By car
By car
DAIKO
Don't drive drunk on Miyako! They have a very nice service called "DAIKO." Local, sober people will drive you, your buddies and your car home for a very reasonable fee, probably no more than ¥2,000, no strings attached. It is completely safe and legit. Ask at your watering hole or in most parking lots.
Car rental is fairly expensive and scooter and bicycle rental isn't much cheaper. That being said, having your own transportation is key to enjoying what Miyako has to offer. There are several national agencies at the airport charging ¥5,000+ per day. NOTE: You must have an International Driver's Permit and a valid driver's license to drive in Japan. Options:
Kagisuma Rent-a-Car
This is a local operation run by a very nice couple. While the cars are well maintaned and fully insured, they are a private fleet. Please be respectful. Remove all your trash and empties, and fill the tank before returning the car. It is possible to arrange to drop off your car at the airport, lock the keys in the car and phone to tell them the parking space.
Tomikusa Motors
50cc scooter ¥2,000/day Mountain Bike ¥1,500/day
By taxi
Taxis are a viable option especially if two or more people are heading to one location for the day. Expect to pay about ¥2,000 from downtown Hirara to Maehama Beach, and arrange for return.
By bus
Public transportation on Miyako is limited to buses that run every couple hours. Though they are fairly cheap max ¥500 one way, they are inconvenient and seem to run on island time. Ask for information at your lodge or hotel, but don't be surprised if they don't have any more information than what is printed in the local tourist magazines.