[2025 Latest Edition] 14 Okinawan Remote Islands! Introducing Popular and Recommended Islands Accessible for Day Trips from the Main Island!

[2025 Latest] 14 Recommended Islands in Okinawa! Introducing Recommended Islands and Islands You Can Visit as a Day Trip from the Main Island!

This article introduces carefully selected recommended remote islands in Okinawa that you'll want to visit at least once in your life! Let's enjoy an outing to the remote islands with family, friends, or as a couple!

Accessible for a day trip from Okinawa Island! Recommended remote islands of the Okinawa Islands

Okinawa's remote islands, surrounded by seas of exceptional transparency, are easily accessible from the main island and offer a wealth of day-trip possibilities. Various islands with distinct personalities are scattered around the main island, where you can fully enjoy marine activities and the unique scenic beauty of the islands.

Families can enjoy swimming at safe beaches, groups of friends can take photos at scenic spots, and couples can watch the sunset; everyone can find their own way to enjoy themselves. Be sure to check it out if you're looking for an easy escape from the everyday.

Kerama Islands: World-Class Transparency

The Kerama Islands are a group of remote islands famous for their "Kerama Blue" sea, boasting world-class transparency. Located approximately 40 km west of the main island, they consist of over 20 islands, both large and small.

Designated a national park in 2014, you can enjoy not only diving and snorkeling but also whale watching from January to March. If you're lucky, you might even see humpback whales breaching spectacularly from the water.

The Kerama Islands can be accessed as a day trip from the mainland by ferry, and there are also tours available to fully enjoy the archipelago. The Kerama Islands, where you can enjoy encounters with crystal-clear seas, coral reefs, and colorful tropical fish, are recommended for those who want to experience a resort feel or enjoy serious marine activities. You can also combine your trip with a hotel stay to further appreciate the charm of the islands.

h4 Encounters with Sea Turtles are Enchanting: Togashiku Beach

Tokashiku Beach is a beautiful, crescent-shaped beach located in the central part of the island. Surrounded by mountains, the waves are calm and the water is shallow, making it a safe place for families with young children to enjoy swimming. The nearby waters are a feeding ground for sea turtles, so if you're lucky, you might encounter one while snorkeling.

The area around Tokashiku Beach is enveloped in tranquility, offering a luxurious time that feels like your own private beach. At dusk, you can admire the sunset sinking into the Kerama Strait, creating a romantic atmosphere. At night, a sky full of stars will twinkle in the vast expanse, revealing a fantastical beauty entirely different from the daytime.

Access: Approximately 35 minutes by high-speed ferry from Naha

"Kume Island," known as the "Island of the Beautiful Sphere"

Kumejima is a beautiful remote island, praised as the "Island of Jewel" during the Ryukyu Kingdom era. It's a popular travel destination with good access from the main island, reachable in just 30 minutes by plane from Naha Airport, and also accessible by ferry.

Kume Island is a compact island, so you can drive around it in about an hour by rental car. This allows you to easily visit various tourist spots. Natural scenery is a highlight, including Eef Beach, selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Beaches, and Tatami Stone, where rocks resembling a turtle's shell stand side by side.

Additionally, the kuruma shrimp, which boasts the highest production volume in Japan, is exquisite. You can enjoy its sweet and plump texture, so please be sure to stop by a restaurant and try it.

Kume Island is recommended for those who seek beautiful seas, abundant nature, and delicious gourmet food, as well as those who want to relax at a resort hotel or enjoy the island to the fullest with various tours.

Hate no Hama, a paradise-like scenic spot

Hate no Hama is a sandbar approximately 7km in length floating off the east coast of Kume Island. The scenery created by the contrast between the emerald green sea and the pure white sandy beach is truly heavenly. Combined with the changing colors of the sky throughout the day, it reveals a different aspect with each visit.

At Hatenohama, tours where you can enjoy encounters with marine life such as humpback whales and whale sharks are also popular. In addition, you can enjoy various activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and strolling, allowing you to refresh yourself in a liberating atmosphere.

Since Hate no Hama can only be accessed by boat, it's best to make a reservation in advance.

Access: Approximately 30 minutes by plane from Naha Airport

"Aguni Island": A Unique Landscape Created by Volcanic Activity

Aguni Island is the only remote island in Okinawa formed by volcanic activity. It is located about 60km from Naha City and is accessible by ferry. Aguni Island is characterized by its unique geological formations and rock landscapes created by the remnants of volcanic activity, and natural limestone caves can also be found in the northern part of the island.

Sago palm trees grow wild all over Aguni Island, earning it the nickname "Island of Sago Palms." It's also famous as the filming location for the 1999 movie "Navi's Love," and is full of sights to see, including "Nishi-no-hama," the setting for memorable scenes, and "Mahana Observatory," where you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the East China Sea.

The surrounding sea is teeming with many fish, offering opportunities for snorkeling and diving. This is a recommended island for those who want to experience unique natural scenery and the charm of the ocean.

"Ugu Beach," approximately 1 kilometer of white sand, is its charm.

Uugu Beach is a natural long beach located on the eastern part of the island. Passing through a road surrounded by mixed forests, a white sandy beach woven with coral and a crystal-clear blue sea spread out before your eyes. The pure white sandy beach extends for about 1 km, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely stroll while feeling the sea breeze.

The sea shelves gently, allowing for enjoyable swimming, and the surrounding area is equipped with showers and restrooms for your peace of mind. Around Uugunohama beach, there is also a cluster of Monpanoki trees designated as a village natural monument, so be sure to visit them as well.

Because Woogoo Beach is located on the east side of the sea, the sunrise viewed from here is breathtakingly beautiful. It can be said to be the perfect spot for those who want to feel the charm of nature firsthand.

Access: Approximately 20 minutes by plane from Naha Airport

Island hopping connected by bridges is the appeal of "Aka Island"

Akajima Island is one of the Kerama Islands, a remote island surrounded by the highly transparent sea known as "Kerama Blue." It is located about 40 km west of Naha City and is accessible by ferry.

Aka Island has a population of about 280 people, making it a quiet island. With no convenience stores or traffic lights, the island's relaxed atmosphere is its charm. You can fully enjoy the island without a car, making it perfect for a day trip.

When you visit Aka Island, one must-see tourist spot is the Aka Bridge, which connects Kerama Island and Aka Island. From the bridge, you can observe sea turtles swimming in the highly transparent sea if you're lucky.

The ocean is home to beautiful coral reefs and colorful tropical fish, creating a perfect environment for snorkeling. This island is recommended for those who want to escape the busyness of daily life and enjoy a slow pace, or for those who want to have fun with marine activities.

"Nishibama Beach," a coral reef paradise that captivates visitors

Kitahama (Nishibama) Beach is the most popular beach on Aka Island. It is a natural beach with a white sandy shore extending for about 1 kilometer, and it is said to be a hidden gem known only to those in the know.

Kitahama Beach is known as one of the premier snorkeling spots in the Kerama Islands, alongside Kozamami Beach on Zamami Island. It's characterized by the highly transparent Kerama Blue sea, and with snorkeling, you can easily observe beautiful coral reefs and colorful tropical fish, and sometimes even encounter sea turtles.

This is the perfect beach for those who want to fully savor the beauty of the sea.

Access: Approximately 120 minutes by ferry from Naha to Aka Island.

"Izena Island," Birthplace of the Ryukyu Kings

Izenajima Island is a remote island surrounded by beautiful coral reefs. It is characterized by its circular landmass embraced by the blue sea, and is a relatively compact island with a circumference of about 16.7 km and an area of about 14 sq km. It is about a 55-minute ferry ride from Unten Port in Nakijin Village, northern Okinawa Island, making it easy to enjoy as a day trip.

It is famous as the island where King Shoen, who went from a farmer to the King of Ryukyu, was born, and is characterized by many cultural assets that remain there.

The starry sky is beautiful, and the environment is perfect for camping. Some campsites offer rental equipment, so you can enjoy the outdoors without bringing anything. It's a great point that while the island retains a lot of untouched nature, it's free from venomous habu snakes, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities with peace of mind.

"Escape Game": The Thrill of an Extraordinary Survival Experience

On "Yanaha Island," an uninhabited island located approximately 1km southwest of Izenajima Island, a real-life escape game will be held. This thrilling activity involves building a raft within a 3-day, 2-night time limit and aiming to escape from the uninhabited island. You can experience authentic survival surrounded by rich nature, including the cobalt blue sea, coral reefs, colorful tropical fish, and trees like the banyan and cycad.

The experience of securing food and planning escape routes with companions, while using both intellect and physical strength, is truly extraordinary. Through cooperation with friends, a deep bond is formed, and it is a unique experience where you gain new discoveries and stimulation.

You can experience the popular deserted island drifting experience from the world of TV and videos firsthand, so if you want to enjoy a special activity, please try participating.

Access: Approximately 2 hours by rental car from Naha Airport to Unten Port in Nakijin Village, then approximately 55 minutes by ferry.

"Mae Island," the gateway to the Kerama Islands

Maejima is a long, narrow island located approximately 30 km west of Naha. The entire island is designated as Kerama Islands National Park. While it was once inhabited, it is now an uninhabited island. There are no regular ferry services to Maejima, so it can only be accessed by charter boat or tour.

Despite being a small island with a circumference of about 7 km, it retains stone walls from old settlements, beautiful beaches, and untouched nature, allowing for a leisurely stroll.

The area around the south side of the island is known as "Shark Spot," and it is home to nurse sharks, which are rarely aggressive towards humans. Because of this, many people visit for diving purposes.

If you want to visit a secluded island with few people, please consider Maejima.

"Paraiso" for Enjoying Diving

Paraiso is a particularly popular diving area in the Kerama Islands, scattered around Mae Island. It boasts abundant coral reefs, allowing for a relaxed dive while searching for small clownfish, colorful tropical fish, and sea slugs.

It's known as a beginner-friendly spot, allowing you to easily enjoy the seas of Kerama. It's a place where you can encounter not only coral reefs but also large marine life like manta rays, and even experience cave diving.

Access: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by charter boat from Naha

Islands Where Nature and Unique Culture Remain | Yaeyama Islands

Ishigaki Island, the gateway to the Yaeyama Islands

Ishigaki Island is a remote island popular with many tourists as the gateway to the Yaeyama Islands. It is a beautiful island surrounded by diverse nature, including cobalt blue seas and skies, rolling mountains, and a sky full of stars, making it recommended for those visiting a remote island for the first time.

From the Tamatorizaki Observatory on the east side of the island, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the vast blue sea. The clear waters of Kabira Bay boast a beauty that allows you to feel the grandeur of nature.

The waters around Ishigaki Island are famous for being a gathering place for manta rays, and "Kabira Ishigaki Manta Scramble" in particular is a popular spot with a high chance of encountering manta rays. Beyond that, there are plenty of other sights to see, including "Sokochi Beach" and "Yonehara Beach" where you can enjoy marine activities, "Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave" surrounded by coral reefs, and "Ishigaki Yaimamura," Japan's southernmost theme park.

With abundant accommodation options and a variety of tours available, it's perfect for a trip when you want to slowly savor a tropical atmosphere.

h4 The allure of being enveloped by a sky full of stars: "The Island with Japan's Best Starry Sky"

On Ishigaki Island, you can see as many as 84 out of the 88 constellations, and it's known as Japan's number one island for stargazing.

For a long time, the people of Yaeyama have cherished the star cluster "Subaru" in the constellation Taurus, calling it "Murikabushi" (meaning "grouped stars"), and have passed down various stories related to the stars.

The starry sky of "Iriomote Ishigaki National Park" in the Yaeyama Islands, including Ishigaki Island, is said to have a starry sky environment that exceeds international standards and has been certified as Japan's first Starry Sky Preserve. A sky full of stars, which can never be seen in urban areas, spreads out, leaving you feeling refreshed.

Access: Approximately 1 hour by plane from mainland Okinawa.

Iriomote Island: A "Nature Theme Park"

Iriomote Island is the second-largest island in Okinawa Prefecture, after the main island. Over 90% of the island is covered in jungle, and the entire island is designated as a national park. You can enjoy its abundant nature, and there are various tourist tours available.

Iriomote Island is entirely within Iriomote Ishigaki National Park, and is sometimes called the "Galapagos of the East" due to its rare wildlife, including the endangered Iriomote wildcat. You can experience nature in its pristine state, with beautiful coral reefs, mountains, rivers, and waterfalls, as well as the diverse life that inhabits them.

On Iriomote Island, you can have adventurous experiences like trekking and canoeing that you can't find in the city, and both children and adults can enjoy them. If you combine it with a hotel stay, you can immerse yourself even more in the island's nature.

"Vast nature" that covers the entire island

Iriomote Island's main attractions are the vast natural landscapes that cover the entire island. Surrounded by mountains perfect for trekking and rivers winding through mangrove jungles, Iriomote Island is blessed with a rich natural environment. You can also enjoy authentic trekking to popular tourist spots like Pinaisara Falls and Mariudo Falls.

Also, for an easy way to experience the great outdoors, we recommend kayak tours through mangrove forests or strolls along riverside promenades. Iriomote Island offers a variety of tours to suit your physical condition and preferences.

In the majestic nature, often called Japan's last untouched paradise, please try an experience you can't find in the city.

Access: Approximately 40-50 minutes from Ishigaki Island Remote Island Ferry Terminal

"Kohama Island," the heart of Yaeyama

Kohama Island is a remote island located about 30 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki Port. While it is a popular travel destination with large resort hotels, it is also a tranquil island that retains the traditional Okinawan scenery. Located in the center of the Yaeyama Islands, you can enjoy marine activities such as diving and snorkeling on the beach.

Walking along the straight, single road that stretches through the sugarcane fields, known as the "Sugar Road," or leisurely strolling through the village, is a charming way to spend time on this tranquil island. There are also many tourist spots where you can enjoy nature, such as "Uminchu Park," marked by a large manta ray sculpture, and the "Koki-baru Banyan Tree Cluster Promenade," where you can see banyan trees with their branches extending out.

Kohamajima Island offers a variety of tours and is recommended for those who want to enjoy both the beautiful sea and the tranquil island atmosphere.

"Oudaki" with its captivating 360-degree panoramic views

Mt. Oodake is a 99-meter mountain located in the center of Kohama Island. From the Oodake Observation Deck at its summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the Yaeyama Islands, excluding Yonaguni Island. The lush green sea spreading out beyond Kohama Island's verdant forests is truly a spectacular sight.

Ootake is also famous as a sunset spot, and the sight of the sun setting beyond Iriomote Island creates a fantastic atmosphere. Check the sunset time and be sure to admire the beautiful sunset.

It's about a 10-minute walk to the summit of Mt. Ootake, but the steep stairs continue, so be sure to stay hydrated, especially during the summer.

Access: 25 minutes by regular high-speed boat from Ishigaki Port to Kohama Port on Kohama Island

"Taketomi Island," where the old Okinawa still remains

Taketomi Island is a remote island with excellent access, reachable by a 15-minute boat ride from Ishigaki Island. It is a peaceful island surrounded by shallow, calm seas.

A village characterized by wooden houses with red tiled roofs, coral stone walls, and white paths covered with white coral sand. It is designated as a national Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, truly offering a quintessential Okinawan landscape.

The island, approximately 9 km in circumference, can be explored on foot, but the island's specialty is leisurely sightseeing while swaying in a water buffalo cart. It's recommended for those who want to spend a special time as if they've slipped back in time.

In addition to the old-fashioned townscape, the sunset sinking into the sea and the stars shining in the pitch-black night sky are also highlights. If you have time, try spending a relaxing day from morning to night.

The charm of traditional townscapes: "The Village of Red Tiles"

The "red-tiled village" is a famous sight unique to Taketomi Island. The combination of coral stone walls adorned with hibiscus and bougainvillea, and traditional red-tiled roofs is photogenic. The townscape of the red-tiled village is designated as a preservation district for important traditional buildings and structures of the country, allowing visitors to see the original scenery of Okinawa.

In the village with red-tiled roofs, you can enjoy various activities such as leisurely strolling along paths made of white coral or swaying on a water buffalo cart while listening to traditional Okinawan songs played by a local guide. Walking among the rows of traditional buildings will envelop you in a feeling as if time has stopped.

Access: Approximately 10-15 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal

Hateruma Island, Japan's southernmost inhabited island

Hateruma Island is the southernmost inhabited remote island in Japan. It can be accessed by ferry from Ishigaki Port in about 60 to 80 minutes one way, and it's an island that can be enjoyed even on a day trip. The island's name is said to come from "the island of Ulma at the ends of the earth (coral island)," and you can see the sea, which is highly transparent and emits a blue radiance called "Hateruma Blue."

Hateruma Island, despite being a small island with an area of 12.7㎢ and a population of around 500 people, is brimming with charm. You can relax in a leisurely, Okinawan-esque atmosphere at places like the "Hateruma Village," with its coral stone walls, and "Nishi Beach," where you can see pure white sand and crystal-clear waters.

The Appeal of Seeing the Southern Cross ("Starry Sky (Southern Cross)")

When you visit Hateruma Island, stargazing is an unmissable experience. Hateruma Island's nights have very little artificial light, and the air is clear, creating the perfect environment for astronomical observation. Located at the southernmost tip of Japan, it's said to be the island closest to the stars.

Furthermore, the Southern Cross, usually visible in Hawaii, Australia, and New Zealand, can be seen here, which is a great attraction. On Hateruma Island, it can be clearly viewed from December to June. The beauty of the Southern Cross shining in the clear night sky with minimal light is a fantastical spectacle that cannot be seen anywhere else.

If you love stargazing, this is a spot you must visit at least once.

Access: Approximately 1 hour by boat from Ishigaki Island

The heart shape is cute on "Kuroshima"

Kuroshima is a remote island located 18.5 km southwest of Ishigaki Island, about a 30-minute boat ride one way from Ishigaki Port. It is also known as "Heart Island" because its shape resembles a heart, and it is often visited by couples.

Kuroshima, with a circumference of 12.6 km, has few undulations, and you can enjoy sightseeing on the island by rental bicycle.

At "Nakamoto Coast" on the west side of the island, you can enjoy playing in the water because the area inside the coral reef becomes a natural pool at low tide. Diving and snorkeling surrounded by the coral reef are also recommended.

Furthermore, Kuroshima is also known for having more cows than people, and you can see cows leisurely grazing in the pastures.

This is a recommended remote island for those who want to easily enjoy a leisurely island life. We recommend you rent a bicycle and tour the island.

"Cow Island" with its charmingly serene pasture scenery

On Kuroshima, known as an island where cows live leisurely, approximately 3,000 cattle are grazed, which is about 13 times the island's population. There are over 50 cattle farmers, and it is said that about 80% of the islanders are involved in jobs related to cattle in some way.

The sight of cows grazing at their own pace in the pasture is somehow healing just to watch.

Every year on the last Sunday of February, the "Kuroshima Cattle Festival" is held at the Kuroshima Multipurpose Plaza near Kuroshima Port. In the past, a raffle drawing where a whole cow was the prize generated a lot of buzz. This is Kuroshima's biggest event, offering games and programs unique to the "Island of Cattle." It's a lively festival with not only island residents but also tourists from off-island participating, so if you're interested, be sure to check it out.

Access: Approximately 30 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki Island

Yonaguni Island, Japan's westernmost hidden gem

Yonaguni Island is a remote island located at the westernmost point of Japan. It is only 111km from Taiwan and is a compact island, about 25km in circumference, which can be driven around in a single day. Yonaguni Island boasts many spectacular scenic spots along its coast, allowing you to capture photogenic landscapes as you travel around the island.

At "Nishizaki," the westernmost point of the island, you can witness the last sunset in Japan. Furthermore, there's a wealth of unique experiences to be had on Yonaguni Island, including diving where you might encounter hammerhead sharks, experiencing traditional Yonaguni weaving with "Yonaguni Ori," and horseback riding.

Yonaguni Island is recommended for those who want to enjoy various activities.

The "Westernmost Island of Japan," boasting spectacular views at the end of the world.

On Yonaguni Island, known as the westernmost island of Japan, there is a monument at a spot called "Nishizaki" that marks it as the westernmost point in Japan. Nishizaki is a special spot where you can see the last sunset in Japan. Watching the sun quietly sink beyond the horizon, you will surely find peace of mind.

On days with good weather and clear air, you can sometimes see Taiwan in the distance. It's a spot where you can truly feel like you're at the edge of Japan. Around Nishizaki, there are also lighthouses and observation decks, allowing you to enjoy the scenery from various angles.

Access: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by plane from Naha Airport

Healed by the Beautiful Sea | Miyako Islands

Miyako Island: The Most Beautiful Beach in the East

Miyako Island is the largest remote island among the eight Miyako Islands. It is easily accessible by direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, making it a popular destination for many tourists.

The crystal-clear sea and pure white sandy beaches are stunning, truly a tropical paradise. There are several beautiful beaches here, including "Yonaha Maehama Beach," said to be the most beautiful in the East.

Miyakojima's appeal lies not only in its beaches but also in its abundance of tourist attractions. The "Yukishio Museum," where you can enjoy a factory tour of the local specialty "Yukishio" salt, and Miyakojima Tropical Fruit Garden "Maiparu," where you can experience harvesting tropical fruits, are particularly popular. Various tours are also available, so if you want to enjoy the island efficiently, be sure to take advantage of them.

"Yonaha Maehama Beach," boasting 7km of white sand.

If you're visiting Miyako Island, you can't miss Yonaha Maehama Beach. Yonaha Maehama Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand, boasting one of the longest beaches on Miyako Island at approximately 7 kilometers in length. The contrast between the sea, with its stunning gradient from emerald green to navy blue, and the white sandy shore is incredibly photogenic.

At Yonaha Mae Beach, you can also enjoy various marine activities such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, and parasailing. Because the water is shallow and the waves are calm, families with small children can also enjoy swimming with peace of mind. The pure white sandy beach feels wonderful just to walk on, so please relax and spend some time gazing at the beautiful ocean.

Access: Approximately 50 minutes by plane from Naha Airport.

Finally

Here are 14 recommended remote islands in Okinawa. From the Kerama Islands, which are easily accessible from the main island, to hidden gems at the southernmost and westernmost points of Japan, Okinawa is dotted with beautiful remote islands.

From islands you can enjoy as a day trip to islands where you'll want to stay and fully immerse yourself, you can choose according to your travel style. Please make special memories on the remote islands of Okinawa.

For recommended remote islands nationwide, please see the following article, which introduces them.