How to Pronounce Minna Island | A Simple Explanation of the Origin and Meaning of the Name
How do you pronounce "Minna Island"?
Explains the origin and meaning of the name!
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Mizuna Island is a small island off Motobu Peninsula in the northern part of Okinawa Island. It is called "Mizuna Island," which reads as followsstriped cotton fabric imported from Sao Tome, also copied in Japan". It's not easy to read for the first time.
It's a popular spot where you can easily get a taste of island life right off the main island of Okinawa.
In this article, we'll cover Minna Island'sPronunciation and Origin of the Nameto the following.
◆For those who would like to take a day trip to Mizuna Island.
◆If you want to know how to get to Mizuna Island
◆For those who want to know about ferry information to Mizuna Island
◆If you want to know the recommended tours of Mizuna Island
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours to Mizuna Island.
Minna-jima Island reads "Minna-jima."
The name comes from "Mizunashima."
![[How Do You Pronounce "Minna Island"?] A Comprehensive Guide to Access, Ferries, and Tour Information!](https://minnatour.world-tours.jp/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/S__6037532_0-640x476.jpg)
Mizuna Island" is read as "Minna-jima" as above.
There are various theories as to the origin of this name, but due to the scarcity of water sources, until the Meiji and Taisho periods, it was calledislets of waterIt is said that the name of the island was written "Mizuna Island". It is said to have been translated into "Mizuna Island.
Also, since Minna Island looks like a crescent moon when viewed from above,Croissant Island.It is also affectionately known by the nickname .
Currently, water is supplied from the main island of Okinawa, andBeautiful beaches and marine activities such as snorkeling and divingIt has become a popular remote island where visitors can enjoy [...].
▼More Information About the Ferry to Minna Island▼
The Complete Guide to Ferries to Minna Island | Latest Schedules, Service Information, Fares, and How to BookCan I make reservations for the Minnajima ferry? Timetables, Fares, and What to Do When the Ferry is Full Mizuna Island is an isolated island accessible from Toguchi Port in Motobu-cho, northern Okinawa Island. It is called "Croissant Island" because of its beautiful croissant shape [...].▼Click here for a tourist guide to Minna Island▼
The Complete Guide to Minna Island | How to Get There, Stunning Beaches, and ActivitiesWhat Is Minna Island? A Scenic Offshore Island Accessible as a Day Trip from Main Okinawa Island Minna Island, located west of Main Okinawa Island, is a small island about 1 km from Main Okinawa Island, with an area of approximately 0.5 square km and a population of about 40 people. Every year, its emerald-green sea and […]▼Click here for more information about Croissant Island▼
What Is Croissant Island (Minna Island)? A Comprehensive Guide from How to Get There to ActivitiesWhat is Croissant Island (Minna Island)? Minna Island is located just a 15-minute boat ride from the main island of Okinawa, yet it boasts natural scenery that feels like a tropical paradise. Because of its crescent shape, it is affectionately known as “Croissant Island” […]
Minou Island in Motobu Town and Minou Island in Tarama Village are two different islands!
An Explanation of Differences in Pronunciation and History

There are two islands in Okinawa Prefecture with the name “Minna Island,” and they are sometimes confused with one another.
This article introduces the island located off the coast of Motobu Town,"Minna Island"It is.
On the other hand, the Miyako Islands’Tarama VillageThere is also a "Minna Island," and this one is"Minna Shima"It is read as...
Even if the kanji characters are the same, their pronunciations, locations, and histories can differ, so be careful not to make mistakes when traveling.
| Island Name | How to Pronounce It | Location | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minna Island, Motobu Town | striped cotton fabric imported from Sao Tome, also copied in Japan | Off the coast of Motobu Town, northern Okinawa Main Island | A remote island popular for swimming, snorkeling, and diving |
| Minna Island, Tarama Village | Minna Shima | Miyako Islands, Tarama Village | It is currently an uninhabited island, but it has a history of being used as a place of exile. |
▼Click here for day trip plans to Minna Island▼
The amazing beauty of the sea at "Mizuna Island" Boat Snorkeling Tour *Free photo (No.604)開始時間9:00 / 12:00 / 15:00所要時間Approx. 2.5 hours7,000 yen
The tour is available in a small group, so beginners are welcome! Boat Experience Diving Tour at the Amazingly Beautiful "Mizuna Island" ★Free Photo (No.605)開始時間9:00 / 12:00 / 15:00所要時間Approx. 2 to 2.5 hours12,500 yen
The tour is for those who want to learn the basics of diving! Mizuna Island 2dive Fun Diving Tour★Free Photo(No.606)開始時間9:00 / 13:00所要時間Approx. 2.5 hours13,500 yen▼Learn more about the tour that includes round-trip ferry tickets to Minna Island▼
Activity tour with round-trip ferry ticket to Mizuna Island Save money with a set of ferry tickets! Activity Tour with Ferry Ticket Minnajima is a small island with a beautiful ocean that will grab your heart once you get there. Ferry tickets cannot be reserved in advance and only same-day tickets are available [...]. (16 total) アクティビティの詳細を見る
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About How to Pronounce Minna Island
Minna Island, located in Motobu Town in the northern part of Okinawa Island, is「striped cotton fabric imported from Sao Tome, also copied in Japan」It is read as [...]. Because it is difficult to read based on the kanji alone, it is known as a place name with a difficult reading even within Okinawa Prefecture.
No. Minna Island, located in Tarama Village in the Miyako Islands, is「Minna Shima」It is pronounced [...]. Since it differs from "Minna-jima" in Motobu Town in both pronunciation and location, be careful not to confuse the two when searching online or planning a trip.
There are various theories about the origin of the name, but because water sources were scarce, in the past「Minna Island」It is said that it was originally written this way. Later, the characters for “Minoujima” were assigned to it, and it is believed that this became its current name.
summary
![[How Do You Pronounce "Minna Island"?] A Comprehensive Guide to Access, Ferries, and Tour Information!](https://minnatour.world-tours.jp/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/S__6037555_0-640x470.jpg)
Mizuna Island is a remote island with beautiful nature and abundant activities.
It is easily accessible from Naha and can be enjoyed as a day trip.
Please make sure to prepare well in advance for a great trip, so that even first-time visitors can feel at ease.
▼Click here for related articles▼
What are the Kerama Islands like? Can I go there from Mizuna Island? Thorough Comparison of Mizuna Island and Kerama IslandsDiscover the charms and tourist attractions of the Kerama Islands and Minna Island. With its blue seas and bright sunshine, a cheerful atmosphere all year round, streetscapes with a touch of exotic charm, local cuisine, and a unique culture featuring numerous historical sites and folk songs, we imagine that the name “Okinawa” evokes a variety of images for everyone […]
The stunningly beautiful waters of Mizuna Island! The charm of the emerald green sea created by coral reefsWhat Is Minna Island Like? Minna Island is a small island with a population of about 40 people. It has a crescent-shaped terrain, which is why it’s also known as “Croissant Island.” While there are many outlying islands accessible from the main island of Okinawa, Minna Island is only about 15 minutes away from the main island […]











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