9 Recommended Tourist Spots in Miyakojima That You Can Enjoy Even on a Rainy Day

While Miyakojima is renowned for its stunning beaches and sunny skies, there's more to this island paradise than meets the eye. If rain clouds happen to dampen your beach plans, don't fret! Here are 9 fantastic indoor and outdoor activities to keep you entertained during your visit.

1. Chigaya Craft Workshop at Miyakojima City Experience Craft Village

Experience the traditional craft of Chigaya weaving at the Chigaya Craft Workshop, located within the Miyakojima City Experience Craft Village. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to create traditional folk crafts such as baskets and straps using Chigaya, a plant native to Miyakojima, as well as other dried plants like shell ginger and Adenanthera pavonia. Since the workshop is held indoors, you can enjoy this experience even on rainy days.

A variety of beautiful Chigaya crafts are also available for purchase, making it a perfect place to find souvenirs. Please note that reservations are required for the folk craft making workshops, so be sure to contact them in advance. We highly recommend including this activity in your Miyakojima itinerary.

2. Miyakojima Onsen: The Perfect Place to Relax and Rejuvenate

Even when your travel plans are disrupted by rain, Miyakojima Onsen offers a peaceful retreat. Using natural hot spring water that gushes up from deep within Miyakojima, you can warm yourself to the core. With a variety of bathing options, including a large public bath, rock baths, marble baths, and family baths, you can soothe your weary travel-worn body. There's also a dining area, so you can spend the entire day relaxing and refreshing yourself, even if it's raining outside.

3. Shigira Golden Onsen: A Resort Experience with Comprehensive Facilities

Shigira Golden Onsen, Japan's cutting-edge hot spring facility, offers a tropical resort experience. Relax and refresh your mind in the open-air baths and jacuzzi pools surrounded by the natural beauty of Miyako Island. Beyond the hot springs, a fitness gym and swimming pool are also available, making it a versatile facility. This is a perfect spot to visit when your outdoor plans are canceled due to rain.

4. Ueno German Cultural Village: A Taste of Germany in Miyakojima

Experience the charm of Germany right in Miyakojima at the Ueno German Cultural Village. Miyakojima has a long history of friendship with Germany, dating back to 1873 when a German merchant ship was shipwrecked off the coast and the islanders came together to rescue the crew.

As a testament to this deep-rooted friendship, the village features a faithfully recreated German castle, "Marksburg Castle," built with the cooperation of Germany. The castle offers breathtaking views and a romantic atmosphere perfect for a day trip with family or a loved one. Beyond learning about German culture, visitors can also dress up in traditional Tyrolean costumes and explore the village. It's a wonderful way to create lasting memories during your trip.

5. Get Lost in the Underwater Wonderland at Miyakojima Sea Treasure Museum!

When rain clouds gather over Miyakojima, the Miyakojima Sea Treasure Museum is the perfect place to be! Step into a magical underwater world and spend an entire day exploring.

Even on sunny days, Miyakojima offers a wide range of activities like snorkeling, diving, and cave adventures. But when the weather takes a turn, the museum's shell workshop and fascinating shell museum are sure to keep you entertained. So, whether you're seeking adventure or simply want to escape the rain, the Miyakojima Sea Treasure Museum is the place to be.

6. Snow Salt Museum: Experience the Creation of Miyakojima's Famous Snow Salt

Miyakojima's specialty, "Snow Salt," is known for its fine texture and rich umami flavor, making it a popular ingredient that can elevate any dish. The Snow Salt Museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to tour the factory where this exceptional salt is produced.

In addition to the factory tour, the museum provides valuable tips on how to best incorporate Snow Salt into your cooking to enhance its flavor. After the tour, visitors can purchase a variety of Snow Salt-infused products, such as soap and Okinawa's famous Snow Salt Chinchin, a type of cookie. Don't miss out on the chance to find exclusive souvenirs available only at the Snow Salt Museum.

7. Miyakojima Sea World: Where You Can Play with Marine Life

Miyakojima Sea World offers a unique opportunity to observe the real-life ecology of marine creatures through a giant glass window. Unlike typical aquariums with artificial environments, this underwater observatory allows visitors to experience the authentic beauty of Miyakojima's ocean, providing a truly soothing and relaxing experience.

With a seaside cafe offering an ocean view from every seat, it's also a great place to stop by for a quick tea break. The scenery is breathtaking on sunny days, but even on rainy days, the atmosphere is charming and highly recommended.

8. Utopia Farm Miyakojima: A Paradise for Tropical Fruits, Especially the Elusive Keitt Mango

Located just a 10-minute drive from Miyako Airport, Utopia Farm Miyakojima is one of the largest fruit farms on Miyako Island. It's a treasure trove of tropical fruits, including various types of mangoes, bananas, papayas, and dragon fruit. Visitors can tour the various fruit orchards and admire over 50 varieties of bougainvillea.

One of the highlights is that the farm is housed in a greenhouse, allowing visitors to enjoy the fruits regardless of the weather. And of course, no visit to Utopia Farm Miyakojima is complete without trying their famous soft serve ice cream and smoothies made with fresh, locally grown fruits. The rare Keitt mango is also available for purchase, making it a perfect souvenir.

9. Miyakojima City Tropical Botanical Garden

Located north of Miyako Airport, the Miyakojima City Tropical Botanical Garden is a botanical garden filled with various trees and flowers. Spanning a vast area of 120,000 square meters, it's a healing spot where you can feel the sounds of birds and the natural breeze surrounded by greenery. Even on rainy days, we recommend visiting as there are workshops where you can experience local cuisine, Miyako horse riding, and Miyako weaving. The best part? Admission is free!

◎Summary

There are plenty of places in Miyakojima where you can enjoy various experiences even when it rains. It's a good idea to check out these spots beforehand in case the places you planned to visit get rained out. You can also learn about Miyakojima's nature, culture, and history at many of these locations, which will deepen your appreciation for the island. Enjoy your time in Miyakojima, even if it rains!

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