Miyakojima Port (Hirara Port) Cruise Terminal → Hirara City Center (Nishizato Street)
Walk about 1,200 m from the terminal to Hirara town. Nishisato Street is the main shopping area.
Cruise port in Japan
Miyako Islands
Explore on foot directly from the pier. Average time in port: 10 hours. 35 places to explore.
- Ships calling here
- 7 ships
- Upcoming sailings
- 54 sailings
- Average time in port
- About 10 hours
- Lowest fare
- From USD 461
Photo by Shino Nakamura on Unsplash
After disembarking
Cruise ships dock at Miyako Islands cruise terminals. Explore on foot directly from the pier.
- 3 cruise terminals
The assigned dock is one of Hirara Port Cruise Direct Pier, Hirara Marine Terminal, Miyakojima Port (Hirara Port) Cruise Terminal and varies by sailing.
- Transport Around Miyakojima
Miyakojima has no railways, and local bus services are limited.
About 10 hours in port: where can you go?
Time available at the destination after subtracting return travel.
- MiyakojimaAt the pierTime at destinationAbout 10 hr
- Irabu IslandAbout 30 min each wayTime at destinationAbout 9 hr
- Shimojishima IslandAbout 40 min each wayTime at destinationAbout 8 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.
Hirara Port Cruise Direct Pier → Hirara Marine Terminal
Take the connecting shuttle from the cruise ship berth to the Marine Terminal, about 1 km away. The source does not specify the boarding location or fare.
Hirara Marine Terminal → Miyakojima City Center
Walk from the Marine Terminal to downtown Miyakojima.
Miyako Airport → Miyakojima Port (Hirara Port) Cruise Terminal
Take a taxi from the airport to Hirara Port. The source lists a 20-minute drive between the port and airport but does not state a taxi fare.
Miyakojima Port (Hirara Port) Cruise Terminal → Miyako Airport
Take a taxi from the port to Miyako Airport (宮古空港). The source says the airport is a 20-minute drive from the port and does not state a taxi fare.
Hirara City Center (Bus Terminal) → Miyako Airport
At the Hirara town bus terminal, take the Miyako Kyoei Bus Airport Line (宮古協栄バス 空港線) and get off at Miyako Airport (宮古空港). The source lists service about every 60 minutes, a travel time of about 15–20 minutes, and a one-way fare of 260 yen.
Miyakojima places to explore
Explore 26 checked places. Select a pin to see its card, or choose View on map from a card.
Higashi-hennazaki Cape
This cape, about 2 km long, is at the eastern tip of Miyako Island and has a lighthouse at its end. Visitors can see the sea and seasonal flowers from the walking path.
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Daily 24 hours
Prepare for strong winds at Cape Higashihenna, and watch for broken glass in the sand if going down to the beach.
Ueno German Culture Village
This theme park grew out of the rescue of a German ship that ran aground in waters off Miyako Island. It features a facility recreating a German castle and attractions for children.
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Hours vary by day
View daily hours
Mon 09:30–17:30Tue ClosedWed 09:30–17:30Thu ClosedFri–Sun 09:30–17:30
Miyakojima City Museum
This museum exhibits history, folklore, natural science, arts, and crafts based on Miyako's nature and local character. It uses video and touch panels as well as physical exhibits.
- Admission
- JPY 300
- Hours
- Mon Closed
Tue–Sun 09:00–16:30
Miyakojima City Museum is closed on Mondays, and reviews say last entry was at 4 p.m., so check the hours before visiting.
Miyakojima City Tropical Plant Garden
This botanical garden has about 1,600 tropical and subtropical plant species. Its walking areas and open spaces are featured.
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Daily 10:00–18:00
Ikema Bridge
This bridge connects the northern tip of Miyako Island to Ikema Island. Its length is given as about 1.4 km.
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Daily 24 hours
Reviews say there are no streetlights on Ikema Bridge at night, so cross before sunset if you plan to walk across.
Sunayama Beach
An arch-shaped rock and a beach spread out beyond the sand dunes. It is described as a popular beach close to the city.
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Daily 24 hours
The route from the parking lot to the beach is a sloped sandy path, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
Trips nearby
With enough time in port, you can explore beyond the city. One-way times are approximate.
Irabu Island
About 30 min each wayTime at destination About 9 hr
SightsIrabu BridgeThis 3,540 m bridge connects Miyako Island and Irabu Island. It is described as Japan's longest bridge that can be crossed free of charge.
You cannot stop a car on Irabu Bridge, so take photos from parking areas or viewpoints off the bridge.
SightsSawada-no-hama BeachThis beach in northwest Irabu Island has a distinctive landscape of large and small rocks scattered across shallow water. It was selected as one of Japan's 100 best beaches and is known as a sunset spot.
Some bridges on the coastal walking path are missing, so do not plan to continue walking along the coast.
SightsToguchi-no-hama BeachThis white-sand beach curves for about 800 m along Irabu Island. SUP and kayak rentals are described.
Food and cafésBlue TurtleThis restaurant faces a beach on Irabu Island and is described as having attracted attention on social media. It has outdoor seating with a view of the sea.
Reviews say Blue Turtle requires 1 drink per adult and limits beach-side seating to 1 hour, so check the terms when booking or being seated.
Food and cafésNakayukui ShotenThis shop sells beni-imo sata andagi, Okinawan doughnuts made with purple sweet potato. It is popular and usually has a line.
Reviews say Nakayukui Shop limits purchases of satapanbin to 2 per person, so keep this in mind if you plan to buy several.
SightsMakiyama ObservatoryThis observation point is reached by crossing Irabu Bridge and offers a clear view of the bridge and the coral-colored sea.
From the parking lot, the Makiyama Observatory requires about a 5-minute walk followed by stairs, so take this into account if mobility is limited.
SightsFunausagibanata ViewpointThis cliffside observation point is at the northern tip of Irabu Island. It is described as a place with broad views of the sea.
The large bird sculpture at Funausagibanata has been removed, so do not make a special trip just to see it.
SightsShiratori CapeThis scenic spot is at the northern tip of Irabu Island. It overlooks the sea from a cliff and has a gazebo and walking path.
Swimming is prohibited in the waters off Cape Shiratori due to strong currents and deep water, so focus on walking and views.
Shimojishima Island
About 40 min each wayTime at destination About 8 hr 30 min
SightsTooriike PondThis pond on Shimoji Island is a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument. The surrounding sea is an advanced diving spot.
Cruises calling at Miyako Islands
54 sailings are grouped into 30 cruises by ship and route.
MSC Cruises2 departure dates1 sailing available to book
Sailing 2026.11 ~ 2027.01Asia cruises · 6 nights
Japan, China (Taiwan)
Tokyo → Naha, Okinawa
Lowest departure fareFrom USD 1,005
MSC Cruises3 departure datesBook now
Sailing 2026.11 ~ 2028.01Asia cruises · 4 nights · Short cruise
China (Taiwan), Japan
Keelung (Chilung) departure · round trip
Lowest departure fareFrom USD 486
MSC CruisesBook now
Sailing 2026.11Asia cruises · 5 nights
Japan, China (Taiwan)
Naha, Okinawa departure · round trip
Per person, double occupancyFrom USD 636
MSC CruisesBook now
Sailing 2026.11Asia cruises · 5 nights
China (Taiwan), Japan
Keelung (Chilung) departure · round trip
Per person, double occupancyFrom USD 579
Norwegian Cruise LineBook now
Sailing 2026.11Asia cruises · 9 nights · Mid-length cruise
Asia: Taipei, Osaka, Kochi & Okinawa
Yokohama → Hong Kong
Per person, double occupancyFrom USD 1,079
MSC Cruises13 departure dates12 sailings available to book
Sailing 2026.12 ~ 2028.01MSC Cruises10 departure dates8 sailings available to book
Sailing 2026.12 ~ 2027.12
MSC CruisesBook now
Sailing 2027.01Asia cruises · 4 nights · Short cruise
Keelung, Miyako Is., Tokyo
Keelung (Chilung) → Tokyo
Per person, double occupancyFrom USD 461
MSC CruisesSailing 2027.01Asia cruises · 7 nights
Keelung, Miyako Is., Tokyo, Shanghai
Keelung (Chilung) → Shanghai
Per person, double occupancyFrom USD 710
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht CollectionSailing 2027.03Asia cruises · 12 nights · Long cruise
Hong Kong to Tokyo
Hong Kong → Tokyo
Per person, double occupancyFrom USD 24,300
MSC CruisesBook now
Sailing 2027.05Asia cruises · 13 nights · Long cruise
Japan, China (Taiwan)
Tokyo departure · round trip
Per person, double occupancyFrom USD 3,020
Regent Seven Seas CruisesSailing 2027.11Asia cruises · 10 nights · Mid-length cruise
Tempura & Tea
Tokyo → Hong Kong
Per person, double occupancyFrom USD 8,749
30 cruises call at this port.
Ships calling at Miyako Islands
Explore cabin types, dining and deck facilities for each ship.
MSC Cruises · 34 sailings
MSC Bellissima
20 cabin types · 16 dining venues · 64 entertainment options · 15 decks
Explore the ship
Regent Seven Seas Cruises · 6 sailings
Seven Seas Explorer
10 cabin types · 10 dining venues · 41 entertainment options · 10 decks
Explore the ship
Regent Seven Seas Cruises · 5 sailings
Seven Seas Splendor
10 cabin types · 10 dining venues · 39 entertainment options · 10 decks
Explore the ship
Emerald Cruises · 4 sailings
Emerald Xara
6 cabin types · 2 dining venues · 10 entertainment options · 6 decks
Explore the ship
About Miyako Islands
Cruise lines including Atlas Ocean Voyages, Emerald Cruises, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection call here, with an average stay of about 10 hours. This port lies on a route included in itineraries sailing in the East China Sea or around Kyushu Island, together with Nagasaki, Naha, Okinawa, and other destinations.
Cruise lines calling here: 6 places
Atlas Ocean VoyagesEmerald CruisesMSC CruisesNorwegian Cruise LineRegent Seven Seas CruisesThe Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
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