I heard that there is a secret beach called “Manatsu Beach (Manatsu Kaigan)” in Karimata Peninsula in the northern part of Miyako Island (Miyakojima).
It is about 8 km from the city center of Miyako Island (near Miyakojima City Hall) to Manatsu Beach. It shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes by a car. On this day, I drove a motorbike in the direction of Ikema Island (Ikemajima) to visit Manatsu Beach from the city center in the strong wind (it is normal in November).
Drive a little to the north on Prefectural Road 230 which penetrates Karimata Peninsula, then you will find a sign saying “間那津 (Manatsu)” on the left side of the road. On the right side, there is a “Oshokujidokoro (restaurant) Manatsu” where you can enjoy a popular spiny lobster set meal.
A sign saying “間那津 (Manatsu)”
Turn left at the sign, then there is a rough country road surrounded by sugar canes leading to the sea, which is a typical scenery of Okinawa.
Country road surrounded by sugar canes
Turn right at the end of the road, drive a little on the road along the sea, then there is a narrow path leading to Manatsu Beach. It may be difficult to find the entrance to the beach as there is no sign at all around the beach. It really has an atmosphere of a secret beach entrance.
Entrance to Manatsu Beach
Follow the bumpy path and you will find an emerald green sea surrounded by breakwaters. There are some spaces near the breakwaters where you can park a car.
Manatsu Beach
There are stairs to the beach
Emerald green water of Manatsu Beach
On Manatsu Beach, there is a natural rock tunnel reminds me of Sunayama Beach, which is one of the most popular beaches in Miyako Island, and it provides a beautiful view of the sea which is as good as the view of Sunayama Beach.
There is a natural rock tunnel
There is another tunnel on the left side. Go through the rocky tunnel, and you will find another beach surrounded by reefs. There was no one on the beach on this day, so I could enjoy total privacy on this secret beach. Although I visited Miyako Island many times, I didn’t know at all that this beach existed.
Go though a tunnel
There is another beach with privacy
The beach is made of coral reefs (unlike the powder sand of Sunayama Beach), and it is bit hard to walk on, but the beach made me think that I want to forget time and relax on the beach all day long. The sea is very clear, so you may enjoy snorkeling as well (there is no shower room, though).
Beach is made of coral reefs
Clear water of Manatsu Beach
I strongly recommend Manatsu Beach if you are looking for a secret beach in Miyako Island!
