Discover the ultimate off-the-beaten-path escape on Geruma Island (慶留間島), the smallest inhabited gem of Okinawa’s Kerama Islands. Connected to Aka Island by a scenic bridge, Geruma is a sanctuary of “Kerama Blue” waters, traditional red-tiled roofs, and the protected Kerama deer that roam its quiet lanes. Whether you are exploring the historic Takara House, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, or seeking secluded snorkeling spots far from the Naha crowds, our guide provides everything you need for a perfect visit. We’ve done the legwork to find the best way to get there from Aka Port, the must-see cultural landmarks, and crucial vegetarian and vegan and vegetarian survival tips for dining on this tranquil, remote island.
Everything You Need to Know About the Geruma Island
How to Get to the Geruma Island
Since Geruma Island is so small, the logistics of getting there are actually quite simple, but they require a bit of “insider knowledge” regarding the bridge crossing.
Getting to Geruma Island: The Aka-Geruma Bridge Crossing
As you approach Aka Port on a ferry, you will surely notice Aka Bridge, which connects Geruma Island with Aka Island.
Geruma Island is unique because it doesn’t have its own ferry terminal for Naha boats. Instead, it serves as a tranquil “satellite” island connected to Aka Island (阿嘉島). Here is exactly how to make the journey.
1. Arrival at Aka Port
First, take the Queen Zamami (50 mins) or Ferry Zamami (90 mins) from Naha’s Tomari Port to Aka Island. Once you step off the boat, you are only about 2km away from Geruma.
Refer to our How to Get to Zamami Island article for more information as Queen Zamami and Ferry Zamami will first stop at Aka Port before heading to the Zamami Island.
2. Choose Your Transport
- Bicycle (Recommended): This is the most popular way to explore. You can rent a bicycle right at Aka Port (approx. 1,000 yen to 1,500 yen per day). It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to pedal to Geruma.
- Note: The bridge has a bit of an incline, so an electric-assist bicycle is a lifesaver in the Okinawan humidity!
- Walking: If you enjoy a scenic stroll, it takes about 30 to 40 minutes to walk from Aka Port to the center of Geruma Village. The views from the bridge are some of the best in the Keramas.
- Rental Scooter: Available on Aka Island if you want to visit Geruma.
Tip: Our Aka Island article has a List of Rental Shops on Aka Island that you can refer to.
3. Crossing the Aka-Geruma Bridge
The bridge itself is a highlight of the trip. As you cross, look down into the water. The clarity is so high that you might spot sea turtles and large coral heads from the pedestrian path.
Photographer’s Tip: Stop at the highest point of the bridge for a panoramic view of the “Kerama Blue” strait between the two islands. It’s one of the most underrated photo spots in Okinawa.
Vegan Tip: There are almost no restaurants on Geruma itself; it is highly recommended to eat on Aka Island or bring a bento from Naha.
Gerama Island Vegan and Vegetarian Survival Guide
Finding plant-based food on the remote Geruma Island can be a challenge. We highly recommend buying vegan-friendly snacks (nuts, soy bars, instant vegan ramen) at the FamilyMart or Lawson near Tomari Port in Naha before you board. Refer to HERE for a list of vegan food available at convenience stores.
If you don’t want to bring food to Gerama Island, the neighboring Aka Island has a few plant-based options.
Vegetarian Options on Aka Island
- Hahna Cafe (はぁなCafe): A short walk from the port, this cozy bistro serves smoothies with soy milk and pasta with tomato sauce that can be made vegan upon request.
About Geruma Island
Geruma Island is the smallest inhabited island in the Keruma Islands group. Because it has yet to be developed for tourism purposes, Geruma Island is able to retain its unspoiled nature. So while it doesn’t have a famous beach, there are other beautiful pristine beaches all over the island. The beautiful village steeped in history also offers you the original appearance of Okinawa before World War II.
Tip: The accommodation provider might be able to take you to the spots you want to visit.
Geruma Beach (慶留間の浜)
The beach in front of Zamami Village Geruma Elementary • Junior High School is a spot that you must check out when visiting Geruma Island, as the color of the water is just amazing! And even if you don’t snorkel, you are likely to be able to spot a lot of fish swimming freely around the pier!
Although this beach doesn’t have any facilities, you will most likely have the entire beach to yourself there! Plus the waves in the bay are calm, making it a great spot for a family trip!
Takarake Residence (高良家)
The Kerama Islands was an important stopover point for tribute ships traveling between China and Naha. But because there were many rocky areas, the ships often ran aground. The locals were then trained to become excellent sailors, and Geruma Island soon became a sailor’s village.
As you stroll around Geruma Island, the red tile roofed residence in the south is Japan’s designated important cultural property. The residence was built during the second half of the 19th century for the caption of the official ship to China. Initially, Takarake Residence had a thatch roof, but the current red tiles later replaced it in the early 20th century.
Because of World War II, Takarake Residence remains a rare cultural spot in Okinawa where you can get a glimpse of how the wealthy lived back in the good old days.
Moreover, if you check the pillars closely, you will find marks from the bullets fired when the U.S. army landed in World War II.
Takarake Residence’s Opening Hours, Admission Fee, and Access Information
- Takarake Residence is open daily except for Mondays from 9 am to 5 pm.
- The admission fee is
- 310 yen for adults
- 260 yen for senior high school and university students
- 170 yen for children
- The residence is around a 20-minute from Aka Port by bicycle.
Azanamui Beach (アザナムイの浜)
Located on the southern tip of the island, Azanamui Beach is a rugged, coral-filled bay that feels worlds away from the tourist hubs. There are no facilities here, no toilets, no showers, and no shops, which is exactly why it remains so pristine.
Note that while Azanamui Beach is secluded, there is limited shade. So, if you plan to visit it, ensure you have enough sun protection.
Azanamui Observatory (アザナムイ展望台)
Azanamui Observatory is a nice place to take a resting break when you cycle to Geruma Island’s southeast. It is where you can also see the entire Geruma Bridge. Surrounding islands, such as Amuro Island (安室島), Agenashiku Island (安慶名敷島), and Tokashiki Island can also be seen from there!
In the past, it was where the islanders would send off their loved ones.
Before Kātan Observatory (カータン展望台) was completed during the pandemic, it was the only lookout on Geruma Island.
From Aka Port, it is around 15 minutes by bicycle and a further 5-minute climb before reaching the observatory 42-meter above the ground.
Kobato no Tō Monument (小鳩の塔)
Kobato no Tō Monument is a spot on Geruma Island that may trigger sad memories. The monument was made in 1958 to pray for the children who had passed away due to World War II, including 13 Geruma islanders who died in the mass self-determination when the U.S. army landed on Geruma Island.
For more information about the mass self-determination that happened across the Kerama Islands group’s inhabited islands, refer to our article on Tokashiki Island.
Explore Other Islands in the Kerama Islands Group
While Geruma Island offers a peaceful, slow-paced escape, it is just one piece of the stunning Kerama archipelago. To see how this hidden gem fits into your larger Okinawa itinerary, including ferry schedules from Naha, the best whale-watching tours, and where to find vegetarian-friendly meals on the neighboring islands, be sure to check out our Ultimate Kerama Islands Travel Guide.
Whether you are hopping over from Aka Island for a few hours or planning a week-long diving adventure, understanding the logistics of the “Kerama Blue” region is the key to a stress-free trip.
