Okinawa is Japan’s southernmost prefecture and it is divided into three major island groups: the Okinawa Islands, the Miyako Islands and the Yaeyama Islands. Anyway, in this article, we talk about the Zamami Island and the ocean “Kerama Blue” located in Kerama Islands, one group of the Okinawa Islands.
What is Zamami Island?
Zamami Island is surrounded by the ocean “Kerama Blue”. It has crystal clear waters, white sand, a great variety of corals and endless marine species. Certainly, it is paradisiac island.
The best time to visit the territory is between May and October. Anyway, if you want to see whales, you must come between January and March.
On the other hand, you must take a ferry in Tamarin (Naha) to access the island. You can use the traditional ferry that lasts 2 hours or the express ferry that is faster. Once there, you can use the bus, the taxi or rent a bike.
The economy of the island is based on tourism, specifically snorkelling, scuba diving and kayaking.
What to do in Zamami Island?
Firstly, we recommend you visit its two famous beaches: the Furuzamami beach, attractive for its white sand and clear water, and the Ama Beach where you can see turtles. The first one is the main beach of the island where you can find some tourism agencies. They offer water activities like paddlesurf, snorkel, boat rides, etc. Certainly, some people rent a kayak to explore the rest of the small islands.
Also, you can visit three important observatories:
- Takatsuki Observatory, located on the hill of Zamami population.
- Kaminohama Observatory, which offers views of the two desert islands of Gahi and Agenashiku.
- Inazaki Observatory, located in the north of the island with views to the rugged north coast.
In addition, you have to taste the Japanese, Occidental and Okinawan food. Some of the best restaurants are:
- Marumiya: favourite restaurant for locals. There are traditional dishes like the rafute and the jimami.
- La Toque: the typical ingredient is swordfish (Kajiki).
- The Urizun.
- Others: Izakaya Santa, Torajir o, Ao No Umi, Nanamaru and Bar zoz.
Usually, tourists come to the island to sight tortoises and whales. These animals comes during winter to reproduce.
How to get Zamami Island?
You can take a high speed ferry from Tomari port in Naha to Zamami. It takes between 50 and 70 minutes, so it’s not too long. It makes between four and six trips a day. Also, if you prefer to go by car, you can take the ferry as well (it is another boat and only makes one trip per day).
