Kerama Islands Travel Guide

Discover everything there is to know about Kerama Islands in this comprehensive travel guide, including things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and cultural customs.


Introduction to Kerama Islands

Kerama Islands, located in Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture, is a group of 20 small islands, with only four being inhabited by locals. The islands’ crystal-clear waters, bright coral reefs, and diverse marine life make it an ideal travel destination for beach lovers, divers, and snorkelers. The island’s cultural heritage, along with its stunning natural beauty, will amaze any visitor, making it one of Japan’s hidden gems.

List of Places to Visit in Kerama Islands

If you are planning to visit Kerama Islands, don’t miss these top-rated attractions.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Tokashiki Village Museum - experience the Okinawan culture through exhibitions depicting the village’s lifestyle and traditional fishing practices.
  2. Zamami Village Museum - discover the island’s long history and famous sea turtles with its beautiful exhibits.
  3. Aharen enchi Kyoen - an expansive grassy field blooming with flowers that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the island.

Natural Attractions of Kerama Islands: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Kerama Shoto National Park- makes up the majority of the island chain’s territory, with beautiful coral reefs, stunning cliffs, and an array of marine life.
  2. Aka Island - known for its beautiful beaches and diverse sea life.
  3. Blue Cave - dive into a beautiful underwater tunnel with glowing blue tones of water.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kerama Islands

Kerama Islands is home to beautiful scenic hikes and biking routes that any nature lover should experience. Some top-rated routes to consider when visiting include:

  1. Hike Mount Yarabudake - it’s a challenging hike but offers an excellent payoff with stunning panoramic island views at the summit.
  2. Aka Island Biking Route - bike through beautiful nature landscapes and explore hidden parts of the island.

Best Things to Do in Kerama Islands: Activities and Tours

  1. Snorkeling - Experience the colorful coral reefs and crystal-clear waters with a snorkeling tour.
  2. Diving - explore the beautiful underwater world of Kerama Islands and swim with the different sea creatures.
  3. Glass Bottom Boat Tour - for those who prefer to stay dry and explore the beautiful water world view!

Week-Long Itinerary for Kerama Islands

If you want a week-long itinerary to experience the best of Kerama Islands, here are a few must-see places and things to do:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Tokashiki Island and snorkel at the reff
Day 2 Trek Mount Yarabudake and visit Nishihama Beach
Day 3 Try Diving and Explore the Blue Cave
Day 4 Take a Glass Bottom Boat tour of the Island
Day 5 Visit Akajima Island and Enjoy the Secluded Beaches
Day 6 Experience the unique cuisine in Kerama Island
Day 7 Relax and Enjoy the Sunset at the Beach

Food and Drink Scene of Kerama Islands

The cuisine on Kerama Islands is a mix of Japanese and Okinawan food. Travelers can expect fresh seafood, local vegetables, tofu, and use of seaweeds. Some popular dishes to try out include:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Rafute - a dish of stewed pork belly.
  2. Okinawa soba - thin noodles with a unique broth made from pork fat and bonito flakes.
  3. Andagi - donuts with sweet Okinawan syrup.

Local Beverages

  1. Awamori - locally-distilled alcohol made from indica rice.
  2. Purple Sweet Potato Shochu - a sweet alcoholic beverage made from purple sweet potato.

Where to Stay in Kerama Islands: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or a family, you’ll find various accommodations for any kind of traveler. Here are some popular accommodation options:

  1. Kerama Terrace - an upscale beach resort equipped with a spa and private beaches.
  2. Zamamia International Guesthouse - a cozy and hospitable stay with private rooms and an on-site bar and restaurant.
  3. Kerama Backpackers - Excellent experience for budget travelers with affordable rates and shared rooms.

What to Buy in Kerama Islands: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Kerama Islands is known for it’s glass making and their locally made sugar cane products. Here are some popular picks:

  1. Ryukyu glass - beautiful glassware unique to Okinawa.
  2. Mozuku - dried seaweed which is rich in minerals known for its health benefits.
  3. Sugar Candy - a sweets made with locally grown sugar canes.

Local Culture and Customs of Kerama Islands

Like many places in Japan, Kerama Islands has its own unique culture and customs. Some things to remember during your visit:

  1. Bowing in Greeting - Okinawan’s might bow slightly instead of shaking hands.
  2. No Shoes Indoors - It’s a traditional practice to leave your shoes at the entrance when entering a home, restaurant, or temple.
  3. Sobacha Tea - Okinawan’s often drink sobacha tea, made from roasted buckwheat.

Best Time to Visit Kerama Islands

Kerama Islands is an all-year-round destination. Still, the best time to visit would be between April to June to witness the lush green island sceneries and October to November to enjoy the Autumn breeze and the island’s mild winter.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kerama Islands

Do:

  1. Be respectful to locals and their customs.
  2. Bring enough cash; not all restaurants or stores accept credit card payments.
  3. Explore the beautiful beaches and stunning natural sceneries.

Don’t:

  1. Go into restricted areas, especially during turtle nesting season, which is from May to August.
  2. Leave litter, plastic bottles, and debris around, please take care of the environment.
  3. Make too much noise or disturb the peace, locals appreciate quiet surroundings, especially after 9 p.m.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kerama Islands

Kerama Islands is safe, but like any place, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

  1. Don’t stray away from designated hiking or diving sites.
  2. No lifeguards on the beaches, swim with caution.
  3. Keep an eye out for current tides and water conditions before you go swimming.

Health in Kerama Islands

Medical facilities are limited on the island, so it’s good to maintain proper safety precautions and health practices during your visit.

Getting to Kerama Islands: Transportation Options and Logistics

It takes around 40-minute by ferry from the city of Naha to reach Kerama Islands. Below are some transport options for reaching Kerama Islands:

Airports Near Kerama Islands

Naha Airport is the nearest airport, located on Okinawa’s main island, around 16 kilometers away from the harbor where ferries to Kerama Islands depart from.

Bus Stations Near Kerama Islands

You can take a bus from Naha Bus Terminal to Tomari Terminal, where ferries to Kerama Islands depart.

Other Options

Alternatively, some tourists prefer to go via taxi or rental car, allowing them to explore the main island and Kerama Islands.

How to Get Around in Kerama Islands

The best way to get around Kerama Islands is either by walking or renting a bicycle. Renting a vehicle is also an option; however, it is rarely necessary, and everything is easily accessible by foot.

Where to Go Next from Kerama Islands: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are many nearby destinations to explore after you have enjoyed your time on Kerama Islands. Here are a few top pick suggestions:

  1. Okinawa Main Island- the main island and capital of Okinawa Prefecture, it’s a wealthy city with lots of fun things to do and see.
  2. Iriomote Island - the largest of the Yaeyama Islands, best known for its lush rainforests and rare wildlife species.

Conclusion

Kerama Islands is an ideal travel destination for travelers looking for a combination of culture, nature, and adventure. With a rich history and breathtaking scenery, it’s an excellent spot to unwind and explore the nature of the archipelago islands. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has helped you plan your next visit to Kerama Islands!

Akajima and Geruma Akajima and Geruma


    Akajima
    Tokashiki