Yonaha-Maehama Beach

Miyako-jima is famous for being home to some of the most beautiful beaches of Japan and Yonaha-Maehama beach 🏖 is a perfect example of this. Located about fifteen minutes by car 🚙 from the airport and Hirara downtown, it is a nice getaway on a sunny afternoon. Lodging facilities are also available in the vicinity for vacations with a view on the sea.

Great white sand beach with crystal clear water

Tourists will find a 7-kilometers stretch of fine sand and enjoy relaxing or playing sports on this vast area. The activities available at Yonahama-Maehama beach include:

• Farniente on a deck chair and under a parasol (to rent at the beach);
• Swimming in a warm and clear water;
• Jet-skiing;
• Riding a towed tubing, or,
• Beach volley match.

The café-restaurant Mipama es su casa also offers snacks and refreshments with a beautiful view on the beach. Showers and lavatories are available in summer for an average fee of a few hundred Yens 💴 per person.

The blue of the ocean varies with the sky’s color and one can spent a long time contemplating this beautifully colored landscape, with hues from dark blue, to emerald green or turquoise. The sand quality is also remarkable: white, clean, and soft under the feet, as well as the transparency of the water in which one can’t help to dip in. The beach is well-maintained and frequently cleaned.

This postcard-like decor is unfortunately spoiled by air traffic, and it is not unusual, during the peak season, to hear the planes ✈️ and see them fly over the beach to land at Miyako airport, located nearby inland.

Its location on the western side of Miyajo-jima makes Yonahama-Maehama famous for beautiful sunsets on the water.

Ryugu Castle’s Observatory on Kurima-jima

Yonaha-Maehama beach faces Kurima-jima. Therefore, we recommend visitors using their own mean of transport (car, motor scooter or bicycle) to cross the free Kurima Bridge to go strolling on the neighboring small island.

Ryugu Castle 🏯’s Observatory is a platform built on a hill and easy to access by the road, at the exit of the bridge. The three-story high concrete structure offers an unobstructed panoramic view on the western coastline of Miyako:

• Yonaha Beach opposite;
• On the right, Kurima bridge; and,
• Irabu-jima island on the left.

Several cafes and elegant local shops, as well as other beautiful tropical beaches on the outer coast of the island complement the exploration of Kurima.

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Praised in travel and sightseeing magazines, Yonaha-Maehama beach is a must-see on Miyako-jima. Its large sand extent welcomes events on a regular basis such as the start of the yearly triathlon contest of the island. Those who prefer quietness will also find a place away from the crowds.