Miyakojima Starry Sky & Jungle Night Tour | A 90-Minute Hunt for Nocturnal Wildlife with a Guide

Explore Miyakojima's Night, Flashlight in Hand

Once you've finished a day of sightseeing and dinner, head out into Miyakojima's night with a guide. On this roughly 90-minute tour, you'll carry a flashlight and search for nocturnal creatures and subtropical plants.

Scan the ground at your feet and the gaps between the trees for animals that only come out after dark. Part of the fun is being able to ask your guide on the spot what you've found and how it lives.

On clear nights, you can also enjoy some stargazing. Your guide will take photos throughout the adventure, and you'll receive the image files free of charge. It's a great choice for anyone who wants to experience Miyakojima's nature by night as well as by day.

Safety at PiPi, a "Maru-Yu" Certified Shop

The tour is run by Miyakojima ADVENTURE PiPi, operated by NASH Co., Ltd.

PiPi is certified as a "Safety-Excellent Marine Leisure Provider" (commonly known as "Maru-Yu"), a designation awarded only to operators that meet the safety standards set by the Okinawa Prefectural Public Safety Commission. Only about 3% of operators in Okinawa Prefecture hold Maru-Yu certification (as of August 2025).

From carrying an AED to providing regular safety training for staff, the shop meets strict standards for guide training and operations, so first-timers and families with children can join with peace of mind.

First, Meet Your Guide at the Meeting Point

If you're making your own way there, you'll meet your guide at Ingya Second Parking Lot. Whether or not you use the pick-up service, be sure to check the meeting place and time in the message the shop sends you the day before.

Once you've picked up your flashlight and listened to your guide's briefing, you're off. Wear long sleeves, long pants, socks, and comfortable walking shoes, and use the restroom before meeting up.

Next, Search for Nocturnal Creatures by Flashlight

Together with your guide, you'll scan the ground and the spaces between the trees. One of the highlights is hearing not only about the creatures that come alive at night, but also about the island's distinctive subtropical plants.

If you're lucky, you might even come across a coconut crab with its huge claws. You'll walk through Miyakojima's night while learning the names and habits of the creatures you find. Which animals you'll see depends on conditions on the day.

Your Guide's Photos Capture the Adventure

Your guide takes photos during the tour, and you'll receive the image files for free. Shots of you spotting wildlife, or with the family and friends who joined you, make wonderful travel memories.

Please note that starry sky photography is not included in this plan.

Finally, Look Up at the Stars (Weather Permitting)

Alongside the wildlife search, you can enjoy stargazing when the weather is clear. With little artificial light on Miyakojima, see which stars you can pick out in the night sky.

Visibility depends on cloud cover, the brightness of the moon, and other factors. You won't always see a starry sky or Milky Way like the one in these photos.

FAQ

■ How long is the tour, and what languages are available? About 1 hour 30 minutes, typically running from 20:00 to 21:30. Guiding is available in Japanese and English. The meeting time may vary depending on the season and weather, so please check the information sent the day before.

■ Can children join? The tour is open to ages 3 to 65. For full participation requirements, please check the latest information on the booking site.

■ Where is the meeting point? Is pick-up available? If you're making your own way there, the meeting point is Ingya Second Parking Lot. Free pick-up is available from accommodations anywhere on Miyakojima and Kurima Island. Irabu Island, Shimoji Island, and Ikema Island are outside the pick-up area. Depending on bookings, you may be asked to meet on-site even within the service area. If you'd like pick-up, please check in advance whether it's available for the plan you're booking. The shop will send the meeting place and time the day before your tour.

■ What's included in the price? Gear rental and photo files taken by your guide. Starry sky photography is not included in the plan.

■ Does the tour run in the rain? Will I see the stars? The tour runs in rain, but the stars may not be visible depending on the weather. If it's judged unsafe to operate due to a typhoon, strong winds, or similar conditions, the tour will be canceled and the shop will contact you by the morning of the tour day. In this case, there is no cancellation fee.

■ What is the minimum number of participants? Two. If the minimum isn't met, you can reschedule to another day or cancel free of charge.

■ What should I wear? We recommend long sleeves, long pants, socks, and comfortable walking shoes. There are no restrooms near the site, so please use one before meeting up.

Things to Check Before Booking

• Age range, participation requirements, booking deadline, and cancellation policy
• The meeting time and place sent the day before, and whether pick-up is available
• Bringing long sleeves, long pants, and socks, and using the restroom beforehand
• Stars and wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, and starry sky photography is not included

Summary

If your evening is free after dinner, grab a flashlight and head out on a night adventure. In about 90 minutes, you'll search for wildlife with a guide and, weather permitting, gaze up at the stars.

Ocean by day, jungle by night: why not make the most of Miyakojima's nature from morning to night?