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Keramashoto National ParkZamami, Okinawa

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Located in Japan's tropical southern islands, Keramashoto National Park in the Okinawa Prefecture is an island paradise with blue seas, pristine sandy beaches, and whales waiting offshore.

With more than 30 large and small islands and countless rock reefs, Keramashoto National Park's feature is its beautiful glistening sea, referred to locally as “Kerama Blue”. One of the most popular attractions at Keramashoto is snorkelling with sea turtles. Take a snorkelling tour led by a local guide and experience sea turtle behaviour - you're almost certain to encounter a sea turtle every time!

As well as its natural beauty and plethora of activities, the Kerama Islands also offers visitors an opportunity to experience traditional island customs and culture. Known for their delicious local food, Okinawans also have a custom called yuntaku where family and friends gather in shaded places to chat and relax, and visitors can experience their own “island time” as they admire the idyllic landscape.

There are several walking tours available where you can enjoy the tropical scenery of the Kerama Islands or soak up the stunning view of the Kerama Blue from Aka Ohashi Bridge and Geruma Bridge. Spectacular scenery includes Rhododendron scabrum in the early spring, Japanese bayberry, and the Kerama Blue viewed from Aka Ohashi Bridge and Geruma Bridge. You may encounter Kerama deer, and other animals as well as humpback whales, and sea turtles on your journey.

Whale watching at a rare breeding ground for humpback whales is also a major drawcard at Keramashoto National Park. Observe mother whales raising their calves and watch in awe at their impressive performances from aboard a boat.

No trip to Keramashoto National Park is complete without stand up paddle boarding at sunset enjoying up the Kerama blue. If balancing is an issue for you, soak it up from the shore!

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Exploring the 30 large and small islands, and countless rock reefs
Snorkelling with sea turtles
Stand up paddle boarding at the Kerama Islands
Whale watching
Participating in the traditional Okinawan custom Moashibi

Some activities are seasonal

get there

From Tokyo fly from Haneda Airport to Naha Airport on Okinawa Island. From there, take the Yui Rail monorail to Miebashi Station, and walk to Tomari Port Terminal (10 min) or take a taxi from the airport (10–20min). Once at the port, take a Tokashiki Ferry boat to Tokashikijima Island, Zamamijima Island, or Akajima Island.

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