Kerama has a lot of attractions at night! What activities can be enjoyed at night?
Table of Contents
What are the Kerama Islands like?
Have you ever heard of the Kerama Islands (Kerama-shoto), a remote island that can be reached in a day trip from the main island of Okinawa?
The Kerama Islands are a group of more than 20 islands of various sizes located approximately 20 to 40 km west of the main island of Okinawa, and can be reached by high-speed boat in 35 to 50 minutes.
It is divided into two villages, Tokashiki Village, centering on Tokashiki Island, and Zamami Village, centering on Zamami Island, with only four islands actually inhabited.
It is popular as a remote island that can be easily accessed, and its beauty attracts the attention of the world.
Attractions of Kerama
The attraction of the Kerama Islands is not only that they are easily accessible from the main island of Okinawa.
It has many attractions, including some of the clearest waters in the world, spectacular nature that has been designated as a national park, and a wealth of marine activities.
The islands are also famous as diving spots, attracting divers from all over the world.
Another attraction is the beach, which has been awarded two stars by the Michelin Green Guide Japon.
Kerama blue that fascinates the world
The charm of the Kerama Islands is the clarity of the sea!
It is one of the clearest waters in the world and is often referred to as "Kerama blue.
You will be able to see the deepest depths and far beyond in the ocean, and you will be dazzled by the endless blue waters.
A sanctuary for marine activities
Many people visit the Kerama Islands as a sacred place for marine activities.
Many activities can be enjoyed from diving, snorkeling, SUP, kayaking, fishing to swimming.
The diving spots are very varied, so both advanced and beginner divers will be able to enjoy themselves depending on their level.
In addition, visitors with small children can enjoy swimming in the white sandy beaches unique to Okinawa.
Magnificent Nature
The waters of the Kerama Islands are densely covered with coral reefs, creating a beautiful marine landscape.
It is a habitat for about 250 types of coral reefs and a spawning ground for sea turtles such as hawksbill turtles and green turtles.
In 2005, it was registered as a Ramsar wetland.
In addition, in 2014, this archipelago and the surrounding waters were designated as Kerama Islands National Park.
Because of this diverse ecosystem, it is also a breeding ground for humpback whales,
Whale watching can be enjoyed from January to March.
Attraction of Kerama Blue
As I mentioned earlier, the Kerama Islands have a beautiful sea called Kerama Blue.
Divers and tourists from all over the world come to see the sea.
The contrast between the white sandy beach and the blue sea creates a wonderful landscape.
Kerama has a lot of attractions at night
The Kerama Islands at dusk are also a beautiful sight.
The sunset over the ocean in front of you is breathtaking.
Simply staring at the picturesque scenery wherever you take a picture will be enough to satisfy you.
A sea of stars filling the night sky
Slowly the sun sets, gradually shifting to a jet-black night, and at the same time the stars gradually begin to shine.
You will find yourself in the dark, and the sky will be full of stars.
There is no artificial light to block the starlight away from human settlements.
Enjoy the light of countless twinkling stars.
Marine activities to enjoy at night are also attractive.
You may have the image that marine activities are done during the daytime.
However, there are also many activities that can be enjoyed only at night.
Experience something different from the daytime atmosphere.
Starry Sky Spots in Kerama Taught by Locals
First, here are some starry sky spots recommended by locals who know the island inside out.
Aka Bridge (Aka Island)
The first starry sky spot is Aka Ohashi Bridge.
Aka Bridge isThis bridge connects Aka Island and Geruma Island.
Why is this a starry sky spot?
Spot Features
From this bridge, you can see the blue ocean and sea turtles, but it is also a spectacular spot to watch the sunrise and sunset.
And since there is not a single streetlight on the bridge, it is pitch black at night, and since there is nothing to block the light of the stars, you can enjoy the starry sky to the fullest.
When staying on Aka Island, be sure to look up at the starlit sky from Aka Ohashi Bridge, where you can enjoy different views in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
Directions and parking from Naha Airport and Aka Port
From Naha Airport, take a cab to Nahadomari Port (about 15-25 minutes), and from Nahadomari Port to Zamami Port is about 50 minutes by high-speed boat or 90 minutes by ferry.
It is located right next to Aka Port andLiaison passage to Aka BridgeThere are also
Free parking spaces are available in the neighborhood.
Ama Beach (Zamami Island)
The second place I would like to introduce is Aman Beach.
This beach is located on the west side of Zamami Island and is surrounded by islands, so the waves are calm and the beach is shallow enough for families to play safely.
Spot Features
Located on the west side of the island, it is a great spot to watch the sunset.
After dark, there are almost no street lights in the surrounding area, making it the perfect point to enjoy the star-filled sky.
It is adjacent to the Ama Beach Campground,Tents are available for rent, so you can lie down and gaze at the stars.
Please enjoy the luxury of star gazing while listening to the sound of the waves.
You can also see marine noctiluca on Zamami Island.
Luminous insects are plankton drifting in the sea, and their fantastic coloration may look like an aurora borealis in the ocean.
Directions and parking from Naha Airport and Zamami Port
From Naha Airport, take a cab to Nahadomari Port (about 15-25 minutes), and from Nahadomari Port to Zamami Port is about 50 minutes by high-speed boat or 90 minutes by ferry.
From Zamami Port, about 1.4 km to the westkmIt is 5 minutes by car or village bus.
Free parking is available.
It takes about 20 minutes to walk there, but if it is dusk, you may want to go there while enjoying the scenery.
Kozamami Beach (Zamami Island)
The third starry sky spot is Kozamami Beach.
It is the main beach of Zamami Island and is located on the east side of the island.
It has received two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japon and attracts people from all over the world.
It is a resort-like beach with excellent facilities.
Spot Features
This beach is outstandingly clear.
A pure white sandy beach extends about 1 km ahead in the shape of a moon.
In summer, the landscape has a resort-like atmosphere, and facilities such as showers, restrooms, stores, and rental stores are available.
Because it is located away from the human settlement area of Zamami Island, it is a spot where you can see beautiful starry skies at night.
Also,Like Auma Beach, the seaNoctilucent insects can be seen.
Directions and parking from Naha Airport and Zamami Port
From Naha Airport, take a cab to Nahadomari Port (about 15-25 minutes), and from Nahadomari Port to Zamami Port is about 50 minutes by high-speed boat or 90 minutes by ferry.
From Zamami Port, about 1.5 eastkmIt is a 5-minute ride on the village bus.
Free parking is available.
It takes about 20 minutes to walk there.
Take a tour to enjoy a fantastic night!
The night is not just for star gazing.
There are tours where you can enjoy the night in Kerama while doing activities.
Come join us on a tour to enjoy the fantastic nighttime world of Kerama.
Activities to enjoy at night
Activities enjoyed during the day can actually be enjoyed at night as well.
Here is an introduction to the nighttime attractions of each activity, which are different from those of the day.
diving
The sea of Kerama is a diving spot that is coveted all over the world.
If you want to fully enjoy the clear "Keramas Blue," why not try diving?
From casual experience diving for first-timers to fun diving for licensed veterans, you can enjoy diving according to your level of experience.
Night Diving Attractions
The crystal clear and beautiful sea of course maintains its clarity even at night.
If you participate in night diving, the light reaches much farther and you can see a different world at night than in the daytime.
Diving is the only way to experience Keramas blue by day and night from underwater.
For those who wish to experience a fantastic and mysterious world, night diving is highly recommended.
SUP
SUP stands for stand-up paddleboarding, which is simply an activity where you paddle on a large surfboard and move around on the ocean.
SUP boards are constructed to be highly buoyant, making it easy for anyone to stand on the board.
Canoes and kayaks require a lot of arm strength because you sit down to paddle, but SUPs can be paddled standing up, making it easier to advance the board.
Also, because you paddle standing up, your line of sight is higher than that of a kayak, allowing you to see farther.
It is stable enough to sit or lie down on, and it can also be ridden by two with a child.
Night SUP Attraction
Night SUP is literally SUPing in the ocean at night.
On the SUP BoardThe LED light illuminates the sea under your feet fantastically when it gets dark.
The blue of the ocean is illuminated darkly by the lights because it is so clear.
We tend to look down, but let's also look forward and row hard.
It is also wonderful to lie on the SUP board and float in the fantastic ocean while gazing at the stars in the sky!
cruising
While both diving and SUP require changing into a wetsuit or swimsuit, cruising does not.
You can enjoy it elegantly on a cruise ship.
Night Cruise Attractions
As one's eyes are dazzled by the setting sun, one gradually moves into the night.
The sky is full of stars, and the ship's surroundings, illuminated by the light, reflect a fantastic sea.
It is like a natural planetarium.
You will have an elegant time gazing at the stars in total darkness.
summary
We hope you enjoyed our introduction to nighttime fun in the Kerama Islands.
Kerama at night also has many attractions.
Although the islands are easily accessible as a day trip from the main island of Okinawa, we encourage you to stay overnight and enjoy the Kerama Islands at night.
