HK Express Announces First-ever Direct International Service to Shimojishima in the Miyako Islands

Hong Kong, 21 February 2019 Hong Kong-based airline HK Express is gearing up to launch the first direct service between Hong Kong and Shimojishima, part of the Miyako Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. Starting from 19 July 2019, the route will operate every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday*.

To share the excitement with its valued guests, HK Express is offering special introductory deals from now until 24 February (23:59): one-way tickets to Miyako-Shimojishima starting from HKD178**. Travellers can enjoy a flexible travel period anytime from 19 July to 26 October 2019.

The highly anticipated Miyako-Shimojishima route will operate three days a week at optimal times, enabling long weekends or extended trips. The route answers a call from Hongkongers for seaside destinations: Okinawa ranked among the most-searched destinations amongst Hong Kong travellers.

One of the best things about visiting the Miyako Islands is the connectivity. A series of graceful sea bridges connects Shimojishima with surrounding islets for easy island hopping and an open-jaw itinerary. Known as one of the best spots for snorkelling and diving in all of Japan, Miyakojima is the largest among the Miyako Islands, about 300 kilometres southwest of Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture. This is a beach lover’s paradise: Travellers can soak up the sun on one of the dozens of powder-white beaches, including 7-kilometre-long Yonaha-Maehama Beach on the main island, which ranks as one of Japan’s best beaches. Diving and snorkeling hold equal allure, thanks coral reefs that are teeming with manta rays and neon-hued fish.

Families, meanwhile, will love the island's glass-bottomed boat rides, offering amazing views of crystal-clear water and technicolour fish underfoot. Out and about, discover otherworldly rock formations peppered around the coastlines, relaxing seaside walking trails, and a verdant botanical garden (home to over 40,000 trees and 1,600 kinds of plants) to round out the perfect outdoorsy getaway.

“Japan has long been a popular destination among our intrepid guests, and we are delighted to expand the possibilities even further,” said Jonathan Hutt, Commercial Director of HK Express. “HK Express currently operates 11 routes to Japan, including Tokyo-Haneda and Narita, Osaka-Kansai, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Takamatsu, and more. Our new route to Miyako-Shimojishima will finally put this hidden gem on the map.”

“I am greatly delighted with the decision by HK Express to fly from Hong Kong to Shimojishima. My heartfelt appreciation goes to the airline and all the relevant individuals who have put tremendous efforts to make it happen,” shared Denny Tamaki, Governor of Okinawa Prefectural Government. “Shimojishima Airport, situated in Okinawa’s Miyako Region is a resort airport, unparalleled to any others in Japan, with its magnificent natural beauty in the surrounding areas. It is my utmost pleasure that the news of the launch comes with the opening of the new airport. I will continue to work together with HK Express and all the relevant parties to encourage more and more people in Hong Kong and the neighboring regions to visit Miyako.”

“It is my great pleasure to welcome HK Express to become the very first international airline to launch the operation at Shimojishima Airport. I would like to express my deep appreciation to all teams including HK Express which has provided its greatest support for making the route fly,” said Kentaro Tomono, President and Chief Executive Officer of Shimijishima Airport Management Co., Ltd. “This Hong Kong-Miyako (Shimojishima) route will be the first scheduled international route for Shimojishima Airport, and it is expected to directly connect the Miyako Islands and countries abroad, which will further bring the new economic and cultural exchange. Shimojishima Airport, together with HK Express, wish to continue contributing to energize the region of the Miyako Islands.”