About Evening in Kerama! Sunset Spots & Evening Activities by the Locals!

What are the Kerama Islands like?

The Kerama Islands are a group of more than 20 islands of various sizes scattered in the East China Sea, about 40 km west of Naha City in the southern part of Okinawa's main island.

The term "island group" refers to islands of various sizes, with "island" meaning a large island and "islets" meaning small islands.

Of the 20 or so islands, only four are inhabited: Tokashiki, Zamami, Aka, and Keiruma, and Aka, Keiruma, and Sotochi islands are connected by bridges.

The "Keramas blue" waters are among the clearest in the world and are popular for scuba diving and whale watching.

Also, Japan is home to Japan's only subtropical hoofed deer, the Kerama deer, of which the ones living on Yakabi Island and Keiruma Island are designated as natural monuments.

Kerama deer can be seen swimming between the islands of the Kerama archipelago, and if you are lucky, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the rare swimming deer.

Click here for tour ranking of Kerama Islands

⬇︎For more information about the ☆Starry Sky Photo Tour, please click here.

 

Attractions of Kerama

greenThe beauty of the crystal-clear waters and white coral reefs led to the designation of the Kerama Islands National Park as the 31st new national park in Japan on March 5, 2014 (Coral Day).

National parks in Japan are a type of natural park designated by the Minister of the Environment under the Natural Parks Law to protect and promote the use of Japan's representative natural scenic areas.

Originally designated as Okinawa Coast National Park in 1978, the Kerama Islands area was separated and became a new national park.

Located within a day trip distance from Naha on the main island of Okinawa, it is easy to incorporate into your Okinawa travel itinerary.

⬇︎Click here for an article about access to the Kerama Islands.

 

Kerama blue that fascinates the world

As we have mentioned, the Kerama Islands have some of the clearest waters in the world.

The beautiful blue sea, known as "Kerama blue," is popular among divers from all over the world as a sacred place for diving.

Click here for ⬇︎ recommended diving tours.

 

A sanctuary for marine activities

The Kerama Islands are surrounded by a number of islands, so the water temperature is relatively warm throughout the year, making the area suitable for diving.

For this reason, it is loved by divers from all over the world as a sacred place for marine activities.

⬇︎ for recommended marine activities.

 

Magnificent Nature

As I mentioned earlier, the Kerama Islands were designated a national park in 2014.

In these Kerama Islands, you can enjoy the beautiful sea and abundant nature.

 

Attraction of Kerama Blue

The waters around the Kerama Islands are attractive not only for their clarity but also for their rich ecosystem.

About 250 species of various corals are densely distributed within walking distance from the beach, and it is said that about 60% of Japan's corals are found in the Kerama Islands.

The Kerama Islands are also famous as a spawning ground for sea turtles, and there is a high probability of encountering them while snorkeling or scuba diving.

Not only that, it is also famous as a spot where whales migrate south in the winter.

Sea turtles and manta rays can be viewed in the summer, and whale watching in the winter, making it possible to enjoy the area all year round, regardless of the season.

 

About Kerama Evening

Sunset time in the Kerama Islands is around 19:30 on the summer solstice and 17:50 on the winter solstice.

In Tokyo, the summer solstice is around 19:00, and the winter solstice is around 16:30, so you can see that the sun rises quite late.

⬇︎ for more information on sunset tours

 

Beautiful sunset in Kerama

The sea of Kerama is also a must-see at sunset.

To enjoy the view of the sunset over the ocean, participation in a sunset tour is recommended.

You can go to the sea by various means such as SUP, cruising, and boating, and depending on the content, you can also enjoy yourself on the beach.

Enjoy the bright red sea and the sun setting over the ocean.

 

Locals' recommendations for places to watch the sunset

Here are some places where only the locals know where to watch the amazing sunsets.

 

Onse-no-Zaki Observatory (Zamami Island)

The Unazinosachi Observatory is located at the western end of Zamami Island.

 

Spot Features and Highlights

The thrill of walking over the cliffs and the sight of powerful waves lapping against the shore is breathtaking.

You can enjoy the dynamic terrain, the horizon, and the sunset beyond as much as you like.

 

Directions and parking from Naha Airport and Zamami Port

To get to the Onse-no-Zaki Observatory, take a bus and a boat.

First, take a bus from in front of the domestic passenger terminal of Naha Airport to the Naha Bus Terminal.

From Naha Bus Terminal, take a local or express bus to Tomari Takahashi.

The Tomari Port Ferry Terminal, which connects Naha and the Kerama Islands, is located here.

Once aboard the high-speed boat "Queen Zamami," it takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to reach Zamami Port.

From Zamami Port, take the village bus to "Ama Campsite Mae" and walk 25 minutes from the bus stop to reach Onse-no-Zaki Observation Deck.

Free parking is available, and it takes about 20 minutes from Zamami Port by car.

 

Kami no Hama Observatory (Zamami Island)

Along with the Onzenosaki Observatory, this observatory faces the west side of Zamami Island.

 

Spot Features and Highlights

On the beach overlooking it, just across the water, there is a small, raised islet, which is a sanctuary called Silgsuk.

The observatory is a two-story building, but the lack of tall trees around it provides a good view of the islands in the chain.

This place faces the west side of the island, so you can fully enjoy the beautiful sunset.

 

Directions and parking from Naha Airport and Zamami Port

Since Kami no Hama Observatory is adjacent to Onse-no-Zaki Observatory, the route is almost the same.

Take a bus from Naha Airport to Tomari Port Ferry Terminal.

From there, take the high-speed boat "Queen Zamami" to Zamami Port and transfer to the village bus.

After getting off the bus at "Auma Campsite Mae," it is a 20-minute walk to the Kami no Hama Observatory.

Parking is also free and open to the public here, and it takes about 10 minutes to get there if you use a car.

⬇︎ for more information about God's Beach Observatory.

 

Hizushi Beach (Aka Island)

Located on the west side of Aka Island, this beach can be reached on foot from the harbor.

 

Spot Features and Highlights

Located on the west side of the island, it offers beautiful sunsets.

It is not a swimming beach, so there are few bathers and it is a quiet beach.

The location, with calm, shallow waters and the uninhabited island of Kuba Island in front of it, allows visitors to appreciate the sunset on the horizon.

 

Directions and parking from Naha Airport and Aka Port

From Naha Airport to Hizushi Beach is reached by bus and boat.

First, to board the ship, take a bus from Naha Airport to Tomari Port Ferry Terminal.

Transfer to the high-speed boat "Queen Zamami" to arrive at Aka Port in about 50 minutes.

It is a 10-minute walk from Aka Port to Hizushi Beach.

There is no parking, but bicycle parking is available.

⬇︎ for more information about Hizcsi Beach.

 

Evening activities

There are many activities in the Kerama Islands where you can enjoy beautiful sunsets.

 

SUP

SUP is an abbreviation for "Stand Up Paddleboard.

This is a new type of activity in which participants stand on a board and paddle through the water.

⬇︎ for more information on SUP tours.

⬇︎ for more information on recommended sunset SUP tours.

 

Fun & Attraction

Watching the sunset on a SUP is a different kind of beauty.

You can watch the sun set into the sea and the sea surface turn orange at sea.

The feeling of being enveloped by the sunset can only be experienced by SUP.

The evening ocean has fewer waves, making it easier for beginners to participate.

 

cruising

We also recommend taking a cruise ship and enjoying the scenery from the ship.

 

Fun & Attraction

Instead of paddling by yourself, you will be on a boat and go through the ocean.

You can watch the sunset while relaxing on a boat that does not sway easily.

Depending on the tour, you can enjoy a meal or have a drone fly over to take aerial photos of the sunset cruise of your choice.

More information on ⬇︎ recommended sunset cruising.

 

yoga

Originally a religious discipline originating in ancient India, this exercise is popular today for its ability to relax the body and mind.

It can also be expected to correct distortions in the body and improve flexibility and strength.

⬇︎ for more information about the yoga experience.

 

Fun & Attraction

You can enjoy yoga while soaking up the sunset on the beautiful sandy beach.

Sunset SUP yoga is also offered, so you can enjoy a relaxing and luxurious time on the beautiful waters of Kerama.

Let your mind and body be refreshed by the orange sky and sea.

 

summary

What do you think about the Kerama Islands in Okinawa?

You may want to enjoy the sunset on the ocean, relax and watch it from the beach or from an observation deck, or go on a photo tour at various locations.

Try to find a nice sunset view in the Kerama Islands, where there are many islands of various sizes.

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