In the previous article, I introduced the route from Ako to Nippana. This time, we’ll explore the eastern side of the island from Tairoike Pond to Kamitsuki. This area offers a more austere journey as hydration spots are limited, but it rewards you with beautiful nature and a sense of adventure. Let’s continue enjoying our cycling journey.
Once again, I’ll explain the stopping points in the order of the numbers on the map
⑥ Tairo Pond (Tairoike)
Tired from cycling in the blazing sun, we took a break by the volcanic lake.
After cycling about 3 more kilometers from Nippana Shinzan, you can make a detour to Tairo Pond. Tairo Pond is one of Miyakejima’s volcanic lakes, surrounded by rich nature. Here, you can cool off in the shade while gazing at the calm lake surface. It’s an ideal spot to rest your body after cycling in the blazing sun.
The water is so clear it looks like you could drink or swim in it
When flying a drone and filming from above, the clear water reflects the sunlight and displays a beautiful blue color. By the way, when flying a drone on Miyakejima, you need to apply and report to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Miyakejima Airport, Miyakejima Branch Office, and Miyakejima Village in advance. If you complete the procedures properly, you can safely enjoy the beautiful natural scenery.
After leaving Tairo Pond, we first headed to GIZMO, a stylish restaurant in the Tsubota district. The Tsubota district has a quiet and calm atmosphere, and GIZMO is part of its charm. It’s a restaurant characterized by a modern yet warm wooden stylish exterior and an open terrace.
GIZMO is also known as a store that offers takeout, with sandwiches being particularly popular. However, since we happened to pass by during the afternoon closing hours, unfortunately it wasn’t open, and we couldn’t enter. Next time, I’d like to visit during business hours and enjoy the local flavors.
⑧ Miyakejima Airport
Miyakejima Airport with its minimal design
Next, we visited Miyakejima Airport. While airports typically evoke images of well-equipped cafes and shops, Miyakejima Airport is a supreme airfield with just a small waiting area. There were no scheduled arrivals or departures for a while, and hardly any signs of people. Fortunately, there was a vending machine where we could hydrate.
Miyakejima Airport is small but functional. Flights to Tokyo and other islands in the Izu archipelago operate from here. The area around the airport is quiet, with hardly any airplane noise. The waiting area is simple, with spacious sofas lined up, allowing you to spend a quiet moment of your journey. Outside the airport, blue skies and green land spread out, giving the sensation that the airport itself is blending into nature. Next time, it might be nice to spend a relaxed time watching planes take off and land.
In the silence, we took a short break before continuing our cycling.
⑨ Satado Cape Lighthouse
The island’s symbol? Satado Cape Lighthouse
Next, we headed to Satado Cape Lighthouse. This is a symbolic lighthouse standing on a cliff, with an overwhelming presence. The view from the lighthouse is magnificent, with the blue of the sea and sky becoming one, giving you a feeling of having your heart cleansed.
By the way, the area is also known as a habitat for sea turtles. The view from the lighthouse is truly spectacular, giving you the sensation that the boundary between the blue sea and sky disappears. The Satado Cape Lighthouse is impressive with its beautiful white tower, making it a photogenic spot from any angle. Well-maintained walking paths surround the lighthouse, allowing for enjoyable strolls. Below the lighthouse, steep cliffs spread out, with the sound of waves creating a pleasant rhythm. We enjoyed the magnificent natural scenery while taking a brief rest here.
The chance of encountering sea turtles is quite high on Miyakejima!
⑩ Akaba Akatsuki and Hyotan Mountain
The distinctive shape of Hyotan Mountain, recognizable even from a distance
Proceeding further, we headed to Akaba Akatsuki and Hyotan Mountain. This is a scenic spot where you can feel the power of Miyakejima’s nature.
Akaba Akatsuki and Hyotan Mountain are scenic spots where you can feel the power of Miyakejima’s nature. This was underwater before the 1940 eruption, and the terrain that emerged due to volcanic activity during that time spreads out here. The otherworldly scenery created by red and black earth offers a deeply immersive experience.
The bright red earth of Akaba Akatsuki
As its name suggests, Akaba Akatsuki is characterized by red soil. The terrain formed by volcanic activity gives you the sensation of having wandered into another world. Hyotan Mountain is a distinctively shaped mountain, named so because its form resembles a gourd (hyotan in Japanese).
Tired, so resting while feeling the earth’s breath
We lay down on the ground and took a rest, feeling the heartbeat of the earth. This moment of becoming one with nature in the silence is filled with an indescribable sense of fulfillment. The coastline spread with black-gray sand is a unique landscape not seen elsewhere. While enjoying Miyakejima’s majestic nature, we headed to our next destination.
The black beach is a scenery unique to Miyakejima
⑪ Seidai Store
Seidai Store, which is also a lifeline for local residents, has a rich selection of products!
Next, we stopped at Seidai Store, a shop in the Kamitsuki district. With a product range that’s hard to believe for a remote island, it’s beloved by locals. Since there was a long stretch without stores since departing from Ako, we were finally able to obtain energy. We’ve covered about half the circuit from the starting point, but as the day began to wane and the temperature cooled, we had energy to spare.
Seidai Store is like a supermarket with an abundance of local ingredients and daily necessities. Fresh vegetables, fruits, and locally caught seafood are lined up, offering a delightful selection for tourists too.
Inside the store, locals gather and enjoy shopping. We took a short break here, replenishing our energy for the continued journey by picking up cold drinks. The warm atmosphere and abundant products of Seidai Store allowed us to take a breather in the middle of our journey.
Preview of the Next Article
We’ve finally made it halfway around the island! In the next article, I’ll introduce the remaining route in detail. Beautiful scenery and new discoveries on the eastern side of the island await. Please look forward to it!
