Recommended 5 beaches in Kerama by locals! Enjoy swimming in beautiful beaches!
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What are the Kerama Islands like?
The Kerama Islands are a group of about 20 islands of various sizes within a day trip distance from the main island of Okinawa.
It is also known as a mecca for marine activities, and visitors can enjoy the world-famous Keramas blue ocean.
Designated as Kerama Islands National Park, visitors can enjoy a dynamic natural environment centered on the sea.
▼Click here for an article to read in conjunction with this one.
Attractions of Kerama
The entire area of the Kerama Islands is a Ramsar site, which protects wetland ecosystems with waterfowl at the top of the food chain.
Zamami Island (Zamamijima) has also been awarded two stars by the Michelin Green Guide Japon.
Thus, the Kerama Islands, which are gaining worldwide recognition, are a tourist spot visited by many people from all over the world every year.
The Kerama Islands' growing reputation is due in part to its spectacular natural environment, including the crystal clear Kerama blue waters.
Kerama blue that fascinates the world
The clarity of the waters of the Kerama Islands is said to be among the best in the world.
It is famous for its clear seawater, which can be seen down to dozens of meters below the sea floor, and the blue color of the ocean created by the sunlight reflecting off it, Keramas blue.
Depending on the depth, gradations are formed in the sea, from light blue to dark blue, and the beauty of this gradation is a mystery of nature.
The reason for the world-class transparency of the sea is believed to be the overall shallowness of the seafloor, the abundance of coral reefs that photosynthesize there, and the low level of impurities in the Kuroshio Current.
A sanctuary for marine activities
The Kerama Islands have clear waters and shallow beaches, so there is something for everyone, including first-timers and beginners as well as experts.
All activities will take place in a great location, so you can be sure to have an upgraded experience.
Click here for recommended tours in the Kerama Islands.
Magnificent Nature
Kerama is surrounded by spectacular nature with the sea at its center.
The Kerama Islands were designated as Kerama Islands National Park in 2014.
This means that the clear waters represented by Keramas Blue, coral reefs of many kinds, breeding areas for humpback whales, and white sand beaches are valuable and will be managed by the government from the viewpoint of nature conservation.
Attractions of Kerama's beaches
Kerama has many impressive beaches here and there with emerald green waters and pure white sands.
Please enjoy the sea of Kerama, which is said to be several times more beautiful than the main island of Okinawa, and the beach of Kerama with its pure white sand created by accumulated coral fragments.
Popular beaches in the Kerama Islands are concentrated on Tokashiki Island, Aka Island, and Zamami Island.
There are also tours that take you to uninhabited beaches.
Endless emerald green sea
Kerama has many shallow beaches, and the reflection of light shining into the clear waters makes the sea glow emerald green.
Even in the shallow waters, many coral reefs grow in clusters, and colorful fish can be seen swimming among them, using the coral as shelter.
Let's relax on the white sandy beach!
Most of the sandy beaches of the Kerama Islands are formed by the accumulation of dead coral reef fragments.
These fragments filter the seawater and increase its clarity.
The pure white sands of Kerama, made from such coral, do not have many man-made structures like beaches on the main island of Okinawa or in Honshu, allowing visitors to relax on a rustic beach.
Capture the beautiful and spectacular scenery in your photos!
Tourists from Honshu and even those from the main island of Okinawa are often amazed by the beautiful and spectacular scenery of Kerama.
Photos taken with the emerald green sea and white sand in the background will always be a good memory.
You may want to post it on social networking sites and share it with friends and family.
Enjoy swimming at the beach in Kerama!
Why not swim in the emerald green sea?
Even those who are not good swimmers will surely enjoy the shallow beach that continues from the pure white sandy beach.
Such beaches are scattered throughout the Kerama Islands.
Popular beaches in Kerama recommended by locals
From among the many such beaches in the Kerama Islands, let us introduce some beaches that are popular among tourists.
Kozamami Beach
Furuzamami Beach is located on the island of Zamami, an easy 50-minute high-speed boat ride from the main island of Okinawa.
Beach Features
The main feature of Kozamami Beach is its beautiful scenery, so much so that it was awarded two stars by the Michelin Green Guide Japon.
Kozamami Beach has many coral reefs and many types of fish that live around it.
Therefore, you will see many people diving and snorkeling.
Directions from Naha Airport and Zamami Port
To get to Furuzamami Beach from Naha Airport, you must first go to Tomari Port on the main island of Okinawa and cross to Zamami Island by boat.
Tomari Port can be reached from Naha Airport by monorail Yui Rail, local buses, or cabs.
By Yui Rail, it takes about 15 minutes to get to the nearest Miebashi Station, but it is a 10-minute walk from the station to Tomari Port.
If you go by bus, there are only local buses, and if the road is clear, it takes about 30 minutes.
By cab, it takes about 15 minutes to get there, but the fare will cost about 2,000 yen.
There are two boats from Tomari Port to Zamami Island: the Ferry Zamami, which takes 120 minutes, and the High Speed Boat Queen Zamami, which takes 50 minutes. The ferry goes to Zamami Island via Aka Island.
For high-speed boats, there are two routes: Zamami Island via Aka Island and Aka Island via Zamami Island.
We recommend that you book your boat tickets in advance.
Please note that the rooms may be fully booked, especially during peak seasons such as summer.
Reservations for the boat should be made at the Zamami Village Office Naha Sub-branch (098-868-4567: office hours: 10:00-17:00).
There is a village bus from Zamami Port to Kozamami Beach.
Although there is only about one bus service per hour, we recommend using the bus because the road is very undulating and in summer, there are ultraviolet rays and strong sunlight.
Please be careful not to miss the bus on your way back.
▼ Click here for recommended tours on Zamami Island.
Ama Beach
Ama Beach is a popular beach along with Kozamami Beach on Zamami Island.
Beach Features
Auma Beach is a long, white sandy beach with shallow waters.
It is also popular as a beach where sea turtles can be seen with high probability.
Offshore are the uninhabited islands of Akenashiki, Gahi, and Aka.
There are also a number of campgrounds, cottages, and stores adjacent to the beach.
This beach is easy to use for families and couples.
Directions from Naha Airport and Zamami Port
For directions from Naha Airport to Zamami Port, please refer to the Kozamami Beach section.
From Zamami Port, as with Kozamami Beach, we recommend taking the village bus.
It takes about 20 minutes to reach on foot.
Awaren Beach
Aharen Beach is a popular beach on Tokashiki Island.
Beach Features
Abaren Beach is characterized by its clear blue waters, known as Kerama blue.
These waters are very popular overseas, and many foreigners come here every year for diving and snorkeling.
Restroom and shower facilities are available, and equipment for snorkeling and other activities can be rented.
Directions from Naha Airport and Tokashiki Port
For directions from Naha Airport to Tomari Port, where boats leave for the outlying islands, see the section on Kozamami Beach.
To get to Tokashiki Island from Tomari Port, take the "Marine Liner Tokashiki" or "Ferry Tokashiki.
The trip takes 35 minutes on the high-speed boat "Marine Liner Tokashiki" or 70 minutes on the "Ferry Tokashiki".
Ship tickets can be reserved by phone from the same day two months in advance.
Advance reservations are recommended to ensure availability, as the tour may be fully booked during summer vacation and Golden Week.
For reservations, contact the Tokashiki Village Ship Division at 098-987-2537 or the Tokashiki Village Naha Office at 098-868-7541.
From Tokashiki Port to Awaren Beach can be reached by local bus or wagon cab.
The time required for both is approximately 15 minutes.
It takes more than one hour on foot, and there are reports of wild boars on the way.
Also, considering the sun, such as in summer, buses and cabs are recommended.
Please note that cabs must be booked as a round-trip or you may not be able to secure return transportation.
Tokashiku Beach
Tokashiku Beach, along with Awaren Beach, is the most popular beach on Tokashiki Island.
The 800-meter arc of white sandy beach and the calm emerald green waters are perfect for relaxing on the southern islands.
Beach Features
Tokashiku Beach, with its shallow sandy beach, is known as a feeding ground for sea turtles.
For this reason, snorkeling tours where you can meet sea turtles are popular.
It's a perfect fit because of the arc of the beach and the lack of waves.
There are also village showers (one room for men and one for women, 300 yen per 5 minutes) and showers at the Marine Village Hotel (500 yen per shower) near the beach, which are convenient for families with children.
Directions from Naha Airport and Tokashiki Port
For directions from Naha Airport to Tokashiki Port, see the section on Awaren Beach.
There is no village bus service from Tokashiku Port to Tokashiku Beach.
It is a 45-minute walk, but there are ups and downs, and wild boars are likely to appear along the way.
Wagon cabs are available, and we recommend that you use them.
If you book a return trip, you will not be in a hurry for the boat time.
Kitahama Beach (Nishibama Beach)
Kitahama Beach is the main beach on Aka Island, but it is not very touristy and is popular as a relaxing beach.
Beach Features
This beach is more popular for snorkeling than swimming.
After about 80 meters offshore in shallow water, the sea suddenly becomes deeper.
That area is a popular snorkeling spot.
Of course, coral reefs and schools of fish can be seen in the shallows, but the drop-down spot looks like the Dragon's Palace with tropical fish swimming in the dark blue Keramas blue ocean.
From May to October, there are lifeguards at Kitahama Beach, and snorkel and other rental stores and concession stands are lined up along the beach.
Directions from Naha Airport and Aka Port
Aka Island is a port of call for boats going to Zamami Island.
For directions from Naha Airport to Tomari Port, where boats depart for the outlying islands, and for information on boats to Aka Island, please refer to the Kozamami Beach section.
The journey from Tomari Port to Aka Port takes 50 minutes by "High Speed Boat Queen Zamami" and 90 minutes by "Ferry Zamami".
It takes about 20 minutes on foot from Aka Port to Kitahama Beach, but it may be a tough walk for children and other visitors during the sunny season.
3 activities to enjoy at the beach
The Kerama Islands have beautiful beaches here and there, and there are a variety of activities that can be enjoyed on these beaches.
Here are some typical activities.
snorkeling
Snorkeling is an activity that involves looking underwater and swimming from the surface or in shallow areas of the ocean.
Even first-time snorkelers can enjoy snorkeling with just a simple lecture.
This is a popular activity for families with children.
Fun & Attraction
Snorkeling is a perfect activity for the Kerama Islands, which have many shallow beaches.
Dive into the clear, emerald green waters and you will see coral reefs of all sizes and tropical fish swimming in schools.
Some spots are also home to sea turtles, which you may be able to swim with.
▼Click here for recommended snorkeling tours.
▼For more information, please click here.
Canoe/Kayak
For those who are not good swimmers or families with children, we recommend walking on the surface of the sea in a canoe/kayak.
Life jackets are worn in case the boat capsizes, but the ride is surprisingly stable.
Two-person canoe/kayaks are also available, so parents and children or couples can enjoy together.
Fun & Attraction
One of the most surprising things about riding a canoe/kayak in the Kerama Islands is the clarity of the ocean.
You can clearly see the bottom of the ocean floor as close as 10 meters, giving you the illusion that you are floating in mid-air.
You may even see schools of tropical fish passing under your canoe/kayak.
Also, depending on the time of the activity, you can see different faces of the Kerama Islands.
If the activity is during sunrise or sunset, you can watch the colors of the sea and sky change with the angle of the light.
Also, if it is a nighttime activity, you can enjoy the star-filled sky.
▼Click here for recommended canoeing tours.
▼For more information, please click here.
SUP
SUP is an activity that has grown in popularity over the past few years.
SUP stands for stand-up paddleboarding, an activity in which one stands on a surfboard and paddles with a single paddle through the water.
The 80-centimeter width of the surfboard makes it stable on the water and can be easily enjoyed with a simple lecture.
Fun & Attraction
Why not take a SUP ride and glide over the Keramas blue ocean?
The Kerama Islands are beautiful not only in the sea, but also in the scenery of the islands.
There are many spots around the beach where the waves are calm, making it ideal for SUP.
As with canoeing and kayaking, you can enjoy the various faces of the Kerama Islands depending on the angle of the sunlight.
▼Click here to see our recommended SUP tours.
▼For more information, please click here.
Three recommended tours
To enjoy activities in the Kerama Islands, it is convenient to join a tour.
Here are three tours we recommend.
Click here for other recommended tours ▼
summary
How about the major beaches and activities in the Kerama Islands?
There are many more attractive spots on the beaches that we could not introduce here.
Please come to the Kerama Islands and find your favorite beach.
