White sand
Seven kilometres.
Paipateroma — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Paipateroma — CC BY-SA 4.0 · 663highland — CC BY 2.5 · Raita Futo from Tokyo, Japan — CC BY 2.0 · Ikusuki — CC BY 2.0 · 663highland — CC BY 2.5 · jared goss — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Raita Futo from Tokyo, Japan — CC BY 2.0
A seven-kilometre white sand beach at the southwestern tip of Miyako Island and one of Japan's most celebrated beaches. Islanders call it Maipama; in the Miyako dialect mai means both «front» and «south», as it lies in front of and south of the Yonaha district. Its sand is fine and white, and the shallow water shades from pale green to deep blue. Kurima Island lies opposite, reached from the beach's southeastern end by the Kurima Bridge, which you can see from the sand stretching across the water. The beach has free parking, changing rooms and showers, and water-sports gear for hire. Parts of it have eroded in recent years, especially after the 2018 typhoons left steep sandy edges. Entry is free; clear mornings and sunsets are the best times. It is about 15 minutes' drive from Miyako Airport, and sun protection is essential in summer.
Seven kilometres.
Across the water.
Green to blue.
Southwest tip of Miyako Island
Yes: free parking, changing rooms, showers and water-sports rentals.