The life on Miyakejima is very relaxing. Working from sunrise and resting at sunset, the people of Miyakejima don't have the stress faced by those living in cities such as Tokyo and Osaka; so that they can leisurely listen to the tide coming and going, and watch the sunrise and the sunset. They are very satisfied with this kind of life.

What the people of Miyakejima face, though, are natural disasters, as the island's volcano often erupts.

Magma covers most of the island's area, and has destroyed the homes of many people. Rising up again, the adorable folks of Miyakejima are resilient and determined.
They have experienced destruction and rebirth.

Miyakejima is located approximately 180 km southwest of Tokyo.
If you choose to travel by plane, you can opt for the direct flights provided by New Central Airservice, which operates three round trips daily. The flight takes approximately 40-50 minutes. Alternatively, you can choose the Tokyo Love Land Shuttle helicopter operated by Toho Air Service, which takes longer but allows you to enjoy many scenic views.

If you travel by ferry, you can use the services of Tokai Kisen. The ferry departs from Tokyo Takeshiba Pier (Hamamatsucho Station or Takeshiba Station) at 10:30pm. After approximately six and a half hours, you arrive at Miyakejima.
Taking a ferry to Miyakejima can save you one night of accommodation, and the prices are cheaper compared to plane tickets. Therefore, I chose the ferry for my outbound journey.

If you're planning to explore the island, I recommend using electric-assist bicycles for a green, environmentally friendly, and convenient way of sightseeing.
You can rent these electric-assist bicycles from the Miyakejima Tourism Association. Such bicycles are only available there. Other places such as hotels or guesthouses only offer regular bicycles that require self-pedaling, which can be tiring.

The scenery on the island is truly stunning. While you are leisurely riding the electric-assist bicycle along the roads, you'll be greeted by sunshine, beaches, and the soothing sounds of the waves. Though there may not be cactuses, there are vast expanses of green vegetation to accompany you along the way.

We all know Japanese cuisine is delicate and delicious. Apart from the numerous snacks available, noodles and set meals are the most consumed. Set meals are considerably more consumed. They follow standardized portions based on scientific criteria, which is why they're called set meals.

Since ancient times, Miyakejima has had the highest frequency of volcanic eruptions among the Izu Islands. According to historical records, since 1085, eruptions occurred in 1154, 1469, 1535, 1595, 1643, 1712, 1763, 1811, 1835, 1874, 1940, 1962, 1983, and 2000.
The most devastating eruption to hit Miyakejima occurred in 1983. Following the eruption, the island's area was reduced to only one-third of its original size, with the remainder being engulfed by searing, charred magma.

However, Miyakejima has a remarkable resilience. Despite such a devastating disaster, the island has not been buried into the depths of history or reduced to dust. Miyakejima, much like the plants sprouting anew from the darkened lava, was reborn. Despite its diminished size, the love and attachment the islanders hold for it haven`t diminished.
A similar event ocurred in 2000 again when the volcano erupted once more, forcing the islanders to evacuate. This time, the evacuation lasted for five years. It wasn't until 2005, when the volcanic activity ceased, that they gradually returned to the island.

Miyakejima also offers opportunities for diving. There are facilities on the island that provide gear for rent for visitors interested in diving. Of course, if you have no prior experience, it's advisable to engage in this activity under the guidance of professionals.

As a result of the disasters caused by volcanic eruptions and the numerous legends and mythical stories passed down on the island, there are many shrines on Miyakejima. There are as many as 70 registered shrines on the island. Including the unrecorded ones, the total number is estimated to exceed 100.

Lighthouses are situated at regular intervals on the island. They are all white and shaped like square pillars with circular structures on top, used for signaling or as a source of light. Depending on various requirements, different colored lights and different types of steady or flashing lights are set up. The lights generally range from 15 to 25 nautical miles.

I didn't grow up by the sea, so I'm quite interested in the things I could only see on TV before. This island trip has taught me quite a lot of practical things.

In Miyakekyodo Museum, there are many materials about the past and the present of Miyakejima. Inside, we can see many historical stories and learn about cultural aspects of Miyakejima, including its several transformations, numerous volcanic eruptions, as well as the legends and the myths passed down about Miyakejima.

The Akakokko-kan in the Bird Sanctuary showcases some rare bird species, offering educational displays about their appearance, habits, and other related knowledge.

This is the Nanajima Observatory, that will blow you away with its scenery.
Why was it given this name? Because at this observatory, seven islands are depicted. By aligning your line of sight with the island directly in front of you, you can match it with the corresponding island depicted on the observation deck.
The seven Izu Islands are: Oshima, Toshima, Niijima, Kozushima, Miyakejima, Mikurajima, and Hachijojima.

Chotaro Pond is the favorite spot for local children. Here you can watch the waves crashing against the rocks, feel carefree and playful, and indulge in the slow-paced life- all that is incredibly appealing.

I like Satado Cape the most. People can watch the scenery here, invite old friends for fishing, and return home in the evening with the catch. Their life is so peaceful. Every day they get close to the sea and embrace the ocean breeze.
On the island the nights are quiet, the gentle lapping of the waves rocking the fishing boats. People of all ages as if resting their heads on the waves, sleep with sweet smiles on their faces.

Although my time on Miyakejima was short, I fully felt the beauty of the island.
Miyakejima is beautiful. Fishing boats singing at dusk, azure waves under the blue sky... It's completely untainted.
Miyakejima is very tranquil, leisurely and relaxing, far away from the hustle and bustle of the world.
Miyakejima, constantly undergoing destruction and rebirth. I want to spend my life here with you.