Access to Ogami Island (Ogamijima)

Ogami Island (Ogamijima), which is called “the island of Gods” by local people, is a small island located in the north east of Miyako Island. The island is richly endowed with nature, and there are various legends surrounding this small mysterious island.

In order to get to Ogami Island, you need to take a ferry from Shimajiri Port in the north part of Miyako Island. It is only about 15 minutes on the ferry. There are buses running from the city center of Miyako Island to Shimajiri Port, but as the number of buses is quite low and it is bit difficult for tourists to find a bus stop, so it will be easier if you use a car or taxi. Refer to the following page if you want to take a bus. You need to take a bus heading to Ikema Island (No.6 of the following page). The destination is “Shimajiriko (Shimajiri Port)” and the bus fare will be probably around 300 yen.
http://www.kotsu-okinawa.org/en/map_miyako.html

It is about 10km from the city center of Miyako Island to Shimajiri Port. If you drive a car or take a taxi, it will take around 20 minutes, and the taxi fare will be around 2,000 yen.

Shimajiri Port

Shimajiri Port is located on the edge of Shimajiri Area, which is famous for a traditional event for getting rid of evil spirits called “Pantu.” There is a car park, toilet and vending machine at the port, but there are no shops or restaurants near the port, so you may get bored if you come to the port early; however, you can spend time watching the beautiful scenery from Shimajiri Port while waiting for a ferry. You can see the triangle shape of Ogami Island in the distance from the port. Water is clear and local people often enjoy fishing at the port.

Ogami Island Viewed from Shimajiri Port

A ticket booth is located near the ferry dock, and it will open when departure time approaches. The ferry fare is 670 yen for round trip (for adults). There are only four services a day during the winter months (from October to March), so don’t forget to check the return ferry schedule.

Shimajiri Port Ticket Booth

Ferry Schedule (“大神漁港” means Ogami Port, “島尻漁港” means Shimajiri Port)

There is a bus stop at Shimajiri Port, and a bus departs after a ferry has arrived, so it is easy to take a bus back to the city center of Miyako Island. The bus timetable is as follows:

Bus Timetable (“平良” is Hirara in the city center of Miyako Island)

The ferry operating between Miyako Island and Ogami Island is “Sumanu Kariyusu,” which is small but looks quite new. “Sumanu Kariyusu” is a dialect which means “Shima no Kariyushi,” “Shima” means “island,” and “Kariyushi” means “lucky.” It is just a 15-minute ride to Ogami Island, but sometimes the ferry sways on the way.

Sumanu Kariyusu

Ogami Port

Upon arrival at Ogami Island, you will be welcomed by Yuri-chan, an only dog in the island. Her daily task is to greet people whenever a ferry arrives.