Boraga Beach, Miyakojima

Boraga Beach is located in the southeastern region of Miyakojima Island near Higashi Hennazaki, named after the nearby Boraga Spring that feeds the area. The beach is surrounded by steep cliffs, creating a secluded cove setting with the ocean in front and dramatic rock formations behind. The beach is managed by Boraga Beach Park, which maintains facilities and enables year-round swimming.

The beach's most famous feature is the Pumpkin Limestone Cave, officially called Bora Kuba Kundai Limestone Cave, which contains a distinctive 3-meter-tall pumpkin-shaped stalactite. Locals regard this limestone cave as a sacred religious site and call it the "Dragon Palace" or "Ryugu Castle". According to local belief, visitors who pray atop the pumpkin stalactite before jumping into the water below will have their wishes granted. The cave entrance appears only at low tide when the sea level recedes, and accessing it requires kayaking approximately 10-15 minutes from the beach. In 2022, Okinawa Prefecture certified the "Bora Kuba Kundai Limestone Cave Conservation Utilization Agreement" with 9 approved tour operators to protect this rare geological formation.

Visitors can engage in snorkeling among coral reefs and tropical fish, with opportunities to spot sea turtles and diverse marine life. The beach features a unique swimming pool filled with underground spring water rather than seawater, offering an alternative when ocean conditions are rough. The pool includes an 80-meter waterslide and visitors can move freely between the pool and beach areas. Cave exploration requires booking a guided tour, as independent entry is prohibited for conservation and safety reasons. The beach attracts surfers and maintains a vibrant atmosphere while remaining relatively uncrowded. The beach offers parasol and snorkeling equipment rentals, along with food and beverage services.

Boraga Beach is located 30 minutes by car from Miyakojima Airport and 25 minutes from Miyako Airport. By public transportation, take the Miyako Kyōei Bus Aragasuku Boraga Line from Miyakojima City Hall and get off at Bora stop, followed by a 20-minute walk to the beach. The access road descending to the beach is steep and requires careful driving, especially during wet weather. Pool admission costs ¥500 for adults (high school age and above) and ¥200 for children (ages 4 to middle school). Parasol rentals are available for ¥1,500 each.