Miyako Island (Miyako-jima) Onsen, Okinawa

 

Miyako Island (Miyakojima) is a remote island and a tropical paradise surrounded by the beautiful blue ocean, located 300 km southwest of the Okinawa Island. It has two airports – Miyako Airport and Shimoji Airport – and is accessible by a 45-min flight from the Naha Airport, a 3-hour flight from Tokyo (Haneda or Narita Airport), and a 2-hour flight from the Hong Kong International Airport (this new flight route is scheduled to start in July, 2019). With the pristine nature and the surrounding coral reef, you can enter the sea and enjoy snorkelling directly from many beaches on the island, and have a dreamlike time together with colourful fishes and coral reef under water. The dietary culture is also rich, with local delicacies like Miyako Beef, mangoes, and Miyako Soba. Irabu-Ohashi Bridge connecting Miyakojima Island and Shimoji Island is renowned as a stunning view as it runs through the middle of the highly transparent sea.

You can also enjoy hot spring bathing even on this southern land far away from mainland Japan.

 

The Shigira Gold Onsen

Public open air hot spring baths

Rental hot spring bath for private use

Large mixed hot spring bath

As to hot springs, the Shigira Gold Onsen located inside Shigira Resort, the largest resort facility on the island, is particularly famous. There are three types of onsen baths there – gender-segregated open-air bath and scenic view bath, rental baths for private use, and a large swimming pool-like mixed bath surrounded by flowers and greenery where people wear swimsuits. Families and couples composed of both sexes can enjoy their time together at the rental baths and the large mixed bath.

 

Spring qualities and medicinal benefits

Chloride spring (Please refer to this page for the health merits)

Famous tourist spots

Sunayama Beach, Yonahamaehama Beach, Shigira Beach, Higashi-hennazaki Cape, Kurima-Ohashi Bridge, Ikema-Ohashi Bridge, Irabu-Ohashi Bridge

Transportation

1. 45-min flight from the Naha Airport to Miyako Airport, then 30 min by car from the Miyako Airport
2. 3-hour flight from the Haneda Airport (Tokyo) to Miyako Airport, then 30 min by car from the Miyako Airport
3. 3-hour flight from the Narita Airport (Tokyo) to Shimoji Airport, then 1 hour by car from the Shimoji Airport
4. 2-hour flight from the Hong Kong International Airport to Shomoji Airport, then 1 hour by car from the Shimoji Airport

 

 

-Introduction of the Shigira Resort-

Shigira Resort occupies an extensive area near the sea where hotels, beaches, golf courses, onsens, restaurants, souvenir stores, and many other facilities necessary for leisurely resort stays are situated. The broad lineup of hotels ranges from the very best to more economical choices. Shigira Beach inside the resort is known as a natural habitat of sea turtles, so you may be able to swim alongside them if you are lucky enough. Various activities, from Segway and Sunset Cruise, aerial lift, underwater sightseeing cruise, to marine sports, are also available.

1．THE SHIGIRA (For further details)

The Shigira is the top-class hotel at the Shigira Resort. Private villas including a heated private pool, a Jacuzzi bath, as well as a personal butler, make a supremely luxurious experience possible. You can enjoy onsens and golf, beauty treatments, and special dinner with no extra charge. The luxury of an all-inclusive resort brings you ultimate bliss.

2．Hotel Shigira Mirage (For further details)

Hotel Shigira Mirage is an 11-storey hotel that opened in April, 2019. It is the tallest hotel on the island. Designed with the theme of “ocean, air, and land; harmony in moving scenery”, the balcony of each guest room in this high-class resort hotel commands a panoramic view of the sea. The villa-style “Hillside” where all rooms have a private pool will open in July, 2019.

3．Shigira Bayside Suite Allamanda (For further details)

All guest rooms in this hotel are suites. Out of a total of 173 rooms, 85 Pool Villa Royal Suites and Pool Villa Lagoon Suites feature their own private pool, making it the largest collection of rooms with private pools in Japan. The flowers that bloom all around welcome you to a pleasant stay.

4．Allamanda Imgya Coral Village (For further details)

Housing a melange of modern and casual furniture, all rooms here complete with feature lofts are bright spaces with a playful ambiance. It is perfect for a medium-length stay for families with small children.

5．Hotel Breeze Bay Marina (For further details at JAPANiCAN)

Designed for more causal stays, it features the 11-storey Tower Building, the Main Building, and Annex Condos suitable for extended stays. With the ocean right in front of your eyes and an outdoor pool, you can enjoy a reasonable yet comfortable stay here.

6．Wellness Villa Brisa (For further details at JAPANiCAN)

All hotel rooms here are equipped with a kitchen and an all-in-one washer-dryer, and is great for longer stays with small children. You can feel the sea breeze while enjoying a spectacular view of the beautiful ocean from the terrace of each room.

7．Hot Cross Point Santa Monica (formerly Hotel Seabreeze Casual) (For further details at JAPANiCAN)

Opened in November 2017, it is a causal hotel with a clean feeling. All guest rooms are twin rooms, making it a good choice for a two-person stay, including couples.