What is Ishigaki Island like? Can I go there from the Kerama Islands? Thorough comparison between Kerama and Ishigaki Island

Introducing the attractions and sights of Ishigaki Island and the Kerama Islands.

Okinawa is probably the first destination that comes to mind for many people when they think of a tropical destination in Japan.
The prefecture of Okinawa covers a very large area, from Cape Hendo on the northern tip of the main island in the north to Hateruma Island in the south, including its waters.
The islands that are popular for sightseeing are not only the main island of Okinawa with Naha City, but also islands popular as resort areas and islands filled with nature, to name a few.

The first among them is Ishigaki Island, which is flourishing as one of the prefecture's major resort areas.

Ishigaki Island is the gateway to the Yaeyama Islands, located further southwest than the main island of Okinawa.

The Kerama Islands are popular with many people as a group of remote islands that can be easily visited along with a trip to the main island of Okinawa.
The archipelago consists of 36 islands, including 5 inhabited islands, and is filled with subtropical natural beauty, one of the best environments in Okinawa Prefecture.
In this issue, we would like to introduce the various charms of Ishigaki Island and the Kerama Islands, both of which are filled with various attractions.

 

Distance between Ishigaki Island and Kerama Islands

Ishigaki Island and the Kerama Islands are both islands located further west than Okinawa.

Ishigaki Island is located approximately 410 km southwest of the main island of Okinawa, while the Kerama Islands are located 40 km from the main island of Okinawa.

The distance between Ishigaki Island and the Kerama Islands is estimated to be 377 km, which gives an idea of the size of Okinawa Prefecture.

 

Access from Kerama Islands to Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki Island is the third largest island in Okinawa Prefecture after Okinawa Island and Iriomote Island, and therefore has an airport.

However, each of the islands in the Kerama archipelago is not large, so there are no airports.

To get to Ishigaki Island from the Kerama Islands, you must take a ferry or high-speed boat through Tomari Port in Naha, so you must return to Naha at least once.

In addition, you will fly from Naha to Ishigaki Island.

As can be seen from the distance of the ocean separating them, it is not a distance that can be easily traveled.

Therefore, to fully enjoy the Kerama Islands and Ishigaki Island in one trip, it may be better to take a longer itinerary.

 

What is Ishigaki Island like?

As briefly introduced above, Ishigaki Island serves as the gateway to the Yaeyama Islands, which consist of 32 islands.

Within this vast area, a beautiful natural environment and an urban area with a variety of commercial facilities and accommodations coexist, with the largest number of resort hotels.

The Ishigaki Port Terminal is a major urban shopping center for the people of the remote islands, and also provides access to the various islands in Yaeyama.

 

How to get to Ishigaki Island

The transportation to Ishigaki Island is by plane.

Ishigaki Island has Ishigaki Airport, and there are direct flights from major airports throughout Japan, so getting around is not a problem.

If you wish to go to Ishigaki Island from other airports, you will need to go through Naha Airport and transfer to a flight bound for Ishigaki Island.

You may want to choose the appropriate route depending on the nearest airport in your area.

Charms of Ishigaki Island

The charms of Ishigaki Island are many and varied, but they can be summed up in one word: it is an ideal island for resort travel.

While it functions well as a state-of-the-art city, it also retains here and there remnants of Ryukyuan culture, which is a great point for sightseeing.

It has an excellent location with beautiful beaches and subtropical forests, and the island's well-developed yet scenic roads are highly popular as bike paths.

In general, the island has many of the elements required of a tourist destination.

 

crystal-clear sea

Of course, Ishigaki Island also has outstanding ocean views, which many people may be looking for in Okinawa.

The waters around Ishigaki Island and in the Yaeyama Islands are blessed with even more coral reefs than the main island of Okinawa, and their beauty deeply fascinates us.

The role of such corals is not limited to decorating the sea.

Corals have a rather unique ecology: they are cnidarians like jellyfish, but the zooxanthellae that live symbiotically inside their bodies carry out photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis circulates carbon dioxide and oxygen in the sea, and also discharges minerals into the sea, which purifies the water quality and creates clarity.

The presence of coral is fundamental to the beauty of the Okinawan sea.

 

starry sky

Tropical sightseeing tends to bring to mind daytime scenery bathed in tropical sunlight, but Ishigaki Island is also highly popular for its nighttime scenery.

The starry sky is very beautiful due to the clean air, and one of the features of Ishigaki Island is that night tours and stargazing tours around the island at night are actively held.

You can enjoy stargazing in a variety of locations, from romantic spots in nature to observatories where you can gaze up at the stars with academic knowledge.

 

gourmet

Furthermore, Ishigaki Island has a very good gourmet food scene.

Ishigaki Island is home to a wide variety of restaurants, from traditional local delicacies such as Okinawa soba to the most photogenic and cutting-edge gourmet foods.

At izakaya (Japanese-style pubs), visitors can enjoy local alcoholic beverages such as Orion beer and awamori, and there is a seamless lineup of sweet stores for the young and the young-at-heart.

There are also restaurants where you can enjoy Ishigaki beef, a famous brand of beef, at a local price, which will surely satisfy all tastes.

 

Sightseeing spots recommended by locals

Among the sightseeing spots scattered all over Ishigaki Island, we have picked out a few spots that are loved by the locals.

As is typical of Okinawa's tourist attractions, all of them are beautiful waterfront locations.

 

Kabira Bay

First of all, Kabira Bay, located in the northwestern part of the island, is one of the most popular tourist spots on Ishigaki Island.

Kabira Bay is the embodiment of people's vision of the ideal tropical beach, with its blue ocean, white sandy beaches, and lush subtropical vegetation.

It is the only restaurant in Okinawa Prefecture to receive a three-star rating in the famous Michelin Green Guide, a travel guide for foreign tourists.
The system is similar to that of the famous Michelin Guide, which is a gourmet guide, so a three-star rating is proof that the product is extremely valuable on a global scale.

 

Recommendations

The ocean of Okinawa is often compared to blue or emerald green in color, but the color of Kabira Bay's ocean is a slightly different turquoise blue.

The area around Kabira Bay is a park centered on the jewel-like beauty of the sea, with attractions such as the Kabira Kannon, an observatory, and a cluster of restaurants, stores, and other stores.

The area is a world-renowned scenic spot, where you can enjoy a relaxing and quality time just by strolling around.

The only regret is that swimming is prohibited, but this is more than made up for by the fun to be had by participating in the many activities available, such as glass boating, SUP, and canoeing.

 

Access from the airport/island terminal

The address of Kabira Bay is 934-37 Kabira, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture.

From Ishigaki Airport, it takes less than 40 minutes to get there by rental car, and it is recommended to use the route search by entering the name of the place in your navigation system.

The nearest bus stop is "Kabira Koen-mae", which will be a quick 2-minute walk away.

Fusaki Beach

Fusaki Beach, owned by Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas, one of the most popular hotels in Ishigaki Island, is very popular as the best natural beach in Ishigaki Island.

Hotel-owned beaches are often private beaches that charge a fee, but this is a great place for non-guests to use for free.

Taking advantage of its beach location, this spot also offers trendy glamping and other activities, allowing visitors to enjoy a rich resort experience.

 

Recommendations

Fusaki Beach is located on the west side of Ishigaki Island.

Facing Nagura Bay, the beautiful scenery with a view of Iriomote Island across the bay is an attraction, and at the same time, it is easy to visit because it is located at a good distance from the city center.

It is a long beach, so it does not feel cramped even during the busy tourist season, and it is managed by the hotel, which means that a lifeguard is always on duty.

The environment is also suitable for swimming with jellyfish nets in place, making it a great place to visit with the family.

 

Access from the airport/island terminal

The address of Fusaki Beach is 1625 Shinkawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture.

It is a 35-minute drive from the airport.

Free shuttle bus service is available for those who plan to stay at Fusaki Beach Resort, which is very convenient.

If you are using a rental car, search the route under the name of "Fusaki Beach Resort".

If you take the local bus, get off at the "Fusaki Beach Resort" bus stop, and the beach is just a short walk away.

Yonehara Beach

The third beach we will introduce, Yonehara Beach, is located on the northern side of Ishigaki Island.

The beach borders the Yonehara Campground, and its beautiful white sandy landscape is a strong attraction for visitors.

The arc-shaped coastline is filled with nature, and a visit here will provide you with a peaceful and relaxing tropical experience.

Many people enjoy playing in the ocean together with camping, especially during the summer and fall.

 

Recommendations

The sea at Yonehara Beach is also filled with beautiful corals.

A unique feature here is the close proximity of the coral colony to the surf, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling to view the underwater scenery.

This place is highly recommended for first-time snorkelers, who can fully enjoy the spectacular underwater scenery despite the low level of difficulty.

However, there are areas where the current is faster due to rip currents, so beginners should be careful not to go too deep.

 

Access from the airport/island terminal

The address of Yonehara Beach is 644 Beikkai, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture.

The route can be searched by entering "Yonehara Campground" in the navigation system installed in the rental car, and it takes about 40 minutes.

The nearest bus stop is "Yonehara" and from there it is only a 2-minute walk.

What kind of place is Kerama?

Now, after Ishigaki Island, I would like to look at the Kerama Islands.

The Kerama Islands are 36 islands floating 40 km west of the main island of Okinawa, including five inhabited islands, all of which are renowned for their scenery.

As a remote island easily accessible from the main island of Okinawa, many people visit Kerama in search of a remote island resort.

 

Directions from Naha Airport

To get to the Kerama Islands from Naha Airport, you must take a ferry or high-speed boat from Tomari Port in Naha City.

The address of Tomari Port is 3-25-1 Maejima, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture.

For the monorail, the nearest station to Tomari Port is Miebashi, and for the bus, Tomari Takahashi, both of which are less than a 10-minute walk from there.

The routes and shipping services to each island are explained in the section on each island below.

Attractions of Kerama

Let's start by checking out some basic information about the Kerama Islands and the attractions associated with them.

The main attraction of Kerama is the vivid contrast created by the blue sea, white sandy beaches, and natural greenery.

We will look at each of these attractions in more detail next.

 

Kerama blue that fascinates the world

The sea of the Kerama Islands is called "Kerama blue" because of its blue color, and its beautiful scenery is favored both in Japan and abroad.

The entire Kerama archipelago was designated a national park by the government in 2014, and its natural values are guaranteed by the government.

The Michelin Green Guide has also given the beaches of the Kerama Islands a favorable rating of two stars, which shows that the Kerama blue sea is of high value worldwide.

 

A sanctuary for marine activities

The waters of Kerama are also a sanctuary where various marine activities are actively enjoyed.

Activities include snorkeling and diving from white sand beaches into the crystal clear ocean, and SUP for a taste of the oceanic scenery.

In particular, the waters of the Kerama Islands are dotted with more than 100 excellent dive sites, and are often referred to as a dream destination for divers.

 

Magnificent Nature

And the sea is not the only attraction of the Kerama Islands.

The subtropical climate unique to Okinawa Prefecture means that Kerama is always warm throughout the year, so warm that even in winter, visitors can enjoy playing in the ocean.

Subtropical plants nurtured in such a climate thrive on the land, and the landscape, which is different from that of the mainland, greets tourists with a lively atmosphere.

The tropical nature, full of life force, will give you the deepest relaxation for your tired body and mind in your daily life.

 

Attraction of Kerama Blue

Now, let's take a closer look at the Kerama Blue Sea.

Like Ishigaki Island, the sea floor of the Kerama Islands is home to many coral reefs.

The coral creature has a calcareous skeleton inside its body, and when the coral dies, only the calcareous bones remain.

It is the pure white sand called coral sand that changes its appearance over the years.

The bottom of Kerama Island is covered with large amounts of coral sand, the whiteness of which strongly reflects the sunlight shining in from the sea surface.

The high transparency of the coral sea is explained in the Ishigaki Island section, and sunlight returning through the sea emits a strong blue color due to its wavelength.

It is because the sea is rich in coral that the attractive colors of the sea, known as Kerama blue, are created.

 

Sightseeing spots recommended by locals

Let us introduce some of the sightseeing spots in the Kerama Islands that you should definitely visit.

These are all iron plate spots that are hotly favored not only by tourists but also by locals.

 

Kozamami Beach

First, let's check out the popular beaches from each of the three islands in the Kerama archipelago that are open for tourism.

One of the most famous of the beautiful beaches in the Kerama Islands is Furuzamami Beach on Zamami Island.

This place was also rated by the Michelin Green Guide among the Kerama Islands.

Although the Michelin Green Guide is a tourist guide book for foreigners, this beach of course offers the best environment for Japanese people.

 

Recommendations

One of the pleasant aspects of Kozamami Beach is that it is a long beach, stretching for a long distance of about 3 km.

The long length is not only connected to the quality of the landscape, but is also directly related to the capacity as a sandy beach.

During the tourist season, beaches in Okinawa are often swarming with tourists, and it is easy to end up in a dense situation where you cannot relax even though you have come to enjoy the resort atmosphere.

However, the wider the beach, the wider the acceptance capacity, so 3 km will provide some space even during the tourist high season.

Of course, the beach is a popular destination with a beautiful location and excellent facilities, making it a seamless beach in every respect.

 

Directions from Naha Airport and Zamami Port

First, travel from Naha Airport to Tomari Port, from where you will board either the "Ferry Zamami" or the "Queen Zamami," a high-speed boat, to Zamami Port.

It is not so much a factor as a drawback, but the distance from Zamami Port to Kozamami Beach is about 20 minutes on foot.

Especially during the extremely hot summer months, it is a distance that will reduce your energy if you walk, so it may be better to take the village bus or a cab.

Kitahama Beach (Nishibama Beach)

Kitahama (Nishibama) Beach on Aka Island is highly scenic and faces a beautiful coral-filled ocean.

The name "Kitahama (Nishibama)" may seem strange, but this is a directional expression unique to Okinawa.

In the traditional Okinawan dialect, the north is called nishi.

 

Beach Features

Kitahama Beach is the first snorkeling spot among the many beaches in the Kerama Islands.

Many say that Kitahama Beach is the clearest beach in the Kerama Islands in terms of transparency, and we are greeted by an overwhelming clarity that allows us to see everywhere we dive.

The attractive feature is that the environment is friendly to snorkeling beginners, as you can see a lot of coral even in the shallows near the beach.

If you can swim a little farther, you can reach an area with a huge coral colony, making it a challenging spot for advanced divers.

 

Directions from Naha Airport and Aka Port

The boat for travel to Aka Island is the same as the one to Zamami Island.

After arriving at Aka Port, the distance to Kitahama Beach is a moderate 20-minute walk.

Bicycle rentals are available, and it is recommended to use them as it only takes about 7 minutes to get there by bicycle.

Naganum Island

I would like to introduce another uninhabited island, this time from the Kerama Islands.

Naganu Island, whose name means "long and narrow," is almost entirely covered with white sand made of crushed coral, creating a perfect contrast between the blue sea and white sand.

The island is compact in size, with a 30-minute walk around the island, but there is no end to the number of people who are attracted by the environment, which could not be more tropical.

 

Recommendations

Coral sand, a white sand derived from coral, is pure white, made of calcareous material.

The picturesque scene is very Instagram-worthy, and many people can be seen on Naganu Island using photographic techniques to capture the best-looking photos.

Of course, you can also take advantage of such a favorable environment to enjoy marine activities, and playing in the ocean amidst a spectacular view is an exhilarating experience.

The beautiful sandy beach is sometimes a spawning ground for sea turtles, and depending on the time of year, you may be able to see these adorable creatures.

Even though the island is uninhabited, it is equipped with stores for eating and drinking and accommodations, making it a great island to visit for sightseeing.

 

Directions from Naha Airport and Tomari Port

Transportation from Naha Airport to Naganu Island is also via Tomari Port, as in the above two cases, and a ferry to Naganu Island is in service from Tomari Port.

As with all boats heading to the Kerama Islands, it is important to keep in mind that, especially during the tourist season, you may not be able to board a boat unless you make a reservation at least one day in advance.

Activities in Kerama

A trip to Okinawa is a great way to enjoy the beautiful ocean and its many activities.

Here, we would like to introduce you to all the different activities you can experience in the Kerama Islands.

 

snorkeling

Snorkeling, one of the most popular marine activities, involves wearing a breathing snorkel and wet suit to enjoy diving into the ocean.

By putting the snorkel tube out on the surface of the sea, you can hold your breath without having to look up from the sea, allowing you to enjoy the sea for a much longer period of time than with normal diving.

The low hurdle for participation is also attractive, as many people, from elementary school students to the elderly, can participate as long as they have a certain level of physical fitness and can swim at least a minimum.

 

diving

Along with snorkeling, diving is a popular submersible activity in which divers wear heavy equipment such as oxygen tanks and regulators.

You must obtain a license to participate in this activity, but it allows you to enjoy a longer swim while breathing underwater.

The Kerama Islands are home to numerous diving sites, and as a sacred place for diving, it has become a land that attracts divers from all over the world.

 

SUP

sadistUP is an activity in which people stand on surfboards or SUP boards and paddle on the water, and its popularity among young people has been increasing in recent years due to its fashionable standing posture.

Especially photogenic is the sight of standing on a board on the Keramas blue ocean.

Selfies are not easy to take, but if you join a tour, the staff will often offer to take your picture for free, so it is a good idea to check with them before using this service.

 

parasailing

Parasailing is an activity that allows visitors to fly through the sky like flying a kite, pulled by a staff on a water bike.

The view of Kerama is a pleasant one even when viewed from the sea, but if you fly further up into the blue sky above it, you can enjoy a panoramic view of a truly unobstructed scene.

You will experience an extraordinary experience that is perfect for a resort trip, as you can soar from the 10th floor of an apartment building to the equivalent of the 20th floor.

 

whale watching

Another major feature of the Kerama Islands is the chance to encounter whales.

You can enjoy the luxury of observing not small whales, but the larger species, humpback whales, in groups and with a fairly high probability.

Whale watching in Kerama focuses on not stressing the whales, so there is no negative impact on the environment.

 

3 popular tours in Kerama

We have selected three popular tours that we recommend for sightseeing in the Kerama Islands.

If you are not sure what to experience on your trip, please refer to this page!

 

summary

How about Ishigaki Island and the Kerama Islands, two of the most popular tourist destinations in Okinawa Prefecture, which we have introduced in order?

Each of these islands has many attractions, and many people who visit once will become repeat visitors, coming back two or three times.

Please visit both Ishigaki Island and the Kerama Islands to make your trip a good memory.

Thank you for taking the time to read this to the end.