Miyakejima Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to stay, and where to eat in Miyakejima, a stunning volcanic island located in Tokyo, Japan.


Introduction to Miyakejima

Miyakejima is a stunning volcanic island located in the Izu Islands of Tokyo, Japan. The island is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences. Visitors come to Miyakejima to witness the mesmerizing natural beauty, hike lush trails, dive underwater, explore museums and historical sites, and indulge their taste buds.

List of Places to Visit in Miyakejima

Miyakejima offers a wide range of attractions for tourists. The following are some of the places to visit on the island:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Miyake Folklore Museum: Displaying a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits from the Izu Islands’ cultural history, this museum is a must-visit for history buffs.
  2. Mount Oyama: Known for its ancient mountain worship, shrines and temples, and majestic scenic views, Mount Oyama is a popular destination in Miyakejima.
  3. Sakura-jima Shrine: A stunning shrine located by the ocean with a red torii gate and a breathtaking view.

Natural Attractions of Miyakejima: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Underwater Caves: Miyakejima is home to some of the most unique underwater caves in the world and is a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling.
  2. Ako Lighthouse: This stunning site offers breathtaking panoramic views of Miyakejima and the surrounding islands.
  3. Hegura-jima: Home to charming, hidden beaches that offer opportunities for relaxation and an exclusive getaway experience.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Miyakejima

Miyakejima is an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts, and the island offers several hiking and biking trails that showcase its natural beauty. Here are some of the most popular routes:

  1. Mount Oyama Trail: A challenging and rewarding trail with stunning views of the island’s natural beauty and a must-try for hiking enthusiasts.
  2. The Southern Hiking Trail: The route takes you through lush forests, ancient trees, and stunning waterfalls.
  3. The Izu Shichito Trail: A popular mountain bike route and one that takes you through the more challenging and scenic vistas of Miyakejima.

Best Things to Do in Miyakejima: Activities and Tours

Miyakejima offers numerous activities and tours to attend. Here are some of the top things to do for visitors:

  1. Take a Japanese Whiskey Distillery Tour: Tourism is good for the country’s economy, and Miyakejima is home to one of Japan’s whiskey distilleries. Visitors can learn how they make the whiskey by seeing it in person while touring.
  2. Take a Scuba Diving Adventure: Given the island’s underwater cave structure, scuba diving is a must-do activity in Miyakejima.
  3. Take a Nature Walk or Hiking Tour: Miyakejima has some stunning natural landscapes to explore, and embarking on a hiking or nature walk tour, will ensure visitors get to see the very best of them.

Week-Long Itinerary for Miyakejima

Miyakejima’s scenic nature, outdoor activities, and culturally rich history create an optimal travel destination. Here’s a potential week-long itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Arrive in Miyakejima and check-in
2 Take a nature walk or bike through the island while visiting some historical sites
3 Hike Mount Oyama Trail
4 Relax on one of the many beaches or sign up for a scuba diving adventure
5 Visit a Japanese whiskey distillery
6 Take a day trip to the neighbouring islands for some more beach activities
7 Visit the Miyake Folklore Museum before heading out

Food and Drink Scene of Miyakejima

Japanese cuisine commonly incorporates sea-based meals, and Miyakejima’s cuisine is no different. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages visitors should try out:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Oyaki: This dish is steamed dumplings made with flour and stuffed with veggies or meat.
  2. Soba Noodles: Made from buckwheat flour, these noodles are fresh and wildly popular among locals.
  3. Seafood: Freshly caught seafood is a delicacy on the island, popular seafood delicacies include lobster, tuna, spiny lobster, and squid.

Local Beverages

  1. Umeshu: A traditional plum wine with a sweet and sour taste.
  2. Shochu: A distilled Japanese beverage with a similar flavour to vodka.
  3. Sake: A Japanese rice wine with a sharp, clean taste and goes well with Miyakejima cuisines.

Where to Stay in Miyakejima: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Miyakejima offers several accommodations, which include hotels, guesthouses, and hostels to suit every budget. Here are some of the best options:

  1. Miyakejima Fuji Hotel: One of the newest hotels on the island, this hotel provides a stunning view of the seascape.
  2. Minshuku Kyukamura Miyakejima: This guesthouse offers traditional Japanese pastime experience and serves traditional meals.
  3. Backpacker’s Miyakejima: This hostel is a comfortable, yet affordable choice for solo travellers with a lovely common area.

What to Buy in Miyakejima: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Miyakejima offers several unique souvenirs for tourists visiting the region. Here are some of the best local products to bring home:

  1. Risaichi Camellia Oil: An oil used in skincare, herbal treatment, hair treatment, and cooking.
  2. Ichi-Taku charcoal: This black charcoal is useful for detoxification of water and helps to make water taste better.
  3. Traditional Dyeing Cloth: A unique craft that originates in Miyakejima and serves as a perfect souvenir and a way to embrace the culture and tradition of the island.

Local Culture and Customs of Miyakejima

Miyakejima has a rich cultural history that fascinates visitors. Here are some salient cultural customs in the region worth noting:

  1. Mountain Worship: Mount Oyama is a sacred mountain in Miyakejima and is worshipped by the residents. Visitors must be respectful when hiking and follow the instructions around the area.
  2. Festivals: There are countless festivals throughout the year in Miyakejima, and participating in these events is an excellent way to learn more about the local culture.
  3. Samurai Culture: The island was once home to many samurais, and the island is home to a museum that details the Samurai culture’s unique qualities and characteristics.

Best Time to Visit Miyakejima

Visitors can visit Miyakejima all year round, but the best time to visit is between September and November. These months are considered ideal since the tourist population is low, and the weather is cooler, suitable for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Miyakejima

When visiting Miyakejima, there are several do’s and don’ts to keep in mind. Let’s briefly review some of them:

Do:

  1. Respect cultural customs in the region.
  2. Visit some of the onsen during your stay; the region is famous for them.
  3. Take pictures of the beautiful nature and landscapes.

Don’t:

  1. Do not litter whilst hiking or walking around the island.
  2. Do not take photos of locals without obtaining permission first.
  3. Do not smoke in prohibited areas.

Safety and Health

Miyakejima is generally safe for tourists, and the locals are friendly and always willing to assist visitors. However, visitors must know how to stay healthy and safe when visiting the island.

Safety in Miyakejima

  1. The island is home to active volcanoes, and visitors must follow safety guidelines when exploring the volcanic structures.
  2. Tourists must carry safety equipment when visiting some of the island’s outdoor spaces.
  3. Visitors must also ensure to have safety or topographical maps on hikes to prevent getting lost.

Health in Miyakejima

  1. Tourists must ensure to take out health travel insurance, which covers medical emergencies when visiting Miyakejima.
  2. Visitors must stay hydrated all through their stay and watch out for the signs of heat exhaustion during outdoor activities.
  3. Visitors with allergies should carry an adequate supply of medications at all times.

Getting to Miyakejima: Transportation Options and Logistics

Miyakejima is accessible through air or sea-bound transport options.

Airports Near Miyakejima

  1. Haneda Airport: Haneda is the closest airport to Miyakejima, and from there, visitors can take a flight to the island through a local line.

Bus Stations Near Miyakejima

  1. Tokyo Station: From this station, Miyakejima can be accessed via the Tokyo-Miyakejima highway.

Other Options

  1. Ferry: Visitors can take a ferry to Miyakejima from Tokyo’s Takeshiba Pier.

How to Get Around in Miyakejima

Visitors can get around Miyakejima using buses, rental cars, and bikes. The most popular way to get around is by bike since it provides visitors with the chance to enjoy the stunning landscapes while moving around.

Where to Go Next from Miyakejima: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can extend their trip by exploring other destinations near Miyakejima. Here are some popular places to visit:

  1. Tokyo: Known for its vibrant culture and vibrant city life, Tokyo has numerous locations worth exploring, such as the Tokyo Skytree, Meiji Shrine, and the bustling city streets.
  2. Izu Peninsula: The Izu Peninsula is a popular beach destination and is home to stunning vistas, romantic hot springs, and amazing hike trails.

Conclusion

Miyakejima, with its stunning landscapes, culture, history, and local cuisine, offers visitors an ideal vacation destination. The amenities and transportation options on the island ensure visitors can get around quickly, and there is always plenty to see and do. Plan a trip to Miyakejima and experience the distinct culture and breathtaking sights the island has to offer.

Miyakejima Island Miyakejima Island Toga Shrine in west Miyake, possible birthplace of the mythical Mashima Toga Shrine in west Miyake, possible birthplace of the mythical Mashima