One of the best resort areas in Okinawa! Enjoy the Kerama Islands!
Table of Contents
What are the Kerama Islands like?
The Kerama Islands are a tropical resort area that, despite being in Japan, does not feel at all like Japan.
It is 40 km west of the southern part of the main island of Okinawa and is formed by more than 20 islands.
Administratively, the village is divided into Tokashiki Village, centering on Tokashiki Island, and Zamami Village, centering on Zamami Island, but the beauty of the sea cannot be divided only by logic or distance.
This is because both areas are home to some of the clearest waters in the world, the waters of Keramas, and are packed with the workings of Mother Nature.
The area is also home to schools of humpback whales, loggerhead turtles, green turtles, and hawksbill turtles, as well as coral spawning and other natural activities.
Attractions of Kerama
The clarity of the sea and its blue color are the main attractions of Kerama.
It is only in Kerama that you can enjoy snorkeling and various other marine activities in such beautiful waters.
Not only inhabited islands, but also uninhabited and uninhabited islands can be easily reached by small local boats.
Kerama blue that fascinates the world
The sea of Kerama is so attractive that most people who have visited Kerama at least once want to go back to see it again.
The crystal clear waters support an ecosystem of numerous living creatures.
Divers from around the world have praised the Kerama Sea for such a spectacular sight, and the expression "Kerama blue" has even been coined.
It is no exaggeration to say that it is truly the Keramas blue that fascinates the world.
A sanctuary for marine activities
Numerous marine activities can be enjoyed in Kerama.
From snorkeling, where you can enjoy what's under the sea with simple equipment, to skin diving to scuba diving, which requires heavy equipment.
SUPs, kayaks, and canoes that can be paddled freely on their own on the sea.
Banana boats and parasailing are pulled by motorboats.
Depending on the season, all kinds of other marine activities can be enjoyed in the waters of Kerama, including whale watching and encounters with sea turtles.
Magnificent Nature
Kerama has islands of various sizes scattered throughout the sea.
The beautiful sea, the green island, the island's pure white sandy beaches, and the blue of the sky and such colors blend together to create a wonderful landscape.
The creatures of the great outdoors that appear there.
During the winter season, pods of humpback whales visit these Kerama waters to breed.
You can see the male's flamboyant performance to appeal to the female.
The scene is magnificent itself.
They then work hard to raise their young, and eventually return to the northern seas around April when winter ends.
In addition to this, various other creatures also take on new life throughout the year, such as sea turtles spawning and coral spawning.
Another characteristic of Kerama is the presence of endemic species not only in the sea, but also in the birds that fly in the sky and the flora and fauna that inhabit the island.
Attraction of Kerama Blue
The words "blue ocean" would not be enough to describe the Keramas blue.
The Keramas blue is created when that blue changes from moment to moment depending on the time of day, the position of the sun, the depth of the ocean, wave action, and various other factors.
Moreover, the clarity of the seawater is unparalleled.
It is therefore no wonder that divers from all over the world are attracted to the area.
Okinawa's leading resort Kerama
Kerama is one of the best resorts in Okinawa, where many people want to return and enjoy their stay.
It is not just a place for sightseeing, but a place to share good times with individuals, families, or even casual friends.
Facilities and services are available for them to spend their time as they wish in an environment away from everyday life.
Attractiveness as a resort
The fact that you will never get bored even if you stay for a long period of time is the greatest attraction of Kerama as a resort.
Surrounded by great nature, Kerama offers spectacular daily views just by staying there, without spending any special money.
In addition, many places offer excellent facilities, a variety of prepared marine activities, and active enjoyment services.
Tropical mood for maximum relaxation.
To be able to relax and have quiet time to ourselves in a warm land is a luxurious moment.
Kerama is the place to enjoy this luxury.
Enjoy your own time in a warm southern country, undisturbed.
Let's spend a relaxing time in the great outdoors!
Wherever you go in the islands of Kerama, you can get in touch with nature in its own way.
Climb to the top of the hill and you will have a spectacular view of the surrounding islands, the sea, and the sky, and you can also meet the animals that inhabit the islands.
For example, Kerama deer, a species unique to Kerama.
Kerama deer are smaller than regular deer.
Some believe that it originated when it was sent from Kagoshima when Okinawa was still the Ryukyu Kingdom, but today it is a national natural treasure found only on the four islands of Kerama.
Many other creatures are endemic to the Ryukyu Islands.
At night, you will be captivated by the beauty of the starry sky.
It can be said that only in Kerama can you spend time relaxing in such a great natural environment.
complete set of facilities
All accommodations in Kerama are well equipped.
You can choose a hotel that offers restaurants and parking, as well as free Wi-Fi, concierge services, an outdoor pool, and a bar, depending on the purpose for which you are using the hotel.
Five recommended resorts
The choice of resort depends on whether you want to spend time alone or in a group, and whether you are looking for a short-term or long-term stay.
Here are five such recommended resorts for your purposes.
Everywhere is full of charm as a resort.
Tokaic Marine Village
Tokashiki Marine Village is the only beachside resort in the Kerama Islands.
The view from the beachside is the best location.
Attractiveness as a resort
The biggest attraction is that every room has a view of the beach right in front of you.
Several green turtles live in this area, and the probability of encountering one is very high during the morning and evening hours.
Humpback whales can be seen offshore during the winter months.
Directions from Naha Airport and Tokashiki Port
Address: 1919-1, Tokashiki, Tokashiki Village, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa 901-3501, Japan
From Naha Airport, we will first go to Tomari Port.
It takes about 10 minutes by car.
If you use the Yui Rail, take the train from Naha Airport Station and get off at Miebashi Station, about 14 minutes away.
It is a 10-minute walk from Miebashi Station to Tomari Port.
From Tomari Port, it takes about 35 minutes by high-speed boat and 70 minutes by ferry to reach Tokashiki Port.
It takes about 10 minutes from Tokashiki Port by hotel shuttle bus.
Kerama Terrace
With a restaurant, bar, garden, and free parking, Keramas Terrace is a 3-star resort.
You can also enjoy a barbecue in the garden, and there is a Jacuzzi in the garden to relax after returning from the sea.
It is a short walk to Tokashiku Beach and Okinawa Coast National Monument.
It offers free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and concierge services.
Attractiveness as a resort
In any case, all the facilities are well cared for and cleaned.
The attentiveness of the staff will enrich those who come.
The food is delicious, and the Motobu beef hamburger steak is superb.
A free intra-regional shuttle bus is available to nearby attractions.
Directions from Naha Airport and Tokashiki Port
Address: 103 Abaren, Tokashiki-mura, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa 901-3502
First, we will go from Naha Airport to Tomari Port.
If you take the Yui Rail, get off at Miebashi Station, about 14 minutes from Naha Airport Station.
It is a 10-minute walk from Miebashi Station to Tomari Port.
From Tomari Port, it takes about 35 minutes by high-speed boat and 70 minutes by ferry to arrive at Tokashiki Port.
A hotel shuttle bus is available from Tokashiki Port, which takes about 10 minutes.
Kerama Beach Hotel
This is an authentic hotel with ocean views from all rooms overlooking the peaceful Ango-no-Ura.
In the morning, an American breakfast will be served.
Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kettle, a bidet, a hair dryer, and a desk.
Attractiveness as a resort
There are several famous diving spots nearby.
The ocean is only a few minutes' walk away, so you can enjoy numerous optional activities such as ocean fishing, whale watching, and sunset cruising.
Directions from Naha Airport and Zamami Port
Address: 119 Asa, Zamami-mura, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa 901-3401
To get to Zamami Port, first go to Tomari Port from Naha Airport.
By Yui Rail, take the train from Naha Airport Station and get off at Miebashi Station (about 14 minutes).
And it is a 10-minute walk from Miebashi Station to Tomari Port.
It takes about 10 minutes to get there by car.
It takes about 50 minutes from Tomari Port to Zamami Port by high-speed boat.
It takes about 10 minutes from Zamami Port by shuttle bus and about 30 minutes on foot.
Blue Sweet Hanamuro
Blue Suites Hanamuro is an accommodation in Aka, Zamami Village, offering a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor pool, a bar, concierge service, and a terrace.
The resort has only three rooms with a pool, a private spa on the rooftop, and a seaview counter.
Attractiveness as a resort
You can see the beautiful Kerama blue ocean from your room.
The inn is very private and the owner is very friendly and concerned.
There are several beaches within walking distance, and snorkel sets, wetsuits, and beach towels are all available for free.
Directions from Naha Airport and Aka Port
Address: 91 Aka, Zamami-mura, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa 901-3311
First, we will go to Tomari Port.
By car, it takes about 10 minutes.
By Yui Rail, take the train from Naha Airport Station, and it takes about 14 minutes to get to Miebashi Station.
And it is a 10-minute walk from Miebashi Station to Tomari Port.
From Tomari Port, take a high-speed boat or ferry to Aka Port.
The time required by high speed boat is about 50 minutes for a direct trip, and about 70 minutes for a trip via Zamami Island.
If you take the ferry, it will take about 90 minutes.
From Aka Port, it is a 6-minute walk in the direction of Maehama Beach.
There is also a pick-up service available.
Kerama Islands Tourist Lodge Hanamuro Inn
It is located very close to Aka Island Port, making it a very good location.
All rooms are non-smoking and equipped with Wi-Fi, and baths are shared.
Attractiveness as a resort
The prices are reasonable and the coin-operated laundry and free-use dryers make it ideal for long-term stays.
The proximity to the ferry terminal (350m) is another attraction.
They can also arrange for kayaking.
Directions from Naha Airport and Aka Port
Address: 52 Aka, Zamami-mura, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa 901-3311
From Naha Airport, head for Tomari Port.
By car, it takes 10 minutes. By Yui Rail, take the train from Naha Airport Station and get off at Miebashi Station.
It takes only 10 minutes on foot from Miebashi Station to Tomari Port.
From Tomari Port, take a high-speed boat or ferry to Aka Port.
The time required by high speed boat is about 50 minutes for a direct trip, and about 70 minutes for a trip via Zamami Island.
If you take the ferry, you will need about 90 minutes.
From Aka Port, it is a 2-3 minute walk in the direction of Maehama Beach.
Activities in Kerama Resort Area
In Kerama, you can enjoy almost all of the marine activities that can be enjoyed in Okinawa.
There are various types of activities, including those in which you can actively move on your own, and those in which you are pulled by jet skis, motorboats, and other equipment.
If you take this opportunity to visit Kerama, you must enjoy at least one of the many activities.
snorkeling
With a few simple tools, you can peer into the mysterious underwater world.
The instruments used are also very simple.
No license is required, and with the use of a floatation device, even non-swimmers can enjoy the sport.
Fun & Attraction
Basically, this activity can be enjoyed with just a mask (underwater glasses) and snorkel.
While floating in the water, you can observe underwater through a mask and see coral and fish.
Finning is also necessary for propulsion, as well as a wetsuit on cold days.
Since you are floating with your back to the surface of the water, you should prepare a rash guard to protect against ultraviolet rays.
Even in somewhat deep water, you can see all the way to the bottom in the clear waters of Kerama.
diving
If you want to see what is going on underwater more closely than snorkeling, diving is still the way to go.
There are two types of diving: scuba diving, which requires a license and heavy equipment such as tanks, and skin diving, which requires no license and is as light as snorkeling.
Fun & Attraction
Scuba diving is a great way to explore the deep ocean floor for long periods of time, although the equipment is difficult to maintain.
There is also skin diving, which is enjoyed in a similar way to snorkeling.
If you master swimming and breathing techniques, you can even swim with sea turtles.
SUP
SUP is to float a board on the sea, stand on it, and paddle forward.
It provides a slightly higher vantage point than a canoe or kayak for viewing the scenery from the ocean.
This marine activity originated in Hawaii and has become popular in recent years.
Fun & Attraction
SUP, the most popular type of paddle boarding in recent years, uses a stable board, so you paddle while standing up.
Its silhouette is cool and well-received on social networking sites.
SUP yoga, in which yoga poses are performed on a board, is also popular.
cruising
Cruising is a great way to enjoy the vast ocean scenery aboard a boat.
The boat is operated by a licensed and dedicated staff member, so you can enjoy yourself on board.
Fun & Attraction
There are many ways to enjoy cruising.
The attraction is that you can enjoy the freedom to fish while cruising, barbecue on the boat, and so on.
You can charter a boat with your family or casual friends and enjoy it without hesitation.
You can go to diving and snorkeling spots where no one comes offshore.
marine sports
There are so many marine sports available in Kerama that it is hard to say that there is no marine sport you cannot enjoy.
You can easily choose what you want to do and what interests you.
Some are screamers, while others are leisurely and can be enjoyed at one's own pace.
Fun & Attraction
Enjoy the exhilaration of gliding over the ocean or floating in the air with marine sports.
These include those that can be enjoyed by several people, such as banana boats and towing tubes, and those that can be enjoyed individually, such as wakeboarding and flyboarding.
You can also enjoy all kinds of other marine sports, such as parasailing, in which you can float up in the air by having a motorboat pull you.
Canoe/Kayak
Canoes and kayaks allow people to board small boats and move freely on the sea.
The canoe has one paddle on each side, which is paddled simultaneously to move forward.
Kayaks, on the other hand, are paddled alternately on both sides with a single paddle.
Fun & Attraction
You paddle a small, stable boat by yourself.
You can find the point you want to go to and move freely at sea.
There are also clear kayaks that allow you to look directly into the ocean.
Fishing is also available in canoes and kayaks.
whale watching
In winter, Kerama becomes a paradise for humpback whales.
They come to the waters of Kerama every year from the cold northern seas to breed and raise their young.
Whale watching is a way to see the whales perform from the boat.
Fun & Attraction
Whale watching can be done from land.
However, there is a marked difference in the intensity of whale watching from land compared to seeing them up close on a boat.
You can get closer to the whales by boat, and seeing their big performance up close there is sure to be an impressive experience.
The whale-watching season runs from December to early April.
Even though it is a tropical country, it feels chilly on the boat, so warm clothing is essential.
summary
I have explained about the resorts in Kerama.
The beautiful ocean and comfortable and relaxing resort will surely relieve the fatigue of daily life.
Please visit the Kerama Islands, a sacred diving site known as the Kerama Blue.
Thank you for reading to the end.
