Their island of Miyako-Jima is served by two airports; Miyako Airport which is the main commercial airport, it is located on Miyako Island and Shimoji Airport located on the nearby Shimojishima Island, connected by a causeway bridge to Miyako Island.

Miyako Airport receives direct flights from Tokyo`s Haneda Airport, Osaka`s Kansai Airport and Naha Airport on Okinawa`s Main Island.

If you have not booked a private transfer through us there are a few options to reach the city from the airport, such as buses, bicycles, and car rentals available.

Most of the hotels on the island offer shuttle services that pick you up at the airport and take you directly to your hotel. If you wish to hire a car and have the option to drive around at your own pace there are car rental options at the airport. There are also taxis at the airport that can take you to your hotel.

The island is fairly small and easy to walk around, buses are the main form of public transportation on the island. Buses run every couple of hours and cost around ¥500 one way, a convenient way to get from one place to the next, but run on island time and are not that easy to access. Many hotels, restaurants, and cafes post bus timetables and bus stop.

Ordering a taxi from your hotel or taking the hotel shuttle buses may be an easier way to get around if you have not rented your own car to explore.

Renting scooters and bicycles are also a popular way to get around.

Renting your own car to travel around the island is the most convenient way to explore the beaches at your own pace. There are many rental car companies available at the airport. Driving on the island is easy and the roads are flat and easily navigable.

There are taxis available on the island, but can be quite expensive costing around ¥2,000 from downtown Hirara to Maehama Beach. There are sightseeing taxis available to transport visitors to various sightseeing spots and beaches.

The island is small measuring 15 miles from north to south and around 9 miles across. The main downtown area of Hirara is easy to walk around as well as the main port and connecting to the local beaches.

Yes, riding a bicycle around the island is a spectacular way to soak in the sun and sea air, visit the beautiful beaches and take in the laid back island atmosphere. There are several bicycle rental shops on the island that allow you to rent by the hour or even for your entire stay. Some hotels even offer guests bike rentals. The roads are relatively flat and navigating the island roads is fun with breathtaking views.

Miyakojima is remarkably safe and Japan has long been known as one of the world`s most crime-free countries. Crimes against visitors are practically unheard of and lost belongings are generally turned into local police. Keep your wits about you and practice street smarts when out sightseeing.

There are not too many places to shop on the island of Miyakojima, however, the places offered on the island are unique. The snow salt museum is an interesting place to learn the process of how to make snow salt and find out the uses for it, as well as try some snow salt soft serve ice cream. The Mikayo Island Seashell Museum boasts exhibits on the beautiful shells found all over the country, the museum displays shell art and shellwork. Visitors can also make shell art themselves and pick up unique products and souvenirs.

Some of the most popular items to purchase while on the island of Miyakojima are mango`s, salt and Awamori. Awamori is a traditional Japanese sake that is brewed in Okinawa and created with the water from Mikayojima which is rich in calcium and minerals. The island produces the most mangoes in Japan, Keitt mangoes are the rarest and quite large and very sweet.

Yukisio salt is smooth and sand-like made from pure seawater from the island, and holds the Guinness World Record for the salt with the most complex mineral makeup. It can be purchased around the island from souvenir shops, supermarkets and the salt shop located onNishizato street.

Miyakojima`s climate has a mixture of tropical rainforest climate and a humid subtropical climate boasting very hot summers and mild winters, August is the wettest month of the year and January is one of the driest. The swimming season on the island runs from mid-May to September when the beaches are busy and bustling with sun-seekers. Typhoon season starts in August and runs through September, the island is often affected by Typhoons.

Japanese is the language spoken in Miyakojima, but English is widely spoken throughout the country with announcements on public transportation frequently made in Japanese and English, most signs include roman characters or an English explanation. Most Japanese people study English in junior high and high school so you are best seeking out younger people who may be able to help and translate for you.

It is best to have your destination written down in Japanese so you are able to show this to your taxi driver or people on the street. People are always willing to help whether they can speak English or not.

We recommend that you get a good English - Japanese guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, excuse me and numbers 1 - 10.

The currency in Japan is the yen symbolized by ¥. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand and be prepared to exchange your dollars to yen upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and bank locations throughout the city, ATM`s are widespread. ATM`s are located at Post office`s all over the city, look for a symbol that indicates `International ATM Service` or `Authorized Foreign Exchange` (a green clover) and stickers indicating which cards are accepted. For more detailed information, consult our guide to tipping in Japan by clicking Japan

The island offers some of its specialties such as Miyako soba made from thin, straight noodles, `gugakre` soba contains pork ribs and kamaboko. Miyako Beef is the brand name of the cattle bred on the island, the beef tastes sweet and is filled with umami it can only be found on Miyakojima or in Okinawa.

A majority of the restaurants can be found in downtown Hirara with dining options including typical Miyako fare, to taco shops, seafood restaurants and more. There are waterfront and beachside eateries found across the island boasting spectacular views and delicious fresh-caught fish and seafood.

The island nightlife is varied with relaxing beachside bars where you can sip on happy hour cocktails and watch the sunset to some of the happening bars found in Hirara offering drink specials and live music. Bunmyaa club is a popular establishment in the evening, owned by famous musician Koja Masayuki where he performs with his band.

Enjoy `Orion` the locally brewed beer, made in Nago on the main island of Okinawa. The other local specialty is awamori made with 30% alcohol, a pretty potent drink.

If you need emergency services while in Japan dial 110 for the police or 119 to call an ambulance or report a fire.

Hospitals:

Miyakojima Tokushukai Hospital tel. 81-980-73-1100

Okinawa Miyako Hospital tel. 81-980-72-3151