Hirara (tours to Miyakojima), Japan cruises

Miyakojima, in the Okinawa islands, is an idyllic, tropical paradise of picturesque beaches and colorful coral reefs.

Located approximately 180 miles from the main island of Okinawa, Miyakojima’s most famous attractions are its heavenly beaches. The interior of the island is flat and covered with sugar cane plantations – but the coastline is what makes Miyakojima interesting.

The entire island is covered with unbelievably beautiful beaches, but two of the best are Yonahamaehama Beach, with its four miles of white sand, and the Imugya Marine Garden, which is excellent for snorkeling. Explore the caves and tunnels of the beautiful coral reefs and witness the exotic inhabitants, like puffer and porcupine fish.

Back on land, Miyakojima City Botanical Garden boasts over 1,600 types of plants, including tropical flowers such as hibiscus, plumeria, and bougainvillea. Visit the fascinating Tuyumya Grave, which enshrines a 16th-century Miyako leader and his descendants. Then admire the white lighthouse, which stands in a dramatic location on the end of Higashi Hennazaki, a beautiful, 1.2-mile-long cape that extends out into the turquoise sea.