‘Miyako-jima’ is the fourth largest island in Okinawa Prefecture. The island’s beautiful beaches and large range of accommodation including beachside resorts, make Miyako hugely popular. Miyako is also more developed than many other islands with a series of bridges connecting it to surrounding smaller islands. Considered one of Okinawa’s best diving destinations, Miyako is known for its submerged caves and caverns – only suitable for advanced divers – along with easier dives suitable for beginner and intermediate divers, fantastic snorkelling and resort activities including parasailing, jet-skiing and more. Some of its best beaches include Maehama, Yoshino and Sunayama.

Miyako is one of Okinawa’s most popular islands thanks to its large resort hotels and direct flights from the Japanese mainland. High-end options on the island include Iraph Sui, Blue Ocean Hotel, Shigira Bayside and Hotel Shigira Mirage with numerous mid-range hotels and more basic guesthouses dotted across the island. Miyako is one of the largest of the Okinawa islands making it important that you choose one well-located for your intended activities. An increasingly popular summer destination year-on-year, make sure to book well in advance to ensure you get your choice of hotel.