Miyako Island（宮古島）

An exceptionally beautiful island formed by coral reefs

Miyako Island is a flat island located approximately 300 kilometers southwest of Okinawa’s main island, formed by uplifted coral reefs. It is surrounded by crystal-clear emerald-green waters and features dramatic cliffs, white sandy beaches, and limestone caves—natural landscapes shaped by coral formations. Among its most iconic sights is Higashi-Hennazaki, a narrow cape that juts out from the island’s easternmost point. From here, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the boundary between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, making it a beloved scenic spot for both locals and tourists alike.

✈️ Access to Miyako Island from Tokyo/Osaka~　　　　　　　　　　　　

The most convenient way to reach Miyako Island (Miyako Airport: MMY) from Tokyo is by taking a direct flight from Haneda Airport (HND), operated by All Nippon Airways (ANA) or Japan Airlines (JAL). The average flight time is approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes, with around 15 flights per week—usually two flights per day. Airfare varies depending on the season, but typically ranges from ¥12,000 to ¥40,000 (about 80–270 USD) for a one-way ticket. Another popular and flexible option is to travel via Naha Airport (OKA). There are frequent flights from major cities such as Tokyo (Haneda or Narita), Osaka, and Fukuoka to Naha. From Naha to Miyako Island, flights are available through Japan Transocean Air (JTA) and Ryukyu Air Commuter (RAC), with a short flight time of about 50 minutes. Thanks to the frequent connections and easy transfers, many travelers choose this route based on their preferred schedule or budget. Tickets from Naha to Miyako typically cost between ¥5,000 and ¥15,000 (approximately 35–100 USD) one way. From Osaka, direct flights to Miyako Island are available from Kansai International Airport (KIX), also operated by ANA and JTA. The flight duration is about 2 hours and 50 minutes, covering roughly 900 miles (approximately 1,450 km). Prices usually range from ¥20,000 to ¥30,000 (around 135–200 USD), depending on the season. Travelers from Osaka can also choose the Naha connection route, often combining low-cost carriers for a more economical trip.

Pai Base Resorthttps://paibase.com/ is a small, condominium-style resort located in the northern part of Miyako Island, in the Taira-Karimata area. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Miyako Airport, and offers convenient airport pick-up and drop-off service provided by the friendly owner. For guests staying longer or planning to explore the island, rental kei cars (compact cars) are also available—a must for any digital nomad working remotely on Miyako Island. The rooms are fully furnished apartments equipped with kitchenettes, making it easy to cook your own meals. Laundry facilities and Wi-Fi are also provided, and some rooms include a refrigerator, TV, and a terrace or balcony where you can enjoy views of the sea—allowing you to truly live like a local. And most importantly, the owner, Ms. O, is incredibly kind and welcoming. The beach in front of the resort is shallow and enjoyable, but if you’re into snorkeling, Funasuku Beach on Ikema Island, which is relatively close to the resort, is a true hidden gem. It features a vibrant colony of blue coral, and in my opinion, it’s the most beautiful snorkeling spot in Japan—even more stunning than the famous Nakanoshima Beach on Shimoji Island. The snorkeling point can be a bit hard to find, so feel free to ask me if you’re interested. Just keep in mind that it’s a bit far from shore, and there are no lifeguards, so wearing a life jacket and fins is essential (there can be rip currents).

Pai Base Resorthttps://paibase.com/は、宮古島の北部・平良狩俣（たいら・かりまた）地区に位置する、小さなコンドミニアム型のリゾートです。宮古空港から車で約20分の距離にあり、空港送迎サービス（オーナの送り迎え）も利用できるため、アクセスは非常に便利です。さらに、滞在者向けに軽自動車のレンタカーサービスもあります（宮古島でのノマド・ワークにはレンタカーは必須です）。客室は、簡易キッチン（キッチネット）付きの完全家具付きアパートメントで、自炊が可能な点が大きな魅力です。さらに、ランドリー設備やWi‑Fiも完備されており、一部の客室には冷蔵庫やテレビ、テラス／バルコニーが設置され、海の景色を眺めながら「暮らすように滞在」することができます。そして，何と言っても，オーナーのOさんがとっても親切です。目の前の海も遠浅で，それなりに楽しいのですが，この宿から近い池間島のフナスクビーチがおすすめです。ここには鮮やかな青サンゴの群生があり,最高のシュノーケリングスポットです。下地島の中の島ビーチよりも美しいと思います。シュノーケリングポイントは少し見つけにくい場所にあるので、興味があれば連絡ください。岸からはやや距離があり、ライフガードもいないため、ライフジャケットとフィンの着用は必須です（潮の流れは早い）。

＜宮古島のごちそう＞

ソーキそば（左），パッションフルーツ（中央），マンゴー（右）

ソーキそばは何と言っても，丸吉食堂！　骨付きばら肉と麺，スープの絶妙のコンビネーションは他では味わえない。12時から1時ごろに行くと，順番待ちのお客さんで外のベンチはいっぱいです。でも，回転が早いので大丈夫。でも，遅くいくと麺が終了してしまうので，11時過ぎに行くのがベストです。多良川（泡盛）工場のとなりなので，泡盛の直売所見学も同時にできます。

パッションフルーツの中で，宮古島でしか食べることができないのが，ユズレモンという亜種。香りが強く，甘みがある。パッションフルーツは島の駅やアタラス（JA）でも売っているけれど，来間島大橋に向かう左手に，パッションフルーツの直売所がある。

宮古島の絶景

１．与那覇前浜ビーチの夕陽