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

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

The remote islands of Minna-jima and Kerama-islands are within a day trip distance from the main island of Okinawa.

Here are some of the attractions and sights of these two places.

 

Distance between Mizuna Island and Kerama Islands

Mizuna Island is located 7 km west of Motobu Peninsula in the northern part of Okinawa's main island.

The Kerama Islands, on the other hand, are islands floating 40 km west of Naha City.

This is a very rough figure, but the straight line distance between Mizuna Island and the Kerama Islands is roughly 80 km.

Incidentally, there are no direct flights from Mizuna Island to the Kerama Islands.

 

Access from Kerama Islands to Mizuna Island

To get to Mizuna Island from the Kerama Islands, first head to Tomari Port in Naha City.

Next, travel overland or by high-speed ferry from Tomari Port to Toguchi Port in Motobu Town.

A 15-minute high-speed boat ride from Watakuchi Port will take you to Mizuna Island.

The journey from the Kerama Islands to Tomari Port takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour by high-speed boat or 1 to 2 hours by ferry.

The Kerama Islands are dotted with more than 20 islands of various sizes, so the time required for each island is different.

From Tomari Port to Watakuchi Port takes 1.5 hours by car or about 75 minutes by high-speed boat "Zimbabwe Marine".

Although it costs more money, high-speed boats are a good choice, especially during the high season in summer, because you don't have to worry about traffic jams.

 

What is Mizuna Island like?

Mizuna Island is a small island with a circumference of approximately 4 km and a population of 40 people, but it is a very popular place with more than 60,000 visitors a year.

It is sometimes called Croissant Island because the island is shaped like a crescent moon.

The current water supply for Mizuna Island comes from the main island of Okinawa, and there is a theory that the island was originally named "Minna-jima" (meaning "island without water").

Since the island is made up of raised coral reefs, it is a popular area for marine activities.

 

How to get to Mizuna Island

To get to Mizuna Island, take the New Wing Minna, a regular high-speed boat service from Watakuchi Port in Motobu Town, which takes about 15 minutes.

However, please note that regular delivery cannot be reserved.

During periods when crowds are expected, day tours are a good option.

Transportation from Naha Airport to Watakuchi Port can be by Yanbaru Express Bus, rental car, or cab.

Both trips take about 2 hours, and the cost is lower if you use the Yanbaru Express Bus.

If you take the Yanbaru Express Bus, get off at "Motobu Museum Mae" and walk about 10 minutes to Watakuchi Port.

If you use a rental car, there is free parking, but it is inevitably crowded in the summer, so depending on where you park your car, you may want to leave your keys at a ticket booth.

Attractions of Mizuna Island

The three main attractions of Mizuna Island are its outstandingly beautiful sea, swimming and snorkeling, and stone-paved roads.

Here are the details of each.

 

Outstandingly beautiful sea

The ocean of Okinawa's main island is beautiful, but the clarity of the waters of Mizuna Island is even better.

It may seem a bit far from Naha Airport and Tomari Port, but it is well worth a day trip!

 

Enjoy swimming and snorkeling!

Bathing on Mizuna Island, surrounded by coral reefs, is sure to be different from the usual beaches.

However, during the busy tourist season, the sand rises and the clarity of the sea is slightly lower.

If that's not enough, sign up for a snorkeling tour.

You can enjoy the beautiful ocean as you go snorkeling after going out to sea by boat.

 

cobblestone road

Most of the roads on Mizuna Island are cobblestone, not asphalt.

The road leading from the harbor to the village and the residential area are also cobblestone paved, so you can enjoy the atmosphere of a remote island no matter where you walk.

There are also two different patterns of cobblestone pavement to check out if you are interested.

 

Enjoy Suina Beach to the fullest!

Mizuna Beach is the most famous beach on Mizuna Island!

The beauty of the area is so impressive that even the locals are impressed by its beauty.

Located on the west side of the island, most visitors to Mizuna Island come here.

Here are some of the attractions of Mizuna Beach.

 

Enjoy the spectacular view of the blue sea and white sandy beach!

The emerald green sea surrounded by coral reefs and the white sandy beach are the charms of Mizuna Beach.

The swimming area also has coral reefs and small tropical fish, making it a great place for swimming.

It is also popular with families, as children can play there safely.

The shallow water makes it possible to walk along the beach at low tide.

 

Let's relax on the beach as much as we can!

Suina Beach has stores and more food stores during the swimming season.

Forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax on the beach as much as you like!

However, there is no shade on the beach, so parasols are a must.

There are several rental stores available, so be sure to use them.

 

Join a tour and enjoy marine activities!

Many marine activity tours are offered at Mizuna Beach.

Typical examples are snorkeling, but banana boats, jet skis, kayaks, and glass boats can also be experienced.

Let's have as much fun as you want on Mizuna Island!

 

What kind of place is Kerama?

The Kerama Islands are designated as a national park and are a treasure trove of nature.

Some areas are registered under the Ramsar Convention, and their value is recognized worldwide.

The beautiful ocean, known as "Kerama blue," and pristine wilderness are its charms.

Boats to the Kerama Islands leave from Naha City, so access from Naha Airport is relatively convenient.

 

Directions from Naha Airport

Boats to the Kerama Islands operate from Tomari Port in Naha City.

There are three ways to get to Tomari Port from Naha Airport: by bus, monorail (Yui Rail), or cab.

For local buses, get off at Tomari-Takahashi (泊高橋), and the trip takes about 30 minutes.

By monorail, it takes 14 minutes to get to the nearest Miebashi Station, but it is a 10-minute walk from the station.

A cab will get you there in about 15 minutes, so you can choose your transportation according to the boat time.

Tomari Pier Passenger Terminal "Tomarin" is a relatively large terminal that also contains cafes, stores, and hotels.

Since there are few stores on the remote islands of Okinawa, it is convenient to buy food and drinks.

 

Attractions of Kerama

When we think of the Kerama Islands, three things come to mind: Kerama blue, marine activities, and spectacular nature.

Let's take a closer look at each of these.

 

Kerama blue that fascinates the world

The sea around the Kerama Islands is known for its beauty, so much so that it is named "Kerama Blue.

People attracted by the beautiful Kerama blue ocean come not only from Japan but from all over the world.

Tropical waters are home not only to coral reefs and tropical fish, but also sea turtles and manta rays.

It is surprising to find such a place in Japan.

 

A sanctuary for marine activities

The Kerama Islands, with its beautiful ocean, is an ideal place for marine activities.

There are many different types of marine activities available today, and most beginners can make some progress during their experience tours.

Let's enjoy the sea of Kerama to the fullest!

 

Magnificent Nature

Speaking of Kerama, one cannot miss the abundance of nature.

The views from the observatories on the islands are picturesque no matter where you take your pictures.

The bridges connecting the islands are also recommended photo opportunities.

There are many uninhabited islands and many natural beaches that have not been touched by humans.

 

Attraction of Kerama Blue

The Kerama blue ocean viewed from the white sand beach is so beautiful that it is hard to believe that it is the same Japan.

Just relaxing on the beach can make you feel like you are in another world.

The Kerama Islands may be associated with marine activities, but even those who are not good swimmers or are not comfortable diving will be fully satisfied just looking out at the ocean.

 

Sightseeing spots recommended by locals

Even within the Kerama Islands, the sea is different on each island.

In this issue, we will introduce a selection of local recommendations among them.

Please note that all accesses to the locations introduced here are via Tomari Port from Naha Airport.

We have already explained how to get to Tomari Port from Naha Airport, so this section has been omitted.

 

Kozamami Beach

This beach is located on Zamami Island, the second largest island in the Kerama Islands.

Zamami Island and Furuzamami Beach have received two stars in the "Michelin Green Guide Japon" and are recognized abroad as places rich in nature.

 

Recommendations

It is also recommended for those who are visiting the Kerama Islands for the first time, as there are a variety of facilities for tourists.

In winter, humpback whales can be seen migrating south from Alaska.

 

Directions from Naha Airport and Zamami Port

From Tomari Port, take the high-speed boat (50 minutes) or ferry (120 minutes) to Zamami Island.

The distance from Zamami Port is approximately 1.4 km, and transportation is by foot, rental car, or village bus.

Kitahama Beach (Nishibama Beach)

Kitahama Beach is located on Aka Island.

Aka Island is a small island with a circumference of 12 km, but it is connected to Keiruma Island and Fukaji Island by bridges.

If you come here, you can visit three islands at once!

In Okinawa, north is called "nishi," so the name "nishibama" is written "north beach.

 

Beach Features

This natural beach on the east side of Aka Island is a popular snorkeling spot.

There is also an observatory nearby, offering a wonderful view of the multi-island sea that is characteristic of the Kerama Islands.

Recommended for those who want to enjoy the unique scenery of the Kerama Islands.

 

Directions from Naha Airport and Aka Port

From Tomari Port, it takes about 2 hours by ferry or 50 minutes by high-speed boat.

From Aka Port, it takes about 30 minutes on foot or 10-15 minutes by bicycle, but there are some ups and downs, so those who are concerned about their stamina may want to rent a bike.

Naganum Island

Naganu Island is located at the gateway to the Kerama Islands from the main island of Okinawa.

It is made of coral sands of coral and shell fragments, and is the largest island in the Cebic Atoll.

 

Recommendations

Although the island is uninhabited, the facilities are well maintained, making it ideal for those who want to relax.

The abundance of coral reefs allows visitors to enjoy tropical waters.

There are also many one-day tours departing from the main island of Okinawa.

 

Directions from Naha Airport and Tomari Port

The only access to Naganu Island is by ferry.

The trip takes about 20 minutes, and there are more flights than on other islands.

Activities in Kerama

Here are some activities you can enjoy in the Kerama Islands.

Some activities, such as whale watching, are only available during limited periods, but diving and other activities can be enjoyed year-round!

 

snorkeling

Snorkeling is a marine activity that can be enjoyed by children and adults of all ages.

In the sea, you can admire many tropical creatures such as beautiful tropical fish and coral reefs.

 

diving

Diving in the clean ocean is an exceptional pleasure for divers.

Diving is possible even during the winter season, and depending on the dive site, you may even hear whales!

 

SUP

SUP stands for stand-up paddleboarding, and as the name suggests, it is an activity in which one stands on a board and paddles through the water.

It can be enjoyed not only in the ocean, but also in rivers flowing through the city center, and has been gaining popularity in recent years.

 

parasailing

Pulled vigorously by a motorboat, parasailing in the sky offers the best view from high above.

Even if you do not go up to the observatory, you can enjoy the spectacular view of the Kerama Islands.

How about parasailing for a fleeting walk in the air?

 

whale watching

The best time for whale watching is from January to March.

During this season, humpback whales come to the waters around Zamami Island to breed.

The Zamami Village Whale Watching Association has been established, and rules have been established to ensure safe whale watching for both humans and whales.

I would like to see a whale swimming in the ocean at least once!

 

3 popular tours in Kerama

Finally, we would like to introduce just a few of the hands-on marine activity tours that can be enjoyed around the Kerama Islands.

All of them are open to beginners, so if you find a plan that interests you, sign up for it.

 

summary

Mizuna Island is located just 15 minutes by high-speed ferry from the main island of Okinawa and is visited by many tourists every year.

The ocean is very beautiful, and colorful parasols line the beach during the bathing season.

Check out the many one-day tours where you can experience marine activities.

The Kerama Islands are world-famous for their beautiful waters, known as "Kerama blue.

In addition to diving and other marine activities, there are several observation decks on each island and walking trails.

Whale watching is available in the winter, so you can go at any time of the year.

Both Mizuna Island and the Kerama Islands are full of natural attractions, so be sure to visit them.

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