Top 5 Remote Islands in Okinawa
5 Best Islands of Okinawa
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There are 160 small and large islands in Okinawa prefecture and 49 of them are inhabited. Each island has different feature and attracts huge number of tourists as well as the main island of Okinawa. Check out my 5 selected remote islands of Okinawa! If you have a chance to visit this beautiful tropical prefecture, don’t miss its superb island, too!
1. Kume
Kume Island or Kumejima (久米島) is located approx 90 km away from the main island of Okinawa. The small island is much less developed and touristic comparing to the main island and many unruined nature sites remain. It’s best known for the beautiful beaches, and snorkeling and diving spots. Hatenohama Beach, the 7km long sandbar is considered as one of the best beaches in Okinawa. There is a direct flight from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Kume Island Airport only during summer.
<Access>
Flight: flights are available frequently from Naha Airport to Kume Island Airport (approx 40 mins)
Ferry: from Naha city to Kume Island (twice a day/ approx 4 hours)
2. Zamami
Zamami Island (座間味島) is located approx 40 km away from the main island and belongs to the Kerama Islands Group. Zamami island is the second largest island of the group after Tokashiki Island, both known for their top-rated beaches. The island is a popular side trip destination from Naha city, as it can be accessed by speed boat within 1 hour.
Access: Speed boat from Naha (2–3 times a day/ approx 1hour). Ferry services also available from Aka island and Tokashiki island (Kerama Islands Group)
3. Miyako
Miyako Island (宮古島) is located 300 km south of the main island and 100 km north of the Yaeyama Islands. The island is best known as Japan’s best beaches and coral reefs, and a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. The island is also connected with smaller islands by bridges. There is a Domestic Airport and direct flights from Tokyo Haneda Airport is available.
<Access>
Flight: available to Miyako island from Tokyo Haneda Airport, Osaka Kansai Airport, Naha Airport and Ishigaki Airport
Ferry: available from Ogami Island and Tarama Island
4. Taketomi
Taketomi Island (竹富島) is one of Yaeyama islands group and located 4km away from Ishigaki Island. As well as their beautiful beaches, the island is best known for its charming site of preserved, traditional Ryukyu village. As the island pretty small, visitors can get around on foot along the traditional village and beautiful nature.
Access: Frequesnt ferry service available from Ishigaki island (15 mins)
5. Iriomote
Iriomote Island (西表島) is the second largest island of Okinawa prefecture, after the main island. The island is located approx 30 km away from Ishigaki Island. The island is best known for its wild, untouched nature. 90% of the island is covered by dense jungle and mangrove swamps, and there are several animals can be only spotted on this island. River cruise through the jangle is the most popular activity. Most of tourists come to the island to explore the wildness but it also has beautiful beaches like other Okinawan island.
Access: Frequent speed boat from Ishigaki Island (approx 40 mins)
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