About the history of Mizuna Island! We also introduce recommended sightseeing spots where you can feel the history of the island!

What is Mizuna Island like?

Okinawa is one of the largest tourist prefectures in Japan.

Surrounded by the warm subtropical air and bright sunshine, the main island of Okinawa is a place filled with beautiful scenery throughout the year.

The land once flourished as the Kingdom of Ryukyu and nurtured a culture different from that of Japan, and even after it became part of Japan through historical changes, it has continued to maintain its unique spirit.

While the cutting-edge culture of fashion, music, and gourmet food is enjoyed mainly in Naha City, it is only in Okinawa that one can encounter landscapes reminiscent of the Ryukyu period outside of the urban area.

The area has many historical sites, including a group of gusuku (castles) that are registered as a World Heritage site, and it is a land with plenty of its own charm.

Do you know a small island located only 1 km west of the main island of Okinawa?

This remote island, called Minna-jima, is loved by many as an island with many attractions despite its small size.

In this issue, we will introduce the history of Mizuna Island and its attractions as a tourist destination, and we hope you will read this article to the end!

↓ First time visitors to Mizuna Island are also welcome☆.
Click here for recommended tours of Mizuna Island

 

Directions from Naha Airport and Watakuchi Port

In order to introduce you to Mizuna Island, it is first necessary to mention how to get to the island.

As mentioned earlier, only 1 km of ocean separates the main island of Okinawa from Mizuna Island.

However, even though it is only 1 km long, it is still a remote island, so of course you must use a boat to get to Mizuna Island.

The gateway to cross to Mizuna Island is Watakuchi Port, located north of Naha City.

There are two ways to get to Watakuchi Port from Naha Airport: by rental car or by bus.

If you rent a car, you can use two routes, one on public roads and the other on highways.

The approximate time required for each is about 50 minutes on the open road and about 1 hour and 10 minutes on the highway.

However, the geographical area near Naha City is characterized by a very high rate of traffic congestion, especially during times that coincide with the commuter and return home rush hours.

Therefore, try to move on a time schedule that allows plenty of leeway from your schedule.

If you choose to travel by bus, there are several possible routes, but the recommended one is to use the Yanbaru Express Bus.

It is expected to take about two hours, a relatively short bus ride, and it is only a 10-minute walk from the "Headquarters Museum Mae" bus stop to the port after getting off the bus.

Since routes using express buses and local buses require long travel times of 4 hours and 3 hours, respectively, it is advisable to prioritize travel by Yanbaru express bus or rental car as much as possible.

After arriving at Watakuchi Port, take a 1,730 yen round-trip high-speed boat to Mizuna Island.

The boat trip is only 15 minutes, so you will feel so close that you won't even need a sobriety kit.

It is important to note that there is no reservation system for boats bound for Mizuna Island.

You may feel inconvenienced as tickets are only available on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the event.

However, there are firm measures to address this, which we will discuss later.

↓For more information about the ferry to Mizuna Island, click here.

Click here for tours with ferry to Mizuna Island

 

Why choose Mizuna Island?

In Okinawa Prefecture, there are a limited number of daily boat services to the remote islands.

If reservations are not possible, it is not uncommon for people to go to the port but not be able to get a ticket because the seats are already taken.

One might wonder why such an inconvenient island has become so popular as a tourist destination.

The reason for this is the activity tours.

The resort environment of Mizuna Island offers many activity tours, and there are also several activity tours planned on the main island of Okinawa that take place on Mizuna Island.

Most of the tours to Mizuna Island that are planned on the main island of Okinawa include travel to Mizuna Island as part of the tour content.

In other words, you do not need to worry about travel as long as you have completed the reservation application for the tour on Mizuna Island, which is organized on the main island of Okinawa!

If you use a tour that includes travel, it is probably one of the most convenient ways to get around among the many remote islands.

Click here to see the ranking of popular tours to Mizuna Island.

 

Attractions of Mizuna Island

Another name for Mizuna Island is Croissant Island.

This is due to the topography of the island, and Mizuna Island is characterized by its bowed and warped crescent shape.

The name Croissant Island was given to the island because of this, and the somewhat amusing and charming name seems to tell us how much the island is loved.

Let's check out the various attractions of Mizuna Island.

 

Beaches with blue sea and white sand

The main contents of Mizuna Island are beautiful beaches with blue sea and white sand.

Although it is a small island, tourists are welcomed by a number of unique beaches scattered in all directions from east to west, north to south, and all around the island.

The main beach, Suina Beach, is a popular tourist beach with a variety of facilities, and there are many other beaches with a rich variety of activities, including some secluded beaches and beaches suitable for activities.

The coral-filled waters are clear blue and incredibly beautiful, both on the surface and underwater!

Swimming in the sea at Mizuna Island is the most wonderful tropical travel experience you can have.

↓ Learn more about swimming ↓

↓ Click here for recommended tours for swimming ↓ Click here for recommended tours for swimming

 

Enjoy marine activities!

Many people may have high expectations for marine activities as one of the best parts of a visit to a land of beautiful seas.

Of course, marine activities are also popular on Mizuna Island, and visitors can easily participate in a wide variety of activities.

Activity tours that are combined with travel are particularly popular, and even those who have never participated in activities can easily try them!

There are so many different types of activities to choose from, such as diving and snorkeling, SUP and other water activities, and parasailing, where you can look down at the scenery from the sky.

If you are going to visit Mizuna Island, please enjoy the activities.

 

Beautiful cobblestone streets

And the sights of Mizuna Island are also on land.

As you leave Mizuna Harbor and walk up the slope, you will notice that the road surface under your feet is glistening white in the sunlight.

This is one of the symbols of Mizuna Island, the white cobblestones paved from the harbor to the village!

The road from the harbor to the village is gently sloping uphill, and tropical plants nurtured by the warm sunlight grow along its sides, providing a vivid contrast to the pure white stone pavement.

There is no transportation on Mizuna Island, such as buses or cabs, and not even rental bicycles exist.

The island is so small (less than 0.5㎢ in area) that you will have no trouble at all just getting around on foot, but you will greatly appreciate the ease of walking on the cobblestone streets.

 

You may discover something new by learning about the history of Mizuna Island!

As is true of any place, knowing the history and origins of a place adds depth to the sightseeing experience.

What is the history of Mizuna Island, which is right next to the main island of Okinawa?

Here we would like to briefly introduce the history of Mizuna Island.

 

History of Mizuna Island

There is a place on Mizuna Island called the Mizuna Island Shell Mound, and studies of its traces indicate that the island may have been inhabited as far back as 1,000 to 1,500 years ago.

Full-scale habitation began about 100 years ago, in 1890.

People from the nearby island of Sesoko moved in, and while sweet potatoes were being cultivated, the environment was gradually developed into a residential area.

Land clearance was carried out in 1903 and private ownership of the land was granted, and land reclamation picked up pace in one fell swoop.

The number of residents increased, mainly farming radishes, but also wheat and watermelons, and by 1942 there were about 120 residents living in the area.

During the Pacific War period, when Okinawa was embroiled in the ravages of war, the residents of Mizuna Island were called upon to serve as personnel for the construction of bases and as a defense force.

The island itself served as a shelter in case the U.S. forces landed, but soon more than 3,000 U.S. soldiers landed on Mizuna Island.

The remaining inhabitants of the island were considered prisoners of war, and although there was little human suffering, it is believed that the rich agricultural lands were devastated.

After the war, the island became depopulated as the younger generation of the islanders moved out of the island in search of work and a more glamorous environment.

However, after Okinawa was returned to Japan in 1972, liner boats were put into service, electricity, water, and other infrastructure were built, and thanks to the efforts of the residents, the island is now thriving as a tourist island!

 

Sightseeing spots with a sense of history

On Mizuna Island, there is a spot where you can experience the history of the island.

We would like to introduce you to several spots suitable for sightseeing!

 

Hamlet of Suina

Mizuna Village, the only residential area on Mizuna Island, is a spot where visitors can feel the passage of time over more than 100 years, accumulated since the Meiji era.

There is a nostalgic mood in the area, with traces of former life still visible throughout the streets.

Yet, the village of Suina is not a run-down countryside village, but rather a tourist destination that attracts many visitors, and it is characterized by its well-developed atmosphere.

Although only during the summer, the high season for tourism, there are many opportunities to visit restaurants and other facilities that offer refreshments.

One impressive sight that catches the eye of visitors is the white cobblestone pavement laid out along the road from Suina Harbor to the village.

The village of Suina is the center of the island and serves as a crossroads through which tourists pass as they travel to various parts of the island.

These cobblestones were laid to make it easy to get around Mizuna Island, where the only means of transportation is on foot, and will be greatly appreciated during sightseeing.

Those who wish to experience the island's history in a tangible way should visit the Mizuna Island Elementary and Junior High School, located on the outskirts of the village.

There is a stone monument in front of the gate with the history of Mizuna Island inscribed on it, and if you read it, you can feel the solid history of the island.

 

Directions from Mizuna Port

When visiting Suina village, follow the road straight ahead as you exit Suina Harbor.

It is an uphill slope, but it is not steep, and you can easily reach it by walking while admiring the beautiful scenery, including tropical plants blooming along the roadside.

old unused well

The etymology of the name of the island, Mizunashima, is "waterless island," a name that is believed to have originated from the scarcity of water resources.

Although the island is now equipped with running water, the old well is one of the historical spots on Mizuna Island, reminding us of the days when water was precious.

The old well is located at the end of the road that leads from the village to the seagull rock beach in the south direction.

Two wells, one round and the other square, stand in a tranquil atmosphere among the thickly growing trees.

The well is not just a well, but a place of worship.

In fact, Mizuna Island was once one of the sacred places called Utaki, which is unique to Okinawa, and the area around the well where the precious water used to spring from is still considered a sacred place.

Surrounded by trees, the wells have a profound mystique, and if you take a deep breath, you will experience a sobering feeling.

It is a very important place for the locals, so be sure to visit quietly and respectfully.

 

Directions from Mizuna Port

This overlaps with the previous section, but to get to the old well, follow the road south from the village of Mizuna.

If you continue to the end of the side street, you will find two old wells.

Suina Beach

When discussing Mizuna Island, one cannot miss Mizuna Beach, the center of tourism, which is now a major industry.

Mizuna Beach is a long stretch of beach on the northern coast of the island, right next to Mizuna Port, and is one of the most spectacular beaches in Okinawa Prefecture!

The sea is clear blue and filled with coral and tropical fish, and the beaches are characterized by sandy, high-quality white sand!

And because it is a long beach, its site is so large that the eastern end of the beach is called by a different name, "the beach under the lighthouse," and is treated as a separate tourist attraction.

The problem with Okinawa's beaches is that they tend to be crowded during the tourist season, but Mizuna Beach, which even includes the beach below the lighthouse, which is a bit of a hole in the wall, overcomes this problem.

It was in the mid-1950s that Mizuna Island came into the limelight as a tourist destination, riding the wave of the leisure boom of the time and quickly rising to become a popular tourist destination.

In 1991, as many as 30,000 tourists visited the island annually, and now it is estimated that approximately 60,000 people come to the island each year.

As if to live up to its popularity, the beach is equipped with various facilities such as showers, toilets, and lockers, as well as a store, and during the swimming season, a lifeguard is on duty and jellyfish prevention nets are provided.

As a tourist beach and the center of the islanders' tourism industry, Suina Beach is an exceptional environment.

 

Directions from Mizuna Port

Suina Beach is located next to the harbor, and from the pier you can already see the wide, beautiful beach.

When you leave the harbor, I recommend that you first go down to the beach.

↓arrow (mark or symbol) Suina BeachLearn more about ↓↓.

 

Activities on Mizuna Island

Let's check out the wide variety of marine activities that are the main contents of Mizuna Island today.

All of the events are fun and tropical in nature!

Enjoy activities that can only be experienced on Mizuna Island to the fullest!

 

snorkeling

When you visit Mizuna Island, enjoy its crystal clear underwater location!

There are two types of activities that can be enjoyed under the sea, one of which is snorkeling.

The appeal of this easy-to-join activity is that all you need is a snorkel, fins, and a wetsuit or rash guard.

 

Recommendations

Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities enjoyed in Okinawa!

You may have seen them in various media such as tourism magazines.

The waters of Mizuna Island are blessed with perfect underwater scenery, and you are sure to encounter mind-blowing beauty when you immerse your entire body in the rich blue.

If you wear a snorkel with a set of underwater glasses and a breathing tube, you can open your eyes underwater without worrying about salt water.

Normally, the ocean is not a place for human activity, but snorkelers can enjoy the waters of Mizuna Island to their heart's content.

The waters of Mizuna Island, with its supreme blue and crystal clear waters, attract many people.

Although Mizuna Island is small, there is not only one spot suitable for snorkeling, but also different beaches for different types of scenery, such as Mizuna Beach, the beach under the lighthouse, and the beach at Seagull Rock.

In addition, activity tours are offered, such as a boat ride to snorkeling spots off the island before diving, so you will never get tired of diving as often as you would like.

Snorkeling is a low-difficulty activity, and all equipment can be rented, making it easy for anyone to participate.

We encourage both experienced and inexperienced snorkelers to try snorkeling on Mizuna Island.

↓ Learn more about snorkeling ↓

↓ Click here for recommended snorkeling tours ↓ Click here for recommended snorkeling tours

 

diving

Following snorkeling, I would like to introduce another diving activity, diving.

The difference between diving and snorkeling is the degree of authenticity as a diving activity.

In contrast to snorkeling, which is easy and appealing, diving is a great way to dive deeper into the ocean, although the increased expertise raises the bar for participation.

 

Recommendations

Snorkeling and diving both have different attractions.

However, if you wish to stay deeper and longer in the sea and enjoy the ocean, diving is recommended.

Divers are required to obtain a license because they wear heavy equipment such as oxygen tanks and regulators when diving in the ocean.

However, diving is very much worth getting a license for.

Essentially, you can dive into deep waters that are inaccessible to humans without having to worry about holding your breath as long as the air in your tank lasts.

Swimming in the ocean as if you were one of the sea creatures will give you the most extraordinary experience.

Mizuna Island also offers experience diving tours that can be participated in without obtaining a license.

If you participate in this program, you will be accompanied by an instructor, so even beginners can enjoy diving safely!

If you don't have time to get a license but are interested, why not take this opportunity to feel like a diver on Mizuna Island?

↓ Learn more about diving ↓

↓ Click here for recommended diving tours ↓ Click here for recommended diving tours

 

SUP

In a change of pace from the two diving activities, I would now like to introduce an activity that can be enjoyed on the surface of the sea.

SUP, officially called stand-up paddleboarding, is an activity in which a surfboard or similar board is floated in the ocean and paddled while standing on it.

It is a popular activity in many parts of Okinawa Prefecture, and Mizuna Beach is one of the most popular places for people to participate.

 

Recommendations

SUP was created in Waikiki Beach, Hawaii.

Originally, this activity was started by surfers to practice surfing when the waves were not coming in.

However, the fun of drifting through the ocean on a single board and the exercise benefits gradually attracted attention, and SUP developed into an activity separate from surfing.

It is said that the popularity of the product spread around the world, especially among celebrities in Western countries.

It may sound difficult when you hear that it was originally surfing, but SUP uses a much larger board, so the center of gravity is more stable and you don't feel the wobble as much.

The difficulty level is high enough to allow everyone from children to the elderly to participate, and its familiarity is one of the reasons for its widespread popularity.

Standing on the ocean with only a board is very photogenic and Instagram-worthy!

Activity tours that include SUP often include a photography service by the staff, so take advantage of this.

SUP is the perfect activity to create memories of Mizuna Island.

Learn more about SUP ↓↓

Click here for recommended SUP tours ↓ Click here for recommended SUP tours ↓ Click here for recommended SUP tours

 

Canoe/Kayak

Canoeing and kayaking, classic activities often enjoyed near water, such as rivers and the sea, can also be enjoyed on Mizuna Island.

Unlike competitive canoes and kayaks, the main attraction of canoeing and kayaking as an activity is the ability to paddle through the ocean at your own leisurely pace.

The boat is easy to maneuver and does not require much physical strength, so it is easy to participate!

 

Recommendations

There are minor structural differences between canoes and kayaks, but basically there are no major differences between the two.

All of these activities are intended to be played by paddling in a small boat for two people, and there are no detailed rules for participation, which is the attraction of this activity.

It is easy for beginners to enjoy and is a perfect way to enjoy the beautiful waters of Mizuna Island.

Of course, a few waves will not cause you to tip over, and since life jackets are worn aboard the boat, there is no need to worry if you cannot swim!

Young children can ride with a parent or guardian, making it a popular way to create memories during summer vacation.

Of course, the appeal of canoeing and kayaking is that it can be used not only by parents and children, but also by friends and couples in any situation.

Please enjoy the beautiful scenery with your loved one!

↓ Learn more about canoeing and kayaking ↓

 

marine sports

Speaking of travel to Okinawa, marine sports are an exhilarating experience!

Some of you may have that impression.

Of course, you can also enjoy a variety of marine sports at Mizuna Beach on Mizuna Island!

 

Recommendations

The big attraction of marine sports is the feeling of speed that you cannot achieve on your own.

Riding a water bike through the ocean at high speed is an incredibly exhilarating experience.

Banana boats and big marbles towed by water bikes are also great for group fun!

Many people will become addicted to it because they can experience speeds that cannot be achieved in the various activities in which they paddle and advance by human power.

Even if you fall into the water, you will be safe because you are wearing a life jacket.

Safety is also taken into consideration, so you can participate with peace of mind.

Of course, it also has a reputation for being photogenic, and may be considered a must if you want to enjoy a spectacular trip to Mizuna Island!

↓ Learn more about marine sports ↓

↓ Click here for recommended marine sports tours ↓ Click here for recommended marine sports tours

 

parasailing

So far, we have introduced activities to be enjoyed underwater and on the surface of the ocean, and now we would like to take a look at parasailing.

Parasailing is often counted as one of the marine sports and involves floating 40 meters or more in the air, towed by a water bike.

Its altitude is equivalent to that of a 14-story building, providing a spectacular view from high above!

 

Recommendations

Parasailing is characterized by the fact that it does not require physical strength or skill, except that courage is required, making it easy for anyone to participate.

If you can withstand the height of 40 meters above the ground, you will encounter a spectacular view that is very hard to imagine.

The sky over Mizuna Island is as clear and blue as the sea, just like in the tropics.

There is nothing to obstruct your view and you can enjoy a panoramic view far into the distance!

If you look down from an altitude of 40 meters, you can see why Mizuna Island is called Croissant Island.

Be sure to enjoy the view from above and conquer the land, sea, and air of Mizuna Island!

↓ Learn more about parasailing ↓

↓ Click here for recommended parasailing tours ↓ Click here for recommended parasailing tours

 

whale watching

One more thing: you will be able to see whales on Mizuna Island!

For example, the Kerama Islands on the west side of Okinawa's main island are famous as a whale-watching spot, and it is possible to see whales on Mizuna Island.

You cannot encounter them snorkeling as you can with tropical fish, but you can see them on a whale-watching tour!

 

Recommendations

The whales that appear near Mizuna Island are humpback whales that can reach 12 to 16 meters in length.

The mere sight of them makes a big wave, and when they swim or jump, they splash in a powerful splash.

The scene is truly extraordinary, worthy of a trip to the tropics.

The sight of these whales, which you will never encounter in the city, is sure to excite you with its power!

The staff organizing the tours are skilled and knowledgeable, and they have a fairly high chance of spotting the whales.

It is also said that the best season for whale watching is from winter to spring.

If you are visiting Mizuna Island during that time of year, be sure to join a whale-watching tour to fully enjoy the unique experience that can only be had here!

↓ Learn more about whale watching ↓

↓ Click here for recommended whale watching tours ↓ Click here for recommended whale watching tours

 

summary

In this issue, we have introduced the history and tourist information of Mizuna Island, a remote island west of the main island of Okinawa.

Overcoming war damage and depopulation, Mizuna Island has grown as a tourist destination, and although it is a small island, it is packed with many attractions.

By learning about and taking an interest in the local history, you will be able to add depth to your sightseeing on Mizuna Island.

Mizuna Island is an island that can be enjoyed to the fullest just by taking a day trip from the main island of Okinawa, so if you are planning a trip to Okinawa, please visit the island!

Thank you for reading to the end.

↓ Click here to read the article in conjunction with ↓ ↓