Sunayama Beach is one of Miyakojima's most famous and visually striking natural attractions, celebrated for its distinctive natural arch carved into the rock. This picturesque beach offers a captivating blend of soft white sand, clear turquoise waters, and unique geological features, making it a quintessential stop for anyone visiting the island.
Visitors consistently highlight the beach's exceptional beauty, often describing it as a 'must-see' for its photo opportunities, especially around the natural arch. Many appreciate the secluded, intimate feel of the beach, despite its popularity, noting that it rarely feels overly crowded, particularly during off-peak seasons or earlier in the day. The calm, warm waters are frequently praised for swimming and gentle snorkeling, with some reviewers mentioning seeing fish near the rocks. The soft, fine sand is also a recurring positive, making it comfortable for relaxing and building sandcastles.
To make the most of your visit, wear comfortable shoes or sandals suitable for walking on sand, as the path to the beach involves a short but steep descent over a sand dune. Bringing your own snorkeling gear is advisable, as rental booths may not always be open or can be expensive. While some visitors enjoy spending hours here, many find that 1-2 hours is sufficient to enjoy the views, take photos, and have a quick swim. Early mornings or late afternoons are often recommended to avoid crowds and experience beautiful light, with sunsets through the arch being particularly popular. Be aware that some reviewers mentioned the presence of large spiders along the path, though this was not a universal experience.
Sunayama Beach is easily accessible by car, located about 5 minutes from Miyako Airport. There is a free parking lot available. From the parking area, it's a short walk (approximately 2-10 minutes, depending on pace) along a path through vegetation, followed by a descent down a significant sand dune to reach the beach itself. Public transport options are limited, so renting a car or taking a taxi is the most practical way to get there. Some adventurous visitors also mention cycling to the beach from the city center.
A common point of concern for visitors is the steep sand dune leading to and from the beach, which can be challenging, especially when returning uphill in the heat or with children. Reviewers advise being prepared for this physical effort. Additionally, while the arch is a major draw, some recent reviews (as of July 2024) mention barricades around it due to potential rock fall, which might impact photo opportunities. It's also noted that swimming might be prohibited at times due to rough waves or marine life, so checking local conditions is recommended.