Zamami Island, designated as a national park, is rich in natural beauty. Its sparkling blue sea is home to countless corals and tropical fish!
Furthermore, Zamami Island and Furuzamami Beach have been awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide, making them truly seas that the world will fall in love with.

Many people might have a vague image of wanting to be soothed by the beautiful sea of ​​a remote island, but think it would be difficult to get there. However, Zamami Island is only a 50-minute boat ride from Naha, making it possible to take a day trip there.

I can't believe I can go to such a paradise-like island so easily!
In this article, a resident of Zamami Island shares a carefully selected list of the island's best tourist spots and attractions. Reading this will guarantee you a fantastic experience on Zamami Island!

<Table of Contents>
1. Where is Zamami Island located?
2. Must-see sights and transportation on Zamami Island
3. Zamami Island's Cuisine
4. I'll teach you insider tips for sightseeing in Zamami.

Show all table of contents

1. Where is Zamami Island located?

Zamami Island is located about 40 kilometers west of Naha, across the sea. From Naha's Tomari Port, it takes a minimum of about 50 minutes by high-speed boat and about 90 minutes by ferry.

Getting from Naha Airport to Naha Tomari Port is easy; take the Yui Rail from the airport to Miebashi Station (15 minutes/300 yen one way), and from Miebashi Station it's just over a 10-minute walk to Tomari Port. You can reach this paradise without needing a rental car.

There are three round trips a day between Naha and Zamami Island, including both high-speed boats and ferries. The fare is 6,080 yen round trip for the high-speed boat and 4,090 yen round trip for the ferry.

For details on the day's operating status, boat reservations, fares, and more, please visit the Zamami Village website.
https://www.vill.zamami.okinawa.jp

2. Must-see sights and transportation on Zamami Island

Public transportation on Zamami Island is provided by the village bus. Taking the bus is the most convenient way to reach the main tourist spots, Furuzamami Beach and Ama Beach.
It connects with high-speed boats and ferries departing from Naha's Tomari Port in the morning, and the fare is 300 yen one way.
If you want to visit more than just the island's two main beaches, renting a car, bicycle, or motorbike is recommended.

2-1. Furuzamami Beach

The first place you should visit upon arriving on Zamami Island is Furuzamami Beach, which is just a 5-minute bus ride from the port. It's the island's main beach and has been awarded two Michelin stars!
Just sitting on the white sandy beach and gazing at the gradient of blue ocean is enough to cleanse your soul. Once you step into the sea and start swimming, a dreamlike world unfolds before you, where you can swim alongside a variety of fish.
The beach offers snorkel rentals and tours (available on the day), so you can easily visit without bringing anything, making it perfect for day trips. You can also have lunch at the parlor adjacent to the beach and spend the whole day at Nakago Zamami Beach.


Furuzamami Beach
From Zamami Port
5 minutes by bus or car
15 minutes by bicycle (be careful of hills)
20 minutes on foot

2-2. Ama Beach

Ama Beach is the second most popular beach on Zamami Island after Furuzamami Beach. It can also be reached in 5 minutes by village bus from the port. For those who prefer to get around the island on foot or by bicycle rather than using the bus, Ama Beach is recommended as there are fewer hills on the way from the port.

The main attraction at Ama Beach is undoubtedly the chance to encounter sea turtles! You have a very high chance (almost 100%?!) of seeing sea turtles.
The sea turtles are used to people, so you can even swim with them! Of course, touching or chasing them is strictly prohibited! If you can't find any sea turtles, ask a lifeguard and they should be able to help. It's less crowded than Furuzamami Beach, so it's recommended for those who want to relax.

Ama Beach
From Zamami Port
5 minutes by bus or car
10 minutes by bicycle
20 minutes on foot

2-3.Takatsukiyama Observation Deck

There are five observation decks on Zamami Island, but the easiest to get to is the Takatsukiyama Observation Deck.
From the port, it's a 25-minute walk through the Zamami settlement and up a mountain path to reach your destination. Since there are continuous uphill sections, cycling is not recommended.
From Mount Takatsuki, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kerama Blue waters of Ago Bay. If you're staying in Zamami, it's a great idea to get up a little early and watch the sunrise. It would make for a perfect start to the day!
In spring, the path to the observation deck is lined with beautiful blooming Taiwanese cherry blossoms and Kerama azaleas. It's a beloved spot often used by locals for walks and jogs.

Takatsukiyama Observation Deck
From Zamami Port
25 minutes on foot
5 minutes by car

2-4. Onna-no-saki

Onna-no-saki is the observation deck I would most recommend to anyone visiting Zamami Island! It takes over 40 minutes to get there on foot from the port, so it's best to go by bicycle or motorbike!
With lush greenery and the sea stretching 360 degrees around, you can admire Zamami Island's proud blue ocean and the horizon that extends far into the distance. In summer, watching the sunset is highly recommended, and if you're lucky, you can see the sun sinking below the horizon. While gazing at the sea and the sunset, you can forget about time and yourself, allowing your mind and body to melt into nature, and the fatigue of everyday life will simply disappear.


Onna-se Cape
Access
From Zamami Port
About 40 minutes on foot
Approximately 10 minutes by car

2-5. Kaminohama Observatory

Kaminohama Observatory is a recently renovated observation deck. From there, you can enjoy views of the Kerama Blue ocean and uninhabited islands stretching out in front of Ama Beach.
What I recommend about this observation deck is the newly built terrace where you can relax! You can buy a bento box and have lunch there, or bring a book and immerse yourself in your own time. It's sure to be a blissful time relaxing amidst the spectacular view! It's about a 30-minute walk, so if you have the time, be sure to visit.

Kamihama Observatory
From Zamami Port
About 30 minutes on foot
About 10 minutes by car

2-6. Inazaki Observatory

You might spot whales at Inazaki Observatory! While it's a bit difficult to access, on a clear day you can see other islands and even the main island from this observatory. Humpback whales come to the waters around Zamami Island from January to March. Joining a whale watching tour is the best way to see them, but if you're lucky, you might even spot them from the observatory! Also, it's a great spot to watch the sunset in winter, so Inazaki Observatory is highly recommended during winter and spring!

Inazaki Observation Deck
Access
From Zamami Port
About 10 minutes by car

3. Zamami Island's Cuisine

Zamami Island has about 5 restaurants, and all of them are appealing, but this time we'd like to introduce some restaurants that we recommend for first-time visitors to Zamami Island!

3-1. Restaurant Marumiya

Marumiya offers great value for money! It's a popular spot loved by locals and always bustling with customers.
The daily lunch special is only 750 yen and includes a drink! It's incredibly filling, perfect for when you're hungry after a day at the beach. They have a wide variety of dishes, and I recommend the deep-fried peanut tofu. It's delicious and goes well with drinks, and I always end up ordering three! They're open both day and night, so it's a great place for families to relax and enjoy themselves without worrying about the time.

Restaurant Marumiya
Address: 432-2 Zamami, Zamami Village, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone number 098-987-3166
Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 14:30 PM, 18:00 PM - 22:30 PM
Regular Wednesday

3-2 Restaurant & Bar La Touque

Latuke is an izakaya (Japanese pub) where you can enjoy a meal in a tropical atmosphere! It offers a wide variety of Okinawan dishes.
The restaurant's atmosphere is tropical, giving you a resort-like feel. There's ample counter seating, making it ideal for solo travelers. You might even enjoy chatting with the friendly staff and locals. With a wide selection of seafood and alcoholic beverages, it's a great place to enjoy a meal with drinks. A recommended dish is the deep-fried tuna wrapped in bonito flakes (though this may not be available seasonally).

Restaurant & Bar La Touque
Address: 105 Zamami, Zamami Village, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture (Inside Minshuku Miyamura)
Phone number: 098-987-3558 FAX: 098-987-3558
Business hours: 18:00-22:00
Closed on Tuesdays

3-3 Charvilla

Finally, let me introduce you to a cafe!
Zamami doesn't have many cafes, so it can be hard to find one when you want to take a break. In times like these, head to Char Villa! The garden outside is beautiful, and you'll be greeted by a cute dog and the friendly owner. Why not order a cake set for 850 yen and relax to soothe your travel fatigue? I loved the atmosphere here so much that I ended up staying for half a day (lol).
They also run a guesthouse, so be sure to check it out!

Charvilla
Address: 90 Zamami, Zamami Village, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture
HP http://www.miniyon3737.sakura.ne.jp/
Phone number 098-987-3737
Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 17:00 PM (until 16:00 PM in winter)

4. I'll teach you insider tips for sightseeing in Zamami.

4-1. Snorkeling Tour

In recent years, the swimming area at Furuzamami Beach has narrowed, and the amount of coral that can be seen on the beach has decreased.
If you're visiting Zamami Island, you should definitely take a snorkeling tour to see the beautiful coral reefs! Of course, diving will give you a better view of the underwater world, but you can see plenty of beautiful coral and fish even while snorkeling in the waters around Zamami Island. There are even spots where you can encounter manta rays!
Prices vary depending on the tour, but the average price for a snorkeling tour is around 5000 to 1 yen.

4-2. A beach with a great sense of privacy

Besides the two swimming beaches on Zamami Island, there's another beach that's so beautiful it's almost soul-cleansing just to look at. Since swimming is prohibited, it's less crowded, making it perfect for those who want to relax on the shore. You might even get to experience a private beach with no one else around.

Although it's a bit of a distance from the port, Uhama Beach offers stunning views of the Kerama Blue ocean after passing through a tropical-feeling road, making it perfect for photos!
There are public restrooms nearby, making it ideal for those who want to stay for an extended period. Since you've come all the way to Zamami Island, why not spend some peaceful time on a less crowded beach?

Uhama
From Zamami Port
About 15 minutes by car

4-3. Take a ferry to an uninhabited island

There are three uninhabited islands around Zamami Island. If you're looking for a luxurious setting with 360-degree ocean views and want something more than just the usual beaches, then definitely check out these uninhabited islands!
They'll take you to the best uninhabited island for that day, based on the waves and wind conditions, so you can travel there with peace of mind and ease.
The journey takes about 5 to 10 minutes by ferry.

	Ankenashiki Island	Kabi Island	Amurojima
Adults (junior high school students and above)	￥1,500	￥1,500	￥2,500
child	￥1,000	￥1,000	￥1,500

*Reference: Zamami Tour Operation

Final thoughts

Zamami Island is full of attractions for tourists.
This time, we introduced places where you can fully enjoy nature, but Zamami Island is rich not only in nature but also in history and culture. Although Zamami Island is a resort area, it is an island where people have lived and worked for generations. While enjoying the abundant nature, if you take a look around the island, you may discover other charms. Please come and visit the charming island of Zamami Island and discover your own "Zamami Island". We are sincerely looking forward to your visit.