2 Days in Miyakojima: Perfect Short Trip Itinerary

You don’t need a week to fall head over heels for Miyakojima. With just 2 days in Miyakojima, you can experience the island’s best highlights, from snorkeling adventures to sunset drives that’ll make your Instagram feed pop.

I’m not gonna lie—when I first heard about Miyakojima, I was skeptical. Another beach destination? But after spending a quick weekend there, I totally got why it’s becoming Japan’s hottest tropical getaway. Whether you’re squeezing in a short escape between business trips or adding a beach stop to your Japan itinerary, this guide will show you exactly how to make the most of your 2 days in Miyakojima.

Why Miyakojima Deserves Your Attention

Look, Japan has no shortage of beautiful places, but Miyakojima hits different. Located about 300 kilometers southwest of Okinawa’s main island, this little gem sits in the Miyako Islands chain. What makes it special? The water visibility here regularly exceeds 50 meters—yeah, you read that right. The beaches rival anywhere in Southeast Asia, but you get Japanese infrastructure, safety, and convenience.
The island covers about 159 square kilometers, which sounds big but trust me, it’s totally doable in a couple of days. Most travelers overlook Miyakojima in favor of Okinawa’s main island or fly straight to Southeast Asia for beach vibes. Big mistake. Your Miyakojima Trip gives you that tropical escape without the long-haul flight or visa hassles if you’re already in Japan.

Getting There and Around

Flight options: Miyakojima Airport connects directly to Tokyo (Haneda), Osaka (Kansai), Nagoya, and Naha. Flight time from Tokyo runs about 3 hours, from Osaka around 2.5 hours. I flew from Tokyo and honestly, the approach alone—seeing those impossibly blue waters from above—was worth the ticket price.

Rental car situation: Here’s the deal—you absolutely need a car. Public transportation exists but it’s limited and will seriously cramp your style. Book your rental in advance, especially during peak season (July-September). International driving permits work here, and driving is super easy since traffic is minimal. Gas stations are plentiful around Hirara (the main town), but fill up before heading to remote areas.

Best time to visit: April through October offers the warmest water and best beach weather. July-September is peak season with higher prices and more crowds, but also the best snorkeling conditions. I visited in early May and found the sweet spot—warm enough for swimming, fewer tourists, and reasonable prices.

Day 1: Northern Beaches and Bridge Adventures

Wake up early and grab breakfast at your hotel or stop by a convenience store (FamilyMart has solid onigiri and coffee). Your first 2 days in Miyakojima starts with the island’s most iconic drive.

Morning: Irabu Bridge and Irabu Island (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

Head straight to Irabu Bridge, Japan’s longest toll-free bridge stretching 3,540 meters over brilliant turquoise water. The drive itself feels surreal—ocean on both sides, nothing but blue sky and sea. About halfway across, there’s a small viewing area where you can pull over for photos.
Once on Irabu Island, make your way to Toguchi-no-hama Beach. This spot doesn’t get as much attention as the main island beaches, but that’s exactly why I loved it. The sand is powder-soft, the water so clear you can see fish from the shore, and you’ll practically have the place to yourself if you arrive early.

Drive to 17END, a narrow strip of white sand beach at the end of Shimoji Island (connected to Irabu Island). The contrast between the bright white sand and deep blue water creates this almost unreal color palette. Fair warning though—the wind can get intense here, and there’s zero shade, so don’t plan on staying too long.

Lunch: Local Flavors (12:00 PM – 1:30 PM)

Head back to the main island and grab lunch in Hirara. Doug’s Burger is a local favorite serving hefty burgers with island-style toppings. If you want something more traditionally Japanese, try Kojima for excellent Okinawan soba made with local ingredients.

Afternoon: Sunayama Beach (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)

After lunch, drive to Sunayama Beach, probably Miyakojima’s most photographed spot. You’ll park at a small lot and walk through a short path surrounded by trees before emerging onto the beach. The iconic rock arch at the north end creates this perfect natural frame for photos.
The swimming here is fantastic when conditions are calm, and the snorkeling along the rocks can be decent too. I spent a solid two hours just floating around, occasionally diving down to check out the fish. Pro tip: arrive before 2 PM or after 4 PM to avoid the tour bus crowds.

Evening: Sunset at Cape Higashi-Hennazaki (6:00 PM – 7:30 PM)

Drive to the eastern tip of the island for sunset at Cape Higashi-Hennazaki. There’s a lighthouse and observation deck offering panoramic ocean views. The sunset from here paints the sky in ridiculous shades of orange and pink reflecting off the water. Grab a cold drink from the vending machine (they’re everywhere in Japan, even at remote capes) and just enjoy the view.
Dinner back in Hirara—try Gushiken Tempura for Okinawan-style tempura or Yunagiryori Ebisutei for fresh seafood. Your first day of 2 days in Miyakojima wraps up with a full belly and probably a mild sunburn despite your sunscreen efforts 🙂

Day 2: Snorkeling Paradise and East Coast Exploration

Morning: Yabiji Coral Reef Snorkeling Tour (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

This is non-negotiable—book a snorkeling tour to Yabiji, Japan’s largest coral reef system. These tours typically run from April to October and depart early morning. You’ll boat out about 5-15 kilometers offshore to shallow reef areas where the coral and fish diversity will blow your mind.
The water clarity at Yabiji is insane. Even if you’re not a strong swimmer (tours provide life vests and flotation devices), you’ll feel comfortable floating above gardens of coral with tropical fish darting everywhere. I saw sea turtles, clownfish, giant clams, and coral formations in every color imaginable. Tours typically include equipment and run about 6,000-8,000 yen per person.

Lunch: Quick Refuel (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)

After your snorkeling tour, you’ll probably be starving. Grab a quick lunch at Painagama Beach’s cafe area or hit up A&W (yes, the American fast-food chain is huge in Okinawa) for root beer floats and burgers.

Afternoon: East Coast Beach Hopping (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)

Spend your afternoon exploring the east coast beaches. Yoshino Beach offers excellent shore snorkeling with rental equipment available on-site. The coral here starts just meters from the beach, and you’ll see plenty of tropical fish without needing a boat.
Next, check out Aragusuku Beach, a quieter spot with beautiful views and calm waters. If you’re not beached-out yet (honestly, who could blame you?), Boraga Beach features unique rock formations and good photo opportunities.

Late Afternoon: Manta Park Shopping (5:00 PM – 6:30 PM)

Before leaving the island, stop at the shopping area near the airport. AEON Town is the main shopping center where you can grab last-minute souvenirs. Miyakojima’s famous for brown sugar, sea salt, and mango products—all make excellent gifts or personal treats.

Evening: Final Sunset and Departure Prep (6:30 PM onwards)

If your flight isn’t until the next morning, catch one last sunset. Maehama Beach (also called Yonaha Maehama Beach) stretches for 7 kilometers and is considered one of Japan’s best beaches. The sunset from here provides a fitting finale to your Miyakojima Trip.
Grab dinner at Grill Dining Ryugu for upscale island cuisine or keep it casual at one of Hirara’s izakayas. Pack up, get your stuff organized, and try not to feel too sad about leaving paradise tomorrow.

Practical Tips for Your 2 Days in Miyakojima

Budget breakdown: Expect to spend roughly 15,000-25,000 yen per day including accommodation, food, car rental, and activities. Snorkeling tours add 6,000-8,000 yen. Flights from Tokyo typically run 20,000-40,000 yen depending on season and booking timing.

What to pack: Reef-safe sunscreen (regular sunscreen damages the coral), rash guard or swim shirt, good sunglasses, waterproof phone case, snorkel gear if you have your own, and comfortable driving shoes. The island is casual—I basically lived in swimwear, shorts, and t-shirts.

Language considerations: English isn’t widely spoken outside major hotels. Download Google Translate’s offline Japanese pack. Most restaurants have picture menus though, which helps tremendously.

Weather watch: Typhoon season runs June through November. Check forecasts before your 2 days in Miyakojima and consider travel insurance during these months. I’ve heard stories of travelers stuck for extra days due to flight cancellations (there are worse places to be stranded, IMO).

Accommodation advice: Stay in Hirara for convenience—it’s centrally located with restaurants, shops, and easy airport access. Beach resorts on the south coast offer more luxury but you’ll drive more. I stayed at a simple business hotel in Hirara for about 8,000 yen per night and it worked perfectly fine.

The Bottom Line

Listen, I get it—two days sounds tight for an island getaway. But Miyakojima’s compact size and excellent infrastructure make it totally feasible. You’ll swim in some of the clearest water you’ve ever seen, drive across bridges that feel like they’re floating on the ocean, and eat fresh seafood that tastes like it jumped from the sea onto your plate.

Your 2 days in Miyakojima won’t cover every single beach and attraction (the island has dozens), but you’ll hit the absolute highlights and leave with that satisfied “I need to come back” feeling. Which honestly? That’s the sign of a perfect short trip.

The island captured something I didn’t expect—that perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. You can snorkel with sea turtles in the morning and watch sunset with a cold Orion beer in hand by evening. No rushing, no stress, just pure tropical bliss with Japanese efficiency backing it up.

So yeah, if you’ve been sleeping on Miyakojima thinking you need a week to make it worthwhile, now’s the time to reconsider. Book that rental car, pack your swimsuit, and get ready for one of Japan’s best-kept secrets. Trust me—two days is enough to fall in love, and you’ll absolutely be planning your return trip before your plane even leaves. Safe travels! 😉