Experience the History, Culture and Sacred Sites of Miyako Islands
Head for Miyakojima from Shimojishima Airport. This history-oriented tour allows you to enjoy and learn about the places of interest, historic locations and sacred sites that make up the core of the history and culture of the Miyako Islands. Slip back in time to the world of Myahk (meaning Miyako), the island of unity characterized by its colorful history and culture.
- 49.2km
- 4hours
01.Miyakojima City Museum
Stay time：30 minutes
Miyakojima is small island, located at the southern tip of Japan.
Here, you can discover the history and the culture different from mainland Japan and even from the main island of Okinawa. Museum exhibits about the lifestyles and island housing throughout time, and the culture, the history, the nature and many other things about the island. Covering many different subjects, including utaki (sacred site), Miyakouma horses, ancient play, traditional tattoos (hajichi) and rituals, the museum offers enjoyable learning opportunities for grown-ups and children. They also feature many different limited-time exhibits about Miyako Islands.
about490m
02.Miyakojima City Botanical Garden
Stay time：30 minutes
How about visiting the botanical garden to rest and relax surrounded by beautiful plants?
You can also make shisa (shisa lion statue), shellwork, or try on traditional Ryukyu clothing and experience other activities in the village near the garden. There are places to eat and is a mango garden in walking distance. In the area where the garden is, there are so many different ways to have fun.
about3.9Km
03.Yamato-ga
Stay time：15 minutes
“Ga” means a well or about location for spring water.
Located near the urban area, Yamato-ga is said to have been used exclusively for the Shuri royal government and for bureaucrats sent from Satsuma. Some evidence in ruin of the ancient gates shows that Yamato-ga was strictly managed. In 1992, Yamato-ga was designated as a national historic site. Go down the stairs and around the end of the well, you feel the cool air.
about738m
04.Miyako Shrine
Stay time：15 minutes
The latter part of this tour is starting from Miyako Shrine, walking around the Ayantsu and tracing the island’s history.
Ayantsu in Miyakojima dialogue means a road with atmosphere. Look at the town from the port of Hirara and you will see the red-tiled roof of Miyako Shrine. This is the southernmost shrine in Japan, enshrining the Kumano Sansho Gongen and the Tuyumya Sanshin. The Tuyumya Sanshin are three ancient tuyumya or chieftains of Miyakojima that later became regarded as deities.
Hitotokisampo - Miyako Shrine Guided Tour
Please apply for the Miyako Shrine Guided Tour in advance.
To apply, please email to Hitotokisampo tour.
A telephone reservation is required by 17:00 the day before.
about345m
05.Harimizu Utaki
Stay time：15 minutes
Utaki are sacred sites to which deities descend. These sites have been cherished by people since ancient times.
Located next to Miyako Shrine, Harimizu Utaki enshrines two deities said to have been involved in the genesis of Miyako. One of the deities is the male Koitsuno and the other is the female Koitama. In addition to being a sacred site, the utaki also carries a mysterious myth. While many utakido not permit male worshippers, Harimizu Utaki accepts everyone, irrespective of gender.
Hitotokisampo - Harimizu Utaki Guided Tour
Please apply for the Harimizu Utaki Guided Tour in advance.
To apply, please email to Hitotokisampo tour.
A telephone reservation is required by 17:00 the day before.
about300m
06.Grave of the Tuyumya
Stay time：15 minutes
Tuyumya is the honorific title of the island chieftain.
The grave of the Tuyumya was built by Nakasone Tuyumya, the primary chieftain of Miyako from the end of the 15th to the early 16th century, for his father, Mayunofa Tuyumya. The grave is near the urban area and overlooks the sea. It is very big and is gorgeously built with Ryukyu limestone.
Hitotokisampo - Grave of the Tuyumya Guided Tour
Please apply for the Grave of the Tuyumya Guided Tour in advance.
To apply, please email to Hitotokisampo tour.
A telephone reservation is required by 17:00 the day before.
about9.7Km
07.Uzunushu’s Grave
Stay time：10 minutes
According to an old story, a big shark inhabited between Irabujima and Miyakojima and attacked the islanders. It kept the people from not traveling between the islands.
Uzunushu, then the chieftain of Irabujima, boarded a small boat and set out to the sea to defeat the shark for the sake of the islanders. The shark swallowed the small boat and Uzunushu who, inside the shark’s body, slashed its stomach with a sword and killed it. However, this victory cost Uzunushu`s life. Today, the chieftain is enshrined at Uzunushu’s Grave. Sometimes there is confusion, but Uzunushu is a different person than Nakasone Tuyumya.
about9.7Km
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