Here’s the previous article!
In the previous article, I introduced the route from Oike Pond to Kamitsuki. This time, I’ll bring you an experience report on the remaining route from the halfway point around the island. Let’s resume our cycling adventure along with Miyakejima’s beautiful nature.
⑫ Miyake Branch Office
After cycling for several dozen minutes from the Seidai Store in the Kamitsuki district, we finally arrived at the Miyake Branch Office, which is the “starting point” of our cycling journey. Despite being the location of the branch office, it’s not particularly bustling, and Miyakejima doesn’t have a clear central area. Since functions are distributed across different districts, everywhere has a quiet and calm atmosphere.
The Miyake Branch Office is where the island’s administrative agencies are gathered, and it’s an important hub essential to islanders’ lives. However, it doesn’t have the vibrancy of a tourist spot. Its very quietness makes it a healing place that helps you forget the hustle and bustle of city life. Lush nature surrounds the area, and you can spend relaxed time listening to birds chirping.
We took a short break here before continuing our journey. There are small restaurants and shops scattered near the Miyake Branch Office where locals gather, and it’s interesting to spend a leisurely time absorbing the local atmosphere.
⑬ Tomoji Bridge
As the day gradually waned and approached dusk, a magnificent blue bridge appeared before us: Tomoji Bridge. While not a famous tourist destination, its presence shines distinctively.
Tomoji Bridge is an excellent spot to enjoy the island’s natural scenery. The view of the sea from the bridge is spectacular, making you feel as if your heart is being cleansed. The sunset reflecting on the sea surface, dyeing the water with orange light, is like a painting. Thickets and rocky areas spread out on both sides of the bridge, allowing you to feel the power of nature. Taking a moment to stand on the bridge, gazing at the magnificent scenery before you as the pleasant sea breeze passes through – it’s a moment where you can feel at one with nature.
⑭ Okubo Beach
Next, we visited Okubo Beach, a beach characterized by its beautiful sea that is also popular as a snorkeling and diving spot. Actually, we had visited here by car in the morning and enjoyed diving with sea turtles.
Okubo Beach is known for its highly transparent water quality and beautiful sandy beach. As you approach the coast, crystal blue waters spread out, taking your breath away with their beauty. Colorful fish swim in the shallows, making it an ideal place for snorkeling. Especially, encountering sea turtles is a valuable experience unique to this beach.
Looking down at Okubo Beach, the colors of the evening sky combine to create an emotional atmosphere. The sunset reflects on the sea surface, creating a fantastical landscape. If we had visited a little earlier, we could have enjoyed playing in the tidal pools. Next time, I’d like to visit earlier and fully enjoy the beauty of the sea.
⑮ Izu Cape Lighthouse
With the setting sun alongside us, we continued westward. After cycling about 3km, we turned off the Miyake Circuit Road onto a side road, proceeded along a coastal path, and reached the Izu Cape Lighthouse before the sun completely set. This is an area of Miyakejima with particularly few streetlights and is also popular as a stargazing spot.
The Izu Cape Lighthouse is a beautiful lighthouse with a symbolic white tower. From the lighthouse, you can overlook the Pacific Ocean, and it has a particularly romantic atmosphere at dusk. Wind-swaying grasslands spread around the lighthouse, and as you walk through them, you feel as if time has stopped.
The sunset viewed from the lighthouse is extremely beautiful, with a perfect contrast between the reddening sky and sea. As the sunset sinks, the sky turns purple and pink, and at the moment of sunset, there’s a quiet emotion that signifies the end of the day. However, since there are no streetlights, it becomes completely dark after the sun sets. To avoid danger, we decided to return to the Miyake Circuit Road before it got completely dark.
⑯ Volcanic Experience Walking Trail
The road continued through mountain paths for a while, and combined with it being completely dark, it was quite thrilling. Safety first, we proceeded cautiously. Around the time we passed through the Igaya district, we reached the Volcanic Experience Walking Trail, which is a tourist spot, but since it was pitch dark and we couldn’t see anything, we passed through without getting off our bicycles. Next time, I’d like to visit during daylight hours to experience the power of the volcano.
The mountain path has intense ups and downs, and the occasional sounds of animals crying and the wind heighten the tension. Cycling in the darkness requires extra caution as visibility is limited, but the sense of accomplishment is greater as a result. After passing through the Igaya mountain road, the scenery expands even more, allowing you to feel Miyakejima’s diverse nature.
⑰ Furusato no Yu (Hot Spring)
After a journey of 6 hours in total (including detours), we returned to the Ako district, our starting point. The final destination of our cycling journey is “Furusato no Yu.” Here, along with hot springs, there is one of the few dining places on the island.
While we would have loved to wash off our sweat in Miyakejima’s mineral-rich hot springs and then enjoy a beer with the island’s local produce at the dining area, we had to restrain ourselves as we still needed to cycle to our lodge. We healthily toasted with tea instead of beer, celebrating the completion of our 30km long journey.
Furusato no Yu is a hot spring facility loved by locals and tourists alike. The hot spring heals tired bodies and provides excellent relaxation effects. Soaking in the bath, you can soothe the day’s fatigue and refresh both mind and body. Inside the facility, there’s also a restaurant where you can enjoy meals using local specialties, so do consider using it to conclude your journey.
What Did You Think?
Throughout all four parts of this series, the cycling journey around Miyakejima was a continuous encounter with natural beauty. While hearing about a 30km circuit around the island might seem daunting, looking back, it was a very fulfilling journey. What we felt and saw at each destination enriched our travel memories.
Stay tuned for our next journey discovering new charms of Miyakejima.
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