With next to no information on their existence in Japan, other than a mere sentence or two in Lonely Planet, The Kerama Islands of Japan’s Okinawa prefecture are by far the country’s best kept travel secret and a native favourite.
Luckily for this writer, a Japanese student once let this little gem slip when I asked what he was up to over the summer.
Kerama Islands are a group of 22 islands, with only four inhabited; Tokashiki, Zamami, Aka and Geruma.
A good base for a lengthy stay is Zamami Island. Home to around 600 people, Zamami has hands down, the most breathtaking, untouched, pinch-yourself beaches you’ll ever see with your own eyes (IMO!). Japanese locals come flocking here for the unbelievable snorkelling at the famous Furuzamami Beach, swimming with gigantic turtles at Ama Beach, winter humpback whale watching, and superb year-round diving.
Access
Take a two-hour flight from Tokyo to Naha, Okinawa and jump on the next ferry to the island of your choice. Zamami is just over an hour’s ride away.
What to expect
This island is perfect for singles, families and couples as long as you like to take it easy. Don’t expect the Thailand or Greek Island beach party scene. This is the ultimate place to unwind after a huge weekend in Tokyo, regroup and live like a local.
What to do
The perfect day in Zamami would start with an early morning stroll to a nearby beach to catch the sunrise. If you’re feeling a little Zen, practice some yoga to start your day off (sit behind and copy a local, they are too polite to tell you to beat it). After breakfast, hire a bike or scooter and set off for Furuzamami beach. Here you’ll find some of the most beautiful coral and sea life, and water sports including stand up paddle boarding, kayaking and rafting are available.
Let the afternoon take you to Ama Beach, where turtle families come to feed daily. Wait on the sand until you see their heads popping up for air (normally around 3pm) and feel free to join them for a swim. These beautiful babies (some the size of SMALL CARS. Seriously. Not joking) are so nonchalant they will let you swim around with them for hours. The experience is so surreal and will leave you catching your breath…and probably, if not definitely, crying.