Miyako Island: Stars & Jungle Night Walking Tour

Miyako Island’s Stars & Jungle Night Walking Tour promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a lush subtropical jungle, guided by experts as they search for elusive nocturnal creatures. But the true highlight lies in the breathtaking stargazing, where the Milky Way and celestial wonders come alive, far from the distractions of urban light pollution. It’s an evening adventure that seamlessly blends the wonder of the natural world with the awe-inspiring beauty of the night sky.

This experience made our article of Miyakojima’s Top 11 Tours.

Key Points

• A 1-hour nighttime walking tour through a subtropical jungle on Miyako Island, Japan, exploring the diverse ecosystem and stargazing under limited light pollution.
• The tour is priced from $32.13 per person, available in Japanese and English, and requires a minimum of 2 participants.
• Highlights include searching for nocturnal creatures, gaining insights from knowledgeable guides, and enjoying family-friendly experiences suitable for ages 3 to 65.
• The tour includes an experienced guide, a nighttime walking tour, a flashlight, and liability insurance, with transportation to and from the starting point.
• Certain restrictions apply, such as not being suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, individuals with back/heart problems, wheelchair users, or people over 65.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The "Miyako Island: Stars & Jungle Night Walking Tour" takes visitors on a 1-hour journey through the island’s subtropical jungle environment.

Priced from $32.13 per person, the tour is offered in both Japanese and English.

Departing from Tako Park with ample parking, the tour requires a minimum of 2 participants, with a full refund if the minimum isn’t met.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The family-friendly tour is suitable for ages 3 to 65, though individuals with certain conditions may be restricted.

Experience Highlights

Visitors can explore the subtropical jungle environment featuring unique flora and fauna on the Miyako Island: Stars & Jungle Night Walking Tour.

This family-friendly experience allows guests to search for nocturnal creatures like coconut crabs and enjoy starry skies due to limited light pollution.

The tour highlights include:

1. Discovering the diverse subtropical jungle ecosystem.
2. Searching for elusive nocturnal creatures.
3. Appreciating the clear night sky and stargazing.
4. Gaining insights from knowledgeable guides.

The tour is suitable for ages 3 to 65, making it an enjoyable outing for the whole family.

Tour Inclusions and Restrictions

The Miyako Island: Stars & Jungle Night Walking Tour includes an experienced guide, the nighttime walking tour itself, a flashlight, liability insurance, and transportation to and from the starting point.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, individuals with back or heart problems, wheelchair users, or people over 65.

Participants are advised to bring comfortable shoes, water, insect repellent, and a flashlight.

Smoking, alcohol, drugs, littering, baby carriages, and touching animals or plants are strictly prohibited.

The tour proceeds in rain unless safety is compromised, but wildlife sightings and star visibility can’t be guaranteed.

What to Bring and Not Allowed

Participants are advised to bring a few essential items for the Miyako Island: Stars & Jungle Night Walking Tour. This includes:

• Comfortable shoes to navigate the uneven terrain
• Water to stay hydrated during the one-hour excursion
• Insect repellent to ward off any curious mosquitoes
• A flashlight to supplement the guide’s lighting

Certain items are strictly prohibited on the tour, including smoking, alcohol, drugs, and littering.

Baby carriages and touching the local flora and fauna are also not permitted. Participants should follow the guide’s instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

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Exploring the Subtropical Jungle

As the night tour commences, participants explore the lush, subtropical jungle environment of Miyako Island.

Towering trees, verdant foliage, and a diverse array of unique flora and fauna create an immersive experience. Guides point out rare plants, instruct on their uses, and caution against touching certain species.

Guests scan the undergrowth for nocturnal creatures like the elusive coconut crab, whose massive claws can grow as large as a human hand.

The dense jungle canopy filters moonlight, casting an ethereal glow over the path as the group ventures deeper into this captivating natural wonderland.

Searching for Nocturnal Creatures

Guides lead participants on a careful search for nocturnal creatures scurrying through the jungle shadows.

The tour focuses on spotting:

1. Coconut crabs, the world’s largest land crab, with their distinctive red-tipped claws.
2. Tree-dwelling geckos, blending seamlessly with the bark, their large eyes scanning for insects.
3. Nocturnal birds like the Ryukyu scops owl, their eerie calls echoing through the canopy.
4. Bioluminescent fungi, their ghostly glow illuminating the forest floor.

Though sightings aren’t guaranteed, the thrill of the hunt and the chance encounters make this a truly immersive experience in Miyako Island’s vibrant nocturnal ecosystem.

Stargazing in the Dark Sky

With Miyako Island’s limited light pollution, the night sky comes alive in a stunning display of celestial wonder.

Guests on the tour can marvel at the countless stars twinkling overhead, far brighter than in many other parts of the world. The guides provide expert commentary, pointing out constellations and sharing insights about the cosmos.

On clear nights, the Milky Way stretches across the sky in a breathtaking sight. Stargazers may even spot shooting stars or catch a glimpse of the International Space Station passing by.

This unique experience allows visitors to escape the urban glow and enjoy the natural beauty of the night.

Tour Logistics and Considerations

The night walking tour starts at Tako Park, where ample parking is available for guests.

Participants can expect a 1-hour guided exploration through the subtropical jungle, with knowledgeable guides providing insights into the local flora and fauna.

The tour is family-friendly, suitable for ages 3 to 65, but certain restrictions apply:

1. Not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, individuals with back/heart problems, wheelchair users, or people over 65.
2. Smoking, alcohol, drugs, littering, and touching animals/plants are strictly prohibited.
3. Guests should bring comfortable shoes, water, insect repellent, and a flashlight.
4. The tour proceeds in rain unless safety is compromised, but wildlife sightings and star visibility can’t be guaranteed.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour information states that baby carriages are also not permitted, indicating that only registered service animals would be permitted to accompany guests.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Children?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or children. However, it’s family-friendly and suitable for ages 3 to 65, though children under 3 are not allowed on the tour.

What Happens if the Tour Is Cancelled Due to Weather?

If the tour is cancelled due to weather, you will receive a full refund. The company prioritizes safety and won’t proceed if conditions compromise it. Tour schedules may vary by season and weather.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Guests are generally allowed to take photos during the tour, though they should avoid disrupting the experience or damaging the environment. It’s best to check with the tour guides regarding any specific photo policies or restrictions.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Limited Mobility?

The tour is not suitable for people with limited mobility. It’s not recommended for wheelchair users or individuals with back/heart problems. However, the tour is family-friendly and suitable for ages 3 to 65 with no mobility issues.

Sum Up

The Miyako Island: Stars & Jungle Night Walking Tour promises an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts. Enjoy the lush subtropical jungle, search for intriguing nocturnal creatures, and marvel at the stunning night sky free from light pollution. Guided by knowledgeable experts, this captivating 1-hour tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the island’s captivating ecosystem and celestial wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here: