What are the Kerama Islands like? Can I go there from Mizuna Island? Thorough Comparison of Mizuna Island and Kerama Islands

Kerama Islands and Mizuna Island
Attractions and sights to see.

The blue sea and bright sun, the cheerful weather throughout the year, the somewhat exotic cityscape and local cuisine, and the unique culture with its many historical sites and folk songs.

When you hear the word "Okinawa," you may have various images of the main island of Okinawa, where Naha City is located.

However, when it comes to tourism, Okinawa Prefecture is characterized not only by its main island, but also by its numerous outlying islands, each with its own unique landscape and culture.

The Yaeyama Islands with Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands and the Miyako Islands centering on Miyakojima are particularly famous, but there are also a number of popular remote islands scattered in the vicinity of the main island of Okinawa.

This time we will focus on the Kerama Islands and Mizuna Island, which are located in the waters off the main island of Okinawa.

Let's check out the islands that are highly popular!

↓ First time visitors to Mizuna Island are also welcome☆.
Click here for recommended tours of Mizuna Island

 

Distance between Kerama Islands and Mizuna Island

The Kerama Islands are a group of 36 islands, including five inhabited islands.

Located west of the main island of Okinawa, the distance from the main island varies from island to island, but is generally about 40 km from Naha City.

Mizuna Island, on the other hand, is also located on the west side of the main island of Okinawa, but this island is only about 1 km from a place called Watakuchi Port, which is located north of Naha City.

And the distance between the Kerama Islands and Mizuna Island is 67.5 km.

Although it may seem a fair distance away, for a remote island in the very large waters of Okinawa, it may be said to be in a reasonably close neighborhood.

 

Access from Mizuna Island to the Kerama Islands

However, it is not easy to access the islands from one neighborhood to another.

If you were to leave Mizuna Island for the Kerama Islands, you would first need to take a high-speed boat from Mizuna Port to Watakuchi Port.

Upon arrival, take a rental car or bus south to Tomari Port in Naha City.

The Kerama Islands include Zamami Island, Aka Island, Tokashiki Island, Naganu Island, and several other islands suitable for sightseeing, and all of them can be reached from Tomari Port.

 

What kind of place is Kerama?

Each of the Kerama Islands has its own unique characteristics, but since the entire archipelago was designated a national park in 2014, it is often referred to as a single spot.

The islands that can be crossed from Tomari Port are particularly unique and attractive for sightseeing, with a subtropical climate and tropical scenery that welcomes us.

The blue sea, known as Kerama blue, is the common attraction of all the islands, and many people have been coming back for years to encounter this sea.

 

Directions from Naha Airport

Next, let's look at the route from Naha Airport to the Kerama Islands.

Tomari Port is easily accessible because it is located in Naha City, and if you are renting a car, you can quickly find the route by searching the address "3-25-1 Maejima, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture" on your navigation system, or simply by searching for the facility name.

When using public transportation, the monorail or local buses are the main means of transportation. The nearest stations are Miebashi for the monorail and Tomari-Takabashi for the bus.

Both can be reached by foot in less than 10 minutes to the port.

From there, ferries and high-speed boats run to the various islands, but it is best to check the details after you have decided on the dates of your visit, as fares and schedules vary depending on the season.

Also, during the summer tourist season, the boat seats often fill up, so it is recommended that you make your reservations as early as possible.

 

Attractions of Kerama

Now that we have given you an overview and directions, let's take the time to check out the charms of the Kerama Islands.

Since there are so many islands clustered together, it is difficult to list their attractions, but we have picked out three elements.

 

Kerama blue that fascinates the world

The first attraction is the Keramas blue ocean.

The sea area where the Kerama Islands are located is characterized by an abundance of coral on the seafloor. Coral purifies water quality by photosynthesis in the sea.

Thanks to this, the sea in Kerama is crystal clear, and the blue wavelengths are accentuated by the reflection of sunlight in the clear water, creating the jewel-like blue of Kerama blue.

The Kerama Islands have received a two-star rating from the Michelin Green Guide Japon, and the sea is highly acclaimed around the world.

 

Sanctuary for marine activities

The second attraction, related to the above, is the abundance of marine activities in the beautiful sea.

The activity itself has many places of interest throughout Okinawa Prefecture, but the Kerama Islands in particular are known as one of the most sacred places for diving in Japan.

There are more than 100 dive sites in the Kerama Islands that are considered to be the best diving spots in the world, and divers are so happy that they can never dive enough of them.

Of course, it is also a great place to enjoy snorkeling, which is also a diving activity and does not require a license.

See the ranking of popular Kerama Islands tours

 

Magnificent Nature

The third attraction is the great nature on the island.

The spectacular nature nurtured by the subtropical climate is spectacularly beautiful.

Vividly colored hibiscus flowers give visitors a gorgeous tropical travel feeling, and tropical trees such as yaeyama palms and ryukyu pine trees create an exotic mood.

The entire archipelago is like a natural amusement park, with its topography of cliffs and hills with great views.

Even just strolling around, such an extraordinary experience will excite travelers.

 

Attraction of Kerama Blue

Let's take a closer look at the Kerama Blue Sea, which is arguably the main content of Kerama Islands tourism.

As mentioned above, coral is abundant in the waters of the Kerama Islands, but when coral dies or is crushed, it has the property of leaving behind calcareous bones.

Over the years, these bones are crushed into fine sand, and the sand, which is composed of calcareous material, is pure white, known as coral sand.

This white sand reflects the sun's rays and creates the blue wavelengths of light that I mentioned above, which is why the blue sea touches our eyes.

The clarity of the water and the coral sands are the prerequisites, and the gem-like blue sparkle is rare and fascinating.

It is a strong attraction for many people.

 

Sightseeing spots recommended by locals

Then, let's take a look at the sights of the Kerama Islands.

We have picked out the best places not only from a tourist guide perspective, but also after taking into account the reputation of the local people.

 

Kozamami Beach

Furuzamami Beach is located on Zamami Island and is one of the most well-known spots in the Kerama Islands.

This is because this beach received a two-star rating from the Michelin Green Guide.

The extremely beautiful scenery has received rave reviews both at home and abroad.

 

Recommendations

Kozamami Beach is a very beautiful long beach.

It is 3 km long, and even during the high tourist season in the summer, when many visitors are expected, it is possible to enjoy the location in a spacious manner.

Of course, the ocean facing the beach is full of Keramas blue, and there are many tropical plants growing along the white sand beach that stretches all the way to the edge of sight.

The beautiful scenery, which is almost described as paradise, is guaranteed to amaze you.

Of course, it is the best resort beach because it is equipped with showers, toilets, and stores, which are essential for swimming.

 

Directions from Naha Airport and Zamami Port

From Tomari Port to Zamami Port, board either the ferry Zamami or the high-speed boat Queen Zamami.

The approximate time to the island is 120 minutes by ferry and 70 minutes by high-speed boat.

Basic travel costs are 4,090 yen round trip for ferry and 6,080 yen round trip for high-speed boat.

It is approximately a 20-minute walk from Zamami Port, which is a bit far to walk in summer, so it is recommended to take a cab or village bus.

 

Kitahama Beach (Nishibama Beach)

The second is Kitahama (Nishibama) Beach on Aka Island.

Aka Island, like Zamami Island, is also inhabited and has a great reputation for the beauty of its location.

This may seem a little complicated, since it is written as "north" but reads as "nishi.

This is an expression of the direction peculiar to Okinawa, and is called Agari in the east, Iri in the west, He in the south, and Nishi in the north, hence the name.

 

Beach Features

This is a famous beach, twinned with Kozamami Beach mentioned above, where you can experience the natural beauty of the Kerama Islands in abundance.

Kitahama Beach is the best snorkeling spot in the Kerama Islands, as corals grow in the shallows near the beach.

Even beginners can enjoy the underwater scenery like a natural aquarium without having to swim to the distant sea, and even beginners can enjoy it safely.

Advanced swimmers can also encounter even richer waters if they swim in the ocean, so anyone who visits will be deeply satisfied.

 

Directions from Naha Airport and Aka Port

Aka Island is located very close to Zamami Island and is reached by boarding the same "Ferry Zamami" or "Queen Zamami".

The order of the ports of call varies from time to time, so the estimated time required is about the same and the fees are the same.

From Aka Port to Kitahama Beach is a 20-minute walk.

Bicycle rental is a popular means of transportation other than walking, and you can also enjoy the scenery of the island if you pedal along the 7-minute path.

 

Naganum Island

I would like to introduce one more island, this time the uninhabited Naganu Island.

Named Naganu, meaning "long and narrow," the entire island is characterized by beautiful white coral sand beaches.

If you are looking for a tropical travel experience, you will find no better environment.

 

Recommendations

Although Naganu Island is uninhabited, that is only because there are no permanent residents.

This is a resort spot with a complete environment, including restaurants and a space where you can relax elegantly under parasols.

Accommodation facilities are also well organized, and are rather a well-developed category of facilities for sightseeing.

The entire island is a white sand beach, so photogenic that it is hard to describe.

It's the perfect spot to spend your summer leisure time in richness!

 

Directions from Naha Airport and Tomari Port

It takes about 20 minutes by ferry from Tomari Port to Naganu Island, and the cost of travel varies depending on the season.

Reservations are required, so be sure to make a reservation to visit.

 

What is Mizuna Island like?

As mentioned briefly in the opening section, the distance from the main island of Okinawa to Mizuna Island is only about 1 km.

One of the main features of Mizuna Island is the shape of the island, which is crescent-shaped and is sometimes nicknamed Croissant Island.

Although it is a small island with an area of less than 0.5 square kilometers, it is blessed with beautiful sea and nature that attracts many people, making it one of the most popular remote islands.

Click here to see the ranking of popular tours to Mizuna Island.

 

Directions from Naha Airport and Watakuchi Port

The address of Watakuchi Port, the port of entry to Mizuna Island, is Tanicha, Motobu-cho.

This place is located north of Naha City and requires a rental car or a bus to go north.

Approximate travel time by car is 1 hour and 10 minutes on the open road and 50 minutes on the highway.

If you take a bus, the shortest route is to take the Yanbaru Express Bus and get off at the "Headquarters Museum Mae" stop, from where it is a short 10-minute walk.

From Watakuchi Port to Mizuna Island is a high-speed boat trip, which costs 1,710 yen round trip and will probably take about 15 minutes.

Unlike the Kerama Islands, boats to Mizuna Island cannot be reserved in advance.

Tickets are only sold on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the tour, so it is recommended that you go early to ensure that you can keep your tickets, or take an activity tour that includes a trip to the site.

↓For more information about the ferry to Mizuna Island, click here.

Click here for tours with ferry to Mizuna Island

 

Why choose Mizuna Island?

Mizuna Island has some difficulties in that the port is a bit far from Naha and tickets cannot be reserved, but it is nevertheless always highly popular.

Many people choose Mizuna Island as a tourist destination because of the extensive activity tours mentioned above.

Many of them combine the perfect activity for enjoying the waters of Mizuna Island with a trip to the island, and many of them meet at the main island of Okinawa, which saves you the trouble of traveling.

Many plans are available for morning and afternoon tours, so you can choose one of them for sightseeing on Mizuna Island and the other for the main island, which is one of the reasons for its popularity.

 

Attractions of Mizuna Island

The main reason why so many people visit Mizuna Island is that the island itself is attractive.

Let's take a closer look at the splendor of Mizuna Island, which fascinates people from various angles.

 

Beaches with blue sea and white sand

As is typical of the remote islands of Okinawa Prefecture, the beauty of the sea and sandy beaches of Mizuna Island is an eclectic environment.

Depending on the presence or absence of coral and the depth of the coral, the waters of Mizuna Island shift back and forth between blue and emerald green.

The contrast created by the combination of the white sandy beach and the white sandy beach is like an artwork on canvas by a first-rate painter.

There are several beaches scattered around the island where you can enjoy such a sea, and each location has a different location.

It is a great point to be able to choose the beach to visit according to one's preference and purpose, and the island offers a perfect environment for those who want to enjoy swimming and marine activities.

 

Enjoy marine activities!

Of the several beaches, the main beach, Mizuna Beach, in particular, offers a wide variety of activities.

In addition to snorkeling, which allows visitors to enjoy the clarity of the ocean, there is a wide variety of activities that can be enjoyed on Mizuna Island, including experience diving, SUP, and parasailing, all of which can be done without a license.

You can use the activity tours mentioned above or take a tour locally.

Those who are familiar with the activity can also enjoy the ocean with a high degree of freedom by renting equipment at the site and enjoying it on their own.

 

Beautiful cobblestone streets

In addition, Mizuna Island has unique points on land.

On the way from Mizuna Harbor to the island's village, a glance down at your feet catches the white cobblestone pavement.

The cobblestone pavements, carefully maintained by the islanders, are always kept clean and will be a delight to the eyes of visitors to the island.

As a small island, Mizuna Island has no large buildings, but the cobblestone pavement is one of the symbols of the landscape.

It also looks great against the blue sky and can be used to take photogenic photos, so you may want to try your hand at one that will look great on social media.

 

Sightseeing spots recommended by locals

Now that I have given an overview of Mizuna Island, I would like to turn my attention to specific tourist attractions.

Mizuna Island is all about the sea and the beach.

We would like to introduce three beaches, each with different attractions.

 

Suina Beach

When introducing sightseeing on Mizuna Island, the main beach, Mizuna Beach, should be the first name that comes to mind.

It is characterized by its location right next to the pier at Mizuna Harbor, and is a long beach with a long stretch of sand along the north coast of the island.

 

Recommendations

During the summer, when tourism is at its peak, Suina Beach is always filled with lively activity.

The sea of Mizuna Island is of course blue and beautiful, and the long expanse of sandy beach is white and fine, and you can even walk on it barefoot.

Strolling along the beach under the clear blue sky and listening to the sound of the waves, you will feel as if you could walk anywhere.

In addition to its scenic beauty, Suina Beach is also an excellent beach for leisure activities such as swimming and marine activities.

The beach is easy to use in terms of convenience, with showers to rinse off seawater, lockers for changing clothes, essential restrooms, and a variety of stores for shopping.

The beach is also equipped with safety equipment, such as lifeguards and jellyfish nets, so you can enjoy the ocean to your heart's content with peace of mind.

 

Directions from Mizuna Port

Mizuna Beach is right next to Mizuna Harbor, so it takes less than a minute from your arrival to the beach.

The fact that you can play right away and return home easily is one of the attractions of Mizuna Beach.

↓arrow (mark or symbol) Suina BeachLearn more about ↓↓.

↓Recommended plan for Suina Beach

 

Beach below the lighthouse

The next location is the beach below the lighthouse, but this is not the official name.

As for the land, it is a sandy beach that is connected to the land from Mizuna Beach and is about 600 meters to the east.

The reason why they are called by different names even though they are the same beach is because they have different characteristics as beaches.

 

Recommendations

If the characteristics of the beach below the lighthouse could be described in a nutshell, the word "hole-in-the-wall beach" would be the best way to describe it.

Suina Beach is a tourist beach filled with a vibrant crowd, and its location just off the ship can make it quite crowded at certain times of the year.

On the other hand, this beach is the same sandy beach, but at a slightly greater distance, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

The area is not densely populated with tourists, and visitors can enjoy swimming and other activities in a quiet atmosphere.

However, since it is far from the main tourist area, various facilities such as showers and stores are not available in this area.

Please note that there are no lifeguards and no designated swimming areas, so swimmers are expected to manage their own risks when swimming.

As long as you take care of your safety, the location is beautiful, with a view of the Suina Island Lighthouse, making it the perfect beach to enjoy a tropical getaway.

 

Directions from Mizuna Port

To reach the beach under the lighthouse from around Suina Harbor, go straight east along the sandy beach for about 600 meters.

Alternatively, there is a path that moves once toward the village and continues on a road that stretches eastward toward the lighthouse.

Neither is very far away, so you can take the road of your choice.

↓arrow (mark or symbol) Beach below the lighthouseLearn more about ↓↓.

 

Seagull Rock Beach

Another spot I would like to introduce is the beach at Seagull Rock in the southern part of the island.

This is not a beach for general ocean fun, such as swimming or strolling, but it is a highly regarded snorkeling spot.

 

Recommendations

The beach at Seagull Rock is not very wide, and the sand underfoot is slightly coarse and hard in texture.

It is not suitable for barefoot walking, and the scenery is not that noteworthy, except for a large rock where seagulls nest in the sea, which is unique.

However, once you go snorkeling in the ocean, the location changes dramatically.

The seabed is up and down and rocky, and as you move offshore, you will encounter coral.

The underwater environment is very hospitable to many tropical fish, and the landscape is like a natural aquarium.

The fish are not too friendly, in a good sense, and you can see them in their natural habitat.

The beach offers a full experience of the best of what Okinawa has to offer in the ocean!

 

Directions from Mizuna Port

To reach the beach at Seagull Rock, you must head once to the village and then follow the road to the south.

It is on the opposite side of the island from the harbor in the north, but even so, the distance is less than 1 km.

You will be able to arrive without feeling that far away.

↓arrow (mark or symbol) Seagull Rock BeachLearn more about ↓↓.

 

Activities on Mizuna Island

Now that we have introduced three beaches, each with its own unique character, we would like to focus on some of the activities that you should enjoy at the beaches.

The variety of options available only on Mizuna Island, with its abundance of activities, is sure to get you lost in the maze of choices!

 

snorkeling

The first activity we will cover is snorkeling, a staple activity on trips to Okinawa.

Divers need only a snorkel, fins, and a wetsuit or rash guard to dive, allowing them to enjoy the beauty of Mizuna Island's waters in a casual manner.

 

Recommendations

The secret to snorkeling's popularity is its overwhelming friendliness.

You don't need a license, of course, and you don't even need to be able to swim if you want to enjoy yourself in shallow water without going out to sea.

The minimum requirement is a heart that is not afraid of water, so even young children and the elderly can participate.

And yet, diving in the beautiful waters of Mizuna Island will surely give you an extraordinary experience.

As long as you bring your own swimsuit, you can rent a complete set of equipment, and there are many tours available so you can choose the one that best suits your preferences.

On Mizuna Island, you can enjoy different locations at each of the beaches mentioned above, so be sure to experience them when you visit!

↓ Learn more about snorkeling ↓

↓ Click here for recommended snorkeling tours ↓ Click here for recommended snorkeling tours

 

diving

After snorkeling, the next activity we would like to introduce is diving, which is also characterized by going underwater.

This one involves diving into deep water wearing oxygen tanks and a number of heavy equipment, and a license is required to enjoy full-scale diving.

 

Recommendations

When you hear that a license is required, you may think that this is an activity that is out of your league if you have no experience.

However, the need for a license is only for serious diving.

On Mizuna Island, which offers a favorable environment for diving, experience diving is popular so that as many people as possible can experience the charm of its ocean depths.

Experience diving is a very casual way to enjoy diving in the ocean accompanied by an instructor, and no qualifications are required.

Of course, safety is also taken into consideration, but the real thrill of diving can be experienced to the fullest.

Dive into the depths of the crystal clear ocean and enjoy its beauty to the fullest!

↓ Learn more about diving ↓

↓ Click here for recommended diving tours ↓ Click here for recommended diving tours

 

SUP

Stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP, is one of the most popular activities that can be enjoyed in Okinawa, and its popularity has been on the rise in recent years.

One reason cited for this is its photogenic qualities.

The fact that they are very photogenic during the activity has earned them a good reputation, and they are becoming increasingly popular among young people who want to be conscious of their appearance on Instagram and other social networking sites.

 

Recommendations

SUP is an activity with a relatively long history, but many people may not know about it.

To give you a brief idea of what it entails, you stand on a surfboard or a special SUP board floating in the ocean and paddle through the water while keeping your balance.

Many people imagine surfboards to be as challenging as surfing, but SUP is easy enough for children and the elderly to enjoy.

The boards used are large and stable, and with a little practice, anyone can quickly learn to balance on them.

Drifting on the sea while feeling the waves is a very enjoyable experience, and standing on the sea with only a board is a very cool sight that will surely leave you with the best souvenir photos!

Learn more about SUP ↓↓

Click here for recommended SUP tours ↓ Click here for recommended SUP tours ↓ Click here for recommended SUP tours

 

parasailing

There are many different types of underwater and ocean activities, but parasailing is the best way to enjoy the sky, above the sea.

The activity is to float into the sky by being towed by a water bike running at high speed.

 

Recommendations

The nice thing about parasailing is that it requires absolutely no personal skill during the activity.

Many marine activities can be enjoyed by anyone, but even so, the range of enjoyment can vary depending on whether you can or cannot swim.

However, parasailing is equally enjoyable for everyone because it involves being towed up into the sky while seated.

Soaring 40 to 50 meters above the ground, the crescent-shaped topography of Mizuna Island is clearly visible when looking down from that height.

You will see a unique shape called Croissant Island and enjoy plenty of locations unique to sightseeing on Mizuna Island.

↓ Learn more about parasailing ↓

↓ Click here for recommended parasailing tours ↓ Click here for recommended parasailing tours

 

Canoe/Kayak

The last activity I would like to introduce is canoeing and kayaking.

This is an activity in which one or two people paddle through the ocean in a small boat, which many of you may be familiar with.

It is a very peaceful place to spend time and is perfect for sightseeing on Mizuna Island.

 

Recommendations

Unlike competitive canoeing and kayaking, these activity boats can be paddled at your own leisurely pace.

The boat is easy to maneuver due to its high stability and propulsion, and there are no safety concerns because life jackets are worn.

You can enjoy the ocean location to the fullest with the sea breeze, or you can lay yourself down without paddling once you have progressed to a suitable spot.

Riding on a boat that rocks gently with the waves is so comfortable that you may feel as if you are in a hammock or cradle.

The fact that it can accommodate two people is also a plus, and couples, parents and children, or any other combination can ride together to share a wonderful view and help strengthen their bond.

There is no age limit for passengers as long as one adult is on board, so it is a great way to let young children experience the ocean on board with you.

↓ Learn more about canoeing and kayaking ↓

 

Three popular tours on Mizuna Island

From here, we will pick up three popular tours of Mizuna Island and tell you about them.

As mentioned above, the key to sightseeing on Mizuna Island is to make good use of tours, including travel.

Please refer to this page.

 

Snorkeling at Mizuna Island!
<Boat Entry

A very popular boat entry snorkeling plan where you can see colorful corals and fish!

Boat entry takes you directly to the point by boat, so you can enjoy a bit of a cruising sensation while snorkeling at your leisure.

↓ For more information about snorkeling tours, click here ↓.

 

Experience diving in Mizuna Island!
<Boat Entry

With the support of your instructor, dive into a world of excitement!

Clear waters, beautiful corals, and vivid fish welcome you.

Boat entry allows you to dive directly to the dive site by boat, so you do not have to walk around with heavy equipment on your back.

↓ For more information on diving tours, click here ↓.

 

Summer season only
Mizuna Island Swimming Free Plan (with parasol)

Let's make your own original plan by combining your choice of different types of swimming at Mizuna Island!

Of course, you can apply for swimming only! We can make a plan according to your travel schedule.

↓ For details of the swimming plan, click here ↓.

 

summary

We have introduced the Kerama Islands and Mizuna Island, remote islands near the main island of Okinawa.

Both islands are close to the main island of Okinawa, and both are common in that they can be visited on a day trip, but the locations of the islands are very different from those of the Kerama Islands and Mizuna Island.

We hope you will visit these remote islands, each of which boasts its own wonderful attractions!

↓ Click here to read the article in conjunction with ↓ ↓