Aka Island Travel Guide:
Where Kerama Blue Meets Sea Turtles
Aka Island is only 50 minutes away by high-speed vessel from Naha, surrounded by the breathtakingly beautiful “Kerama Blue” ocean.
To make the most of Nishibama Beach and soak in the island’s rare tranquility, basing yourself in the Village Area is the smart move.
Enjoy a miraculous island time embraced by silence and pristine nature.
01 Highlights
Nishibama Beach: The Iconic Blue of Aka Island
Its water clarity ranks among the finest even within the Kerama Islands. Coral reefs stretch right from the shoreline, allowing you to swim with colorful tropical fish in what feels like a natural aquarium.
💡 Travel Tips
ℹ️ Facilities & Services
- 🏊Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season, making it safe for swimming.
- ⛱️“Nishibama Beach Terrace” is fully equipped.
2nd floor is a scenic observation deck, 1st floor has shaded counter seats. - 🚿Toilets and showers are available at the beach entrance.
- ⚠️No coin lockers are at the beach.
Please use the lockers inside the Aka Port terminal for your valuables.
🍴 Dining & Access
A summer-only beach shack at the entrance serves Okinawa soba and curry.
Approx. 1.5km (20-min walk) from Aka Port.
While rental bicycles are convenient, walking while enjoying the scenery is also popular.
💡 Bringing a lunch box purchased at Tomarin in Naha is also recommended!
🐠 Snorkeling Points
Even inside the safety net, you can meet schools of fish right after entering. The edges of the net reveal dramatic changes in terrain and views you won’t find anywhere else.
The offshore side of the swimming area is deep, featuring beautiful corals and larger fish. It is the clearest and most beautiful spot.
📍 Recommended Spots & Hotels Nearby
Aka Beach
The water is highly transparent, and schools of fish gather around the concrete tetrapods near the shore.
💡 Travel Tips
🐢 Point
It is a spot with a very high chance of meeting sea turtles.
※As wild animals, they deserve their space — please resist the urge to touch or chase them.
⚠️ Facility Info (Caution)
No toilets, showers, or shops are available.
Please prepare in advance or plan a short visit.
Maehama Beach
Concrete tetrapods offshore block waves, keeping the water as calm as a swimming pool. It is perfect for quietly staring at the ocean or playing safely with small children.
💡 Travel Tips
🌊 Point
Tetrapods block the waves, keeping the water as calm as a mirror.
It feels like a private beach with few people, and is perfect for a quick visit while waiting for the ferry.
⚠️ Facility Info (Caution)
No toilets, showers, or shops are available.
Please use the facilities in the village or port (within walking distance).
Encountering Kerama Deer
Aka Island is one of their main habitats, and you will frequently see them walking gracefully through the village or strolling on the beaches. Here, a magical coexistence between people, nature, and wild animals is part of daily life.
Dining, Shops & Groceries
⚠️ Beware of the Lunch Dilemma!
Shops on Aka Island operate on slow “island time.”
With irregular hours and unexpected closures, your best mindset is: “open? consider yourself lucky.”
For a guaranteed meal, it is highly recommended to buy a lunch box at Tomarin Port in Naha and bring it with you.
🍽️Local Food & Cafes
Aka Island Cafe and Food guu guu
CafeParlor Hibiki
Quick EatsHahna Cafe
Cafe🛒Shops & Groceries
Kakihana Shoten
Local ShopRunning with Scenic Views on Aka Island
Only 50 minutes from Naha. As the vessel approaches the port, the emerald-green sea of unbelievable transparency comes into view, leaving you wondering if this is really Japan at all.
Aka Island offers a “miraculous environment” for runners: perfectly paved, easy-to-run roads, the safety of almost no cars, and scenic views that never end throughout the course.
🌊A Miraculous Course: Running with Ocean Views
While many beaches in Okinawa are wonderful for sightseeing, runners often face the challenge of having few roads that run directly along the shore.
- 1.The stunning view of Kerama Blue from the Aka Bridge, looking down to the clear ocean floor.
- 2.The beautiful coastline of Geruma Island. A blissful experience of running with the horizon in sight, listening to the sound of waves.
Having the unobstructed scenic view all to yourself. That is the ultimate reason to run on Aka Island.
S-Rank Certified Route
Certified as “S-Rank” by our unique standard. It is exceptional in terms of scenery, safety, and accessibility.
Day Trip from Naha OK
Take the morning high-speed vessel to run, and return on the afternoon flight/ferry. Perfect as an activity during your Naha stay.
Kerama Deer Encounters
Meet wild deer along the route or in the village. Let’s watch over them gently without startling them.
Aka Port Start: The Ultimate 7km 3-Island Route
Starting from Aka Port, you will first head to Nishibama Beach to enjoy the spectacular ocean views. Then, cross the iconic Aka Bridge to neighboring Geruma Island, and continue over another bridge to Fukaji Island (Kerama Airport). Over 70% of the entire route runs along the open coastline, creating a dream environment for runners. The sense of achievement from running across three different islands under your own power is truly unmatched.
📷 実走ギャラリー
A blissful seaside run with the emerald green horizon extending in front of you.
The stunning Kerama Blue framing Geruma School. A picturesque spot showing the contrast of the local school and the ocean.
🏃♂️Runner's Voice実走インプレッション
- ■The view from the iconic Aka Bridge is Kerama Blue at its absolute peak — you will stop running. You simply cannot help it. Due to the elevation, the incredible transparency allows you to see all the way down to the coral reefs below.
- ■The coastal road of Geruma Island after crossing the bridge has virtually zero traffic. This blissful section, where only the sound of waves and your footsteps echo, will truly make you feel like you are running on a remote island.
- ■The area around Geruma School and Kerama Airport serves as a quiet turnaround point. Since vending machines are only available near Aka Port, be sure to prepare hydration beforehand. The lack of shade will be a test during the summer.
- ■The road is perfectly paved, allowing a smooth run in road shoes. The chance of encountering wild Kerama deer in the village or grass is extremely high, and the possibility of running alongside them is part of this course’s magic.
Aka Island Travel Guide
✈️ Getting There
High-Speed Vessel “Queen Zamami” (approx. 50 mins)
One-way ¥3,950 / Round-trip ¥7,510* 2-3 round trips daily
Ferry Zamami (approx. 90 mins)
One-way ¥2,900 / Round-trip ¥5,510* 1 round trip daily
Arriving before 10:00 gives you plenty of time even for a day trip.
☀️ Best Season
Whale watching is available in winter (January to March).
🌙 Duration
However, staying for at least one night is highly recommended to appreciate the quiet, pristine nature of the remote island.
💰 Budget
🚗 Transportation
However, the distance from the port to Nishibama Beach is only about 1.5km (20-min walk). Considering the paperwork time for rentals, walking on foot is highly recommended. Walking while breathing the fresh nature is a luxury only a remote island can offer.
🌊 マリンアクティビティの予約
Snorkeling and diving tours departing from Aka Port sell out days in advance during the peak season (July to August). It is recommended to secure your tours at the same time you book your hotel.
▼ Check availability & booking options (Prices & stock subject to change)
⚠️ Important Notes
Booking the vessel takes absolute priority over hotels.
- 💳Many shops and diners do not accept credit cards. Please carry sufficient cash.
- 🦌Kerama deer (a natural monument) walk around the village. Please do not feed or startle them, and watch over them from a polite distance.
- *There are no convenience stores. Vending machines and shop hours are limited. It is safest to buy snacks in Naha in advance.
- *Street lights are sparse outside the village. A flashlight (or smartphone light) is highly recommended for night walks.