Onna Village and Kerama, where the blue cave is the attraction! About their respective attractions and recommended activities

What are the Kerama Islands like?

The Kerama Islands are an archipelago located approximately 40 km west of the southern part of the main island of Okinawa, consisting of more than 20 islands of various sizes.

Only four islands are inhabited: Tokashiki, Zamami, Aka, and Keruma.

Administratively, the village is divided into Tokashiki Village, centering on Tokashiki Island, and Zamami Village, centering on Zamami Island.

The clear, beautiful waters of the Kerama Islands are known as Kerama Blue, and attract tourists from all over the world.

The area is rich in tropical fish and coral and is a very popular snorkeling and diving site.

It is also a spawning ground for sea turtles, and one of the reasons for its popularity is the high probability of encountering sea turtles in the ocean.

In winter, many humpback whales visit the area to breed and raise their young, making it a well-known whale-watching point.

Humpback whales from the northern seas return to the northern seas after March and April, so whale watching comes to an end in April and we wait for December when they come back.

It is also a place of concentrated marine wilderness, with more than 240 species of reef-building corals that form the basis of coral reefs having been identified.

During the coral spawning season, coral washed offshore flows near the main island and grows there, making it a source of coral supply for the area around Okinawa.

 

Directions from Onna Village and Naha Airport

To reach the Kerama Islands from Onna Village or Naha Airport, you will need to go to Nahadomari Port anyway.

Travel from Tomari Port to the Kerama Islands is by high-speed boat or ferry.

There are two main routes, one to Tokashiki Island, which takes about 35 minutes by high-speed boat and 70 minutes by ferry.

The other is the flight to Zamami Island, which takes about 50 to 70 minutes by high-speed boat or 90 to 120 minutes by ferry.

There are direct flights to Zamami Island and flights via Aka Island, so choose according to your destination.

In both cases, high-speed boats will make two to three round trips per day.

The ferry service is limited to one round trip per day, but can accommodate vehicles.

 

What is Onna Village like?

Onna Village is located on the west side of the central part of the main island of Okinawa, and its coastal area forms a major resort area.

The geography is long and narrow from north to south, and the rows of large resort hotels along National Route 58, which runs along the coastline of the East China Sea, are a spectacular sight.

The inland area away from the coast is mountainous, with mountains occupying 80% of the village area.

Most of the inland area is used as a base for the U.S. military, and 30% of the total area of Onna Village is military land.

There are many famous tourist attractions along the coastline.

Cape Maeda, known for its Blue Cave, and Manzamo, one of the most scenic spots in the prefecture, are Onna Village's proud tourist attractions, and the entire coastline is part of Okinawa Coast National Park.

It is also famous for the fact that then U.S. President Bill Clinton and Russian President Vladimir Putin stayed at a hotel in this village during the Okinawa Summit in 2000.

 

Directions from Naha Airport

To get there by car, enter the Naha Airport Expressway from the Tomigusuku/Nakaji IC, located 10 minutes south on Route 331 from the airport.

After exiting the Okinawa Expressway northbound at the Yaka IC, take Prefectural Road 88 and National Road 58 to Onna Village.

The time required is approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour.

By public transportation, take the Yui Rail and a bus, or take a bus from the airport terminal to Nago Terminal and get off at Onna.

The tour takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours.

 

Attractions of the Kerama Islands

It is possible to take a day trip from Naha on the main island of Okinawa and enjoy the endlessly clear waters known as Kerama blue.

It is an area where there is no shortage of marine activities, including diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, jet skiing, banana boating, and everything in between.

It was also designated as "Kerama Islands National Park" on Coral Day (March 5, 2014), the 31st national park in Japan.

 

Kerama blue that stretches to infinity

The clarity of the sea, known as Kerama blue, is unparalleled in Okinawa and nurtures a variety of coral reef ecosystems.

As many as 284 species of reef-building corals are recognized, which means that about 62% of all reef-building corals found in Japan are living in this area.

During the coral spawning season, coral washed offshore flows near the main island and grows there, and the sea of the Kerama Islands is a source of coral for the area around Okinawa.

In winter, humpback whales visit these waters to breed and raise their young, and whale watching is also available.

The shallow white sandy beach is also a spawning ground for sea turtles, and all kinds of marine ecosystems can be seen in this area.

 

A sanctuary for marine activities

All marine activities are available in the Kerama Islands.

Here is a brief introduction to the types of activities.

 

Banana Boat・・・・The banana-shaped boat is pulled vigorously by a jet ski, which is exhilarating and powerful!

Marble・・・・sofa-like ride, less likely to fall into the sea than a banana boat, but quite exciting and thrilling.

Wakeboarding: A dynamic marine sport in which a small surf-like boat is pulled by a jet ski.

Clear kayak・・・You can look directly into the ocean from a kayak made of transparent material.

Jet Ski・・・・You can freely run around the sea (license required).

Flyboarding・・・・A popular activity to fly in the sky by water pressure and walk in the air 3 to 4 meters above the sea!

 

Enjoy many spectacular views.

The Kerama Islands also offer an abundance of spectacular viewpoints.

The Abaren Beach on Tokashiki Island has a magnificent gradation of clear blue that gradually darkens as you slowly shift your gaze from the white sands toward the ocean.

Tokashiku Beach, located on the west side of Tokashiki Island, is known as a feeding ground for sea turtles.

The sunset over the Kerama Strait and the star-filled sky at night are also wonderful.

Located at the southern tip of Tokashiki Island, Abaren Park is a plaza where visitors can relax and enjoy the view of the ocean and mountains.

Located at the southern tip of the island, the sunrise can be viewed on the east side and the sunset on the west side, depending on the time of day.

 

Onna Village Attractions

Onna Village's 40-km coastline, which retains the beautiful natural features of Okinawa, is designated as the Okinawa Prefecture Coastal Fixed Park.

Its coastline is pure white sand beaches in places, and the sea is crystal clear and incomparably beautiful on all of its shores.

Furthermore, the rows of luxurious resort hotels do not remind one of Japan.

Because of the many resort hotels, you can enjoy gourmet food from famous hotels from breakfast to lunch and dinner.

One of the attractions of this restaurant is that you can choose between Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes according to your mood of the day.

Other attractions include "Onna no Eki," where you can enjoy shopping for seasonal tropical fruits, fresh specialty vegetables, and folk crafts, and "Ryukyumura," where you can have various experiences reminiscent of the old days when the area was called Ryukyu.

 

One of the most beautiful sea in Okinawa

Onna Village offers a beautiful ocean that cannot be seen in the city center.

There are countless diving spots, including the very popular Blue Cave, and countless beaches where you can enjoy the sunset on the horizon.

Manzamage, Cape Maeda, and some hidden spots such as Zanehama beach.

Even the seascape from the hotel is beautifully clear and one can fully enjoy the spectacular view.

 

Impressed by the vast nature

Manza-gou is famous for its elephant-shaped rocks.

This 20-meter-high cliff, eroded by seawater, is topped by a grassy plateau formed of Ryukyu limestone.

The site originated when King Shokei, the 13th king of the 2nd Sho Dynasty of the Ryukyu Islands, praised its size, saying it was "enough to seat all people.

The limestone plateau is covered with natural lawns and is home to a variety of rare plants, such as the Japanese silverberry, the Okinawa violet, the Okinawa matsuba-botan, and the Japanese honeysuckle.

The ocean view from this natural land and the sunset scene will surely impress you.

 

Very popular spot, Blue Cave

The Blue Cave is one of the most popular caves in Okinawa.

Sea water and rain and wind have eroded the limestone of the cliffs, creating this mysterious cave over a tremendous period of time.

Sunlight shining into the caves reflects off the rock walls, the sea surface, and the sand of the ocean floor, creating a mysterious and fantastic blue scene.

The sea inside the cave is teeming with fish, making it a very popular spot for diving and snorkeling.

During the off-season in winter, there are fewer tourists and the sea is even more beautiful.

There are many chances to see nudibranchs, knobefish, and other underwater creatures not seen in summer.

 

Enjoy a comfortable trip with a rental car!

We'll also make reservations in advance for car rentals, which fill up quickly!

↓Click here for more information.

 

Activities in Onna Village, Kerama Islands

Here are some activities you can enjoy in the Kerama Islands and Onna Village.

 

snorkeling

From children to the elderly, snorkeling can be enjoyed immediately even by those who are not good at swimming.

You can easily enjoy the underwater scenery by using a mask (underwater glasses), snorkel, and fins (fins).

However, even in the tropical island of Okinawa, it is necessary to wear a wetsuit or take other measures to protect against the cold in winter.

Floating in the ocean, you will lose track of time as you look into the water and see coral and tropical fish of all kinds.

The waters of the Kerama Islands are very clear and ideal for snorkeling.

You can fully enjoy the fantastic underwater scenery.

 

diving

There are two ways to dive: scuba diving with tanks and other heavy equipment, and skin diving.

Scuba diving requires a license and other necessary equipment and costs a certain amount of money, so skin diving is a more casual and enjoyable option.

The equipment is almost the same as snorkeling, but while snorkeling involves looking underwater while breathing through a snorkel at the surface, diving involves holding your breath and going underwater at once, allowing you to appreciate objects up close and personal.

The key to enjoying the rest is how long and deep you can dive.

If you join the tour, you will also receive basic diving training, including breathing and diving methods.

Recommended for those who want to easily appreciate coral and tropical fish up close at various spots in Onna Village and the Kerama Islands.

If you enjoy skin diving in the Kerama Islands or the Blue Cave, you may occasionally see dolphins or sea turtles.

 

SUP

Stand Up Paddleboard is short for SUP.

This marine activity involves standing on a stable board, slightly larger and thicker than a surfboard, and paddling to move through the water.

Originating in Hawaii, it has become the most popular marine activity in Okinawa in recent years.

Because of its stability, it can be operated not only standing up, but also lying down or standing upside down on the board.

Tours such as SUP yoga are also available and have been well received by beginners.

 

Canoe/Kayak

Canoeing and kayaking are slightly different in shape and equipment used, but both activities can be easily enjoyed by both children and the elderly.

The canoe will have one paddle on each side, and the kayak will have one paddle that can paddle both.

Either way, you will be on a small boat, paddling freely on the water.

Once you get used to it, you will surely be hooked on its fun.

Since many of Okinawa's beaches are shallow, you can see coral right below you when you look into the ocean from a canoe or kayak.

There are many spots where you can enjoy canoeing and kayaking both in the Kerama Islands and Onna Village, so let's go out to various spots.

 

marine sports

The banana boat ride is exhilarating and powerful, with the boat being pulled vigorously by jet skis!

The marble is a sofa-like ride that provides considerable excitement and thrills, although there is less risk of falling into the water than on a banana boat.

Wakeboarding is a dynamic marine sport in which a small, surf-like board is pulled by a jet ski!

Clear kayaks are made of transparent materials, allowing you to take a closer look at the underwater world.

Jet skis allow you to freely roam the seas, but require a license.

However, even if you do not have a license, the staff will take you on board.

Flyboarding, a recent fad, is difficult, but it will also be fun.

Once you get used to it, you can walk in the air 3 to 4 meters above the sea!

 

Three popular tours in the Kerama Islands

 

Kerama Islands snorkeling experience around two points

In one day, we will visit two points from among Zamami Island, Kuroshima, Tokashiki Island, Gishibu Island, and Maejima.

The price of 8,500 yen includes life jacket, snorkel set, wetsuit rental, boarding fee, snorkeling instruction fee, box lunch, and insurance.

Even small children can participate safely as life jackets, wetsuits, and other flotation devices are used.

Of course, you can also go aboard with a chaperone.

If you are lucky, you may see sea turtles.

 

Experience Diving (Half-day course)

This is an experience diving plan in which you can participate with only a bathing suit.

You can choose between morning (from 8:00 am) and afternoon (from 1:00 pm) to suit your schedule.

The package includes guide fee, training fee, insurance fee, boarding fee, and equipment rental fee.

Also, one staff member is assigned for every two people, so you can enjoy the sea of the Kerama Islands in safety and security.

Experience the crystal clear waters that are known as Kerama Blue and admired by divers from around the world.

 

SUP Experience

Why not take a walk on the crystal clear water known as Kerama blue?

You may not have heard of walking on the ocean, but with SUP you can do just that.

Beginners need not worry, as we will provide a 20-minute training session at the beginning.

SUP is so stable that you can even do yoga on the board.

All inclusive of experience fee, rental items, insurance, training fee, and guide photo data.Please give it a try.

 

3 popular tours in Onna Village

 

Guide Exclusive! SUP Course

Each of the two or three participants will have a dedicated guide who will first teach them the basic SUP movements such as standing up, paddling, and turning.

Because it is a private tour and not with another group, you can ask questions without hesitation.

SUP rental equipment (life jacket, board, paddle, and boots), photography, training fee, and parking are included, and you will receive more than 30 photos on the spot.

As soon as you get the photos, upload them to social networking sites!

 

Beginners welcome! Blue Cave Snorkel Course

This small-group tour is recommended for small children, first-time snorkelers, and those who are not good swimmers.

Participants can feel safe to start practicing in shallow water where they can get their feet wet.

Wetsuits, life jackets, marine shoes, floats, snorkels, and masks can be rented free of charge.

You can also experience fish feeding for free and receive an unlimited number of underwater photos taken with a professional camera, which will surely give you the best memories.

You will also receive a small jar of star sand, making this a tour that you will remember long after you return home from your trip.

 

Blue Cave Experience Diving

This is a very economical plan that includes fish feeding, gopro photography, guide fee, training fee, complete diving set rental fee (including wetsuit), liability insurance, towel rental fee, and sandal rental fee.

The instructor will teach you step-by-step, starting with practice putting your face in the water in a shallow area, so that even first-timers can feel comfortable.

Eligible applicants will be between the ages of 10 and 54.

The Blue Cave, one of the best diving spots in Okinawa, has an average depth of 5 to 8 meters, with depths as deep as 40 meters, and offers varied terrain and a delightful view of tropical fish and coral.

All videos and photos taken by the dedicated guides are free of charge, and there is also a service that allows you to have them immediately forwarded to your cell phone or other device, so you can post them on social networking sites in real time.

 

summary

How about the sightseeing spots and marine activities in the Kerama Islands and Onna Village on the main island of Okinawa?

Okinawa is full of places to enjoy.

Please enjoy the sea of the Kerama Islands and Onna Village, which are said to have the clearest sea in the world, to the fullest.

Thank you for reading to the end.