Seven km of white sand: the start and finish of the marathon of the Miyakojima triathlon.
A line of very white sand seven kilometres long runs along the south-west coast of Miyako, with the water turning from turquoise to cobalt blue as the seabed drops away. It is known locally as Maipama Beach and is the stretch of coast where the Miyakojima Triathlon, one of the most followed races in the archipelago, starts and finishes every year. From the beach you can see Kurima Island, linked to Miyako by a bridge.
A beach in Shimoji, in the south-western part of Miyako Island, often described by guidebooks as the most beautiful in East Asia (‘東洋一’). It is the most photographed and most visited stretch of coast on the island, and the permanent starting point of the All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima.
ℹ️ Free entry, always accessible. Two free car parks (a central one with 30 spaces, often full in season; a larger one towards Yonaha Maehama harbour, with room for coaches). Toilets, paid showers and changing rooms at the car parks. About 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport; by bus, the ‘Katekaru 4’ line to Uechi-minami and then 30 minutes on foot.
🚉 東急ホテル前 · 14 min walk
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