that welcomes all who come. Recently, some tensions have arisen due to over-tourism, but the people still hold tightly to keeping their culture prevalent and not disappearing to tourism.
Customs
It’s no secret that Okinawa is famous for its appreciation of alcohol, and Miyako is no exception to that. Famous as the originator of the Otori drinking practice, Miyako’s businesses also incorporate this custom in their celebrations! Outside of their drinking customs, the people of Miyako have always had a rich farming community which has evolved to incorporate new harvesting methods and technology along with the traditional methods to produce many crops and products such as salt, sugar, and indigo.The indigenous peoples of Miyako have their own celebrations that depend on the season. From Hari (traditional boat races used to pray to the sea gods for a bountiful catch of fish that year) to Myakuzutsu (a festival held in Irabu filled with dancing and drinking to celebrate the joy of living as a community), these customs continue to this day.
Restuarants
If you like food, Miyako is a foodie’s dream. Due to tourism, many shops offer a wide variety of foods that anyone can enjoy. You can find places like Manan and Airin (Korean restaurants run by immigrant families), Pariwar (a Nepalisese curry shop owned by a Nepali family that moved here years ago), and Apare (a tonkatsu ramen shop that is incredibly popular with the locals). From vegan and vegetarian focused restaurants to izakayas that are extremely welcoming to JETs and make special foods for them, Miyako has some of the best-tasting food in all of Japan.
Click here for a map of recommended locations across Miyakojima.
Events
Miyako is never lacking in events for people to attend! From cultural to creative, fairs to festivals, Miyako has something fun happening every month. Below is a list of some of the most popular events that happen in Miyako and around which month they’re usually held. If you’re planning on visiting, it’s best to reach out to an ALT, as most information is spread here via Instagram or 口コミ, a.k.a. word of mouth.
In addition to the events listed below, Miyako also offers community-based activities, like beach clean-up days, farmers’ markets, building days, and days where you can buy goods made or grown from the local high schoolers to help fund their clubs!
| January | 初詣 (Hatsumode, First Shrine Visit) |
| February | 駅伝 (Ekiden, Relay Race) 旧正月 (Kyu Shogatsu, Lunar New Year) お墓掃除日 (Ohaka Souji, Grave Cleaning Day) |
| March | だいご (Daigo, Cherry Blossom Blooming) |
| April | 海開き (Umibiraki, Sea Opening Day) Miyako Triathlon |
| May | Golden Week |
| June | ハーリー (Hari, Dragon Boat Races) Beach Volleyball Tournament |
| July | さがりばな (Sagaribana, Powderpuff Tree Blooming) |
| August | 夏祭り (Natsu Matsuri, Summer Festival) Perseid Meteor Shower パヤオの日祭 (Katsuo Fish Fest) 多良間島八月踊り (Tarama Harvest Festival) |
| September | 十五夜 (Jugoya, Full Moon Viewing Day) |
| October | MIYAKOROCK Music Festival ミャークヅツ (Myakuzutsu) パントゥー (Pantu) |
| November | 産業まつり (Local Produce Fair) 宮古中学校文化祭 (Miyako Chuugakko Bunkamatsuri, JHS Culture Festival) 17-End Marathon Kuicha Dancing |
| December | Ueno German Village Illumination |
All-Japan Strongman Triatholon
Miyako is probably best known as the host of the annual All-Japan Strongman Triathlon. This competition, going into its 20th year now, is held every April and is a very significant event for the island. Japanese and international triathletes compete in a 3km swim, 155km bike and then a 42.195km marathon The atmosphere in Miyako in the weeks leading up to the triathlon is great; there is a definite air of excitement as the banners of support are erected around the course and all the international pro-athletes are sighted around the island (they’re easy to spot since they’re not Japanese nor ALTs). Many Miyakans are involved in the triathlon, whether in a volunteering or supporting capacity or as an actual competitor, which brings a real sense of community to this international event. Even the snack girls are involved, handing out drinks at the aid stations! As the competitors finish the race at the Hirara sports ground, the drinking parties commence. Although Miyako may be a sports island, it never gets in the way of a good time! If you do plan to visit Miyako for the triathlon, be warned that you do need to book your travel arrangements way in advance.
MiYako Festival
“Miyako Matsuri” (Miyako Festival) is held in the latter half of July each year. There is a carnival-style parade through Hirara City, giving the spectators the chance to see traditional Miyakan costumes and dances and the newly crowned “Miss Miyako.” When the parade ends, the drinking begins at Kamamine Park. The date of the festival varies, but is either the 3rd or 4th weekend in July. This is closely followed by the Orion Beer festival one or two weeks later. No prizes for guessing what happens there.
Maehama Beach Volleyball tournament
In late May/early June, the Maehama Beach Volleyball Tournament attracts some of the best teams in Asia. JET representation is always in need of support, so please come if you have the chance!In early April, the Umibiraki ceremony (loosely translated as the sea opening ceremony) commences with tug-of-war, drinking, 3-legged races, and kids jumping in pools with eels and crayfish trying to catch them all.
Parting Words
Miyako is an island with a rich local history and unparalleled beauty. Your experience here will be what you make of it: a cultural lesson, a tropical adventure, or a culinary journey. Each and every stunning sunset transitions the island from an ocean lover’s paradise to a stargazer’s utopia. Rest, relaxation, and a proud heritage all await you here, fostered by a community holding fast to its principles of preservation in a rapidly gentrifying and changing world. Picturesque oceanscapes aside, Miyakojima is a much-beloved ancestral home before it is a vacation destination, and this is an important kernel of knowledge for any responsible visitor to this eco island. Exceptional natural landscapes may draw visitors here, but nature is also fostered by the people who live alongside it.
So come to Miyako, a little island with a big spirit, red sunsets, blue waters, hot sun, short nights, and a long history.
Further Information
To learn more about Miyako Island and its customs, watch this video submitted for the JET Video Contest:
Okijets 
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