What kind of place is Onna Village where the Blue Cave is attractive? Can I go there from the Kerama Islands? Thorough comparison between Kerama and Onna Village

Attractions and sightseeing spots in Onna Village and the Kerama Islands

Do you know Onna Village or Kerama Islands in Okinawa Prefecture?

Both are very popular resort destinations.

Here are some of the attractions and sights of each!

 

Distance between Onna Village and Kerama Islands

The Kerama Islands are often described as being 40 km west of Naha City, but there are many islands scattered throughout the Kerama archipelago, so the distance from the main island of Okinawa varies depending on the destination.

The Kerama Islands are divided into two areas. The area called Chibishi Atoll can be reached in about 30 minutes, but the Kerama Islands area, which includes Tokashiki Island and Zamami Island, takes about 1 to 2 hours.

The distance from Tomari Port in Naha City, which is the gateway to the Kerama Islands, to Onna Village is a little over 40 km.

 

Access from Kerama Islands to Onna Village

To reach Onna Village from the Kerama Islands, one must first cross over to the main island of Okinawa.

From the Kerama Islands to the main island of Okinawa, you can take a high-speed boat or ferry.

High-speed boats are recommended for those who want to make a day trip, as they can arrive in half the time of the ferry.

If you want to take pictures or just relax and unwind during the trip, the ferry is the way to go.

There is basically one ferry service per day, and sometimes two high-speed boats.

Once you arrive at Tomari Port in Naha City, you will need to take a cab or rent a car to Onna Village.

The most common route is northward using Route 58.

What is Onna Village like?

Onna Village is located in the central part of the west coast of the main island of Okinawa and is a famous resort area in Okinawa Prefecture.

It is a popular tourist destination, not only for its resort facilities, but also for its many spots where visitors can enjoy nature to the fullest.

 

Directions to Onna Village

If you are going to Onna Village, you can take a bus, car, or cab from Naha Airport.

Using the airport limousine bus or local buses takes longer but costs less.

 

Onna Village Attractions

Although more than half of the village is mountainous, Onna Village is famous for its scenic beauty, with several resort hotels along the coastline.

We will introduce the charm of Onna Village from various points of view.

 

One of the most beautiful sea in Okinawa

The ocean around Onna Village is reputed to be one of the most beautiful on the main island of Okinawa.

Because it is located a short distance from Naha City, unspoiled nature has been preserved, and there are many white sand and emerald green beaches suitable for a tropical resort.

 

Impressed by the vast nature

Onna Village is characterized by many places where visitors can feel the vast nature, such as Manza-Moage and Kenmin-no Mori forest.

A little inland from the coastline, there are small rivers, mangrove forests, and spots for camping.

 

Very popular spot, Blue Cave

The "Blue Cave" is probably the most popular spot in Onna Village.

This mysterious space exists because of the high transparency of the Okinawan sea.

The Blue Cave will be explained in more detail later.

List of recommended tours to the Blue Cave on Okinawa's main island

 

Sightseeing spots recommended by locals

Here are three recommended tourist spots for locals living in Onna Village: Ao no Tsubute (Blue Cave), Manzamo (Manzame), and Cape Maeda.

 

Blue Cave

It is called the Blue Cave because the sunlight shining into the crystal clear sea reflects off the white sand of the sea bottom, making the cave look like it is lit up with blue light.

The sun seen from inside the cave as well as from the sea is very fantastic, shimmering in the water.

 

Recommendations

The best way to visit the Blue Cave is diving or snorkeling.

There are many tour plans, some of which offer multiple marine activities.

Each tour offers different perks, such as feeding tropical fish and taking Instagram-worthy photos, so find your favorite plan.

 

Access from Naha Airport

If you are heading to the Blue Cave from Naha Airport, head for Cape Maeda Misaki (Maeda Misaki).

The most convenient access is by rental car, but if you want to use the local bus, take bus No. 120, Nago West Airport Route (via Makishi) to Nago Bus Terminal.

It takes about one and a half hours from "Naha Airport Domestic Terminal" to "Kuraha" bus stop, which is the closest to Cape Maeda.

strand of hair on top of the head

The next sightseeing spot in Onna Village is Manzamo.

It is said that the name Manza-gou was given by King Shokei of the Kingdom of Ryukyu, who visited the area in 1726 and praised it as "a grassland with enough hair to make all people sit on.

 

Recommendations

When one thinks of Onna Village's most scenic spots, the first thing that comes to mind is Manzamage.

The wide grassy plateau overlooks the East China Sea, and Onna-dake, the symbol of Onna Village, can be seen to the east.

When looking at Manzakage from a little distance, the cliffs created by the rising corals look like an elephant's nose.

 

Access from Naha Airport

The most convenient access from Naha Airport is by rental car.

If you plan to use the expressway in your rental car, you may want to bring your ETC card.

If you take the highway bus, get off at "ANA Intercontinental Manza Beach Resort" and walk for about 15 minutes.

If you take a local bus, first take the Yui Rail to Asahibashi Station, the nearest station to Naha Bus Terminal.

After transferring to a local bus from the Naha Bus Terminal and getting off at "Onna Village Office Mae", a 15-minute walk will get you there.

The bus takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, so be sure to allow plenty of time.

Cape Maeda

Like Manzakage, it is a famous spot in Onna Village with a spectacular view.

It is in the area of the Coastal National Monument and has an observation deck.

 

Recommendations

There is an observatory at Cape Maeda.

From there, one can see the beautiful coastline of Cape Zanpa Misaki to the west, Manzamo to the northeast, and the mountains of northern Yanbaru in the distance.

The contrast between the rich nature and the blue sea creates a wonderful landscape.

Cape Maeda is also a mecca for diving and snorkeling, including the Blue Cave.

There are many diving stores around Cape Maeda, and a variety of tours are offered.

It is also a popular fishing point, and if the tide is right, you may be able to catch a big fish.

If you have time, why not give it a try?

Access from Naha Airport

As with the access to the Blue Cave, if you take the highway bus from Naha Airport, get off at the Kuraha bus stop.

If you are renting a car, enter "469-1 Maeda, Onna Village" in your car navigation system.

What kind of place is Kerama?

The Kerama Islands are located 40 km west of the main island of Okinawa, and are known for their beautiful blue waters, known as "Kerama blue.

Part of the Kerama Islands is designated as a national park, leaving the rich wilderness untouched.

↓Click here for recommended plans for the Kerama Islands.

↓Learn more about the Kerama Islands

List of recommended tours to Kerama Islands

 

Directions from Naha Airport

When going to the Kerama Islands, you will first travel from Naha Airport to Tomari Port, as you will be using a ferry or high-speed boat from Tomari Port in Naha City.

A cab will get you there in about 15 minutes.

By local bus, take bus No. 26 or 99 from "Naha Airport Domestic Passenger Bus Terminal" and get off at "Tomari-Takahashi" (about 30 minutes).

If you take the monorail, ride from "Naha Airport Station" to "Miebashi Station" for about 14 minutes, then walk for about 10 minutes.

From Tomari Port, transfer to a ferry or high-speed boat.

When traveling by public transportation, please note that the ferry and the high-speed boat have different boarding areas.

 

Attractions of Kerama

The Kerama Islands are popular as a hidden resort easily accessible from the main island of Okinawa.

Just an hour's boat ride away, another world opens up before your eyes, with the beautiful Keramas blue ocean contrasting wonderfully with the scattered islands.

 

Kerama blue that fascinates the world

The sea around the Kerama Islands is amazingly clear and blue, and its beauty is known as "Kerama blue.

There are only a few inhabited islands in the Kerama archipelago, including Tokashiki Island, the largest, and Zamami Island, the second largest, with many beautiful, pristine beaches.

Bathing in the sea is great, but diving and snorkeling are also recommended to enjoy the charms of the crystal clear waters even more!

A sanctuary for marine activities

The Kerama Islands are considered a sacred place for marine activities.

Summer and fall are also popular, with beautiful tropical fish, schools of migratory fish, and the chance to see sea turtles and manta rays.

Whale watching, which is only available in winter, is well known for its high chances of encountering whales.

 

Magnificent Nature

Part of the Kerama Islands is a national park, part is registered under the Ramsar Convention, and the rich natural environment is also an attraction.

There are many observation decks and walking trails.

It is nice to drive along the coastline while admiring such beautiful scenery.

Rare creatures such as the Ryukyu leatherback turtle and the Japanese giant lizard are also found here.

 

Attraction of Kerama Blue

The blue of the sea, known as Kerama blue, is also a secret of the white sandy beach.

Do you have an image of white sand beaches not only in the Kerama Islands but also in Okinawa?

The white sandy beaches are coral carcasses.

The Kerama Islands are also famous as the location of more than half of Japan's coral reefs.

The Kerama blue ocean is a blessing of nature.

 

Sightseeing spots recommended by locals

Here are some of the recommended sightseeing spots for locals in Kerama: Kozamami Beach, Kitahama Beach, and Naganu Island.

 

Kozamami Beach

Furuzamami Beach is located on the east side of Zamami Island.

In 2009, the beach was listed in the Michelin Green Guide Japon, making it world famous.

 

Recommendations

It features a wide sandy beach, making it ideal for those who want to relax by the sea.

It is a great place for swimming, but the best thing to do on Zamami Island is whale watching in winter.

It is said that the chance of encountering whales is the highest.

It is also a great place for families, with stores and other amenities.

 

Directions from Naha Airport and Zamami Port

From Naha Airport, travel to Tomari Port and transfer to a ferry or high-speed boat.

The trip to Zamami Port takes about 2 hours by ferry or 50 minutes by high-speed boat.

From Zamami Port, it takes about 5 minutes by village bus or 4 minutes by car.

The distance from the port to the beach is about 1.4 km, so it is possible to walk.

Kitahama Beach (Nishibama Beach)

Kitahama Beach is located on the east side of Aka Island and is written "Kitahama" and reads "Nishibama.

Aka Island is a small island, but it is connected to Keiruma and Fukaji Islands by bridges.

Driving around in a rental car is also a good idea.

 

Beach Features

It is one of the most beautiful beaches with a gradation of blue colors.

It is also a popular place for diving and snorkeling because of the outstanding clarity of the sea.

Even children can play in the ocean safely without worrying about getting hurt by coral.

 

Directions from Naha Airport and Aka Port

From Naha Airport, transfer to Tomari Port to board a boat bound for Aka Island.

The trip takes about 2 hours by ferry or 50 minutes by high-speed boat.

Transportation from Aka Harbor can be by renting a bicycle or bike, or on foot.

It takes approximately 10-15 minutes by bicycle and 30 minutes on foot.

There are no rental cars, cabs, or buses on the island.

Naganum Island

Naganu Island belongs to an area called Cibici Atoll, which is located closer to Okinawa Island in the Kerama Islands.

 

Recommendations

Many of the marine activity experience tours on Naganu Island take only a few hours, including travel time, and are recommended for those who want to experience the atmosphere of a remote island.

Overnight stays are possible from April to October.

 

Directions from Naha Airport and Tomari Port

To reach Naganu Island, go from Naha Airport to Tomari Port and transfer to a ferry for a 20-minute ride.

There are no high-speed boats, but ferries run about three round trips per day.

Activities in Kerama

There are many marine activities that can be enjoyed in Kerama.

We will introduce five of them: snorkeling, diving, SUP, parasailing, and whale watching.

 

snorkeling

Snorkeling is a shallow-water swimming activity.

Put on a tool called a snorkel and take a closer look under the sea.

The beauty of tropical fish and corals will dazzle you.

↓Click here for recommended plans including snorkeling.

↓Learn more about snorkeling

 

diving

Diving is deeper than snorkeling and usually requires a license.

However, you do not need to have a license to enjoy the experience diving tours.

Recommended for those who want to enjoy the Kerama blue ocean.

↓Click here for recommended plans including diving

↓Learn more about diving

 

SUP

SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) is an activity in which you stand on a board and paddle forward.

Because it uses the entire body, it is also popular because it develops the body's core and sense of balance.

Row out to sea with ease!

↓Click here for recommended SUP tours.

parasailing

For those who want to experience the exhilaration of the wide open sea, how about parasailing, floating above the sky like a bird?

The view of the Kerama Islands from the sky will surely be unforgettable.

↓Click here for recommended parasailing tours.

 

whale watching

Whale watching, which can only be enjoyed during the winter months, is perhaps the best part of the Kerama Islands.

You will be overwhelmed by the majestic sight of whales up close.

↓Whale Watching

↓Learn more about whale watching

 

3 popular tours in Kerama

Lastly, we will introduce tours for marine activities.

Find the right plan for you!

 

summary

Onna Village is one of the most popular places on the main island of Okinawa, with a wide range of resort facilities.

The Kerama Islands remain rich in nature and the sea, known as Kerama blue, and are visited by many people from overseas.

There are also day trips available from the main island of Okinawa, where you can experience various marine activities, and whale watching is also possible in winter.

Each has its own unique charm, so we recommend that you visit both places when you travel to Okinawa!