Riding by Roadbike in island is exciting and enjoyable with atmosphere which is quite far from daily urban life. This time, I tried to make Round The Islands(RTI) in Miyako and Tarama, Okinawa Pref. Here is a place in Okinawa perf. It’s located in west side of Okinawa near Taiwan Island. I have visited to more west side island “Ishigaki” and “Yonaguni” in past. Then this Time I chose those islands because of no visits so far. There are direct flights from Tokyo(Haneda) to Miyako-islands and two round trip flights a day between Miyako and Tarama by Japan Airlines Group.
Miyako Island is very famous for triathlon in summer. Because of covid 19, not hold the event in 2020 and 2021. According to taxi driver, they are planning to hold it in 2022 finally. I don’t have any intention to participate it because my body basic power is not enough to accomplish the toughness sport event. But this this, referring the Roadbike course to make my ride.
https://www.visitokinawa.jp/destinations/miyako-region/miyako
Ride in Miayko island
Originally I supposed that I can ride all in a day. But after landed to Miyako Airport, I realised that winter winds in Miyako is very strong and mostly no time to stop the winds. So I changed my riding plan by divided it to two days. After reached to Hotel in Kurumi Island, 3 hours was remained before sunset, then tried to ride from Kurumi island to “Shimoji” and Irabu island. And 2nd day was started from Irabu Bridge to Ikema island and rest of Miyako island. Especially to go up to north side in entire route, ahead winds from north was so strong and can’t make good speed as usual… and even if under sunlight, wind on the big three bridges were very strong and it’s hard to ride straightly. So rather than enjoying sightsee from bridges, I was so afraid and scare to across the bridges….. if you want to across the bridge without scared, highly recommended to come to Miayko in Summer season.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Ride in Tarama island
Tarama island is very famous for clean, beautiful blue ocean and diving. It seems that total population in the island is around 1,200 people. Flight time from Miyao was only 20 mins. Another way to visit this island from Miyako is car ferry which has one round trip a day. It takes mostly 2 hours to Tarama Island. There is a few restaurant and shops for visiter. Island itself is not so big, so it’s just 1 hour to make round the island. I stayed only a few hours between 1st and 2nd flights in a day. if you have enough time, better to stay a few days to enjoy atmosphere. but there are not many place to visit, so enjoying slow time is main purpose to stay in here.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Fully enjoyed 2.5 days rides in those islands in Dec 2021. Hope I can visit more other islands in Okinawa near future.