Cruise port in Japan

Hirara

Allow about 10 min each way from the terminal to the city center. Average time in port: 11 hours. 23 places to explore.

Ships calling here: 3 ships
Upcoming sailings: 18 sailings
Average time in port: About 11 hours
Lowest fare: From USD 2,074

After disembarking

Cruise ships dock at Hirara Port Cruise Pier. Allow about 10 min each way from the terminal to the city center.

Where the ship docks
Cruise ships dock at Hirara Port Cruise Pier.
Travel from Hirara Port Cruise Quay to Downtown
It takes about 15–20 minutes on foot (about 1.5 km) from Hirara Port cruise quay to downtown (Nishizato Street shopping area), or about 5 minutes by taxi (800–1,200 yen).
Limited Public Transport on Miyakojima; Sightseeing Taxis Recommended
Local bus services on the island are infrequent, making it inconvenient to travel between beaches. To visit major sights, it is safer and more convenient to use a taxi waiting by the port or hire a sightseeing taxi by the hour.
Arrange Taxi Pickup in Advance for Return from Outlying Beaches
At outlying sights such as Yonaha Maehama Beach, Sunayama Beach, and Toriike, it can be difficult to find an available taxi. Arrange a pickup time with the driver when you get out, or hire a taxi for a round trip.

About 11 hours in port: where can you go?

Time available at the destination after subtracting return travel.

Miyakojima city centreAbout 10 min each wayTime at destinationAbout 10 hr 30 min

Return travel Time at destination

Calculated from the average time in port. Return deadlines vary by sailing; check the daily programme on board.

Between the terminal, city and airport

Travel between the terminal, city center, railway station and airport.

WalkAbout 15 minJPY 0

Hirara Port Cruise Terminal → Hirara Town Center (Nishizato)

Exit the terminal and walk south for 15 minutes along the coastal road to reach Painagama Beach and Nishizato shopping street.

TaxiAbout 20 minJPY 2,500~JPY 3,200

Hirara Port Cruise Terminal → Yonaha Maehama Beach

Take a taxi at the stand in front of the terminal for about 20 minutes southwest to Yonaha Maehama Beach.

TaxiAbout 10 minJPY 1,500~JPY 2,000

Hirara Port Cruise Terminal → Sunayama Beach

Take a taxi from in front of the terminal to Sunayama Beach parking area to the north in about 10–12 minutes.

Miyakojima places to explore

Explore 23 checked places. Select a pin to see its card, or choose View on map from a card.

Sights

Higashi-Hennazaki

A narrow, roughly 2 km cape at Miyakojima’s easternmost point, dividing the Pacific Ocean and East China Sea, with a white lighthouse listed among Japan’s 100 best lighthouses and spectacular emerald reefs.

Visit: about 1 hr
Admission: JPY 300

Sights

Yonaha Maehama Beach

A signature beach with about 7 km of brilliant white coral sand, called 'the Orient's best white-sand beach,' and clear emerald water known as Miyako Blue.

Visit: about 1 hr 15 min
Admission: Free

Sights

Irabu Bridge

A 3,540 m sea bridge connecting Miyakojima and Irabujima, Japan's longest toll-free bridge, offering a spectacular drive that feels like flying over the ocean.

Visit: about 40 min
Admission: Free

Stopping or parking on the bridge is prohibited, so use the viewpoint parking lots at either end.

Sights

Kurima Bridge

A 1,690 m bridge connecting southwestern Miyakojima with Kurimajima, with a stunning jade gradient of coral-sea colors on both sides.

Visit: about 30 min
Admission: Free

Sights

Sunayama Beach

A famous spot where, after crossing white sand dunes, you see a huge natural arch rock formed by wave erosion and a picture-perfect cobalt-blue sea.

Visit: about 50 min
Admission: Free

A rockfall prevention fence has been installed directly below the arch rock due to natural erosion.

Sights

Toriike

Two circular ponds on Shimojishima, across Irabu Bridge, connected to each other by an underwater cave and also linked to the sea, showing mysterious changes in water color.

Visit: about 45 min
Admission: Free