Island in Okinawa, Japan
Miyakojima
A flat coral island with some of Japan's clearest water, white beaches and long bridges to neighbouring islets. Best by rental car and for beach-and-snorkel trips; there is little nightlife, thin buses and typhoon season.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$1,330–1,960Comfortable, one person · ¥210,000–310,000Details
- Value for money76/100Better value than 75% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 29°CDetails
- Internet234 MbpsFixed broadband, Japan medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe to drink; the island's groundwater is hard, and bottled water is cheap.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$19–44Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundRental carYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work at hotels, car rentals and chains; small izakaya, snack stalls and beach shops often need cash.Details
Where to stay in Miyakojima
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Hirara | Town center: restaurants, bars, ferries and car rental |
| Maehama and Yonaha area | Resorts and the island's best long beach |
| Irabu and Shimoji islands | Snorkeling spots, quiet guesthouses, bridge drives |
Apps that work in Miyakojima
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: LINE
- Visit Japan Web: Immigration and customs QR codes
- Suica or PASMO: Trains, buses and konbini payments
- Safety tips: Official quake, tsunami and weather alerts in English
- Taxis: No ride apps to rely on; taxis queue at the airport and in Hirara, and hotels will phone one. Rural pickups need booking.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Japan.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work at hotels, car rentals and chains; small izakaya, snack stalls and beach shops often need cash.
- Currency: Yen (JPY). US$1 ≈ ¥157.82 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: 7-Eleven, Japan Post and AEON ATMs take foreign cards; ¥100,000 per withdrawal at 7-Eleven; small fee; decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not done and can confuse staff. Some restaurants add a 10% service charge, and izakaya often add a small seating charge (otoshi).
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless cards widely accepted; Suica or PASMO in Apple Wallet; PayPay shops take Alipay+ wallets.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Register on Visit Japan Web before flying to get immigration and customs QR codes instead of paper forms.
- JESTA, an online pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors, is planned by fiscal 2028; it is not required yet.
- The International Tourist Tax rose to ¥3,000 per departure on 1 July 2026, normally included in airfares.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 050-3816-2787
Plugs
Type A, B. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Data-only SIMs and eSIMs sold at airports and Bic Camera or Yodobashi, about ¥2,000–6,000; voice numbers need a residence card. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Japan
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.