We flew from Asahikawa to Tokyo to Naha and eventually to Miyakojima, an Okinawan Island connected to three other islands by land bridges. We read that from Sapporo it is over 2,000km south – closer to Taiwan than Tokyo. And more a tropical climate. While we were there (early April) it is spring and the weather is a little unpredictable. We had a couple of sunny hot days but some rain and thunderstorms mixed in. It was quite good as it made us chill out for our 9 nights stay. We rented a K car for the whole time for just £85 giving us freedom to explore all the islands and beaches.
We started up North as we booked an apartment there for 3 nights. It was great with everything you could ask for (including a hammock) but they were building right next door and when the cement pouring was on, it was pretty noisy so the remaining 6 days we moved closer to the main town, Hirara, giving us more choice for evening meals out.
Up North our local beach was Sunayama and I (Janet) couldn’t wait for a swim in the sea. Our first evening stroll and I was in.
Our first full day was quite a windy day on the North and West coasts so not great for snorkelling. Instead we went down under the water at Miyako Underwater Park. What a great facility for those not able to swim or snorkel too!
Next we explored up North and onto the next island called Ikema Island. We stopped at lots of beaches including Kaginmi beach (rope beach), then went inland to the Ikema Wetlands which had lots of coots, ducks and birds.
Then onto Funakusu beach which was actually very sheltered from the wind on the East coast. I went for a swim and saw loads of fish including really big parrot fish. Pete climbed over the headland and took some photos.
We stopped for some lunch at Ohama Terrace which was lovely over the turquoise blue water.
Finished the day with some tacos (it is an Okinawan thing to have tacos, taco and rice and lots of Spam – all influenced by the USA military presence).
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