The seas around Okinawa Island and Ishigaki Island are incredibly beautiful, but the beaches on the surrounding islands have even clearer waters!
Visiting an outlying island has a somewhat "insider" feel to it, and some outlying islands are even accessible by car.

This time, we'll introduce some recommended beach spots that you can visit on a day trip from Okinawa Main Island, Ishigaki Island, and Iriomote Island.
Some people avoid remote islands because they think they're difficult to access, but there are islands that are accessible by car, making them surprisingly easy to visit. If you go to a less crowded, hidden beach, you can enjoy the feeling of having a private beach.

<Table of Contents>
1. Island beaches accessible by boat from Okinawa Main Island
2. Island beaches accessible by car from Okinawa Main Island
3. Day trip beaches to remote islands accessible from Ishigaki Island
4. Day trip island beaches accessible from Iriomote Island

1. Island beaches accessible by boat from Okinawa Main Island

Nagannu Island

Nagannu Island, which can be reached by boat in about 20 minutes from Naha (Tomari Port), is an uninhabited island! Despite being uninhabited, it has facilities such as a shop, toilets, and cottages for accommodation.
Since there are no regular ferry services, you'll need to take a tour to get to Nagannu Island. Online booking is available, making it one of the more accessible islands in Okinawa.

Nagannu Island
Approximately 20 minutes by boat from Tomari Port
Round trip: From ¥5,800 per adult (prices vary depending on the season)
→See the "Nagannu Island Day Trip Tour" on TabiplusOne

Komaka Island

Komaka Island is located about 3km from the Chinen Peninsula in the southern part of Okinawa Island. It is a small island about 800m long and can be reached in about 15 minutes by ferry. The blue of the sea is said to be the best in Okinawa Prefecture, and many tropical fish swim near the shoreline.
Unlike Nagannu Island, Komaka Island is not a tourist destination (there are toilets), so bring your own snorkeling gear and parasol, or purchase them at the Chinen Marine Leisure Center, where the boat departs!

Komaka Island
It takes about 50 minutes by car or 15 minutes by high-speed ferry from Naha to Chinen Marine Leisure Center.
Round trip: ¥3,000 to ¥3,500 per adult (varies depending on the season)

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Tokashiki Island

Among the Kerama Islands, which are popular with divers, Aharen Beach on Tokashiki Island is a beach that combines beautiful waters with easy access.
The Aharen settlement, located just off the beach, is dotted with cafes and restaurants, and it's a great place to experience the laid-back island lifestyle.
There are no tours from Okinawa Main Island to Tokashiki Island, so you'll need to access it yourself using the regular ferry service!

Access to Tokashiki Island
40 minutes by high-speed boat from Tomari Port, or about 70 minutes by ferry.
【Related article】A summary of information on transportation to Tokashiki Island, including reservations, fares, and timetables for high-speed boats and ferries.

Tsuken Island

Tsuken Island, located in the central part of Okinawa Main Island and close to the Kaichu Road, can be accessed in about 30 minutes by ferry from Heshikiya Port. Tomai Beach, about a 20-minute walk from the port, has a campsite!
If you book a tour that includes a BBQ lunch, you can be transported from the port to Tomai Beach by shuttle bus.

Access to Tsuken Island
It takes about 60 minutes by car or 30 minutes by high-speed ferry from Naha City to Heshikiya Port.
Round trip: ¥1,530 per adult
【Related article】A remote island beach worth traveling for! Carrot Island Tsuken Island

水納島

There are also outlying islands around the Motobu Peninsula, where the Churaumi Aquarium is located. Minna Island, which can be reached by boat from Tokuchi Port on the Motobu Peninsula, is also known as Croissant Island and is a distinctive crescent-shaped island.
Minna Beach is close to the port, so you can head straight to the sea as soon as you arrive on the island! Boats cannot be booked in advance, so it's best to use a tour during peak season!

Access to Minna Island
Approximately 15 minutes by ferry from Tokuchi Port
Round trip: ¥1,730 per adult
→See the "Minnajima Day Trip Tour" on TabiplusOne

2. Remote islands accessible by car from Okinawa Main Island

From here, we'll introduce some remote islands perfect for swimming, accessible by car from Okinawa Main Island.

Sesoko Island

Sesoko Island, located southwest of the Motobu Peninsula, is connected to the main island by the Sesoko Bridge and can be accessed by car. Sesoko Island is dotted with romantic beaches such as Anchi Beach and Koibito Beach.
Among them, the most popular is Sesoko Beach, which stretches for 800 meters. It offers a wide range of marine activities, including parasailing and sea walking. Since it's close to the Churaumi Aquarium, it's a great place to visit both.

Access to Sesoko Island
Approximately 90 minutes by car from Naha City, and approximately 15 minutes by car from Churaumi Aquarium.
→See "Sesoko Island Optional Tours" on TabiplusOne

浜比嘉島

Hamahiga Island, located in the central part of Okinawa Main Island, is accessible from the main island via the Kaichu Road and the Hamahiga Bridge. Known as the "Island where the Gods Reside," Hamahiga Island has many sacred sites and is a popular tourist destination. For swimming, we recommend Muruku Beach, a natural beach located in the interior of the island. The Hamahiga Resort Hotel is nearby, making it easy to take a break.

Access to Hamahiga Island
Approximately 90 minutes by car from Naha City
→See "Hamahiga Island Optional Tours" on TabiplusOne

3. Day trip beach spots accessible from Ishigaki Island

Taketomi Island

Taketomi Island, which can be reached in about 15 minutes by high-speed ferry from Ishigaki Island, is famous for its water buffalo carts, but it also has many beautiful beaches where people can be seen enjoying swimming.
In particular, Kondoi Beach on the western side of the island is the most popular beach, boasting coral sand and crystal-clear waters. There's even a shop that rents out parasols and other items during the summer months, so all you need is a swimsuit to enjoy swimming.

Access to Taketomi Island
Approximately 15 minutes by high-speed ferry from Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal. Approximately 5 minutes by car from Taketomi Port.
Round trip: ¥1,520 per adult

Day trip beaches accessible from Iriomote Island

Barras Island

Barasu Island, accessible by boat from Uehara Port in the northern part of Iriomote Island, is an island floating between Iriomote Island and Hatoma Island. It is a small island formed by coral fragments (barasu) being gathered by ocean currents, and you can swim in the sea or collect coral there.
The island is surrounded by colorful coral reefs underwater, making it a perfect snorkeling spot. Let's have fun and forget about time on this secluded island.

Access to Balas Island
Approximately 20 minutes by ferry from Uehara Port
→See "Balasu Island Optional Tours" on TabiplusOne

Panari Island

Located in the eastern part of Iriomote Island, Panari Island is accessible by boat in about 30 minutes from Ohara Port, a hub for tourism. The two islands, Uechi Island, which still retains a small settlement, and Shimoji Island, which is used as a pasture, are collectively called Panari (meaning "separated island").
The sea, once home to a large number of dugongs, boasts unparalleled beauty among the Yaeyama Islands.
At Koiji-ga-hama beach near the pier, you can see Iriomote Island across the sea. Enjoy a relaxing time while soaking up the old-fashioned atmosphere. Of course, swimming is also permitted.

Access to Panari Island
Approximately 30 minutes by ferry from Ohara Port.
→See "Panari Island Optional Tours" on TabiplusOne

Summary

Since each island is remote, there is little human traffic, and the sea is incredibly clean. Choose from a variety of marine activities such as snorkeling and diving, and enjoy a full day of swimming. When traveling to the islands by ferry, be sure to check the departure times in advance to avoid wasting time.

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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