Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture in Japan and is famous for its unique culture and amazing scenery. The prefecture is formed by many islands, well-known for having amazing beaches. Some of the smaller islands are completely uninhabited and can still be accessed easily. In this article, the names of the places will be introduced by the nearest main island, followed by the name of the special remote island. Here are 10 of the most spectacular remote islands you have to visit!
1. Blue sky and emerald green sea - Hatenohama
Hatenohama is said to be the most beautiful remote island in the oriental region. Located just 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) away from Kume Island, it is famous for having amazingly fine and white sand. The island is actually formed by 3 distinct sandbars. Activities such as snorkeling and diving can be enjoyed there.
Hatenohama can be accessed from the Tomari Fisherina Port and most people go there through the Hama Tour boat ride service. The 30 minute boat ride will also be extremely exciting as the boat floor is made of glass and passengers can look into the sea through it! Not only can you admire the amazing corals and fish in the ocean, if you are lucky, you might even be able to witness a sea turtle! It is recommended that you book the tickets as it is quite popular during the holiday season, especially in summer. Shower facilities are also available at the Tomari Fisherina Port.
Kume Island - Hatenohama connection Tomari Fisherina Port
Address: 1724-13, Shimajiri Gun, Kumejima, Okinawa
Access: 30 minute boat ride from Tomari Fisherina Port
2. The mysterious Oha Island
Oha Island is another remote island that can be accessed from Kume Island, but this place is not quite like the previous Hatenohama Island. There are no boat tours or rides that will bring you to Oha Island, instead, you will have to rent a boat from Kume Island to get there yourself! In fact, you could even walk over from Kume Island during low tide.
Many people used to stay in Oha Island but the place is today almost uninhabited, and there are several abandoned houses and wells on the island. Of course, being an island in Okinawa, this island too offers a magical beach with beautiful emerald green waters which match up to that of Hatenohama! It is relatively more quiet than Hatenohama Beach so this is certainly a place worth visiting too.
Kume Island - Oha Island
Address: Kumejima, Shimajiri District, Okinawa
Access: Walk from Kume Island during low tide or rent a boat
3. The ever-changing shape of Hama Island
Hama Island is located off Kohama Island and is an interesting place which shape is constantly changing. The beaches in Hama Island will vary according to the tide, and you will probably see a different shape when visiting and leaving the island! During low tide, an amazing 300 meters (984 foot) long beach will appear, but at high tide, the island might even be split into two! Have no fear though, because the tide will still be low enough to easily walk in between the “two” islands.
The most convenient way to access Hama Island is through a 15 minute boat ride from the nearest Kohama Island, although there are also tours from Ishigaki and Taketomi Island.
Kohama Island - Hama Island
Address: Hama Island
Access: Boat ride and tours available from Ishigaki Island, Taketomi Island or Kohama Island
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4. Kayama Island - the Rabbit Island!?
Kayama Island is also located off Kohama Island, and is a place that can be easily accessed via boat tour rides from Ishigaki and Kohama Island. This small island has a perimeter of only 2.5 kilometers (1.5 mi) and is completely uninhabited by humans. There are visitor houses available on the island, though. On the other hand, Kayama Island is filled with around 500 to 1,000 rabbits! These wild rabbits are all around the visitor houses and are extremely friendly.
Kayama Island also offers a beautiful beach, and gulls nest on the rocks found at the western end of the beach, making it a fun place to enjoy the wonders of nature.
Kohama Island - Kayama Island
Address: Taketomi, Yaeyama District, Okinawa
Access: Boat ride tours available from Ishigaki Island and Kohama Island (10 minutes from Kohama Island)
5. Barasu Island - the moving island
Barasu Island is located in between Iriomote Island and Hatoma Island and is an interesting island that is actually not located on the map. This small island is in fact a coral island rather than one formed from rocks, and Barasu actually means “coral shells”. Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities there, and breathe-taking views of the coral reefs and marine life can be appreciated. You might even get to see sea turtles if you are lucky!
Barasu Island, amazingly, is also said to move due to the typhoons, as its shape will constantly change due to the environment around it. So if you happen to visit Barasu Island once more in a few years’ time, you might find yourself looking at a completely different place!
Iriomote Island - Barasu Island connection Funaura Port
Address: Uehara, Taketomi, Yaeyama District, Okinawa
Access: Many tours available from Iriomote Island Funaura Port
6. Nagannu Island - the national park
The Kerama Islands, which can be easily accessed from Naha - the biggest city in Okinawa mainland - were designated as a National Park in 2014. The Kerama Islands have many islands around them, and one of the most famous one is Nagannu Island, an uninhabited island.
You will be greeted by fantastic white sand and beautiful emerald green sea once you reach Nagannu Island, making this a fantastic spot for beach activities! Although Nagannu Island is an uninhabited place, there are cafes, cottages and shower facilities there. Furthermore, barbecues can also be held at the beach and alcohol is also available! This makes Nagannu Island one of the best places to visit with your friends to enjoy a fantastic resort-like experience.
Naha - Nagannu Island connection Tomari Port
Address: 3-25-1, Maejima, Naha, Okinawa
Access: 20 minute boat ride from Tomari Port
7. The 600 meters long Agenashiku Island
There are 3 remote islands in between Kerama Island, Aka Island and Zamami Island. One of the famous remote islands there is the Agenashiku Island, located nearest to Zamami Island. It is conveniently just 10 minutes from Zamami Island via a boat ride.
Agenashiku Island is a small island with just 600 meters (1,968 feet) in length. Only the South-West area of the island is accessible for swimming, as the other areas have very fast currents. The quiet beach there is fantastic for snorkeling and plenty of interesting marine life can be observed!
Zamami Island - Agenashiku Island ferry terminal
Address: (of Zamami Harbour) Zamami, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 10 minute boat ride from Zamami Harbour
8. The sandy hills of Gabi Island
Gabi Island is another one of the 3 remote islands in between Kerama Island, Aka Island and Zamami Island, and is just a 10 minute boat ride away from Zamami Island.
When you reach Zamami Island, you will be greeted by an amazing sandy hill with extremely white and fine sand. This hill is rather steep and tall, and is quite a challenge to make it all the way to the top! Those who manage to climb all the way to the top of the hill will be rewarded by a beautiful panoramic view of the ocean and the surrounding islands. After which, you can simply choose to run or even roll down the slippery hill! Letting the sands carry you down is quite an experience. The beach around Gabi Island is also saturated with amazing marine life, and interestingly, there are very few coral reefs compared to other islands, making it easier to observe the fish.
Zamami Island - Gabi Island
Address: (of Zamami Harbour) Zamami, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 10 minute boat ride from Zamami Harbour
9. The pristine nature of Amuro Island
The third island that is in between Kerama Island, Aka Island and Zamami Island is Amuro Island - which is also the biggest of all three. Amuro Island is accessible via a 20 minute boat ride from Zamami Harbour.
What makes Amuro Island different from the rest is that several times a year, the tide will be low enough to create a 200 meter (656 foot) long path connecting Zamami Island and Amuro Island. You might be able to witness this magical moment if you are lucky enough! Crossing this path, however, is prohibited as strong currents will flow through the two islands once the tide starts rising - which can happen rather rapidly.
Over at the eastern side of Amuro Island, there is a beautiful beach which also provides a great view of Tokashiki Island. Furthermore, this beach is comparatively quiet relative to the 2 other remote islands introduced before, making it a great place for relaxation! Snorkeling can also be enjoyed in the sea, with deep blue waters and beautiful fish. It is recommended to stay near the shore though, as the currents can be quite strong.
Zamami Island - Amuro Island ferry terminal
Address: (of Zamami Harbour) Zamami, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 20 minute boat ride from Zamami Harbour
10. Enjoy great adventures at Hanare Island!
Hanare island beach off.
Posted by Tokashiki Guest House(Log Cabins) on Monday, 4 June 2012
Hanare Island (a.k.a. Shibugaki Island) can be accessed from Aharen Beach in Tokashiki Island, but not through boat tours or rides. Instead, you have to rent a boat at the beach and make your way to the island yourself! The short 10 minute adventure is definitely worth it.
Once you reach Hanare Island, you will be welcomed by a small rocky hill that can be climbed. There are tours that include this climbing if you are worried of going alone too. This rocky hill is actually only about 30 meters (98 feet) high and will take about 15 minutes to climb. The view from the summit is amazingly breathe-taking, providing a 360 degree view of the bright emerald green sea and island around. Make sure you include Hanare Island in your itinerary when visiting Okinawa for the best beach adventure!
Tokashiki Island - Hanare Island (Shibugaki Island)
Address: (of Aharen Beach) Tokashiki Aharen, Shimajiri District, Okinawa
Access: Rent a boat from Aharen Beach (Tokashiki Island), about 10 minutes ride
You don’t need to own an island to enjoy one!
Remote islands have a unique charm to them - with no one living in them, the mysterious and pristine environment is sure to enchant anyone. These islands in Okinawa will allow you to experience fully the unique nature in Japan, with beautiful marine line and amazing sceneries. Do consider visiting them when planning a trip to Japan!
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