My way of spending time on Aka Island [Beautiful sea designated as a national park]

In March 2014, the Kerama Islands in Okinawa were designated as a national park.

The sea around the Kerama Islands, which is particularly beautiful even within Okinawa, is called "Kerama Blue," and the gradation of various shades of blue is truly stunning.
The Kerama Blue is so captivating that tourists from all over the world visit the area.

This time, I'd like to introduce Akajima, one of the Kerama Islands.

This recommended itinerary will allow you to fully enjoy Akajima Island, featuring beautiful beaches, delicious lunches, and bars where you can enjoy authentic cocktails. Please use it as a reference!

<Contents>

1. How to get to Akajima Island
2. Season and Accommodation Information for Aka Island
3. Nishihama Beach
4. Two Recommended Restaurants on Aka Island
4-1. Geruma gnon (Germanion)
4-2. Yonamine House

Final thoughts

1. How to get to Akajima Island

Akajima Island is located within Naha City.Tomari PortWe will take a boat from there.
The high-speed ferry Queen ZamamiApproximately 50 minutes round trip, 6,080 yen, Ferry ZamamiApproximately 90 minutes round trip, 4090 yenYou can get there by [means of transportation].

The high-speed ferry Queen Zamami is said to be more prone to rocking, so if you're worried about seasickness, I recommend taking the slower ferry instead.

2. Season and Accommodation Information for Aka Island

The best time to visit Akajima Island is June ! The rainy season is over, there are many sunny days, and it's a hidden gem season with fewer tourists.

During the peak season of July and August, many guesthouses are fully booked, so it's best to call and make a reservation by June at the latest.

There are about 20 accommodations on Aka Island, but most of them are guesthouses or pensions.
Incidentally, the going rate for guesthouses and pensions is around 6,000 yen per night for room only, and 12,000 yen for a room with two meals (prices vary depending on the season).

Please refer to the Zamami Town website ( http://www.vill.zamami.okinawa.jp/guidemap/stay/ ).

Also, most accommodations on Aka Island are located near the port (at most about a 5-minute drive away), and if you're close enough, you can walk or get a shuttle service, so be sure to check when you make your reservation!

Please make your hotel reservation here.

3. Nishihama Beach

The most famous beach on Aka Island is,Nishihama Beach.
It's confusing because in the Okinawan dialect, north is called "nishi."

Kitahama Beach is located near the port.It's quite far away.(It's about 2km) so please be careful.
It would be best to either rent a bicycle or ask your guesthouse to provide transportation.

Many guesthouses on Okinawa's outlying islands, not just Akajima, offer free shuttle services to beaches and other locations, so it's a good idea to check this when making a reservation.

Kitahama Beach has almost no shade,Fishing TentsI recommend bringing this with you.
A parasol is good for blocking the sun, but a tent is more convenient because you can change clothes inside.

Also, a snorkel set is essential.
If you put on a snorkel and look into the sea, you can see colorful tropical fish.

Don't forget your life jacket when you go snorkeling!

Swimming in the beautiful ocean, relaxing on the beach, searching for hermit crabs, collecting seashells...
Please relax and enjoy the beautiful Kitahama Beach.

Incidentally, the best time to swim at Kitahama is from June to September. The rainy season ends and there are many sunny days.

While you can swim on warm days during other seasons as well, Okinawa experiences many cloudy and rainy days from December to early February, making it highly unlikely you'll be able to swim during that time.
Also, May is the rainy season, so there will likely be many days when you can't swim.

4. Two Recommended Restaurants on Aka Island

After swimming at the beach and working up an appetite, let's take a trip to Geruma Island for lunch.
Geruma Island is next to Aka Island, but you can walk across the bridge to get there.

4-1. Geruma gnon (Germanion)

This cafe called Geruma Gnon is a famous shop that was also featured on television by Kurara Chibana, a celebrity from Okinawa.
Reservations are generally required (same-day appointments are possible if there is availability).

The lunch I had during my visit was the Jomon Omelet Course.

The meal begins with five kinds of appetizers (full of Okinawan ingredients such as bitter melon pickles, suku (small Okinawan fish), and squid), and a chilled cucumber soup. Then comes the main course: omurice. The eggs are runny, the sauce is creamy, and it's topped with plenty of vegetables and mushrooms. The rice inside is a healthy mix of grains.

The dessert I ordered à la carte was brown sugar meringue.
Geruma Gnon offers a delicious and authentic lunch course that you wouldn't expect to find on a remote island.
it's recommended!

[Trattoria Bar Gerumagnon]
Address: 54 Geruma, Zamami Village, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture
TEL：098-987-2650
Opening hours: 12:00-15:00 (Lunchtime until 14:00) and 19:00-　
Notes: By appointment only, irregular closing days.
URL:https://gerumagnon.wixsite.com/gerumagnon

4-2. Yonamine House

In the evening, try going to a bar that's popular with both locals and tourists.
Yonamine House is a stylish bar renovated from an 80-year-old traditional Japanese house.

The interior of the bar has a relaxing atmosphere, like being at your grandmother's house. It's quite different from bars in the city.

Food options include chocolates and olives, with appetizers starting from 350 yen per plate.

The friendly bartender at Yonamine House will create a cocktail just by telling him what you're looking for, so be sure to ask him to make an original cocktail for you.
They'll accommodate any request, whether it's for "Kerama Blue," "the sea around Aka Island," or "coral spawning."

Of course, requests for "sweet cocktails" or "refreshing, strong cocktails" are also welcome, so even those who aren't big drinkers or aren't used to going to bars can feel at ease.

A sophisticated and stylish cocktail topped with lemon and raspberries!

We have a wide selection of drinks, not just cocktails, but also beer, awamori (Okinawan distilled spirit), whiskey, and wine!

It's a good idea to make friends with other tourists, and it's also a good idea to ask the owner about Akajima Island.

Enjoy a tropical night with delicious cocktails.

[Bar Yonamine House]
Address: 144 Aka, Zamami Village, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture
TEL：098-896-4786
Opening hours: 18:00 - 24:00 (Irregular closing days)
URL:https://peraichi.com/landing_pages/view/y-house

Final thoughts

Akajima Island is a place where Okinawa's beautiful nature and sea remain, in a way that is different from Miyakojima and Ishigakijima.
While the lack of convenience stores and supermarkets can be inconvenient, it retains a traditional lifestyle, making it perfect for a vacation.

The ocean, many times more beautiful than that of Okinawa Island, and the countless stars that you can never see in the city, will make you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Akajima Island, designated a national park, is experiencing a surge in popularity. Once you visit, you'll surely want to return again.
It's an island that I highly recommend, as it's easily accessible by boat from Naha.