What is Kerama and Chibishi area?
Kerama Islands is the collective name for more than 30 islands of various sizes located in the sea area about 15~40 km west of Naha City.
Most islands are uninhabited; the five inhabited islands are Tokashiki Island, Zamami Island, Aka Island, Geruma Island, and Maeshima Island.
Tokashiki Island, the largest, is approximately 25 km in circumference, and Zamami Island, the second largest, is about 23 km in circumference.
The Kerama Islands are known as one of the most beautiful places in Okinawa, and the clarity of the sea is highly regarded not only in Okinawa Prefecture but also throughout the world.
Keiser Island, also known as “Chibishi,” is part of the Kerama Islands and is the most easterly of all the islands in the Kerama group.
Keiser Island has small uninhabited islands, Nagannu Island, Kamiyama Island, and Kuehu Island.
All three islands are flat like sand banks made of pure white sand, and the only thing on the other two islands besides Nagannu is a sandy beach and the lighthouse on Kamiyama Island.
Nagannu Island, on the other hand, has been developed for resorts, and in addition to showers and toilets, there are parasols, beach beds, lifeguards, and cottages for a comfortable stay.
Access to Kerama and Chibishie Area
Participation in Activity Tours
There are many activity tours in the Kerama/Chibisi area, where you can enjoy the spectacular sea view, such as snorkeling and diving.
You can access the area by ferry ( mentioned below), but if you join an activity tour departing from Naha, you can be taken there by a boat owned by the tour company.
Some tours include pickup and drop-off at your hotel, so the ease of access is the main attraction of these tours.
In most cases, equipment rental for snorkeling and diving is included in the tour fee so you can pay for everything at once.
Ferry/High-Speed Boat
The most popular way to reach the Kerama Islands is by ferry or high-speed boat.
The ferry and high-speed boat routes “Naha – Tokashiki Island” and “Naha – Zamami Island and Aka Island” are operated by the village management.
The speedboat “Marine Liner Tokashiki” to Tokashiki Island takes 35 minutes, and the ferry “Ferry Tokashiki” takes 70 minutes. The speedboat “Queen Zamami” to Zamami and Aka Islands takes 50 to 70 minutes, and the ferry “Ferry Zamami” takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
The ferry is cheaper, but the time required is about twice as long.
The departure point is the “Tomarin” passenger terminal at Tomari Port in Naha City, where tickets can be purchased on the day of boarding or by making reservations in advance on the Internet or by telephone.
It is recommended to make reservations in advance, as the boat may be fully booked during peak seasons such as summer vacation.
On the other hand, Chibishi (Naganu Island) can be reached by a ferry operated by “Tokashiki Corporation” in about 20 minutes.
The ferry also departs from Tomari Port in Naha City, but please note that the reception desk is not located in Tomarin but at the Tokashiki office near Tomarin.
The ferry has a limited number of seats, so making reservations in advance through the official website of Naganu Island is recommended.
Helicopter
You can also fly from Naha Airport to the Kerama Islands by helicopter.
It takes 15 minutes one way to the Kerama Airport on “Fukajishima” in the Kerama Islands or to the heliport on Tokashiki Island, and up to 5 people can be on board.
Although the fare is expensive, it is perfect for those who want to enjoy a trip longer and spend as little time as possible in transit.
The journey also allows passengers to enjoy the scenery as if on a scenic flight, making it an excellent option for those who want to enjoy the ride a little richer.
In addition, if the ferry or high-speed boat is canceled due to ocean weather conditions, the village will compensate you for the helicopter fare so that you can use the helicopter for about 1/3 the price.
Transportation in Kerama and Chibishi Islands
Car Rental, Motorcycle Rental, and Bicycle Rental
Rental cars, motorcycles, and rental bicycles are available on Tokashiki Island, Zamami Island, and Aka Island.
Aka Island does not have rental cars but is connected to Geruma and Fukaji Islands by bridges, so rental bikes and bicycles are available for a leisurely touring experience.
The number of rental cars and other vehicles is limited, so reservations are required for visitors during the high season.
Buses and Taxis
Local buses operate on Tokashiki and Zamami islands.
Buses stop at ports and beaches so tourists can use them, but they are not convenient as there are only one or two buses per hour.
Cabs are available on Tokashiki Island, Zamami Island, and Aka Island, but reservations are required due to the small number of cabs.
