While increasing in popularity as a day trip destination from Naha, Aka Island (阿嘉島) remains a relatively less-visited inhabited island amongst the Kerama Islands group. And the good thing is that Aka Island is connected to Geruma Island (慶留間島) and Fukaji Island (外地島) by bridges, so that you can explore three islands with a single boat ride! In addition, many trendy cafes and bars face the sea in the village!
Things to Do and Spots to Visits on Aka Island
- How to Get to Aka Island
- How to Get Around Aka Island
- Things to Keep in Mind on Aka Island
- What to Bring to Aka Island
- Our Recommended Aka Island Accommodations
- Kerama Deer (ケラマジカ)
- Zamami Village Tourism Association Aka Geruma Information Center (座間味村観光協会 阿嘉・慶留間案内所)
- Aka Bridge (阿嘉大橋)
- The Statue of Shiro (シロの像)
- Aka Beach (阿嘉ビーチ)
- Meーnuhama Beach (前浜ビーチ (メーヌハマビーチ))
- Hahna Cafe (はぁなカフェ)
- Marine House Seasir Akajima (マリンハウスシーサー阿嘉島店)
- Nishibama Beach (北浜ビーチ) and Nishibama Observatory (北浜展望台)
- Ama-Gusuku Observation Deck (天城展望台)
- Hizushi Beach (ヒズシビーチ)
- Takibaru Observatory (中岳展望台)
- Kushibaru Observatory (後原展望台)
- Kushibaru Beach (クシバルビーチ)
The Vegetarian-Friendly Hotels on Aka Island
Explore the Kerama Islands With a Guided Tour
If you prefer a guide to introduce you to the charms of the Kerama Islands, how about joining one of the following tours?
How to Get to Aka Island
Aka Island is located around 40km southeast of Okinawa’s main island. From Naha’s Tomarikō Ferry Wharf, you can take Ferry Zamami (フェリーざまみ) or High‑Speed Queen Zamami (高速船クイーンざまみ) to Aka Island.
For more information about Ferry Zamami and Queen Zamami, including how to catch the ferries, refer to our article on How to Get to Zamami Island in Okinawa. The ferries heading to Zamami Island also stop by Aka Island.
How to Get Around Aka Island
As no bus or taxi services are running and there are no car rental shops on Aka Island, you will need to rent a bicycle or motorbike if you don’t want to walk from one attraction to another.
Rental Bicycle Shops on Aka Island:
- Tatsunojō (民宿・スーパー辰登城)
- 300 yen for an hour
- 500 yen for 2 hours
- 700 yen for 3 hours
- 800 yen for 4 hours
- 1,000 yen for 5 hours or more until 8 pm on the day
Rental Bicycle and Motorbike Shop on Aka Island:
- Bicycle rental:
- 800 yen for 3 hours
- 900 yen for 4 hours
- 1,000 yen for 4 hours or more until 6 pm on the day
- 1,500 yen for 24 hours
- Motorbike rental:
- 2,000 yen for an hour
- 2,500 yen for 2 hours
- 3,000 yen for 3 hours
- 3,500 yen for 4 hours
- 4,000 yen for 5 hours
- 5,500 yen for over 5 hours
- 2,000 yen for every additional hour
Tips:
☛ If you rent a motorbike from Rental Shop Shō, you can use their shower facility for 300 yen for a warm shower (usually 500 yen).
☛ If you rent a bicycle or a motorbike from Rental Shop Shō, you can rent a beach set (diving mask, snorkel, fin, and life jacket) for 1,000 yen.
☛ Accommodation providers and watersports equipment rental shops on Aka Island might be able to take you to the attractions you want to visit.
Things to Keep in Mind on Aka Island
- Please only use sun cream made from natural ingredients to protect the coral reefs.
- Drinks, snacks, and food can be purchased from the shop on Aka Island. It is recommended to do so before heading to a beach other than Nishibama Beach.
- Check the Tidal Graph to know when it is a better time to snorkel.
- When the tide level drops below 40 cm, the water depth becomes shallow, and you might accidentally damage the coral reefs.
- You won’t be able to swim if the tide level is below 20 cm.
- You will have a higher chance of spotting one or more sea turtles during high tide.
- If you want to snorkel at Nishibama Beach, stay within the area marked by lane ropes when the lifeguards are stationed.
- Please take your rubbish with you at all times.
Tip: There are paid shower facilities at Aka Port’s ferry terminal.
What to Bring to Aka Island
- Changing clothes, plus spares.
- Towels
- Cash – Many shops on Aka Island still only accept cash. There are ATMs located at the post office for those who wish to withdraw cash.
- Camera
- Swimming suit
- Sun protection items
Tip: There are two shops on Aka Island to head to if you need to purchase food and drinks, Tatsunojō (辰登城) and Kakihana Shōten (垣花商店).
Our Recommended Aka Island Accommodations
Planning a perfect escape to Aka Island? Finding the right place to stay is key to an unforgettable trip. From cozy guesthouses run by locals to hotels, the island near Okinawa offers a range of accommodations that provide an authentic Okinawa island experience.
Whether you plan to travel solo or with a group of friends and families, discover the best places to rest and recharge after a stay, enjoying Aka Island’s stunning Kerama-Blue waters with our article about the Best Accommodations on Aka Island!
Kerama Deer (ケラマジカ)
Speaking of deer, Nara is the most famous spot in Japan to meet these cute creatures. But the type of deer you will meet on Aka Island is Japan’s designated natural monument!
As Aka Island has a higher forest density among the islands in the Kerama Islands group, a few hundred Kerama Deers are living on the island. These deer are extra cute because their white fur forms a heart-shaped pattern on their bottom!
The Keruma Deer can usually be seen across Aka Island from the late afternoon when the temperature is cooler. If you can’t see them, try searching for them in the shade.
Zamami Village Tourism Association Aka Geruma Information Center (座間味村観光協会 阿嘉・慶留間案内所)
At Aka Port’s ferry terminal, the ferry ticket office is also a tourist information center. It is where you can seek help with sightseeing ideas, accommodations on Aka and Geruma Island, and booking watersport activities.
There are also coin-operated lockers there. If your belongings are too big to fit into the locker, you can store them at the tourist information center for 200 yen per piece.
While it is possible to ask the staff at the tourist information center to book accommodation and/or watersport activities for you, it is best to make the booking beforehand, especially if you plan to visit Aka Island during the peak season in summer.
- Zamami Village Tourism Association Aka Geruma Information Center is open from 9 am to 5 pm.
- The information center closes at 4 pm from November to March.
The Statue of Shiro (シロの像)
Soon after you get off the ferry, you will notice this dog statue. Different to the Hachikō statue in front of Shibuya Station, the dog called Shiro (シロ) was not waiting for his owner. Instead, Shiro was eager to reunite with Marilyn (マリリン), his lover, living on Zamami Island (座間味島).
In the beginning, Marilyn and Shiro were both living on Zamami Island. But Shiro’s owner had to move to Aka Island later on. So to reunite with his lover, Shiro would swim 3km across the sea to see Marilyn.
With many being touched by the story, a movie called I Want to See Marilyn (Marilyn ni Aitai, マリリンに会いたい) was made based on this love story. A statue was then placed on both Zamami Island and Aka Island, respectively.
Aka Bridge (阿嘉大橋)
On the ferry to Aka Island, what will definitely catch your attention is the 530-meter-long magnificent bridge connecting both Aka and Geruma Island. Not only does the bridge make it more convenient for the locals to travel between the islands, but it is also practically a landmark, making the surrounding scenery even more spectacular!
As various modes of transportation (including walking) are allowed on Aka Bridge, if you have time, how about admiring the Kerama-Blue colored sea from Aka Bridge? You might even be able to spot a sea turtle or a manta ray!
How to Get to the Aka Bridge
- Aka Bridge is just around a 3-minute walk from Aka Port.
- There are stairs to Aka Bridge near the port.
- If you plan to drive or ride a bicycle from Aka Port, you will need to make a detour from the end of the bridge.
Aka Beach (阿嘉ビーチ)
Whilst Nishibama Beach is the most famous beach on Aka Island, a better beach for snorkeling is Aka Beach.
The beach is quite close to Aka Port. Although it doesn’t look like a pleasant beach for sunbathing due to its concrete walls and tetrapods on one side of it, the underwater world will give you a completely different impression. And because the current is calm there, it is safe for young children to play in the water.
The coral reefs closer to the shore are mostly fire coral. As you swim further offshore, the coral reefs get bigger and more dynamic. But before you swim too far from the shore, you might run into a sea turtle around 30 to 40 meters offshore. They live around Aka Beach!
Tips:
☛ Sea turtles can usually be spotted near the embankment. If they aren’t there, check the area around the breakwater. Alternatively, you can snorkel around the buoys, which are typically installed at points where sea turtles are frequently spotted.
☛ The best time to spot sea turtles is in the morning, as this is when they search for food.
☛ The best time for photography is around noon.
☛ There are toilets at Sango Yuntakukan Visitor Center (慶良間諸島国立公園ビジターセンター さんごゆんたく館).
☛ The best snorkeling area is around 30 to 60 meters offshore.
Important:
☛ There are no lifeguards stationed at Aka Beach. A lifejacket is essential unless you are experienced. Fins are also necessary.
☛ Be careful not to go too far offshore, or else you will be too close to the sea route.
☛ Please don’t touch the sea turtles. They are all protected species.
As a side note, Aka Beach’s formal name is Maja no Hama (真謝浜).
How to Get to Aka Beach
- Aka Beach is just around a 5 to 10-minute walk from Aka Port.
Menuhama Beach (前浜ビーチ (メーヌハマビーチ))
On the other side of Aka Port, there is another beach called Menuhama. Unlike other beaches on Aka Island, Menuhama Beach has table sets for you to use. And the reason? It is probably because the locals like to relax there after dinner. You might also run into a Kerama Deer there around sunset!
Because tetrapods are placed around 50 meters from the shore, it is the best beach on Aka Island to practice snorkeling. Clownfish and small coral reefs can also be found there too!
Tips:
☛ More coral reefs and fish can usually be spotted on the Aka Bridge side.
☛ The coral reefs beyond the tetrapods are colorful and rich in variety. The distance is around 100 meters from the shore to the best coral reef spots.
Important:
☛ It is best not to walk on Menuhama Beach barefoot as the sand is mixed with small stones and broken coral reefs.
☛ While the current isn’t too rough, short fins are essential to swim beyond the tetrapods.
For the history buff, Menuhama Beach was where the U.S. Army landed during World War II.
How to Get to Menuhama Beach
- Menuhama Beach is just around a 5 to 10-minute walk from Aka Port.
Hahna Cafe (はぁなカフェ)
Although savory vegetarian menu items are limited, Hahna Cafe facing Menuhama Beach, is a great spot for colorful smoothies! Hahna Cafe doesn’t have a fancy appearance. In fact, the shop front resembles more of someone’s front garden!
The cafe makes good pizza and pasta using fresh Okinawan ingredients. You can utilize the phrases in our Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Vegetarians and Vegans article to order a vegetarian dish or to customise your order slightly. Alcohol is also served at Hahna Cafe, making it perfect for those who need a drink after exploring Aka Island’s beautiful beaches.
But what Hahna Cafe is renowned for is its fruit smoothies made with soy milk (島豆乳スムージー). The sweetness of the fruits goes really well with the soy milk. Enjoying the cold smoothie with Menuhama Beach in front of you is the best way to chill and relax on a hot summer day!
If you don’t like soy milk, you can order the normal version, which is cheaper.
Tips:
☛ The most popular smoothie is the mango smoothie.
☛ Bicycles can be rented from Cafe Hahna.
Hahna Cafe’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Hahna Cafe is open from 11:30 am to 5 pm.
- Bicycles can be rented out between 9 am and 6 pm.
- Menuhama Beach is just around a 5 to 10-minute walk from Aka Port.
Note that the Hahna Cafe doesn’t have a regular holiday.
Marine House Seasir Akajima (マリンハウスシーサー阿嘉島店)
For those who love snorkeling and diving, a great snorkeling and diving tour operator on Aka Island is Marine House Seasir Akajima.
The advantage of Seasir Akajima’s diving tours is that they are divided into sessions and conducted at various venues around Aka Island. The first diving session will take place at a beach with calmer currents, where sea turtles are often found. After you become more accustomed to diving, they will take you to a spot with deeper water, but surrounded by many coral reefs and tropical fish.
In addition to diving, Marine House Seasir Akajima also provides comfortable guestrooms for you to spend a night in. But just note that some rooms don’t have a toilet and shower attached.
For more information about Marine House Seasir Akajima and to reserve, refer to their website HERE!
How to Get to Marine House Seasir Akajima
- Marine House Seasir Akajima is a 10-minute walk from Aka Port.
- The reception is open from 8 am to 7 pm.
Nishibama Beach (北浜ビーチ) and Nishibama Observatory (北浜展望台)
Nishibama Beach is Aka Island’s main beach. Many people would visit the beach for snorkeling to explore the gorgeous coral reefs spreading near the shore. Besides coral reefs, you might be able to swim with a sea turtle at Nishibama Beach too!
For more information, refer to our article on Nishibama Beach.
Ama-Gusuku Observation Deck (天城展望台)
From Meーnuhama Beach, if you hike up the hill, you will soon arrive at the entrance to the observatory closest to Aka Port. On the way there, you might encounter a few Kerama Deer. While the view from the entrance is already stunning, if you turn left from the parking lot, the scenery from the observation deck is even more amazing!
Ama-Gusuku Observation Deck will give you a panoramic view of Aka Bridge, Tokashiki Island (渡嘉敷島), and Gerama Island (慶留間島), floating on the Kerama-Blue-colored ocean! On a clear day, you can also see Kume Island (久米島) in the distance on the left.
Tip: Although there are benches, the Ama-Gusuku Observation Deck offers limited shade. So you might want to bring along a sun umbrella.
Facing west, Ama-Gusuku Observation Deck is another popular sunset spot on Aka Island. You can also hike down to Hizushi Beach (ヒズシビーチ) to adore the sunset from different angles.
As a side note, from the car park, if you proceed along the road opposite the observation deck, you will find an Utaki (御嶽). An Utaki is an Okinawan sacred place, often in the form of a grove, cave, or mountain. The one close to Ama-Gusuku Observation Deck is similar to a temple.
How to Get to Ama-Gusuku Observation Deck
- Ama-Gusuku Observation Deck is just a 5-minute drive or a 15-minute walk from Aka Port.
- From Menuhama Beach, it is around a 10-minute hike.
Hizushi Beach (ヒズシビーチ)
Hizushi Beach is a hidden gem on Aka Island. As not many people would visit it, you might find various types of shells and even coral reefs lying on the sandy shore.
As it is located on the west coast of Aka Island, more people might gather in the late afternoon to adore the amazing sunset scenery at Hizushi Beach.
The shallow area at Hizushi Beach continues around 50 meters from the shore. As you proceed further offshore, you will be surprised by the coral reefs at Hizushi Beach. From around 80 meters offshore, you can find a lot of coral reefs. And while the water is deeper, around 200 meters offshore, the coral reefs there are the most beautiful and rich in variety. But note that the current will be too fast to snorkel if you go further.
Tips:
☛ There are more coral reefs on the beach’s south.
☛ Refer to the tidal graph HERE to plan your visit.
Important:
☛ Avoid visiting Hizushi Beach at low tide. You won’t be able to snorkel as the water will be too shallow to swim past the areas where coral reefs are growing.
☛ There are no facilities at Hizushi Beach.
☛ Fins are required.
How to Get to Hizushi Beach
- Hizushi Beach is around a 15-minute walk from Aka Port.
- While a part of the road to Hizushi Beach is a slope, it isn’t too hard to cycle your way to Hizushi Beach.
- Most of the pathway from the car park to Hizushi Beach isn’t maintained. So you will be trekking through mostly earthen roads covered with vegetation.
Takibaru Observatory (中岳展望台)
Takibaru Observatory is located in the middle of Aka Island. While you can drive to a spot close to it, you will have to hike up a rather tough path. Because the path to Takibaru Observatory is covered by vegetation, you can check out the insects and tropical plants if you are interested.
Once you arrive at Takibaru Observatory, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the surrounding Kerama Blue Sea, featuring islands scattered throughout.
How to Get to Takibaru Observatory
- Takibaru Observatory is around a 10-minute drive or a 40-minute walk from Aka Port.
Kushibaru Observatory (後原展望台)
Although it is probably not a lookout worth making a special trip for, you can stop by on your way to Kushibaru Beach. Since it isn’t easy to get there, you will likely have the scenery all for yourself.
Since Kushibaru Observatory is the westernmost observatory on Aka Island, it is a prime spot to admire the sunset. But because the vegetation blocked a majority of the view on the west side of the observatory, you won’t get a nice view of the sunset.
How to Get to Kushibaru Observatory
- Kushibaru Observatory is around a 20-minute drive and a 5-minute hike from Aka Port.
Kushibaru Beach (クシバルビーチ)
If you don’t need a lifeguard stationed at the beach you snorkel at, instead of Nishibama Beach, Kushibaru Beach on Aka Island’s west is more recommended. Although it is harder to get to, the beach is as spacious as Nishibama Beach. In addition, the shallow beach has a wealth of coral reefs and tropical fish!
And while it is hard to snorkel during low tide, it is easier to get closer to the coral reefs, located around 100 meters offshore. The water depth here is around 2 to 10 meters. Although deep, it is probably where you can find the largest coral reef system around Aka Island. It is where more fish can be seen too. Closer to the shore, you might run into a few sea turtles.
Tip: Visit Kushibaru Beach during low tide to cut down the distance between the shore and the coral reef system. But please be careful not to damage any coral reefs growing in the shallower areas.
How to Get to Kushibaru Beach
- Kushibaru Beach is around a 20-minute drive from Aka Port.
- You can park the car in the open space in front of the beach entrance.
Important:
☛ There are no facilities at Hizushi Beach.
☛ Fins are required.
☛ There is no shade at Kushibaru Beach.
Discover Other Islands in the Keruma Islands National Park
The Kerama Islands are a subtropical island group comprising more than 20 islands, and Aka Island is one of them. If you have time, you can island-hop the three inhabited islands and even the few uninhabited islands to enjoy what the national park has to offer.
For more information, refer to our article on the Keruma Islands!
