Kerama Islands

慶良間諸島

A scenic island group known for pristine beaches, excellent snorkeling and diving sites with coral reefs and sea turtles. Accessible by ferry from Naha, they offer an idyllic tropical escape with turquoise waters.

Things to do

• Snorkeling at Tokashiki Beach — Crystal-clear shallow waters teeming with tropical fish, coral formations, and frequent sea turtle sightings just meters from shore.
• Diving at Kerama Kaitei — A renowned deep coral garden and underwater wall famous for encounters with manta rays, groupers, and pristine hard coral ecosystems.
• Visit Furuzamami Beach — A powdery white-sand beach on Zamami Island offering calm turquoise waters ideal for families and beginner snorkelers.
• Whale watching (seasonal) — From January to March, migrating humpback whales pass through the waters around Kerama, offering boat tours for observation.
• Kayaking through mangrove channels — Paddle through shallow mangrove forests in Nakijin and explore hidden coves while spotting juvenile fish and waterfowl.
• Explore Tokashiki Village — A historic fishing village with traditional wooden houses, local shops, and a maritime museum documenting the islands' whaling heritage.

Food to try

• Grilled Island Fish (島魚の塩焼き) — Fresh catches such as grouper or snapper grilled whole with sea salt, a specialty at waterfront restaurants serving daily local hauls.
• Goya Champuru (ゴーヤチャンプル) — Stir-fried bitter melon with tofu, eggs, and pork belly—a classic Okinawan dish widely served at local eateries.
• Sea Urchin (Uni) seasonal bowls — Fresh sea urchin harvested locally and served over rice during peak season, highlighting the islands' rich marine resources.
• Mozuku seaweed soup (モズク汁) — A traditional Okinawan soup made with locally-harvested mozuku seaweed and served warm, often as a healthy appetizer.
• Island vegetable tempura — Seasonal island-grown vegetables including okra and sweet potato deep-fried in a light batter, reflecting local agricultural traditions.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect marine conservation efforts — The islands are designated marine parks; do not touch coral, remove shells, or disturb sea turtles, and always follow snorkel guide instructions.
• Ferry schedules determine your pace — Limited daily ferry departures from Naha mean planning outbound and return trips in advance; check schedules to avoid being stranded overnight.
• Cash is essential on smaller islands — Most small shops, family restaurants, and traditional vendors accept only cash; ATMs are limited, so withdraw yen in Naha beforehand.
• Sun protection is non-negotiable — The tropical sun is intense year-round; locals wear long sleeves, hats, and high-SPF sunscreen, and midday beach time is avoided.