Remote islands around the Kerama Islands! Introducing the charm and sightseeing spots of each remote island!

About the remote islands of Okinawa

When people go sightseeing in Okinawa and think of remote islands, they tend to have the image of very far away islands that can only be reached by plane or boat.

In reality, however, this is not the case.

There are many remote islands that can be visited in a day trip from the main island of Okinawa, and some can be reached by car over bridges.

In this issue, we will focus on such remote islands.

 

Attraction of Remote Islands

Many people may want to visit famous sightseeing spots when they go to Okinawa.

Few people may venture to remote islands, which have an image of being inconvenient.

Certainly there will be such inconvenient islands.

However, it is precisely because no one has been there that the wonderful nature has been preserved in its original state.

 

There are many remote islands that have become tourist destinations, but many people have the impression that remote islands are inconvenient, so they are not crowded with people.

In other words, the remote islands are the best spots in Okinawa.

This makes it an ideal place for those who want to avoid the crowds and spend time relaxing.

 

beautiful sea

The Okinawan sea is beautiful wherever you go.

However, once you visit a remote island, that perception will change dramatically.

The beautiful ocean is everywhere in the area, which cannot be seen on the main island of Okinawa.

The clarity of its waters is among the best in the world.

 

When the sun's rays are shining brightly, it is possible to see clearly to the bottom of the ocean, even if it is somewhat deep.

It is like the Dragon's Palace in Urashima Taro.

You will frequently encounter a wide variety of corals, tropical fish, and sea turtles.

 

Enjoy the great outdoors

We are often amazed at the spectacle of the sea unfolding as it is.

Coral spawning, which begins around May, can only be seen once a year, but many corals lay their eggs at the same time, as if in concert.

It is also a night with a full moon.

It looks as if snow is falling in the sea, and the night when the pink eggs are spawned is called coral night and is a favorite of divers.

Sea turtles also lay eggs on full-moon nights.

They go up to the beach to find a suitable place to lay their eggs, and when they dig a hole, they lay more than 100 eggs at a time.

And then there are big tears in their eyes.

Both sea turtles and corals choose full-moon nights for breeding.

The night of the full moon is usually high tide.

 

At high tide, the tide is high and the seawater overflows, allowing the coral eggs to drift farther out.

The beaches also have a high tide, which reduces the distance the sea turtles have to travel on land.

They are repeatedly reproducing by unconsciously utilizing such natural forces.

During the off-season, in winter, many humpback whales visit the area.

Although they are sometimes seen near the main island, they are not on the same scale as those seen on the outlying islands.

And once you land on the island, you will find a lot of rare flora and fauna there as well.

It is home to unique and rare animals such as crested serpent eagles, long-nosed wood pigeons, and semalpine box turtles.

 

Enjoy relaxing as much as you can!

The most gratifying thing about the islands is that there are few people everywhere you go.

Even the more touristy and popular islands are not so crowded.

In this sense, all of the islands are very private.

Individuals, families, or just a group of like-minded friends can forget about the daily routine and enjoy relaxing to the fullest.

 

Popular Remote Islands in Okinawa

Here are some popular remote islands in Okinawa.

Each of the islands has its own unique character and is a must-see destination.

If you go to a remote island, you may even make some unusual memories.

 

Kerama Islands

The Kerama Islands are located approximately 40 km west of the main island of Okinawa.

The archipelago consists of more than 20 islands of various sizes, and there are four inhabited islands where people live.

Tokashiki Island, Zamami Island, Aka Island, and Keruma Island are the four islands, but in recent years there are stories that families who used to live on Maejima have returned, so that would make five islands.

The clear blue waters, known as "Kerama blue," are an attraction for divers from around the world.

It is also known to be visited by many humpback whales in winter.

Marine activities are also popular, and you can try a variety of activities.

Zamami Island

The beautiful Kerama blue sea can be seen on Zamami Island.

Approximately 600 people live on the island, which has a circumference of 23 km and an area of 6.71 square km.

It is also famous as a spawning ground for sea turtles.

There are many beautiful white beaches around the island, including the Michelin-starred Kozama Beach, the private Ama Beach, and the bay-shaped Yuhina Beach with its gentle waves.

 

Secrets of Popularity

Sea turtles lay their eggs in many places, so the encounter rate with sea turtles is very high, and it is possible to swim with them by snorkeling.

The popular Kozama Beach is shallow enough for children and the elderly to enjoy snorkeling without worry.

Other beaches also have relatively calm waters and shallow depths, making them safe for families to enjoy.

 

Access

To get there from the main island of Okinawa, first take a car, local bus, or Yui Rail to Nahamari Port.

Zamami Island can be reached from Naha Tomari Port by ferry or high-speed boat.

Sightseeing Spots

From Observatory 1 of the Takatsukiyama Observatory, which has two observatories, you can see Tokashiki Island and the main island of Okinawa.

The gradation of Agonoura Bay seen from here is breathtaking.

Also recommended is the Kami no Hama Observatory.

 

The second floor of the two-story building is furnished with tables and chairs and has an excellent 360-degree view of the city.

The sunset from here is spectacular and grabs the hearts of many people.

In addition to these, there are other scenic spots such as the Onsezaki Observatory, Inasaki Observatory, and Chishi Observatory, as well as the Tower of Peace and Marilyn's statue.

 

Aka Island

Aka Island is one of the islands in the Kerama archipelago.

About 250 people live on this island, which has a circumference of about 12 km.

Keiruma Island and Sotochi Island are connected by bridges, and it is possible to tour the islands by renting bicycles.

In addition to marine recreation, the number of visitors is increasing each year because of the abundance of observation decks and tourist attractions.

 

Secrets of Popularity

The island is not crowded with tourists and is a relaxing place to spend time.

Of course, you can also fully enjoy the Keramas blue sea.

You may also encounter the endemic Kerama deer while walking along the road.

 

Access

It can be reached by ferry or high-speed boat from Nahadomari Port on the main island of Okinawa.

It is also possible to get there from Zamami Island by small boat.

Sightseeing Spots

The view from Aka Bridge is worth seeing.

The beauty of the sea, called Kerama blue, is convincing.

The sunrise and sunset times are also breathtakingly beautiful.

Kitahama Beach is a well-managed beach with a large swimming area and is the most popular beach on Aka Island.

 

Swimming zones are properly set up with buoys, and during the summer season there are lifeguards on duty, so you can enjoy swimming with peace of mind.

The Takara Family House, designated as a National Important Cultural Property, presents an old-fashioned appearance with a sense of tradition.

There is also a statue of Shiro, the main character in the movie "I want to meet Marilyn," and the Amagi Observatory, which offers a great view of the city.

 

Tokashiki Island

Tokashiki Island is the most easterly of the Kerama Islands.

The island is inhabited by about 700 people and has an area of 15.31 square kilometers.

The only other inhabited island in Tokashiki Village is Maejima, which is uninhabited.

Both land and sea remain rich in nature, and humpback whales visit the area in winter to raise their young and breed.

 

Secrets of Popularity

It has the largest area of all the islands of Kerama with a series of mountain ranges.

It has the largest catch of any of the Kerama Islands and a thriving fishing industry throughout the year.

Fishing as an activity using such fishing grounds is also popular, and can be enjoyed by beginners and experts alike.

The Kemara blue waters, one of the clearest in the world, offer many marine activities such as SUP, diving, and snorkeling.

 

Access

From Naha Airport, take a bus, cab or Yui Rail to Tomari Port.

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

The trip takes about 35 minutes by high-speed boat and about 70 minutes by ferry.

Sightseeing Spots

Abaren Beach, located in the southwestern part of the island, has beautiful blue waters.

As one gradually moves one's eyes from the white sandy beaches to the offshore areas, one can see a magnificent gradation of blue and white.

Many people visit every year for its crystal clear beaches.

 

Another place to visit is Tokashiku Beach, known as a feeding ground for sea turtles.

At night, the stars shine like illuminations, creating a completely different aspect from that of the daytime.

We also recommend Abaren Park, where you can feel the nature of the sea and mountains.

There is also the Harbor View Hill Observatory.

 

Castanopsis cuspidata (species of chinquapin)

Cibici is the collective name for three uninhabited islands belonging to Tokashiki Village in the Kerama Islands.

The three islands, Kamiyama, Naganu, and Kuehu, are formed by uplifted coral reefs.

This atoll should be called the eastern entrance to the Kerama Islands and is only 15 km from Naha.

Each island is made of coral sand made of coral and shell fragments, and sea turtles can be seen laying eggs on its white sand beaches.

 

Secrets of Popularity

The island's surrounding area is home to numerous corals and creatures, making it ideal for marine recreation.

Most uninhabited islands are completely uninhabited and lack facilities such as toilets and showers.

However, only Naganu Island in Cibici has facilities, including a pier, general counter, hot showers, lockers, changing rooms, first aid room, dining terrace, rest house, rest cottage, and flush toilets.

 

Access

There are three ferry services a day from Naha Tomari Port to Naganu Island.

The time required is 20 minutes.

It would be better to make a reservation to be sure, as there are only a few of them.

 

Sightseeing Spots

The beaches around the uninhabited islands of Naganu, Kamiyama, and Kuehu are all made of pure white coral sand.

If you dive into the ocean, you can see coral formations, coral tunnels, arches, and other natural art forms.

It is an environment where you can encounter sea turtles and a variety of other creatures.

 

an island in front of a temple's main hall (esp. of a shrine)

Maejima Island belongs to Tokashiki Village in the Kerama Islands.

It is located about 7 km east of Tokashiki Island.

The island used to be inhabited, but due to disasters and other reasons, all the islanders moved to the main island, and the island was uninhabited for a time.

It appears that households seeking to rebuild the island have been registering as residents in recent years.

 

Secrets of Popularity

Corals are alive and thriving, and visitors can experience the natural sea.

Fishing and diving spots are also scattered throughout the area.

 

Access

There are no regular flights, so charter a boat or take an optional tour to cross.

It takes about 30 minutes by charter boat from Tokashiki Island and about 90 minutes by charter boat from Naha.

Sightseeing Spots

When you go ashore from the beach in front of the village, you can see the ruins of the village where people used to live and the rural landscape.

Looking north from the northern beach at the northern tip of the island, the view is spectacular with Nakajima, Hai Island, and Hate Island right in front of you.

Kuroshima Island can be seen to the northwest and Tokashiki Island to the west.

 

island in a pond or river

Nakajima is an uninhabited island on the north side of Maejima.

It is also called Sea Turtle Island because of its shape, which resembles a sea turtle.

 

Secrets of Popularity

The island is completely uninhabited, and its natural environment has been left untouched.

Optional tours and other activities allow you to get in touch with a completely untouched nature.

 

Access

There are no regular flights, so charter boats or optional tours are available.

There is no harbor, so you can land on the island by taking an optional tour such as a banana boat.

Sightseeing Spots

The waters around the island are all amazingly clear.

Just to the north, High Island can be seen within swimming distance.

However, it is dangerous to swim across due to the fast currents between the islands.

Climb to the top of the island for a view of Tokashiki Island, Hai Island, and Hate Island.

Banana boat, jet ski, marble, and snorkeling tours with optional tours are available.

 

Kuba Island

Kuba Island is the westernmost uninhabited island of the Kerama Islands.

It is located about 7 km southwest of Zamami Island.

The island is less than 7 km in circumference, but has the highest peak in the Kerama Islands, Mt.

 

Secrets of Popularity

The topography of the seabed around the island is complex, and the color of the sea changes mysteriously depending on the amount of light shining on it.

It is a popular scuba diving spot.

You can also enjoy fishing and other activities on a boat.

 

Access

There are no regular flights, so charter boats or optional tours are available.

Sightseeing Spots

There are numerous diving sites on Kuba Island.

No matter where you go, you are sure to enjoy the best diving in Kuba North, Cave Course, Kuba Kakurene, Kubase, Kuba South, Shimosone, and more.

 

Japan

The nearest remote island to the main island of Okinawa is Mizuna Island.

It is a small island with a circumference of about 4 km and shaped like a crescent moon.

It is affectionately called Croissant Island because its appearance looks like a croissant.

 

Secrets of Popularity

Surrounded by atolls, the waves are calm and ideal for swimming.

There are several beaches and it is a popular spot for swimming in summer.

It is also a popular diving spot because of the coral reefs that grow around it and the large number of tropical fish that can be seen.

 

Access

First, go from Naha Airport to Watakuchi Port.

There are two ways to get there: by bus or by renting a car or other vehicle.

By bus, take the Yanbaru Express Bus from Naha Airport bus stop #2 and get off at the Motobu Museum bus stop.

 

From the bus stop, walk approximately 700 km to Watakuchi Port.

The tour takes about 2 hours.

If you use a car, it takes about 90 minutes to get to Watakuchi Port.

From Watakuchi Port, a 15-minute high-speed boat ride will take you to Mizuna Island.

Sightseeing Spots

The beaches are the most popular tourist attractions on the island.

The famous Seagull Rock beach is a popular diving spot.

The nameless beach is also a beach that gives off a mysterious atmosphere when the seabed is exposed at low tide.

You can also enjoy various marine activities at numerous other beaches, including the "beach under the lighthouse" located behind the Mizuna Lighthouse.

In the village located a short distance up from Mizuna Beach, you can see old Okinawan houses and statues of Shiisa (Okinawan warrior statues).

 

Kume Island

Kume Island is the westernmost island in the Okinawa archipelago.

Approximately 8,000 people live on the island, making it the fifth largest in Okinawa Prefecture.

The lush green nature remains intact and the beauty of the sea is outstanding.

Secrets of Popularity

The secret of its popularity is that its rustic nature has been preserved intact.

The unspoiled natural scenery of the mountains, the sea, and the sky will give you fresh impressions of everything you see.

 

Access

It takes about 30 minutes to arrive at Kumejima Airport by plane from Naha Airport on the main island of Okinawa.

If you take a ferry from Naha Tomari Port, it takes about 3 to 4 hours for a direct flight or a flight via Tonaki Island.

Sightseeing Spots

On Kume Island, there are several spectacular viewpoints, such as Hate-no-hama beach in good weather, Hiyadate Banta where you can also see the islands of the Kerama Islands, and the ruins of Uejo Castle, which is the highest point on Kume Island.

Tropical Fish House is a natural aquarium where you can meet various fish, crabs, and other sea creatures without going into the sea.

 

The ocean to Hate-no-hama, a remote island said to be the most beautiful in the East, is crystal clear.

It is a great location for snorkeling.

Kume Island is also Japan's largest producer of tiger prawns, and some farms and factory tours offer tastings.

 

Iriomote Island (Okinawa)

Iriomote Island is the second largest island in Okinawa Prefecture.

More than 2,000 people live on the island.

Almost 90% of the island's area of just under 300 square kilometers is covered with dense subtropical forests, and there is almost no flat land.

There are more than 40 rivers on the island, and mangrove forests can be seen widely in the waters where saltwater and freshwater mix.

 

Secrets of Popularity

Deep in the jungle are rare animals such as the famous Iriomote wildcat, crested serpent eagle, Xenopus laevis lizard, and semarucous box turtle.

Eco-tours and other activities that allow visitors to experience such wilderness through kayaking and trekking are popular.

 

Access

Take a plane from Naha Airport to Nannu Island Ishigaki Airport in about 1 hour.

From Ishigaki Port on Ishigaki Island, take a ferry to Ohara Port on Iriomote Island in about 40 minutes or to Uehara Port in about 45 minutes.

Sightseeing Spots

Iriomote Island is dotted with many popular tourist spots.

For example, the Nakama River has the largest mangrove basin in Japan, Yubu Island has a water depth of about 1 m even at high tide, and buffalo carts are used for transportation, and the Yutun River can be enjoyed by canoe or trekking.

In addition, there are countless other sightseeing spots on Iriomote Island, such as Pinaisara Falls, Mariyudu Falls, Kanpire Falls, and Star Sand Beach.

 

Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki Island, the third largest island in the prefecture, is home to nearly 5,000 people.

There is an airport on the island, and with the opening of the international terminal, the number of tourists, mainly from Asia, is increasing.

It is the base city for the economy and tourism of the Yaeyama Islands.

 

Secrets of Popularity

The crystal clear waters, with an extremely high encounter rate with manta rays, attract divers from all over the world.

Kabira Bay, in particular, is famous for its spectacular views, which have earned it three stars in the Green Michelin Guide.

It is also famous as an island of starry skies, and looking up at the night sky, you can enjoy a natural planetarium scene.

Food is also diverse, with delicious foods such as tuna and bonito caught in nearby waters and brand-name beef raised in the wild.

 

Access

A direct flight from Tokyo takes less than 200 minutes.

From Naha Airport, it is possible to arrive in 60 minutes.

Sightseeing Spots

You will never get tired of the abundance of sightseeing spots, such as Kabira Bay with its spectacular view, Euglena Mall, the southernmost shopping mall in Japan, Yonehara Beach where you can fully enjoy activities, Tamatorizaki Observatory overlooking the emerald blue sea, and Shiraho Beach where you can see one of the largest coral reefs in the world.

 

islets of Ogasawara (islands)

Kohama Island is a small island with an area of 7.86 square kilometers and a circumference of 16.6 kilometers.

Approximately 700 people live on the island.

It became famous as the setting for the NHK television series "Churasan.

To the southeast of the island is the southernmost beach resort in Japan called "Haimurubushi.

The island is tourism-oriented, with resort facilities occupying about one-fifth of the island.

The main means of transportation to and from the outside of the island is by sea using boats, and regular shipping routes to and from Ishigaki Island are the main means of transportation.

 

Secrets of Popularity

Various natural features of Okinawa were introduced as filming locations for TV dramas.

You can enjoy both such pure nature and a resort like "Haimurubushi".

 

Access

You can fly from Naha Airport to Shin-Ishigaki Airport in one hour and take a high-speed boat or ferry from Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal.

Sightseeing Spots

Ufudaki, which offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the islands of the Yaeyama Archipelago,."Sugar Road, where "Churasan" was filmed, Kohagura-so, a private house used as a filming location, and Hosozaki (Kubazaki), where Iriomote Island can be seen across the Yonara Channel are located.

At Haimurubushi, you can enjoy a variety of marine activities on Kohama Island, as well as a sightseeing course that takes you around the Yaeyama Archipelago, yoga, nature experiences, and other unique tropical resort life.

 

Miyako Island (Okinawa)

Located approximately 290 km southwest of the main island of Okinawa, it is an island on a plateau formed of limestone.

More than 5,000 people live on the island, which covers an area of 160 square kilometers.

Miyakojima City is formed by eight islands: Irabu Island, Ikema Island, Kuruma Island, Ogami Island, Shimoji Island, Tarama Island, and Mizuna Island.

Miyako Island has bridges to Irabu Island, Ikema Island, and Kurima Island, making overland travel possible.

 

Secrets of Popularity

Mangroves and crystal clear waters are among the attractions.

Direct flights are also available from Honshu.

You can enjoy the tropical resort to the fullest in many ways.

Sightseeing, marine activities, shopping, dining, etc., there is never a dull moment.

 

Access

Direct flights are available from Tokyo and Osaka.

It takes about 170 minutes from Tokyo and 160 minutes from Osaka.

It takes about 50 minutes from Naha Airport.

Sightseeing Spots

Miyako Island's tourist attractions include beaches such as "Yonaha Maehama," reputed to be the best in the East, "Yoshino Beach," with its coral reefs in the clear water, and "Sunayama Beach," with its huge rock arches.

Other attractions include a hole-in-the-wallThere are many spots scattered throughout the park, including Imgaya Marine Garden, a very intricate and distinctive cove; Maeha Beach, a popular sunrise spot; Koura Waterfront Park, which has a pond and the ocean within the park; and Kaginmi, a rope that requires access over a cliff.

 

summary

What do you think of this summary of Okinawa's remote islands?

Even remote islands range from uninhabited to large cities.

Many of the remote islands have been preserved in their natural state and are sure to impress you with their grandeur.

We encourage you to visit not only the main island of Okinawa, but also these remote islands.

Thank you for reading to the end.