What is Iejima like? Can I go there from Mizuna Island? Thorough Comparison of Mizuna Island and Ie Island
Table of Contents
- 1 Thorough comparison of Iejima and Mizuna Island!
- 2 Distance between Iejima and Mizuna Island
- 3 What is Ie Island like?
- 4 Directions from Naha Airport
- 5 Attractions of Iejima
- 6 Sightseeing spots recommended by locals
- 7 What is Mizuna Island like?
- 8 Directions from Naha Airport and Watakuchi Port
- 9 Why choose Mizuna Island?
- 10 Attractions of Mizuna Island
- 11 Sightseeing spots recommended by locals
- 12 Activities on Mizuna Island
- 13 Three popular tours on Mizuna Island
- 14 summary
Thorough comparison of Iejima and Mizuna Island!
The blue sea, white sand beaches, and rich nature and culture are the charm of Okinawa.
In addition to the main island of Okinawa, which is a standard tourist destination, there are actually a number of remote islands that are rich in character.
This time, as a new option for your trip to Okinawa, we would like to introduce you to the beautiful sea, nature, and history of the island, which is full of charm and fascination.Ie Island (esp. Ise Island, but also Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands)andJapantwo islands in the area.
◆I want to know the recommended sightseeing spots on Ie Island.
◆Considering a trip to Mizuna Island or Ie Island?
◆For those who want to know about recommended activities on Mizuna Island
◆If you want to know about recommended spots on Mizuna Island
↓ First time visitors to Mizuna Island are also welcome☆.
Click here for recommended tours of Mizuna Island
Distance between Iejima and Mizuna Island
Iejima and Mizunajima are both islands located near the main island of Okinawa.
Iejima is located 9 km north of the main island of Okinawa, while Mizuna Island is 1 km west of the main island of Okinawa; the distance between the two islands is 8.4 km, making them quite close.
Access from Mizuna Island to Ie Island
Even within the same Okinawa Prefecture, travel between remote islands is often difficult, but it is relatively easy to come and go between Mizuna and Ie Islands.
First, take a high-speed boat from Mizuna Island to Watakuchi Port in Motobu Town on the main island. From there, a few minutes by car or 7 minutes by bus from Watakuchi to Motobu Port, where the ferry to Iejima leaves from.
If you take the ferry, you will be on Ie Island in no time! This is also recommended for those who want to enjoy island-hopping.
What is Ie Island like?
Let us start with Ie Island and look at its characteristics.
Ie Island has an area of about 23 square kilometers and a population of about 4,000.
The island boasts the largest community among the group of remote islands floating around the main island of Okinawa.
The ferry crossing makes it possible to cross the island with a rental car, and the many attractions make it a very good spot for sightseeing.
Directions from Naha Airport
It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes by rental car from Naha Airport to Motobu Port.
It is recommended that you enter the name of Motobu Port into the navigation system of your rental car and search for the route without fail.
If you take a bus, the Yanbaru Express Bus is easy to find, and if you get off at the "Motobu Port" bus stop, the port is right in front of you.
The round-trip fare from Motobu Port to Iejima is 1,390 yen, and a 30-minute ferry ride will get you there.
Attractions of Iejima
Iejima is a remote island in Okinawa Prefecture, surrounded by beautiful seas and filled with a tropical atmosphere unique to the subtropical zone.
However, this is only a characteristic common to most of the remote islands in Okinawa Prefecture.
In the following sections, we would like to explore the unique charms of Iejima.
Feel the power of nature!
Iejima is a remote island withFairly large areaThe island has a subtropical climate that benefits from theRich NatureIt is covered with
Furthermore, Iejima is characterized by its flat topography as an island, and it is possible to encounter spacious locations with few obstructions in various parts of the island.
Combined with the outstanding nature that Iejima boasts, the spectacular view is sure to remain vividly in the minds of visitors.
The undulating terrain is ideal not only for driving with a rental car but also for walking and biking, and many visitors enjoy the island's natural beauty by renting bicycles.
Beautiful flowers such as lilies and hibiscus
As you stroll around the island, you will see colorful flowers, plants, and trees.
While the familiar lilies are in full bloom, the tropical hibiscus flowers are in full bloom, like a paradise.
Even those who are not normally interested in plants will be soothed by the sight of these flowers shining in the sunlight.
Emerald green sea
Okinawa is also known for its beautiful ocean! The sea of Iejima is like the emerald of gemstones.
The surface of the water glistening in the sunlight is captivating to behold.
Sightseeing spots recommended by locals
Now, let's check out the recommended spots for sightseeing on Ie Island in order.
We have selected only those places that are highly rated not only from a tourist perspective but also from local residents.
Arara Utaki (sacred site of Avalokitesvara)
The first place I would like to introduce is Ara Utaki,One of the best power spots on Ie IslandIt is.
Utaki is a kind of sacred place in the Ryukyu Shinto religion, and this place, which has long been a place of local worship, has a mystique that sets it apart from other power spots with a strong tourist appeal.
◆Located in front of Arahama Beach, which was used as a port until 1947, and where islanders prayed for safe voyages.
◆The impressive appearance of the masonry arches makes it enjoyable even for those who are not interested in history.
Higashiemae, Ie-mura, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan
Ara Utaki is only about 5 minutes by car from the port, a very short distance.
It is easy to reach using the navigation system of a rental car, and is also easily accessible by renting a bicycle, which takes about 15 minutes.
Shiroyama (Iejima Touchyu)
Seongsan, which is also visible from Ara Utaki, is a lush green rocky mountain that is often referred to locally as Iejima Touchue.
Touchy means sharp, and it lives up to its name.Rough and rugged landscape with craggy rocksis attractive.
It is known as one of the most famous peaks in Okinawa Prefecture and loved by many people.
◆Maintained stairs, 15 minutes to the top of the mountain
◆At the top, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Ie Island.
552 Higashiegami, Ie-mura, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan
From Ie Port, it is a 10-minute drive to Iejima Touchue.
It is possible to walk to the site, which takes approximately 30 minutes.
Nyatya Cave
The third one, Nyutiya-do Cave, is also located on Ie Island.Spots that are considered sacred.It is.
It is tucked away in a cleft in the rocks by the sea, and is perhaps more a place of worship among the locals than a famous tourist attraction.
◆Visil stone believed to be beneficial for praying for children
◆Hidden places visited by couples suffering from infertility and others.
◆Mysterious cave landscape will put your mind at ease.
Ie-mura, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
The distance from the port to Nyutia Cave is less than 10 minutes by car, and is easily accessible with a rental car.
It can be reached by bicycle in 20 minutes, so why not make it one of your cycling destinations?
Lily Field Park
One of the specialties of Iejima is the many lilies that bloom here in Lily Field Park.
The park is home to the village's most famous flower, the tephyl lily, as well as other flowers,A wide variety of lilies are collected and planted from all over the world.You can see the situation.
At the peak of the season, a million tephra lilies are in full bloom.
◆There is also an observation deck and a spot where you can see plants other than lilies.
◆There are many attractions especially during the Iejima Lily Festival.
3087 Higashiegami, Ie-mura, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan
To get to Lily Field Park from Ie Port, drive 10 minutes along the road to the north.
Of course, it is a good distance to head there by bicycle, or if you have more time, you can walk for about 30 minutes to get there.
Ie Beach
The last beach I would like to introduce is Ie Beach, an essential beach for sightseeing in the outlying islands.
Ie Beach, named after the island, has an excellent location and is a great tourist beach that attracts many visitors every year.
◆Cool in the shade of tropical trees
◆Superior view overlooking Sesoko Island and Mizuna Island
◆Fully equipped with showers, toilets, stores, etc.
◆Leisure equipment available for rent
◆Surveillance staff on duty during the swimming season and jellyfish prevention nets for peace of mind
◆Activities are also held actively.
2439 Higashiemae, Ie-mura, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan
The distance from Ie Port to Ie Beach is easy to visit, about 10 minutes by car.
As is the case with all of these spots, both renting a bicycle and walking are within easy reach, so you can take whichever route you prefer.
What is Mizuna Island like?
Now that we have given you a brief introduction to Iejima, let's take a look at information on Mizuna Island.
The location of Mizuna Island is only about 1 km west of the main island of Okinawa.
With an area of less than 1 square kilometer and a population of less than 50, this island is smaller in size than Iejima, but also boasts high tourist popularity.
Despite its small size, the beauty of the sea and the island's location is second to none.
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours to Mizuna Island.
Directions from Naha Airport and Watakuchi Port
The two main modes of transportation from Naha Airport to Watakuchi Port are rental cars and buses.
rent-a-car
0It takes about 1 hour and 31 minutes by ordinary road and about 1 hour and 31 minutes by expressway.
There is a free parking lot at 0Watakuchi Port.
0 Fees: Approximately 1,500 yen for expressway use
bus
0Take the Yanbaru Express Bus and get off at the "Headquarters Museum Mae" stop.
0The trip takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes, and the bus stop is about a 10-minute walk.
0 fee: approx. 2,000 yen
Local and express buses
0You need to change buses at the Nago Bus Terminal and head for "Tanicha".
0The time required is longer, approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes.
0 Fee: approx. 2,500 yen
Ferry to Mizuna Island
0It takes about 15 minutes to get to Mizuna Island by high-speed boat from Watakuchi Port.
0 Fare: 1,710 yen round trip
0 Note: Reservations are not available. Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the event.
↓For more information about the ferry to Mizuna Island, click here.
Click here for tours with ferry to Mizuna Island
Why choose Mizuna Island?
So, what is the reason why so many people choose Mizuna Island as a tourist destination among the many remote islands?
Let's take a closer look at the reasons for Mizuna Island's popularity from various perspectives, including tourist attractions and activities.
Attractions of Mizuna Island
Mizuna Island is nicknamed "Croissant Island" because of its crescent moon shape.
Thanks to this unique shape, one can see endless beautiful white beaches even before arriving at Mizuna Harbor, located on the north side of the island.
As the boat approaches the island, the excitement builds and the experience is like a scene from a movie!
Beaches with blue sea and white sand
In addition to Mizuna Beach, which welcomes tourists, Mizuna Island has many other unique beaches.
Each of these beautiful beaches, bathed in tropical sunshine, has a different charm.
You can choose a beach where you can enjoy lively leisure activities or a quiet beach where you can spend your time in peace and quiet, depending on your mood.â
Enjoy marine activities!
The beautiful waters of Mizuna Island are ideal for marine activities, and there is a wide variety of activities available, including snorkeling, diving, and SUP.
Among them, snorkeling is particularly popular, with several spots to enjoy the underwater scenery.
Each has its own degree of difficulty and ocean conditions, and many snorkeling enthusiasts become repeat visitors because they never get tired of it, no matter how many times they visit.
Beautiful cobblestone streets
Another major feature of Mizuna Island is,Beautiful road with cobblestone pavementIt is.
The road from Mizuna Port to the village is paved with white cobblestones, creating an elegant atmosphere not unlike that of a small remote island.
The whiteness of the island, combined with the beauty of the tropical plants growing on the island and the blue sky, will give you an extraordinary feeling as if you were in a foreign country.
The well-developed roads are perfect for walking and provide the best environment for sightseeing.
Sightseeing spots recommended by locals
With the above basic knowledge in mind, let's now take a look at the best places to visit on Mizuna Island.
Following Iejima, here is a selection of spots that are also highly rated by the locals, so please see them in order.
Suina Beach
Let's start with the typical beach I mentioned above, Mizuna Beach.
both in name and substanceA spot that can be called the signature of the island.In many cases, this is the only place on the island that is featured in tourist magazines and other publications.
◆You can enjoy the tropical ocean just by walking along the waves.
◆Gentle waves and good water quality, ideal for swimming
◆Safety is high, with monitors on duty during the summer months and measures taken against toxic jellyfish.
Restrooms, showers, changing lockers
◆Leisure equipment and activity equipment are available for rent and tours are available for a full range of ocean fun.
6229 Sesoko, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan
Mizuna Beach is adjacent to Mizuna Harbor, so it is unlikely that you will get lost.
Stop by as soon as you arrive.
Learn more about the beach
Beach below the lighthouse
The second beach, under the lighthouse, refers to the eastern area of Suina Beach, which is a very long distance away.
The distance to this beach is about 600 meters.
You may wonder if there is any point in going to the trouble of calling them different names for the same sandy beach, but if you actually visit, you will feel the difference that makes sense to have different common names for them.
◆The beach is less crowded than Mizuna Beach, so you can spend a relaxing time.
◆Mizuna Island Lighthouse accents the beautiful scenery.
Sesoko, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Go down to the beach from Mizuna Harbor and follow the sandy beach eastward for 600 meters to the beach below the lighthouse.
Once in the village, there is also a route that leads to the road on the east side, which does not seem too far either way.
If you want to see the seaside scenery, follow the sandy beach; if you want to see the village, follow the route from the village.
Learn more about the beach below the lighthouse
Seagull Rock Beach
I would like to introduce one more beach from the beach, Seagull Rock Beach.
This beach is located on the south side of the island, opposite the harbor.
Located inside a bow-shaped curvature, it also has features that are very different from those of the northern beaches.
◆The quality of the sea water is good, and on a clear day, you can see fish swimming beautifully in the sea.
◆An ideal snorkeling spot
Sesoko, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
The beach is located on the south side of the island, opposite to Suina Harbor, but still less than 1 km away because the island is not large.
You can get there without getting lost by simply moving once to the village and then following the road south from there.
▼Learn more about the beach at Seagull Rock
Activities on Mizuna Island
Various activities centering on Mizuna Beach are indispensable when discussing sightseeing on Mizuna Island.
I would like to introduce some of the activities on Mizuna Island, which offer a fascinating array of events.
snorkeling
Snorkeling is a great way to enjoy the clear waters of Okinawa!
You can breathe with your face on the surface of the sea, so you feel as if you have melted into the ocean world.
No special skills or physical strength are required, and it can be enjoyed at one's own pace.
As long as you have a swimsuit, you can rent other equipment, so feel free to give it a try. If you visit Mizuna Island, you should definitely experience the excitement of snorkeling!
↓Click here for popular snorkeling tours
↓ Learn more about snorkeling ↓
diving
Diving as well as snorkeling are popular activities on Mizuna Island.
Diving is a different experience from snorkeling because you can dive deeper with an oxygen tank on your back.
The deep sea is still an uncharted territory for mankind. Diving there is a special experience that makes you forget your everyday life.
A diving license is required for diving, but you do not need one for experience diving with an instructor!
↓Click here for popular diving tours.
↓ Learn more about diving ↓
SUP
SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) is an activity that is rapidly gaining popularity in Okinawa!
Standing on a board like a surfboard and paddling forward with a paddle, SUP is surprisingly stable and can be easily enjoyed by beginners.
The sight of them dashing across the sea is truly photogenic!
SUP was originally designed for surfers to practice, but it has evolved into a highly effective exercise and can be enjoyed by anyone.
Paddle leisurely while watching the sunrise or sunset, or enjoy yoga on the board, it's up to you how you enjoy it☆.
↓Click here for popular SUP tours.
Learn more about SUP ↓↓
parasailing
Parasailing is one of the most popular activities on Mizuna Island!
You can enjoy the spectacular view from the sky, which is different from underwater or at the surface of the sea.
Rising to a height of 40 meters, or the equivalent of the 14th floor of a building, visitors can enjoy a 360° panoramic view! You can see not only the beautiful crescent shape of Mizuna Island, but on a clear day, you can even see the main island of Okinawa 1 km away.
↓Click here for popular parasailing tours
Learn more about parasailing ↓↓
Canoe/Kayak
Canoeing and kayaking can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of age or gender!
The exhilaration of paddling at your own pace through the beautiful waters of Mizuna Island is exceptional.
You can feel the ever-changing colors of the sea and the expression of the islands up close, depending on the sunlight.
It can also accommodate two people, so it is a great way to spend some quality time together with your loved one.
↓ Learn more about canoeing and kayaking ↓
Three popular tours on Mizuna Island
How about the sights and activities you can enjoy on Mizuna Island?
We have picked out three popular tours to help you enjoy the charms of Mizuna Island even more.
Please refer to this page when you visit Mizuna Island.
Snorkeling at Mizuna Island! (No.604)
A very popular boat entry snorkeling plan where you can see colorful corals and fish!
Boat entry takes you directly to the point by boat, so you can enjoy a bit of a cruising sensation while snorkeling at your leisure.
Experience diving in Mizuna Island! (No.605)
With the support of your instructor, dive into a world of excitement!
Clear waters, beautiful corals, and vivid fish welcome you.
Boat entry allows you to dive directly to the dive site by boat, so you do not have to walk around with heavy equipment on your back.
Summer Only] Mizuna Island Swimming Free Plan (with parasol) (No.613)
Let's make your own original plan by combining your choice of different types of swimming at Mizuna Island!
Of course, you can apply for swimming only! We can make a plan according to your travel schedule.
summary
We have introduced two islands, Iejima and Mizunajima, both close to the main island of Okinawa.
Although they differ in size as islands, both offer highly attractive environments.
I hope I have conveyed some of the charm of these islands, but it is one thing to hear about the splendor of the natural environment of a remote island, and quite another to actually see it.
If you have a chance, please visit the two islands!
↓ Click here to read the article in conjunction with ↓ ↓
