Let's enjoy Mizuna Island! About Attractions, Sightseeing Spots, and Recommended Activities in Mizuna Island
Table of Contents
- 1 What is Mizuna Island like?
- 2 Directions from Naha Airport and Watakuchi Port
- 3 Mizuna Island can be enjoyed as a half-day or day trip!
- 4 Is it necessary to make reservations in advance to go to Mizuna Island?
- 5 Why choose Mizuna Island?
- 6 Attractions of Mizuna Island
- 7 Dining at Mizuna Island
- 8 Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Mizuna Island by Locals
- 9 Popular Activities on Mizuna Island
- 10 Three recommended tours
- 11 summary
What is Mizuna Island like?
Okinawa Prefecture is one of the best tourist prefectures in Japan.
Many of you may know that the main island of Okinawa, the most major island among them, is loved by many people for its mild climate and beautiful sea.
But what do you know about Minna-jima, one of the outlying islands accessible from the main island of Okinawa?
Mizuna Island is characterized by its crescent shape, and the common name given to the island is Croissant Island because of its shape.
Mizuna Island, with its cute nickname, is a small island with an area of less than 0.5 square kilometers and a population of about 40 people, but it has so much more to offer than its size would suggest.
Let's check out this issue together to learn more about sightseeing to Mizuna Island!
↓ First time visitors to Mizuna Island are also welcome☆.
Click here for recommended tours of Mizuna Island
Directions from Naha Airport and Watakuchi Port
The gateway to Mizuna Island is Watakuchi Port, located at 29 Yanicha, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture, north of Naha City.
There are four main ways to get to Watakuchi Port from Naha Airport.
One is to use a rental car, the most popular means of transportation when traveling to Okinawa, which can take a little over an hour on ordinary roads or less than an hour via expressway.
Free parking is available at the port, so there is no need to worry about parking fees.
The second route is to use the "Yanbaru Express Bus". If you take the bus for two hours and get off at "Motobu Museum-mae", the port is located about a 10-minute walk away.
The other two are by local bus and highway bus, respectively, both of which transfer at the "Nago Bus Terminal" to "Tanicha".
The total time required is about 4 hours for the local buses and about 3 hours for the express buses.
Since both of these trips are quite long, we recommend that you rent a car or take the Yanbaru Express Bus if possible.
A high-speed boat service runs from Watakuchi Port to Mizuna Island, and the fare is 1,710 yen for a round trip.
↓For more information on how to get to Mizuna Island, click here.
Click here for tours with ferry to Mizuna Island
Mizuna Island can be enjoyed as a half-day or day trip!
One of the reasons Mizuna Island is one of the most popular of the remote islands accessible from the main island of Okinawa is its proximity.
The boat ride from Watakuchi Port to Mizuna Island takes only 15 minutes.
Return flights are available until 5:00 p.m., so if you arrive early, you can enjoy the fun on the islands and return to the main island before the end of the day.
↓ Click here for recommended half-day tours ↓ Click here for recommended half-day tours
↓ Click here for recommended day tours ↓ Click here for recommended day tours
Is it necessary to make reservations in advance to go to Mizuna Island?
As a reminder, the boat to Mizuna Island is only available for same-day tickets.
Many of the islands that can be reached by boat from the main island of Okinawa require reservations, but Mizuna Shipping, which operates the boat to Mizuna Island, does not accept reservations.
However, the capacity of the ship is limited, and we have seen cases where the ship cannot be boarded because the capacity has been filled.
This is especially true during the summer, which is the high season for tourism in Okinawa, and it is important to understand that there is a rush of people seeking to visit the islands.
Same-day tickets are available at the counter of Mizuna Shipping on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 8:00 a.m.
There are no advance tickets available, so we recommend that you get to the counter as soon as possible.
Why choose Mizuna Island?
Some may find it a bit inconvenient that the port is located slightly away from Naha City, which is often used as a tourist base on the main island of Okinawa, and that boat reservations are not available.
However, even taking these factors into account, it is estimated that an average of 60,000 people visit Mizuna Island each year.
Let's take a closer look at why Mizuna Island is the destination of choice for so many people in the following sections.
Attractions of Mizuna Island
The outer circumference of Mizuna Island is approximately 4 km.
The island is compact enough to be easily circled on foot, and is characterized by abundant nature.
The charm of Mizuna Island lies in the beauty of both the land and the sea that surrounds it.
Beaches with blue sea and white sand
The most popular tourist spot on Mizuna Island is Mizuna Beach, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful blue waters unique to Okinawa.
The view of the sandy beach with pure white sand covering the entire surface is stunning, and the contrast with the clear blue of the ocean is very photogenic.
In the summer, colorful parasols spread out by tourists are everywhere on the sandy beach, making it seem as if bright flowers are blooming all around.
However, compared to popular beaches on the main island, it is not too crowded, and you can enjoy a relaxing swim in the ocean with the feeling of a remote island resort.
↓ Learn more about swimming ↓
↓ Click here for recommended tours for swimming ↓ Click here for recommended tours for swimming
Enjoy marine activities!
It is also a popular tourist beach, so it is important not to overlook the fact that the seaside environment is well maintained.
The beach is equipped with essential ocean play facilities such as showers and toilets, and there is a store where visitors can rent parasols and other leisure and activity equipment.
While snorkeling and other activities are prohibited on some beaches on the main island of Okinawa, you can enjoy various activities on Mizuna Island without hesitation.
Beautiful cobblestone streets
Walking around the island of Mizuna is also interesting, and one of the unique features of the island is the cobblestone-covered ground on the way from the harbor to the village.
The well-maintained white cobblestone pavement is a thing of beauty, rather than a neglected and dilapidated cobblestone pavement.
You can also see flowers unique to Okinawa blooming along the sides of the road, so please pay attention to the scenery along the way as well as to your destination.
Dining at Mizuna Island
Now let's check one of the factors of concern in a sightseeing spot, the gourmet information of Mizuna Island.
It is not a large island, but there are restaurants where you can enjoy a good meal.
parlor tida
Parlor Tida is located an easy one-minute walk from the port and is a popular place to visit and enjoy a light meal in an Okinawan atmosphere.
You can purchase meals in the friendly appearance of the store, and feel the comfortable Okinawan breeze when you sit on the open terrace with parasols to shield you from the sun.
Menu & Hours of Operation
The menu offers a wide range of dishes, from local delicacies such as Okinawan soba noodles and taco rice to brown sugar zenzai, tropical fruit sherbet, shaved ice, and other sweets.
The octopus curry is an interesting item on this restaurant's unique menu.
It is a combination of taco rice and curry rice, and is a great choice for those who want to enjoy several flavors at once.
Hours of operation are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
However, it is only open during the swimming season, so it is important to understand that it is not open during other seasons.
Directions from Mizuna Port
The address of Parlor Tida is 6220 Aza-Sesoko, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa.
It is only 70 meters from Suina Port, so you will not get lost.
Related Rankings:cafe | Makishi Station, ,Asato Station, ,Miebashi Station
Restaurant Minna
The other restaurant I would like to introduce, Minna, is adjacent to Parlor Tida, and although it looks like the same restaurant, it is a different restaurant.
The restaurant is semi-outdoor, so you can enjoy your meal while savoring the tropical atmosphere that is unique to Mizuna Island.
Menu & Hours of Operation
The lineup here also includes light meals such as Okinawan soba, chilled chuka and yakisoba noodles, shaved ice, and octopus curry.
The "Tantan Okinawa Soba" menu item is a bowl of Okinawa soba topped with Chinese-style minced meat reminiscent of tantanmen noodles, and has an appealing flavor that is both light and rich with fat.
Parasols and tables set up in front of the restaurant are available for eating and drinking.
It is only open during the summer months, so it is best to visit in person to be sure it is open.
Directions from Mizuna Port
Since it is attached to Parlor Tida, directions are the same.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Mizuna Island by Locals
Following your meal, let us introduce you to the many sights that Mizuna Island has to offer.
A number of diverse beaches offer a lively welcome to visitors to the island.
Suina Beach
Speaking of the best places to visit on Mizuna Island, it is impossible not to mention Mizuna Beach first.
As I mentioned above, Mizuna Island has a crescent shape, known as Croissant Island.
Mizuna Beach is located on the outer edge of the harbor, adjacent to the harbor pier.
Recommendations
With its white beach, blue ocean, and crystal clear water quality, Mizuna Beach has all the elements that people look for in the Okinawan ocean!
Many of Okinawa's white sand beaches are covered with coral sand derived from coral, and while they are beautiful, the sand is sharp and can be painful to walk on with bare feet.
However, the sand quality at Suina Beach is good, and it is safe to walk around without flip-flops.
If you head offshore about 20 meters, you can see tropical fish in the clear water, making it a good spot for snorkeling and other activities.
As mentioned above, there is a lifeguard on duty during the bathing season, and changing rooms, showers, and restrooms are all available.
No visit to Mizuna Island is complete without a trip to Mizuna Beach!
Directions from Mizuna Port
Mizuna Beach is located next to Mizuna Port.
It is no exaggeration to say that it is difficult to get lost, as the location is clearly visible even from a boat.
↓arrow (mark or symbol) Suina BeachLearn more about ↓↓.
Beach below the lighthouse
In contrast to Mizuna Beach, which is one of the major spots on Mizuna Island, the beach below the lighthouse is a relatively quiet spot.
Like Suina Beach, this beach is located on the outside of the croissant-shaped island, in the eastern part of the island.
Recommendations
As the name suggests, the beach stretches out beneath a white lighthouse, and visitors can see a stretch of beach with coral sand white sand.
The location of this long beach with its relatively long topography is excellent, and the beauty of the ocean is comparable to that of Mizuna Beach.
Because it is not a tourist beach, there are no lifeguards, no beach houses, and no equivalent facilities, so you need to take care of your own risk when swimming.
However, thanks to this, there are fewer people, so if you want to stroll along the beach and enjoy a relaxing time, it is highly recommended to visit here.
It is also a very good snorkeling spot, so if you are an experienced snorkeler, why not give it a try?
Directions from Mizuna Port
From Mizuna Harbor, you can either walk eastward along the beach that runs all the way along the perimeter of the island, or you can follow the road that extends from the village toward the lighthouse.
The distance is about 600 meters, so you will not feel too far away on foot.
↓ Under the lighthousebeachLearn more about ↓↓.
Seagull Rock Beach
Another beach on the island is Seagull Rock Beach, located in the southern bay on the opposite side of the harbor.
Seagull Rock is a small rock in the ocean at the end of the beach, where seagulls often nest, hence the common name of the rock and beach.
Recommendations
Seagull Rock Beach is a must-visit beach for those who prefer snorkeling to general swimming and strolling.
The underwater terrain is suitable for tropical fish and a variety of other creatures, and combined with the clear waters, the rich underwater landscape is a sight to behold.
The beach has a rough texture, so it is best to visit with firm flip-flops or marine shoes.
It should also be noted that this is not a tourist beach and there are no lifeguards on duty.
Directions from Mizuna Port
Seagull Rock beach is about 1 km south of Suina Port.
There is a road that leads through to the southern part of the island, which can be reached on foot.
↓ Seagull RockbeachLearn more about ↓↓.
Suinonoshima Lighthouse
The Mizuna Island Lighthouse, from which the beach below the lighthouse takes its name, is another tourist attraction.
Installed in 1972, the lighthouse is 13 meters high, and even after many years since its construction, its white color still looks good against the blue sky.
Recommendations
The exterior of the Mizuna Island Lighthouse, decorated with white tiles, is a photogenic sight and a great place to take pictures to commemorate your visit to this remote tropical island.
The long-lasting light between the two islands of Mizuna and Sesoko is both beautiful and elegant, and it is a good idea to look at it while thinking about its history.
As a precaution, be careful to watch your step as there is a possibility that hubs may appear along the way.
Directions from Mizuna Port
There are two routes to the lighthouse: either follow the road extending eastward from the village, or walk all the way eastward along the sandy beach from Suina Beach.
Be careful on the road from the village to watch out for hubs, as there are places to walk through bushes.
↓arrow (mark or symbol) Suinonoshima LighthouseLearn more about ↓↓.
Beach with no name
There are still several beaches on Mizuna Island.
The next beach we will introduce to you, Nameless Beach, is located on the east side of the island and is characterized by its shallowness.
Recommendations
The entire unnamed beach is shallow or tidal flat terrain, not suitable for swimming.
It is not that the scenery is outstanding, but the best time to enjoy the charm of this place is during low tide.
The topography of the seafloor is exposed, allowing visitors to see and interact with creatures unique to Okinawa's rich marine environment.
It is fun to collect beautiful shells as souvenirs from sightseeing in Mizuna Island.
Directions from Mizuna Port
To get to the nameless beach, go straight down the road heading east from the village.
Continue to the end of the road and you will reach an unnamed beach.
↓ Learn more about unnamed beaches ↓.
Nishi no Hama Beach
One more beach from the group of beaches on Mizuna Island is Nishi-no-hama Beach.
This is one of the least sandy beaches named so far, and is not suitable for swimming or playing at all.
Instead, this beach will turn heads as the best spot to stay on Mizuna Island.
Recommendations
As its name suggests, Nishi no Hama Beach is located on the west side of the island.
Therefore, if you visit this beach in the evening time, you can witness the brilliant sunset as it tilts toward the beautiful horizon of Mizuna Island.
The sun in Okinawa is strong and bright, and the sight of the sun setting and turning the entire surface of the ocean orange is like a painting.
The boats returning to the main island from Mizuna Island end at 5:00 p.m., so the sunset from here is a privilege that only guests can encounter.
Directions from Mizuna Port
A 20-minute walk along the road extending west from the harbor will take you to Nishi no Hama Beach.
Since some parts of the trail are not well-maintained and you will be walking through grassy areas, you should be careful not to encounter hubs.
Hamlet of Suina
The last spot I would like to introduce is Mizuna Village, which is the residential area of Mizuna Island.
It is not a large village by any means, but its unique and atmospheric location quietly welcomes visitors on their way to see the sights.
Recommendations
The highlight of Mizuna Village is its quiet scenery, which is unique to a village on a remote island in Okinawa.
Colorful tropical flowers can be seen along the cobblestone-paved paths, and deep breaths in the sunlight will wash away the fatigue of daily life.
It is also the central point of transportation between the port and various parts of the island, so you will probably have to come and go from this village when visiting the various tourist attractions.
Directions from Mizuna Port
If you get off at Suina Port and go straight ahead, you will soon find yourself in the village, so there is no need to get lost.
The distance between the two is very close, so even if you are visiting only for Mizuna Beach, please be sure to visit the village.
Popular Activities on Mizuna Island
Next, let's take a look at the flowery side of Okinawan travel: seaside activities.
Mizuna Island is a popular destination for marine activities, and if you are so inclined, you can even complete all of the popular activities!
snorkeling
Snorkeling is one of the most popular sightseeing activities in Okinawa, and it is impossible to miss it.
Snorkeling is an activity in which one can enjoy the underwater scenery through underwater glasses while periodically breathing through a tube on the surface of the sea.
The main attraction of snorkeling is the ability to enjoy long underwater swims while keeping your face in the water.
Fun & Attraction
Snorkeling is one of the easiest of the various activities, requiring only a snorkel, rash guard or wetsuit, and fins.
Mizuna Island has many snorkeling spots where visitors can observe coral, tropical fish, and other marine life unique to Okinawa in the clear waters.
No certification is required, so anyone can enjoy diving as soon as they join a tour.
If you are experienced, you can also dive independently, so as long as you take care of your safety, you can enjoy a variety of locations.
↓ Learn more about snorkeling ↓
↓ Click here for recommended snorkeling tours ↓ Click here for recommended snorkeling tours
diving
Diving, an activity often mentioned in conjunction with snorkeling, is also popular on Mizuna Island.
This one is heavily equipped compared to snorkeling.
The dive is characterized by the fact that the diver carries an oxygen tank and other equipment on his back, allowing him to stay in the water longer without the need to catch his breath.
Fun & Attraction
Diving is a serious activity that requires a formal license, as it can be dangerous to dive into deep water with only a cursory knowledge.
However, that does not mean that you cannot participate unexpectedly during your trip.
On Mizuna Island, you can join a dive tour with an instructor and enjoy the underwater spectacle even without a license.
The view of the sea of Mizuna Island from a deep dive is unimaginably beautiful.
↓ Learn more about diving ↓
↓ Click here for recommended diving tours ↓ Click here for recommended diving tours
SUP
Have you ever heard of SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding)?
This is an activity that involves balancing on a surfboard or SUP board and paddling to enjoy a walk on the water.
The sensation of swaying in the waves is exhilarating and the perfect way to enjoy the environment of Mizuna Island.
Fun & Attraction
One of the main reasons why SUP is one of the most popular activities is because of its low level of difficulty.
The use of a fairly large board keeps the board stable on the board even in side waves and keeps the rider from losing balance.
Anyone, young or old, male or female, can quickly get the hang of it and play after taking a tour and receiving some light instruction.
It is also very photogenic, making it a perfect activity for taking photos to commemorate your sightseeing.
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/kayaking should also be mentioned in terms of not being too difficult.
All boats are basically stable and will not capsize, and since life jackets are required, there is no need to worry in the event of a fall into the water.
Unlike competitive canoeing, this is an activity where you can enjoy slowly maneuvering the boat at your own pace, allowing you to drift leisurely through the waters of Mizuna Island.
Fun & Attraction
What makes canoeing and kayaking particularly good as an activity is that it can be used by two people.
If you ride together with your friends or couples, you can share the same experience and scenery, which is sure to be a big hit.
Many tours also have fairly relaxed age restrictions, so even young children can enjoy the activities as long as they are accompanied by their parents and children.
This activity is popular among families as a great way to create memories for young children.
↓ Learn more about canoeing and kayaking ↓
parasailing
Parasailing is an activity in which a person is towed by a water bike, and the momentum of the bike makes him or her fly through the air like a kite.
Depending on the weather, the altitude can reach 40 to 50 meters, and the beauty of the remote tropical islands seen from far up in the sky is beyond description.
Fun & Attraction
The appeal of parasailing is that it is an activity that can be enjoyed simply by riding in the water, and can be enjoyed casually without requiring any skills.
Safety is also ensured, so you can participate without concern.
In particular, the sky over Mizuna Island offers a great view of the shape of Mizuna Island, or Croissant Island, and the location from which you can see nearby Sesoko Island is so wonderful that many people become repeat visitors.
↓ Learn more about parasailing ↓
↓ Click here for recommended parasailing tours ↓ Click here for recommended parasailing tours
glass boat
The term "glass boat" refers to a vessel whose entire hull or bottom is made of transparent glass.
The transparent hull of the boat provides a clear view of the undersea scenery, making it a perfect match for the crystal clear waters of Okinawa.
You can observe the undersea in a different way from diving like snorkeling.
Fun & Attraction
What makes glass boats an excellent activity is that anyone can enjoy them.
Although there are some activities introduced above that are less difficult and easy to participate in, the elderly who are not comfortable with their legs and hips may still find it difficult to participate.
However, glass boats allow visitors to enjoy the undersea scenery simply by getting into a stable boat, and since there is no need to row, there is no need to worry about physical fitness.
Even the transparent boats are strong enough to allow you to enjoy them without any worries at all.
marine sports
Marine sports, which allow visitors to enjoy the ocean using a variety of equipment, are another popular activity in Okinawa.
A wide variety of marine sports tours are offered on Mizuna Island, especially at Mizuna Beach.
Fun & Attraction
Marine sports enjoyed at Suina Beach include banana boats, big marbles, U-boats, and many others.
Jet skis are also popular for high-speed ocean cruising, and the overwhelming sense of exhilaration that only the remote islands' waters can offer can be guaranteed.
All of them can be enjoyed at reasonable prices, and are sure to be a hit with visitors, especially those who come for sightseeing in groups.
↓ Learn more about marine sports ↓
↓ Click here for recommended marine sports tours ↓ Click here for recommended marine sports tours
whale watching
On Mizuna Island, you can even enjoy whale watching.
Of the islands near the main island of Okinawa, the waters near the Kerama Islands are well known as an excellent whale-watching spot, but you can encounter whales here just as frequently.
Fun & Attraction
When the whales move, which is not easy to see in everyday life, you can see the powerful sight of the waves splashing and leaping up.
They spew out their tides, slap their tail fins against the surface of the sea, and sometimes even show us their re-dives by stretching up into the air and twisting their bodies.
If you can encounter their dynamic charm, you will be completely captivated by the whales.
↓ Learn more about whale watching ↓
↓ Click here for recommended whale watching tours ↓ Click here for recommended whale watching tours
Three recommended tours
We have picked out three of the best sightseeing tours that you can participate in on 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
The above is an introduction to sightseeing on Mizuna Island.
In terms of both location and distance that allows for a day trip there and back, Mizuna Island is one of the top destinations for sightseeing in Okinawa Prefecture.
When you visit the main island of Okinawa, why not extend your visit to Mizuna Island as well?
↓ Click here to read the article in conjunction with ↓ ↓
