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The Kerama Islands reveal a Japan that few Canadian travelers know. Located about forty kilometers west of Okinawa, these small paradisiacal islands contrast radically with the main island. Indeed, the absolute calm, untouched nature, and crystalline waters nicknamed “Kerama Blue” create a unique atmosphere. This guide to the Kerama Islands brings together our experience and all the practical advice for planning your stay: access from Okinawa, accommodation, beaches, snorkeling, and immersion in local life.
Classified as a national park since 2014, the Keramas are home to exceptional marine biodiversity: multicolored corals, tropical fish, and sea turtles thrive in a preserved environment. Beyond their natural beauty, these islands reflect the Japanese culture of respect for others: silence, cleanliness of beaches and trails, and discreet attention toward other visitors. To optimize your stay, also consult our complete guide to a trip to Japan between modernity and authenticity. Even while being in total immersion, one feels in an authentic Japan, where every gesture counts toward preserving the tranquility and harmony of the surroundings.
For more official information on the Kerama Islands, consult the japan.travel – The Kerama Islands page, which provides details on activities, flora and fauna, as well as practical tips for organizing your stay. And to learn more about the exceptional biodiversity of the Kerama Islands, read the Geo.fr article: The exceptional terrestrial and marine biodiversity of the Kerama Islands, Japan.
The entry point remains Naha International Airport on Okinawa. From Naha, you can easily reach the Keramas thanks to the Queen Flight #1 and #2 high-speed ferries. These vessels connect the main islands daily in about one hour. However, it is recommended to secure your tickets in advance and arrive 30 minutes before departure, especially during Japanese peak seasons (summer, Golden Week).
The ferry crossing from Okinawa to Aka costs approximately 6,000 yen (≈ $56 CAD) per person for a round trip. We booked our crossings in advance, but availability on-site remained sufficient outside of peak season. Conversely, during the Japanese high season (summer, Golden Week), secure your tickets in advance. To save on flights and travel, consult our guide on transportation in Japan.
Our choice fell on Aka Island and the Blue Suites Hanamuro Hotel. This independent establishment stands out for its exclusivity and modern comfort. Indeed, the hotel consists of only three suites, all facing the sea. During our stay, we were the only guests, which made the experience particularly intimate and peaceful.
For all the details on the hotel and our complete experience, read my review of the Blue Suites Hanamuro Hotel.
The dedicated customer service employee ensured our comfort throughout the stay. She prepared and served meals and responded to our daily needs. Furthermore, the hotel offers high-quality full board, an elegant swimming pool, and a rooftop terrace with private baths. Thus, the stay transforms into a true immersion in the calm of the Keramas.
To maximize the value of your stay, consider using your points and miles. Discover our guide to traveling to Japan using points and miles.
The Kerama Islands are hilly. Indeed, hills, trails, and paved roads blend with lush vegetation. Depending on the island chosen, several modes of transportation are available to you.
On Aka, walking, running, and cycling allow you to discover every corner. Thus, you can explore from the butterfly sanctuary (Fukaji Observation Deck) near the local airport to isolated beaches. The trails offer spectacular panoramas, and even short journeys reveal the richness of the local nature.
To explore Zamami in one day, we rented electric bikes for about 6,200 yen (≈ $58 CAD) per day. Indeed, these bikes are ideal for visiting viewpoints and beaches in succession without getting tired in the hilly terrain.
Snorkeling remains undoubtedly the star activity. We did 2 to 3 outings per day, lasting about 45 minutes each. This allowed us to explore isolated beaches and less frequented areas. With your mask and snorkel, you swim among corals, tropical fish, and sea turtles. Sometimes, some surprising species also appear.
For a more intimate experience, favor isolated areas. However, always respect your limits and check the tides. Indeed, some areas become exposed when the tide goes out, making passage difficult.
Bringing your own equipment remains an undeniable plus. This is what we do during our travels: personal masks, snorkels, and fins. However, rentals are available in small local diving centers.
The Keramas offer remarkable biodiversity, both terrestrial and marine. The lush vegetation, combined with the humid climate, creates a true haven of tropical biodiversity.
On Aka, the butterfly sanctuary (Fukaji Observation Deck) near the airport is magical. Indeed, dozens of butterflies flutter amidst the vegetation.
On the trails and beaches, you can also observe the Kerama Shika (Cervus keramae), a small endemic deer. Additionally, hermit crabs, other crustaceans, and local salamanders enrich every walk.
Explore the crystalline waters to discover multicolored corals, tropical fish, octopuses, and sea turtles. Sometimes, sea snakes even appear around a reef.
The lush vegetation, combined with the humid climate, creates a true haven of tropical biodiversity.
Dining options remain limited with specific hours, but the quality is excellent. Indeed, small local restaurants like Yonamine House offer tasty and authentic Okinawa cuisine dishes.
To maximize your savings during your purchases on-site, use a card with no foreign transaction fees. Consult our comparison of the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees before departure.
Board the high-speed ferry from Naha to Aka (≈ 1 hour). Indicative schedules are a departure at 8:00 AM and an arrival at 9:00 AM (practical info and schedules: Naha ↔ Aka / Zamami).
Next, settle into the Blue Suites Hanamuro Hotel or your chosen accommodation. Enjoy a first swim in the calm water behind the pier. In the afternoon, take a walk on the beach with some light snorkeling near the shore. Finally, enjoy a full-board dinner on your private terrace.
In the morning, take the ferry to Zamami. Rent an electric bike (≈ 6,200 yen / $58 CAD) to easily explore the hilly island. Enjoy several snorkeling breaks on accessible beaches like Furuzamami and Ama. This way, you can observe tropical fish, multicolored corals, and sea turtles. Also discover the panoramic viewpoints and observatories. At the end of the day, return to Aka for a contemplative dinner facing the ocean, then relax on your private terrace.
In the morning, walk or cycle to the butterfly sanctuary (Fukaji Observation Deck) near the small local airport. This route crosses the subtropical forest amidst dozens of fluttering butterflies. Then, enjoy a morning snorkel in an isolated cove to combine marine observation and absolute calm. In the afternoon, relax on the private beach or at the pool. Reading, contemplating the sea, or additional snorkeling depending on your energy.
In the morning, enjoy the sunrise from the outdoor terrace bath, followed by a contemplative breakfast. Finally, take the ferry to Naha to continue your journey in Japan.
For travellers who prioritize freedom and simplicity over a specific hotel program, flexible points are often a strategic option. It is entirely possible to offset the cost of a stay using flexible points from the National Bank World Elite Mastercard.
À la carte Rewards points can be used to reimburse an eligible travel expense after purchase or to book through the National Bank travel platform.
Points are generally worth about 1¢ per point when applied to travel expenses:
The advantage is simple. No hotel categories, no chain restrictions, and total flexibility. You book the hotel of your choice, then apply your points to reduce or erase the charge.
The card also includes a $150 annual travel credit, which is automatically applied to eligible expenses.
By combining this credit with points earned, it is possible to cover a significant portion, or even the entirety, of a stay within the first year.
Spending a few days on the Kerama Islands means finding yourself in a preserved and discreet Japan, far from the classic circuits. Indeed, the absolute calm, the absence of noise, and the immersion in untouched nature create an unforgettable experience. The almost deserted beaches, exceptional snorkeling, and sunrises from private baths on the terrace of the Blue Suites Hanamuro leave a lasting impression on travelers.
Furthermore, the welcome from the inhabitants, discreet and attentive, makes every interaction pleasant. The Keramas are a true sanctuary where one reconnects with oneself, the sea, and nature. Thus, you fully enjoy an authentic Japanese experience, far from mass tourism. To plan other adventures in Japan, consult our selection of the best travel credit cards that will help you accumulate points for your next stays.
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