Enjoy marine activities

Tamao, who has visited Miyakojima several times for free diving, is a yogi who loves surfing, SUP, free diving, and other ocean-related activities. The island's colorful coral reefs and shallow, white-sand beaches are a sight to behold, rivaling those of remote islands overseas. In addition to diving, there's a wide variety of activities to enjoy in this environment, including snorkeling, SUP, and surfing.

Tamanao, who said he'd always wanted to surf on this island, headed straight for Yoshino Beach on the east side of the island. This is one of Miyakojima's most popular surf spots. While accessible from the beach, the distance to the beach is over 100 meters, and the waves change dramatically, making it a spot for intermediate surfers and above. The surfing situation on Miyakojima is a little different from the main island and other remote islands. The waves are only available for about two hours before and after high tide. This island boasts some of the best beach breaks, and razor-sharp reefs are exposed at low tide.

"That's what nature is all about when it comes to activities. Nature has its own rhythm and doesn't adapt to human convenience or circumstances. The only way to enjoy it is to respect nature and live alongside it. This is what makes you humble and focus on each and every surf. The key to enjoying the outdoors is to make the most of the given situation."

Through surfing, I also had the wonderful opportunity to meet some local surfers. Naoya Taira, owner of the surf shop "SWELL," is a key figure in the local surf scene. We hit it off thanks to a mutual acquaintance. "I want to nurture young local surfers so that Miyakojima's unique ocean culture and climate can be passed on to the next generation," says Taira. "The new culture we bring from outside the island and the culture and history cherished by the local people can be shared, and by sharing each of these things, I hope to further expand the world of the ocean," says Tamao. Using the common language of surfing, we paint a picture of the future of this island, where people and nature are intimately intertwined.

Sea activities on Miyako Island aren't limited to high tide. Take snorkeling, for example. Ogami Island, located 4km north-northeast of Miyako Island, is the island's most powerful spot and known for its vast colonies of genus coral. Enjoy an underwater stroll to see this rare coral, found only around Ikema Island and Ogami Island on Miyako Island. Behind the snorkel mask, you'll see bright blue coral, colorful fish, and sea turtles. Wearing his mask and fins, TAMAO swims freely among the many sea creatures that come and go.

"I started freediving after surfing. It's the ultimate minimalist pastime, allowing you to explore the ocean with only minimal equipment. Snorkeling is similar; the minimalist equipment allows you to directly feel a connection between you and the sea."

What emerges from this underwater scene is a profound, sacred world that even inspires awe. TAMAO wants more people to experience the mysteries that live in the ocean, which is more than just beautiful. He believes that a snorkeling experience in Miyakojima can be a gateway to this world.

A journey in search of the "special moment." For Hotel Locus guests, the closest playground is Painagama Beach, within walking distance of the city center. Its location allows for spectacular sunsets. TAMAO's activity of choice here is SUP.

"The appeal of SUP is riding from a high vantage point. You can ride the waves or cruise while enjoying the scenery. You can choose the riding style that suits the conditions. The buoyancy makes it easy for beginners, and the range of activities is wide. You can load up your camping gear and travel from beach to beach or island to island, or enjoy surfing with your dog. You can even do yoga or fish on an SUP."

SUP yoga while watching the sunset, which changes from pale pink to crimson to pale purple. Sun salutations enveloped in the divine light of the sunset rising from the horizon. An early morning run along the winding road that leads to the sea at Cape Higashi-Hennazaki. Tamao describes this island, which seems to condense the energy of life, as a "paradise of water and sky." The generous curve of the horizon, the way the boundaries of sky and sea blend together, and the transition from sunset to sunrise and then to a starry sky were all witnessed up close, both in the water and under the sky. Tamao hopes to share the power of this island that she has experienced with many women by hosting yoga retreats based at Hotel Locus. Her active programs, centered around yoga, surfing, snorkeling, and SUP, are carried out in partnership with trusted locals. Her hope is that the locals themselves will discover Miyakojima's hidden charms. Naturally, she also intends to further deepen her enjoyment of the island.

"Next, I'd like to cycle around the island and find some special locations." In addition to cycling, she could load her SUP with camping gear and explore underwater caves, or pitch a tent on the beach and camp under the stars. The speed of running, cycling, and SUP are well suited to this island. It's these kinds of leisurely journeys that offer the chance to encounter breathtaking, miraculous scenes.