The Blue World Kerama

The Kerama Islands archipelago is an idyllic place for a holiday, especially for those who enjoy hiking, beachcombing, whale watching, snorkeling and diving. The breathtaking blue of the ocean surrounding these islands is so distinctive that its hue has been given the name Kerama blue.

Tokashiki Island

Tokashiki Island is the largest of the Kerama Islands: on its northwest coast lies the village of Tokashiku, while to the southwest is the village of Aharen.
There are many great beaches on the island, but Aharen and Tokashiki are great for snorkeling. The marine life here is exceptional, with a large number of sea turtles.

Aharen Beach is the larger of the two beaches and right next to it is the Kubandaki Observatory, which offers a magnificent view of the islands and the coast.

Tokashiki Beach is smaller and less suitable for diving, but is great for swimming and sunbathing. Around Tokashiki Beach are wooded hills with hiking trails and excellent observation points.

Zamami Island

Despite being the second largest of the Kerama Islands, Zamami Island has numerous hiking trails through tree-lined hills, although it is the beaches that make it such a popular destination.
From Zamami Port, going east for 20 minutes you will reach Furuzamami Beach and going west at the same time, you will reach Ama Beach. Both are beautiful beaches suitable for diving or glass bottom boat tours.

Furozamami Beach with clear waters and abundant marine life offers opportunities for snorkeling and swimming.

An important feature that makes Ama Beach suitable for families is the shallow water, but swimming out to sea allows you to see the coral reef and marine life. Ama Beach is the quieter of the two main beaches and occasionally sea turtles can be spotted swimming in the clear waters.

Aka Island

Aka Island is characterized by magnificent beaches and unspoiled nature, here the Ryukyu sika, the protected species of deer typical of Japan, run free and can even be seen swimming between one island and another.

Nishibama Beach is the most beautiful in all of Aka. It is a 30-minute walk from the port. A bridge connects Aka Island to Geruma and Fukaji Islands. They are less frequented, but they are worth a visit because their beaches are beautiful and the blue Kerama is everywhere.

Between January and March, other welcome guests appear in the sea around the Kerama Islands: humpback whales. After feeding off the coast of Alaska for most of the year, they swim to the Kerama Islands to give birth and raise their calves in warmer waters.

While marine activities make up the majority of Zamami's attractions, hiking is also a pleasant way to get up close to the local flora and fauna. There are numerous observatories scattered around the hilly island that offer views of the island and the surrounding coastline: Takatsuki Observatory, Kaminohama Observatory, Inazaki Observatory.

How to get there

The islands can be reached by ferry from Naha.
High-speed ferries depart from Tomari Port in Naha to three of the Kerama Islands: Tokashiki Island, 3 trips per day lasting approximately 35 minutes, Zamami Island, 4-6 trips per day lasting 50-70 minutes, and Aka Island, 1-2 trips per day lasting 50 minutes.
Once you arrive, you can always move by ferry from one island to another.