A number of spectacular views that are sure to impress! Five recommended spectacular views of Mizuna Island by locals

What is Mizuna Island like?

The best tourist prefecture in Japan is Okinawa Prefecture, a group of remote islands in the South Sea.

Located much further south than Kagoshima Prefecture, Okinawa Prefecture is blessed with beautiful blue coral seas and is surrounded by a subtropical climate that differs from that of mainland Japan and is characterized by a warm environment throughout the year.

The center of Okinawa Prefecture is the main island of Okinawa where Naha City and other cities are located.The following is a list of the most common problems with the

Okinawa's main island is dotted with numerous tourist attractions, but have you ever heard of a small remote island just west of the main island?

The name of the island is Minna-jima (水納島), and its distance from the main island of Okinawa is only about 1 km.

It is a very small island with an area of about 0.5 square kilometers and a population of about 40 people, but it is highly popular as a remote island that can be reached by a day trip from the main island of Okinawa.

In this issue, we would like to introduce the charms of Mizuna Island to you in abundance.

 

Directions from Naha Airport and Watakuchi Port

The gateway to Mizuna Island is Watakuchi Port in Yanicha, Motobu-cho, further north from Naha City.

The main means of transportation from Naha Airport to Watakuchi Port is by rental car or bus.

If you use a rental car, the route via public roads takes a little over one hour.

The route via the highway is estimated to take approximately 50 minutes.

There are several routes available for buses, but two of them, the local bus and the express bus, require a transfer at the Nago Bus Terminal.

It is not a recommended means of transportation, as it takes 4 hours by local bus and 3 hours by highway bus, respectively.

If you take the Yanbaru express bus route, the trip takes about two hours.

If you get off at the "Headquarters Museum Mae" bus stop, you can walk to the port in about 10 minutes, making it the easiest of the buses to use.

After arriving at Watakuchi Port, you will take a high-speed boat to Mizuna Island.

The fare is 1,730 yen for a round trip, and it takes only 15 minutes, which is quite close.

However, reservations for the boat to Mizuna Island cannot be made and tickets must be secured on the day of the trip.

During the summer tourist season, tickets are often sold out early, so you will want to secure your tickets as early as possible.

Why choose Mizuna Island?

Mizuna Island is blessed with a perfect location that is typical of a remote island, and you can see the uniquely blue ocean of Okinawa in every direction.

However, Okinawa Prefecture is a major tourist prefecture with a large number of remote islands with excellent locations such as Ishigaki Island, Miyako Island, Iriomote Island, and the Kerama Islands.

What factors can be cited as the reason why Mizuna Island is chosen in such a situation?

Aside from its spectacular scenery, the main attraction of Mizuna Island lies in its location adjacent to the main island of Okinawa.

The distance of only 1 km from the island is much closer than one might imagine, and it is possible to take a day trip from the main island of Okinawa to Mizuna Island.

There are, of course, other islands that can be visited in a day trip, but the distance of only 30 minutes for a round trip is truly fascinating.

You can plan to visit the main island of Okinawa on the same day and go sightseeing on Mizuna Island on the same day.

The fact that reservations are not possible may seem worrisome, but the fact is that there are ways to travel without having to hold down a ticket on your own.

There are many activity tours to Mizuna Island on the main island of Okinawa, and many of these tours include travel arrangements to Mizuna Island.

In other words, you can simply join a tour and cross over to Mizuna Island without any problems.

It is also nice to know that Churaumi Aquarium, the most popular tourist spot in Okinawa, is located near Watakuchi Port, and many people enjoy sightseeing there as well.

 

Attractions of Mizuna Island

Now that we have introduced the location, let's take a closer look at the charm of Mizuna Island itself.

One unique aspect of Mizuna Island is its small island shape.

When viewed from above, Mizuna Island has a curving, arc-shaped shape that is often said to resemble a crescent moon.

The affinity that was given from there is Croissant Island.

What a cute nickname, which seems to tell us how much the island is loved by the people.

 

Beaches with blue sea and white sand

Outside the crescent-shaped arc of such an island, just outside Mizuna Harbor, located in the northern part of the island, there is a long stretch of white sandy beach.

This beach is visible from the boats heading to the island and greets tourists with its beautiful appearance even before they arrive.

One of the great things about Mizuna Island is that you can step onto the island with high expectations and even go right down to the beach from the pier.

The beautiful location, which is counted among the top beaches in the prefecture, is sure to leave you in awe.

In addition to the beach next to the harbor, another interesting aspect of Mizuna Island is that there are other unique beaches.

 

Enjoy marine activities!

Marine activities are an essential part of sightseeing in Okinawa.

The clean, clear waters of Mizuna Island are of course suitable for marine activities, and you can participate in a wide variety of disciplines such as snorkeling, SUP, parasailing, and more.

The good environment for snorkeling is especially good, and you can enjoy different underwater locations on several beaches!The following is a list of the most common problems with the

The spots are perfect for beginners to try for the first time, and more than satisfactory for those who have experience.

 

Beautiful cobblestone streets

Another unique feature of the island is its beautifully landscaped, cobblestone-paved streets.

The stone-paved road can be seen from Suina Port to the village.

This cobblestone pavement is not old, and its beautiful white texture and color are quite photogenic.

If you pay attention to it and look at it carefully, you will find that it is so fashionable that it seems unusual for a small remote island.

Since the means of transportation on Mizuna Island is on foot, the cobblestone paths also serve to make it easier to walk around the island.

I can say that the island is very suitable for tourism, including the fact that the roads are well maintained.

 

Enjoy the spectacular view of Mizuna Island surrounded by nature!

Mizuna Island is about 4 km in circumference and is large enough that it is not difficult to make a round trip on foot.

However, despite being such a small island, the island is filled with beautiful nature derived from its subtropical climate.

It may be interesting to walk from the port to the village and from the village to each direction without setting a destination.

Just look in any direction and you will be greeted by a variety of tropical plants that are different from those on the mainland.

The vivid and abundant trees and flowers are guaranteed to help you slowly unwind from the fatigue of daily life that has accumulated in your body and mind.

 

Five spectacular spots recommended by locals

Among the various spectacular sights that can be encountered on Mizuna Island, we have picked out a few sightseeing spots that have received particularly high praise from the locals.

The five places we will introduce to you are all great spots that should not be missed!

 

Suina Beach

Mizuna Beach is a representative tourist attraction of Mizuna Island, a long, spacious beach stretching along the northern coast.

The "beach right next to the harbor" mentioned above would be here.

As indicated by the island's name, this spot is the face of the island in both name and reality.

 

Recommendations

Mizuna Beach boasts a beautiful location that seems to be the embodiment of the beautiful beach that people expect when they hear of a remote island.

The coral-derived sand piled up on the beach is very silky and shines white in the sunlight that shines on the beach, contrasting supremely with the clear blue sea.

A stroll along the beach with the sea breeze will make you feel as if you have stepped into a beautiful painting.

In summer, which is the high season for sightseeing on Mizuna Island, the island is packed with many people, but it is still a remote island, so it is not too crowded compared to the beaches on the main island of Okinawa.

The beach is fully equipped with toilets, showers, and lockers, as well as a store where visitors can rent leisure and activity equipment.

There is a wide range of ways to have fun at Suina Beach, and of course it is perfect for active play such as swimming and activities.

It is also suitable for quiet time, listening to the sound of waves under a parasol or having a barbecue with a view of the beautiful ocean.

With lifeguards on duty and jellyfish prevention nets in place, you can enjoy the tropical ocean in a safe and secure environment.

 

Directions from Mizuna Port

Mizuna Beach is located right next to the harbor.

It is so close that it is not an exaggeration to say that you have arrived as soon as you get off the boat.

There is no need to worry about getting lost, so enjoy the ocean to the fullest!

Beach below the lighthouse

The beach under the lighthouse, which we will introduce next, is a common name for the sandy beach in the area about 600 meters east of the long beach, Suina Beach.

Although it is the same sandy beach, the atmosphere changes drastically when you advance 600m.

It is a spot that is well worth the trip, as it offers a different way to enjoy the area.

 

Recommendations

The first thing that the beach under the lighthouse definitely has over Mizuna Beach is that it is not crowded.

Although we mentioned that Mizuna Beach is less crowded than the beaches on the main island, it is still a very popular beach, so you will feel a certain number of people on it during the summer.

For those expecting the experience of relaxing on a tropical beach without worrying about being seen, you may find the environment a bit inconvenient.

However, the beach in the area near the Mizuna Island Lighthouse here is less crowded, although it is the same sandy beach.

The reason why is because it is not as well equipped as Mizuna Beach.

All facilities such as showers and toilets are only available at Suina Beach, 600 meters back, and there are no lifeguards, so you must take care of your own safety.

Conversely, for the use of the facilities, you only have to go back a distance of 600 meters, which is not that far.

The beauty of the ocean and the quality of the sand are no different from those of Mizuna Beach, so as long as you can take care of yourself and your safety, you can have a more relaxing time in a spacious environment at the beach under the lighthouse.

The area is also a popular snorkeling spot, so if you like snorkeling, why not dive in?

You are guaranteed to have a fulfilling tropical experience!

 

Directions from Mizuna Port

There are two ways to get to the beach below the lighthouse from Suina Harbor: by continuing along the beach or via Suina village.

The beach route is only a 600-meter walk to the east, and if you are passing through Suina village, you can reach it by following the path that stretches eastward.

The route on the village side also has a prominent landmark, the Mizuna Island Lighthouse, so it is unlikely that you will get lost.

Seagull Rock Beach

Go on, let's look at one more beach.

Seagull Rock Beach is a sandy beach on the south side, opposite to Mizuna Beach, which was on the north side.

The sand on this beach is rather coarse and rough, and the scenery is not as good as it could be.

There is shade from tropical plants, so it is suitable for a quiet stay there, but it is not suitable for playing on the beach.

But since we are introducing them, there are of course some major highlights.

 

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The "seagull rock" on the beach at Seagull Rock is a large rock in the ocean as seen from the beach.

Seagulls can be seen flying in and frequently nesting here.

As represented by such rocks, the sea here is characterized by rocks, and the topography of the seafloor is rugged and has many ups and downs.

The topography is very favorable for tropical fishes, which find it suitable for hiding and living, and the waters of Gull Rock Beach are rich in marine life.

Yes, the attraction of this spot is the beauty of the underwater location.

What may look plain on the beach is surprisingly beautiful once we dive in for a snorkeling trip.

One thing to note is that there are no lifeguards on the beach here either.

Because it is on the south side of the island, opposite the harbor, there are times when no one else is around, so be very careful to manage your safety when trying snorkeling.

If you are not in good physical condition, you should take it easy, carefully assess the weather and ocean conditions, and be aware that you should carefully perform preparatory exercises before entering the ocean.

If you keep this in mind, you are sure to encounter the perfect underwater scenery!

 

Directions from Mizuna Port

Even though it is located to the south on the opposite side of the harbor, Mizuna Island is only a small island.

The distance to the beach at Seagull Rock is only less than a kilometer, so you will not feel too far away.

You can reach it by taking the road straight to the south from Suina village.

Nishi no Hama Beach

Mizuna Island is a remote island blessed with a great ocean location.

While Mizuna Beach was located to the north, the beach under the lighthouse to the east, and the beach at Seagull Rock to the south, the third beach I will introduce, Nishi-no-hama Beach, as the name suggests, is located in the western part of the island.

 

Recommendations

Nishi-no-hama beach is narrower and smaller than the three beaches introduced so far.

It is not as if it is not suited for swimming or playing on the beach, nor is it as suitable for activities as the beach at Seagull Rock.

The reason why I am introducing such a western beach is the sunset that is unique to the west side of the island.

From this Nishi-no-hama beach, you can clearly see the vivid dusk of the tropical sunset that brightly illuminated Mizuna Island during the day and tilted into the beautiful ocean.

There is nothing to block the view of the ocean from Nishi-no-hama Beach, and you will be rewarded with a beautiful sunset that you will remember for the rest of your life.

However, you must stay on the island to encounter this vivid location.

The boat from Mizuna Island to the main island of Okinawa is only available until around 5:00 p.m., so day-trippers cannot stay on the island until sunset time.

This is a privilege only for those who stay overnight, so if you are planning a trip with plans to stay overnight, this is definitely a spot you should visit.

 

Directions from Mizuna Port

There is a direct road leading from the harbor to Nishi no Hama Beach, which can be reached by a 20-minute walk along the road to the west.

Be aware that unlike the road toward Suina village, this road is not well maintained and there may be hubs in the grass.

Hamlet of Suina

One last thing to mention is the village of Mizuna, which has appeared several times in this article so far.

This village is the residential area for the residents of Mizuna Island, with a population of approximately 40 people.

Although the village is small in size, the white stone pavements and other distinctive features make it a unique place to visit.

 

Recommendations

Although we have mentioned it by name as a tourist spot, you will often have the opportunity to visit Suina village even if you are not conscious of it.

This is because, if you want to go to various parts of Mizuna Island, you will often pass through Mizuna village, unless you are staying only at Mizuna Beach all the time.

Such a village of Mizuna is filled with the tranquility typical of a remote island, and colorful flowers unique to the tropics can be seen along the sides of the road.

The tranquil mood will make you forget the fatigue of daily life, and you can stop and take a deep breath.

In the summer season, there is also a restaurant where you can have a light meal, making it a spot where you can do a lot of things.

 

Directions from Mizuna Port

To get to Suina village, simply exit Suina Harbor and continue straight down the road. The distance is very close, making it an easy place to visit.

Recommended activities on Mizuna Island surrounded by spectacular scenery

The greatest feature of Mizuna Island is the beautiful blue sea that surrounds the island on all sides.

If this is the case, what you should expect from sightseeing on Mizuna Island is marine activities that allow you to enjoy the ocean location to the fullest.

Of course, Mizuna Island offers a number of activities centered on Mizuna Beach.

Among the attractive lineup of products that are so appealing that you will find it hard to keep your eyes open, here are a few of the most popular ones.

 

snorkeling

Snorkeling is a marine activity that allows visitors to enjoy the Okinawan sea with their whole body, and is a great way to enjoy diving with a snorkel!

This is a must-do activity if you want to experience the clear blue waters of Mizuna Island.

You will see beautiful coral, tropical fish, and sometimes even sea turtles!

 

Recommendations

For those of you who are not familiar with snorkeling, a brief overview of snorkeling requires only a few pieces of equipment.

With a snorkel, which consists of a pair of underwater glasses and a breathing tube, fins for efficient swimming, and a wetsuit or rash guard to protect your body, you are all set to enjoy the spectacle of the sea in any style you wish.

All equipment can be rented, and the only thing you need to bring is your swimsuit.

The strength of snorkeling is that it does not require a license, and people of all ages and both sexes can casually participate.

All of the snorkeling spots I mentioned above are filled with coral and tropical fish, and if you swim a little further out to sea, the scenery is like a fairy tale dragon's palace.

The beauty of the area, especially on a clear day, is so unrealistic that many people become addicted to it and keep coming back year after year.

If you have never snorkeled before, we encourage you to try it for the first time on Mizuna Island!

 

diving

Following snorkeling, here is another marine activity that involves diving in the ocean.

Diving is an activity that involves wearing more rigorous equipment than snorkeling and going underwater longer and deeper than snorkeling.

Although it is not as easy as snorkeling because it basically requires a license, it is an activity that is full of great attractions that only the real thing can offer.

And importantly, it is not always necessary to have a license. Let us explain why in the next section.

 

Recommendations

First, diving differs most significantly from snorkeling in that you dive into the ocean with a large oxygen tank on your back.

A device called a regulator, which is attached to the mouth, allows the diver to breathe directly through an oxygen tank, eliminating the need to return near the surface to catch his or her breath.

In addition, the use of a variety of specialized equipment allows the diver to descend into deeper waters that are inaccessible by bare diving or snorkeling.

However, proper knowledge is required to handle these pieces of equipment.

The deep sea is not an area that humans can reach by nature, so even if trouble should occur underwater, we must be able to respond calmly and without panic.

A diving license is required for such safety reasons.

It can be obtained in various locations in Okinawa, but it takes several days of dedicated training to obtain an official license.

However, a diving license is not required for a tour called "Experience Diving.

Experience diving allows beginners to enjoy the deep sea without anxiety because they can dive with a professionally certified instructor in attendance.

Of course, Mizuna Island also offers a number of experience diving tours, and a full support system is in place.

Why not start with an experience dive and experience the real thrill of diving into the deep sea?

 

SUP

SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) is one of the most popular marine activities in Okinawa.

Originally developed by surfers on Hawaii's Waikiki Beach, SUP involves paddling through the ocean on a surfboard or special SUP board while controlling one's balance.

Surfing may sound difficult, but in fact, the appeal of SUP is that it is very easy to learn.

This activity is very popular along with its photogenic nature.

 

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Originally a practice activity for surfers, SUP has become a popular activity for many people around the world because of its simplicity and health benefits.

When SUP first originated, only regular surfboards were used, and it was an activity that had its own difficulties in balancing.

However, as the activity became more widespread, it was formalized as an activity, and only the largest of surfboards were used.

This has made it more stable in terms of its center of gravity and has changed it into a game that anyone can quickly get the hang of and enjoy, without wobbling when caught in waves.

Balancing on the water, SUP has the effect of strengthening the torso, and is expected to have a weight-loss effect that efficiently tightens the entire body.

This is why the celebrity class in Europe and the United States focused on SUP, and from there it spread throughout the world.

And SUP is simply a very fun activity.

The experience of standing in the ocean on a single board is different from riding in a boat, and is so liberating that you may feel as if you are standing directly in the ocean.

The water resistance is low, and the boat moves easily with just a light paddle, making it easy to enjoy without worrying about physical fitness.

And the reason why SUP has become more and more popular in recent years is because of Instagram.

Standing on the sea is a cool sight to see in photos, and the number of people competing is increasing, especially among Instagrammers.

It is a highly satisfying and recommended activity, with plenty of sensation of being rocked by the sea.

 

Canoe/Kayak

The classic water activities, canoeing and kayaking, are also perfect for enjoying the location of Mizuna Island.

There are some minor differences between the two types of small boats, but it is fine to understand that they are both small boats for two people without worrying about definitions.

This activity involves paddling with a paddle, but it requires little arm strength or stamina because the structure of the boat ensures a solid propulsion.

Because of its stability, it is hard to tip over, and since it is ridden with a life jacket, it is a good thing that you do not need to be able to swim.

 

Recommendations

While competitive canoeing and kayaking may conjure up images of muscular athletes paddling hard and competing for speed, activity canoeing and kayaking is a tranquil affair.

All you have to do is row the boat at your own leisurely pace, and women, children, and the elderly can enjoy it with ease.

Contrary to casualness, you can also move quite freely on the sea, which is perfect for viewing the beautiful sea of Mizuna Island from different angles.

Also, since the boat is very stable, it is highly recommended to stop moving the paddle and slowly look around the scenery or lie down.

A walk on the ocean while enjoying the warm tropical sunshine and watching the sparkling waves is a gorgeous experience that is sure to remain in your memory.

The fact that it can be used for two people is a common characteristic of canoes and kayaks, and if you ride together with your significant other, such as a couple or a parent and child, the fun will double or even exceed the enjoyment of the trip.

This is a great way to experience activities together, especially for children who are not yet old enough to participate in activities alone, as long as they are accompanied by a parent.

 

marine sports

Marine sports, which are often featured on the cover of magazines covering Okinawa travel, can also be enjoyed in abundance on Mizuna Island.

Popular content includes banana boats, big marbles, and classics such as water bikes and U-boats. You can easily enjoy a variety of disciplines.

 

Recommendations

Many marine sports are full of speed and are a perfect match for the clear waters of Mizuna Island.

It is especially suitable for group tours, and a large group of people will surely have a great time.

Basically, there is no need to operate anything by oneself or to have individual skills, so there are no differences due to strengths or weaknesses, and everyone can enjoy the fun together.

All of them are reasonably priced, so it might be a good idea to conquer the ones you are interested in as you go.

The key to enjoying marine sports is to empty your head and splash around as much as you can while splashing in the water!

 

parasailing

Lastly, I would like to introduce parasailing, an activity that gives you a taste of the sky of Mizuna Island.

The watercraft is towed at high speed by a water bike, which floats in the sky and allows visitors to experience the view from 40 meters high in the sky.

The experience of dancing in the tropical blue sky is exhilarating beyond imagination.

 

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The distinctive feature and advantage of parasailing is its height.

Parasailing reaches an altitude of at least 40 meters, which is as high as the 14th floor of a building.

Of course, the sky is unobstructed, so all you can see is the beautiful sky, sea, and islands.

Looking down on the ground, you can see the crescent-shaped Suina Island, and you will realize exactly why it is named Croissant Island.

The clear waters of Mizuna Island are so transparent that you can see through them even from the sky.

If you are lucky, you may even spot sea turtles, so it is fun to look for them.

Be sure to look down on Mizuna Island from above to get a good look at its unique topography!

 

summary

How about Mizuna Island, next to the main island of Okinawa?

I hope you have learned that although it is a small island, it has a variety of attractions concentrated around the sea and beaches.

Of course, the advantages I have discussed in this article are just a few.

If you actually visit the island, you will find that it is filled with goodness everywhere, so if you have the chance, please visit the island!