In the previous article, I introduced how the cycling journey around Miyakejima Island is beginner-friendly and enjoyable. This time, I’ll provide an experience report of the route from Ako to Nippana. Let’s immerse ourselves in the charm of cycling while experiencing Miyakejima’s nature and culture. The route introduced here covers approximately one-third of the island circuit. I’ll introduce the remaining portions in the next article.
I’ll explain the stopping points in the order of the numbers on the map
This journey starts at the Miyakejima Tourism Association, proceeds through gourmet spots and cafes in the Ako district, and continues along the route to Nippana Shinzan and Oike Pond. Note that Miyakejima cycling typically follows the island’s only main road, the “Miyake Circuit Road.” We also enjoyed cycling along the Miyake Circuit Road, occasionally taking detours onto side roads. Now, let me explain each location while numbering them on the map.
① Starting Point: Miyakejima Tourism Association
The journey begins at the Miyakejima Tourism Association in the Ako area, after replacing the bicycle battery!
Gather maps and information at the Miyakejima Tourism Association, which serves as the base for your journey, and prepare for your trip. The information available here covers tourist spots and recommended routes across the entire island, allowing even beginners to enjoy cycling with peace of mind. After checking the bicycle and replacing the battery, it’s time to depart.
② Filling Up in the Ako District: Hirano Shokudo
Let’s fill up before the long journey at Hirano Shokudo in the Ako district. Here, you can enjoy the island’s specialty cuisine, Island Nori Ramen. The rich island seaweed floating in the piping hot soup will blow away your travel fatigue. With one sip, the aroma and flavor of seaweed spread throughout your mouth, offering a dish where you can truly feel the island’s bounty. With energy stored, we head to the next destination.
③ Caffeine Boost: CAFE691 (Okikura Store)
Take a break at CAFE691 (Okikura Store) next to Hirano Shokudo and enjoy some coffee. This café is also known as a bouldering mecca, with the owner being passionate about the sport.
They also sell many original goods
There’s a bouldering wall inside the store, making it a spot visited by famous figures in the bouldering world. It’s interesting to enjoy delicious coffee while watching bouldering in this space filled with the owner’s dedication. To conserve our energy, we didn’t try bouldering and headed to our next destination.
After loading up on caffeine, we finally aim to circle the island
④ Togahama Beach
This photo was taken on a different day, but the area around Togahama is full of refreshing feeling with endless meadows.
The full-scale cycling finally begins. Departing from the Ako district, let’s circle the island counterclockwise. About 2km from Ako is Togahama. While it’s a beach, the gray gravel shore created by the volcanic island’s geology offers an interesting landscape you don’t often see. It’s also popular as a snorkeling spot.
An aerial shot. The gradient created by the meadow, gravel beach, and beautiful sea is a must-see!
⑤ Nippana Shinzan
The road to the next destination, Nippana, has particularly intense ups and downs!
Walking along the gravel road to Nippana
Pedal uphill for about 5 kilometers toward Nippana Shinzan. Nippana Shinzan features a unique landscape formed by volcanic activity that overwhelms visitors.
The unexpectedly steep cliff made everyone feel like we were on the set of a suspense drama!
Hunched over, we walked toward the edge of the cliff
At Nippana Shinzan, created by volcanic terrain, lava plateaus spread out, and their rugged appearance conveys the power of the earth. Especially when flying a drone and taking aerial photographs, a fantastical landscape appears as if paint has been spilled. You can go to the edge of the cliff, but caution is necessary due to the risk of falling.
This is how it looks from above. The red earth evokes the intensity of volcanic activity.
As a side note, we encountered a giant frog near the public toilet close to Nippana. On Miyakejima, creatures like frogs and hermit crabs are surprisingly large for an island this size, and their presence is astonishing.
Island-sized frog
Continuous Fun and Discovery
While cycling around Miyakejima’s 30km circuit might sound intimidating, thanks to electric-assist bicycles, you actually progress smoothly and the journey ends before you know it. Beautiful nature and interesting spots are scattered along the way, offering new discoveries with each visit.
In the next article, I’ll introduce the remaining route around the island in detail. Enjoy your cycling journey while savoring Miyakejima’s nature and culture. Look forward to the continued adventure!
