Published date: August 13, 2025
First Visit to Miyako Island! Compact yet Comfortable Amenities, Sea Cautions, and Gourmet Spots [21 Photos]
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
Due to budget and time constraints, since I planned to rent a car starting on the second day, I took a taxi from the airport to the hotel. For reference, it was about 1600 to 1800 yen.
Upon entering the hotel, there was a pleasant natural aroma.
The check-in was smooth with both human staff and a tablet.
The room keys are of a type that you turn, so the front desk staff kindly explained how to use them.
I could quench my thirst with the welcome drink tea placed in front of the front desk, which eased my travel fatigue.
The second floor has the front desk and restaurant (breakfast only), while the first floor features an activity lounge and pool. The lounge was spacious with sofas and offered board games, which was great for relaxing during those little moments at night.
You need to use a key card to access the elevator, ensuring security measures.
I was told all rooms have an ocean view, and indeed, I could see the sea from my room.
The bed was larger than I expected; it would comfortably accommodate one person, and it’s also possible to co-sleep with a child! The corner of the bed was slightly elevated, which I appreciated, as you had to take off your shoes to step up.
Although the room was compact, having separate shower and toilet facilities was a high point.
There were plenty of outlets, so even if you have many devices to charge, it should be manageable.
There was a refrigerator, but it seems like it didn’t have a freezer, so note that you can’t store ice cream and the like.
Amenities included shampoo, conditioner, body soap, cotton swabs, razors, toothbrushes, slippers, and children's amenities (a bear and a set of alphabets). Pajamas, bath towels, face towels, and mini towels were all provided. Toothbrushes and other items need to be taken from the bar at the front desk.
Since there are no skincare items available, it would be best to bring your own.
On the third floor, there are two coin-operated laundry machines. At night, you’ll need 100 yen coins, and the front desk will exchange money, but it might be a good idea to prepare some in advance. The washing machine can dry everything in one go, which is convenient.
Even though it gets crowded at night, you can manage your laundry by going early in the morning or, if absolutely necessary, using nearby coin laundries.
On the fourth floor, there are vending machines and an ice maker.
The front desk and lounge are very spacious and have a great atmosphere. Although the rooms are compact, they were sufficient just for sleeping, and the accommodation was extremely adequate for a five-day trip!
The hotel staff were very kind and treated us well, and the guests at the hotel also took care of the board games, keeping them clean and orderly. Throughout the stay, I felt at ease. Thank you!.
Experiences during the trip
[Beach Strolling and Snorkeling]
I walked to Painagama Beach and drove to Yoshino Coast and Irabu with a rented car.
Swimming with beautiful fish in the clear sea is truly healing!
At Yoshino Coast, you can use the parking lot, shower, changing room, toilet, and shuttle service to the beach by paying a facility usage fee, making my first experience of snorkeling in Miyako Island very comfortable. I also rented a life jacket and umbrella.
<Straight Talk>
If you have fair skin or it's been a while since you last visited the sea, I think a rash guard is essential (I tried to be cautious and ended up in a disaster after just about 30 minutes of carelessness).
I strongly recommend full protection including a hooded rash guard, long pants, marine shoes, and a life jacket.
The locals taught me that there are areas with jellyfish, so when trying to swim in less crowded places, caution is advised.
[Exciting Miyako Island Cuisine!]
There are plenty of dining options around HOTEL LOCUS, along with a bus stop, so you should be able to enjoy it even without a rental car.
●FLOV Cafe&Bar (within walking distance)
Next to the hotel, behind it. With a view of the sea and boats, the stylish interior creates a fantastic atmosphere! All dishes including mozuku, salad, and Miyako soba were delicious, so I want to try more menus.
●Seafood (within walking distance)
Right next to the hotel. The sashimi set meal's sashimi and vegetables were very delicious, and I want to go again. Luckily, I could get in without a reservation early on, but it seems to be a popular place, so it might be best to make a reservation as there were days it sold out early.
●Nanami Cafe (with rental car)
The sata andagi with plenty of sweet potatoes was delicious! They also topped blue seal ice cream with sata andagi and shikwasa.
●Hotel Atoll Emerald (within walking distance)
I visited the lounge of the neighboring hotel. I enjoyed mozuku, vegetable tempura, and pizza. Everything was delicious.
●Painaterrace (within walking distance)
I liked today's salad. It was a voluminous salad with deep-fried vegetables that those who love vegetables, including goya, can finish quickly.
●Obanmai Shokudo (with rental car)
Although seafood lunch is famous, I hit the jackpot with the seasoned umibudo (sea grapes). I regretted not buying more for souvenirs.
●Painagama Blue Booth (within walking distance)
The menu is extensive, making it fun to choose. In the summer when it’s full of ice cream, the purple sweet potato mont blanc is a not-too-cold cake-like sweet that is easy to eat even in an air-conditioned store.
●Blue Seal (with rental car)
The Painagama shop is famous as a photo spot and was crowded enough to have a queue. The ice cream flavors of American cherry and Okinawa pineapple were refreshing and delicious.
●Miyako Soba Choujiya (on the way in and out)
Located in Miyako Airport, you can enjoy Miyako soba and snow salt ice cream until the last minute.
[Tourist Spots]
●Tori Ike
I tried going here instead after giving up on the crowded parking lot at 17END, and it was worthwhile; it was mysterious and truly worth a visit. The area closest to the pond is cool, but caution is necessary to avoid dropping items.
●Underwater Park
You can see the underwater world of Miyako Island without getting on a boat or wearing clothes. Due to typhoon effects, visibility was only about 15m to 20m, but I was able to see sea snakes and clownfish. Some days, sharks and sea turtles also come nearby. Morning, when the wind is weak, is reportedly the best time for visibility.