2025 Minamidaito Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

🌊About Minamidaito Island: Minamidaito Island is an isolated island located in the Pacific Ocean, about 400 km east of the main island of Okinawa. Location: Minamidaito Village, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture Area: Approximately 30 km² Population: Approximately 1,200 people Access: There are two main ways to get there. ✈️ Air route (plane) Airline: Ryukyu Air Commuter (RAC)  Route: Naha Airport ⇔ Minamidaito Airport  Duration: Approximately 1 hour Number of flights: 2 flights per day (1 flight in the morning and 1 flight in the afternoon) *Early reservations are recommended as the number of seats on the plane is limited.  🚢 Sea route (ferry) Operating company: Daito Kaiun Co., Ltd.  Route: Tomari Port, Naha City ⇔ Minamidaito Island  Time required: Approximately 13 to 15 hours  Number of flights: Approximately 1 to 2 flights per week (subject to change depending on weather and sea conditions)  How to land: Due to the port's facilities, you can have a unique experience of being lifted off the ship by a crane and landed.  *Ferry services are easily affected by weather and may be canceled or delayed, so we recommend that you allow plenty of time in your schedule. 📍Tourist spots: Navy Pool Akiba Underground Lake (Underground Lake Exploration) Hoshino Cave (Stalactite Cave) Minamidaito Rum Distillery (Okinoshima Brewery) Daito Shrine Sugarcane Train (Tourist Train) Baribari Rock and Tsukimi Bridge Hometown Cultural Center Hinomaruyama Observatory Fishing and Night Stargazing 💡Minamidaito Island is a mysterious and charming island that is a perfect mix of "unexplored land" and "simple island time". There are few people wherever you go, so you can relax and enjoy your own time. #Domestic Travel Strategy #Okinawa Trip #Remote Island Trip

💧 Facility name: Underground Lake Minamidaito Island is dotted with mysterious underground lakes. The most famous of these is the "Akiha Underground Lake". This underground lake is one of the limestone caves that spread underground in the limestone karst topography formed by the uplift of coral reefs, and can be accessed through a sinkhole called a "doline" in the center of a sugarcane field. The water of the underground lake is highly transparent and has a fantastic atmosphere. 📍 Location: Minamidaito Village, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture 💡 Tour: Exploring the underground lake requires the accompaniment of a local guide. This is because the underground lake is on private property and a guide is required for safety reasons. Overalls, lights, boots, towels, etc. are provided on the tour, so you can participate empty-handed. However, it is recommended that you bring a change of clothes as you may sweat. 💰Price per person: Varies by tour company 6,000-12,000 yen/person There are beginner and intermediate courses Time required: 2-3 hours #Introducing the best views in Japan #Okinawa trip #Remote island trip

🌊 Facility name: Navy Pool This is an artificial seawater pool on Minamidaito Island in Okinawa Prefecture. This island is surrounded by cliffs on all sides and has no natural beaches. Therefore, the people of the island carved out the bedrock to create this pool. 📍 Location: Kyuhigashi, Minamidaito Village, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture It was about a 5-minute drive from Minamidaito Airport🚗 💰 Price per person: Free admission 💞 Reasons for recommendation: The pool is connected to the sea, so you can observe marine life such as coral and tropical fish in the pool. It was as if you were swimming in a natural ocean. When the waves are high, the waves will come into the pool, so be careful⚠️ #Spring 0 yen trip #Domestic trip #Okinawa trip #Remote island trip

#JapanTravelChureito Pagoda is a five-story pagoda on a hill where you can clearly and beautifully see Fujiyoshida City and Mt. Fuji in the distance. This pagoda is located on Arakura Sengen Shrine, which was built to commemorate the 1963 peace. From the main building of the shrine, you have to climb almost 400 steps. It is really beautiful, but there are a lot of people. If you can see Fuji, it will be very beautiful. The pagoda is not as high as you think, but walking up is a bit tiring, but when you walk up and see the view, you will not be tired anymore.

Make a guess, how many flight of stairs did we climb to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji? 400! It is an arduous journey (to those who don't climb stairs very much) vertically up but the panoramic view from the top is worth every step. Alternatively, you can go up the Pagoda by car if you don't want to climb but I suggest to enjoy the view of Mt.Fuji while going up the stone steps if you can. Chureito Pagoda is a very popular tourist destination, especially during the cherry blossom season and autumn. It is spectacular (even without the view of Mount Fuji) and every shot you take is Instagrammable. Historically, it is built in 1963 as a peace memorial to commemorate the people of Fujiyoshida who died in wars and gradually become a popular spot for photographers and tourists. This is a must-visit if you are in Tokyo! Getting There - From Tokyo, you can take a train to get to the Pagoda. It takes about 3 hours and costs 2500 yen (SGD$25). You can also travel by car and there is free parking lot near the Pagoda. Entrance Fee - Free Attractions - Mount Fuji, Chureito Pagoda, Arakura Sengen Shrine, Torii Gate Address - 2-chome-4-1 Asama, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0011, Japan #tripblazers

This trip we traveled by renting a car to drive ourselves. A place that you definitely must not miss is the 5-story red pagoda Chureito. It is a popular viewpoint that combines the essence of Japan in one place. You can see both Mt. Fuji and old wooden houses. This picture was taken in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture. This is a picture of the Chureito Pagoda, which is located in Arakurayama Sengen Park. This park is located near Lake Yamanakako and Lake Kawaguchiko, which have many resorts. #TravelAbroad #Japan

Address: Port on Daito Island, about 15 hours by ferry from Naha Atmosphere/Facilities: Due to the structure of the quay, luggage, cars and people can be brought ashore by crane. Recommended point: It's exciting to be able to board and disembark from the boat in a basket. Evaluation: It was a rare experience that can only be had on an isolated island in the middle of the ocean. #Breathtaking view

Located on Minamidaito Island, "Oshokudokoro/Sakadokoro Nasubi" is a popular izakaya with islanders and tourists alike, with dishes made with local ingredients and a warm atmosphere. It is known as the perfect spot to enjoy an island night.  🍽️ Store information Store name: Oshokudokoro/Sakadokoro Nasubi Genre: Izakaya, Okinawa cuisine Address: 260 Zaisho, Minamidaito Village, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture (2nd floor) Telephone number: 09802-2-2808 Opening hours: Mon-Sat 18:00-23:00 Closed: Sunday Estimated budget: 2,000 yen-2,999 yen Number of seats: 14 seats (counter seats and table seats available) Payment method: Credit cards accepted (AMEX accepted), electronic money not accepted Parking: None  🌟 Features and attractions Cuisine made with local ingredients: Enjoy dishes made with fresh seafood and local ingredients from Minamidaito Island. Extensive menu: With an extensive menu of food and drinks, you can enjoy a variety of cuisines. Relaxed atmosphere: Located on the second floor, the store has a hideaway atmosphere where you can spend a relaxing time. Recommended for tourists: This is a perfect place for tourists who want to enjoy local flavors.  #AbsolutelyFreeTravel

Izakaya 'Otosake Sousai Nora' on South Daito Island is a cozy spot loved by locals and tourists alike. Store Information Address: 71 Aza-Zaisho, Minamidaito Village, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture, 901-3805 Business Hours: 6:00 PM to around midnight Closed: Irregular holidays (currently reservation-based) Access: About a 10-minute drive from South Daito Airport 🏮 Features and Atmosphere 'Nora' is a quaint wooden izakaya with oldies music playing in the background, creating a nostalgic ambiance. It's known as a gathering place for locals, offering warm and friendly service. 🍶 Menu With over 60 items, the menu ranges from Okinawan dishes to typical izakaya fare. In addition to the regular menu, recommended dishes are displayed on a board. Examples: Sashimi Platter: From 1,500 yen Somen Champuru: 500 yen Fried Young Chicken: 600 yen 💡 Important Notes 'Nora' operates on an irregular schedule and may only open on reservation days. If you plan to visit, it's recommended to check the operating status and make a reservation in advance. For those looking to enjoy local flavors and a warm atmosphere on South Daito Island, 'Otosake Sousai Nora' is a must-visit izakaya 🍻

The flight distance between Kitadaito Airport and Minamidaito Airport is about 12 to 13 kilometers in a straight line! This section is known as the shortest scheduled air route in Japan. This route is operated by Ryukyu Air Commuter (RAC), and the flight time is only about 3 to 10 minutes 😳 If the weather conditions are good, the planes sometimes prepare to land immediately after takeoff, and sometimes they even land without retracting their wheels after takeoff 🛫🛬 Minamidaito Island and Kitadaito Island, known as isolated islands on land Perfect for a summer trip ❤️🔥 #AbsolutelyFreeTrip #DomesticTravel

#Changing leaves At the entrance to the Red Pagoda, it is very beautiful. The leaves have started to change color. In late December 2023, the weather was very good. We walked up the stairs. It was not very high, so it was easy to walk because the weather was very good. The leaves changed color, so we stopped to take pictures every now and then. Today, we were unlucky to go up a little late and there were clouds blocking Fuji, so we couldn't see Fuji at all. Actually, if you sit and wait, you will definitely see it. #Chureito Red Pagoda #Fujisan #Red Pagoda

The Red Pagoda that everyone must visit when you come to Fuji. When you arrive, you still have to walk up for almost half an hour. and a slight slope from cold air After you start sweating. The time I visited was when the cherry blossoms were still blooming. Causing a lot of people to come even if it's not a holiday The queue waiting to go upstairs will have a number of staff to help call in order to avoid too much. I didn't queue up to take photos at the top. But along the way, I got some nice pictures. From every step up I'm so glad. You can come at times that don't match other people. This place seems to be open most of the day. Don't forget to come here if you have time.#chureitopagoda #japan

You can take a ferry to Minamidaito Island, an isolated island about 400 km east of the main island of Okinawa. The ferry leaves Naha in the evening and arrives the following morning. It takes about 15 hours to reach Minamidaito Island. The ferry does not depart every day, but if your schedule allows, you can take a relaxing boat trip that will be a memorable one. #OkinawaTrip

Address: About 10-15 minutes from Minamidaito Airport Atmosphere/Facilities: A cool and mysterious space even in summer Recommended point: It's fun to carefully observe the stalactites of various shapes formed by a long history. Average price: 800 yen for adults (June 2022) Rating: A must-see tourist spot when you come to Minamidaito. #Breathtaking view

#gw2022jp #Minamidaitojima #Kitadaitojima #Okinawa Minamidaitojima and Kitadaitojima cannot be docked due to constant high waves. Therefore, you enter a cage and are lifted onto a crane to land. All people and objects are lifted onto the crane. I recommend taking a ferry to Daitojima just to be lifted onto the crane. Planes are more frequent and save time, but it's not often you get the experience of being lifted onto a crane.

Address: Minamidaitojima Hometown Cultural Center and other locations on the island. Atmosphere/Facilities: Although it is a small island, remnants of the railway network that ran to transport sugarcane are scattered here and there. Recommended point: It is interesting to walk around the island looking for traces such as the remains of the railway tracks. Evaluation: I was surprised to learn that a railway ran on the island until 1983. #Breathtaking views

Address: Kyuhigashi, Minamidaito Village, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture Atmosphere/Facilities: An artificial pool carved out of a reef Recommended point: You can swim with cute fish! Budget per person: Free Evaluation: This island does not have a beach, but if you come here you can enjoy the ocean in a pool that is one with the Pacific Ocean.