Overview
The Kerama Islands (慶良間諸島) are a group of around 20 small islands and islets sitting roughly 30 to 40 kilometers west of Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture. Administratively they fall within Zamami Village and Tokashiki Village. Despite their proximity to Okinawa's main island, the Keramas feel worlds away — quieter, less developed, and surrounded by water that divers and marine biologists frequently describe as some of the clearest in Japan.
The island group gained formal recognition as Kerama Quasi-National Park in 2014, a designation that has helped limit large-scale development and preserve the reef ecosystems. The two main inhabited islands most visitors base themselves on are Zamami-jima and Tokashiki-jima. Smaller islands such as Aka-jima and Geruma-jima are accessible by bridge or short boat transfer from Zamami.
The Kerama Straits, the channel of water running between the islands, is well known as a wintering ground for humpback whales, with sightings typically occurring from January through March. Outside whale season, the draw is primarily underwater: coral gardens, sea turtles, and visibility that can exceed 30 meters on a good day. Above the surface, the islands offer hiking trails, quiet beaches, and a pace of life shaped by fishing and small-scale tourism.
Before You Go
Visas
Entry requirements depend on your nationality. For general guidance visit TravelerPulse's Visas section and check the official website of the Japan Immigration Services Agency before traveling.
What to pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen (conventional chemical sunscreens are discouraged and in some areas actively restricted to protect coral)
- Snorkeling gear if you have your own — rental is available but selection varies
- Cash in JPY. ATM access on the smaller islands is limited; stock up in Naha before departing
- Motion-sickness medication if you are susceptible — the ferry crossing can be rough, particularly in winter and during typhoon season
- Light layers for evenings, even in summer
Typhoon season
The islands sit in a typhoon corridor. Typhoon season runs roughly from June through October, with August and September posing the highest risk. Ferries are cancelled when seas are unsafe, and visitors can find themselves stranded for several days. Build flexibility into your itinerary during this period.
Medical
Medical facilities on the islands are very limited. Serious conditions require evacuation to Naha. Travelers with specific health needs should consult a doctor before visiting and ensure travel insurance covers evacuation.
Getting There
From Naha
The practical gateway is Naha, Okinawa's main city, served by Naha Airport with domestic connections across Japan and international flights from several Asian cities. From Naha, the Kerama Islands are reached by ferry from Tomari Port.
High-speed ferry (jetfoil): The fastest option to Zamami-jima and Aka-jima takes approximately 50 minutes. These services are operated by Zamami Village Ferry and run multiple departures per day, though schedules and frequency change seasonally. Verify current timetables directly with the ferry operator or at Tomari Port before your trip.
Slow ferry: A larger car ferry also serves Zamami-jima and takes roughly two hours. It can carry vehicles and allows passengers to bring bicycles. This service runs less frequently — verify schedules locally.
Tokashiki-jima is served by separate ferry services departing from Tomari Port, operated by Tokashiki Village. Travel time is approximately 35 minutes by high-speed ferry or around 70 minutes by the slower vessel.
Ferry services can be cancelled without much notice due to weather. Always check conditions the evening before and the morning of travel.
Getting Around
Each main island is small enough that the primary modes of transport are walking, cycling, and scooter rental. Rental shops are clustered near the ferry terminals on Zamami-jima and Tokashiki-jima; availability can be limited during peak season, so it is worth reserving in advance or arriving early.
On Zamami-jima, the main beaches — including Furuzamami Beach — are reachable on foot from the village, though the walk is uphill and can be tiring in summer heat. Bicycles and scooters make it easier to explore the island's perimeter roads and reach quieter coves.
Aka-jima is connected to the tiny island of Geruma-jima by a road bridge and is reachable from Zamami by a short local boat transfer. The island is quiet and most facilities are near the port.
There is no public bus network in the conventional sense on most of these islands. Confirm locally what shuttle or taxi options exist at the time of your visit, as these arrangements can be informal and seasonal.
Where to Stay
Accommodation on the Kerama Islands is primarily in small guesthouses (minshuku), pension-style inns, and a handful of small hotels, mostly concentrated in the port villages of Zamami and Tokashiki. Staying on the island rather than day-tripping from Naha is strongly recommended — the light in early morning and late afternoon on the water is one of the islands' understated pleasures, and overnight guests tend to have beaches more to themselves once day-trippers leave.
Many guesthouses are family-run and include meals (half-board arrangements are common), which is practical given the limited number of independent restaurants, especially on smaller islands. Booking well in advance is essential during the Japanese Golden Week holiday (late April to early May), Obon season (mid-August), and whale-watching season (January to March).
Camping is permitted in designated areas on some beaches; verify current rules and required permits with the village offices before assuming a site is open. Facilities at campsites are basic.
Things to See & Do
Diving and Snorkeling
This is the primary draw for most visitors. The reefs around the Keramas are among the healthiest in Japan, with hard and soft coral, sea turtles (encounters are common year-round), and a wide variety of reef fish. Numerous licensed dive operators are based on Zamami-jima and Tokashiki-jima offering guided dives, certification courses, and snorkel tours. If you plan to dive, verify operators hold appropriate Japanese and internationally recognized certifications.
Whale Watching
Humpback whales winter in the Kerama Straits from roughly January through March. Several operators run whale-watching boats from Zamami-jima during this period. Sightings are frequent but not guaranteed — weather and the whales' own movements determine your luck.
Beaches
- Furuzamami Beach (Zamami-jima): One of the most frequently cited beaches in Okinawa for water clarity and reef access directly from the shore
- Aharen Beach (Tokashiki-jima): A long, curved beach with calm water and snorkeling just offshore
- Nishibama Beach (Aka-jima): Quieter, with good sea turtle sightings
Hiking
Both Zamami-jima and Tokashiki-jima have hiking trails leading to viewpoints over the islands and straits. The Kamiyama Observation Point on Zamami offers panoramic views; trails are generally short but can be steep and unshaded.
Sea Kayaking
Several operators offer guided kayak tours through the island channels, suitable for beginners. Verify locally what is currently operating.
Food & Drink
Dining options on the Kerama Islands are modest. Most visitors staying at guesthouses eat their meals there, which often include locally caught fish, Okinawan staples such as goya champuru (bitter melon stir-fry), tofu dishes, and rice. A small number of cafes and restaurants operate near the ferry terminals on the main islands, offering set lunches, ramen, and simple Okinawan dishes.
Fresh fish and seafood are the local strength — dishes featuring locally caught grouper, snapper, and shellfish appear regularly. Okinawan cuisine in general draws on influences from China and Southeast Asia and differs noticeably from mainland Japanese food.
Okinawan awamori, a distilled spirit made from long-grain rice, is the local alcohol and is widely available. Local craft beer from Okinawa is sometimes stocked. Supplies on the islands are limited and restocking depends on ferry deliveries, so specialty dietary needs are best planned for in Naha before departure.
Bring snacks and any specific food requirements from Naha. Small convenience-style shops exist near the ports but stock is basic.
Practical Information
Money
Cash is essential. Card acceptance is limited on the islands. ATMs exist on the main islands but availability and operating hours vary; confirm locally. Withdraw sufficient yen in Naha before boarding the ferry.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage from major Japanese carriers (docomo, au, SoftBank) generally extends to the main islands, though it can be patchy in more remote areas. Accommodation Wi-Fi quality varies considerably.
Emergency contacts
Japan's general emergency number is 110 (police) and 119 (fire and ambulance). For coast guard emergencies at sea: 118. Medical emergencies on the islands will likely require evacuation to Naha; travel insurance that covers this is strongly recommended.
Useful Japanese phrases
English is not widely spoken outside of dive operators and some guesthouses. Learning a few basic Japanese phrases — greetings, numbers, and how to ask for directions — is practical and appreciated.
Sustainability
The quasi-national park status means certain protections apply to the reef and surrounding land. Avoid touching or standing on coral, do not remove shells or marine life, and use reef-safe sunscreen. Follow posted guidelines at beaches and in the water.
Safety
The Kerama Islands are generally a low-crime environment. The main safety considerations are environmental and maritime.
Sea conditions can change rapidly. Rip currents exist at some beaches; observe local flags and advice from lifeguards where present. Not all beaches are patrolled — exercise caution and do not swim alone in unfamiliar areas.
Diving safety: Only dive within your certification level and never alone. Confirm that your dive operator conducts proper briefings and maintains equipment. Decompression illness is a real risk if safety stops are skipped; the nearest recompression chamber is in Naha — another reason to dive conservatively.
Typhoons: Take all typhoon warnings seriously. If a warning is issued, follow instructions from local authorities and your accommodation. Do not attempt to travel by sea during or immediately after a typhoon.
Sun and heat: Okinawa's subtropical sun is intense. Heatstroke is a genuine risk during summer. Hydrate consistently, seek shade during midday, and use sun protection.
Local Culture & Etiquette
The Kerama Islands share the broader cultural traditions of Okinawa (Ryukyu), which has a distinct heritage shaped by centuries as an independent kingdom and its position as a trade hub between Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. This is reflected in local music, textiles, food, and spiritual practices that differ from mainland Japanese culture.
The pace of life on the islands is slow and community-oriented. Residents are generally welcoming but privacy is valued — be respectful when photographing people and homes. Fishing and the sea remain central to local identity even as tourism has grown.
Local festivals tied to the lunar calendar take place through the year; if your visit coincides with one, it is worth observing respectfully. Ask at your guesthouse about any community events during your stay.
Remove shoes when entering guesthouses and private spaces as indicated. Keep noise levels low in residential areas, particularly at night. The islands' small permanent population means visitor behavior has an outsized impact on the community.
