Just 15 minutes by boat from Miyako Island. Around the small remote island of Ogami (Ogami-jima), called “the island of the gods,” spreads a coral sea beautiful enough to rival Yabiji.
That said, Ogami Island has no lifeguarded beaches or developed marine facilities. Many people wonder, “Where can I swim?” or “Is it okay for beginners?”
In this article, we explain Ogami Island’s recommended snorkeling spots in detail — from calm points for beginners to reef edges for advanced swimmers — along with points to note. We also introduce tour information you can enjoy with peace of mind, so if you want to make the most of Ogami Island’s sea, please use this as a reference.
What kind of island is Ogami?
Ogami Island is a small island lying about 4 km north-northeast of Miyako Island. Roughly 3 km around with a population of about 20, this small, pyramid-shaped island is surrounded by beautiful seas and rich, unspoiled nature, yet sees few tourists and preserves a quiet, everyday way of life.
Its defining feature is the legend that, true to its name, it is “the island where the gods live.” Most of the island outside the village is sacred ground, and wandering in carelessly is to be avoided. Faith is still very much alive here — during the island’s religious rites, visitors may even be unable to cross over at all.
At the same time, its age-old nature remains intact, and it is a captivating island where you can enjoy sights such as the mushroom-shaped “Notch” rock formations and snorkeling in coral seas. Known as a power spot for good fortune, rising luck, and the cleansing of body and mind, it is a wonderful getaway for anyone who wants to find calm and center themselves in the quiet.
Recommended snorkeling spots on Ogami Island
Around Kamikakisu
Kamikakisu is a spot on the island’s east side, right in front of the multipurpose plaza.
Rocks line up in a semicircle enclosing an inlet, creating a landscape like a stone circle in the sea.
Sheltered by the rocks, the bay has gentle currents, so even snorkeling beginners can enjoy it with relative peace of mind. The nearby multipurpose plaza has restrooms and a covered rest area, making it a convenient base.
Around Nnapazu
Nnapazu is an area at the end of the road on the island’s east side, where you can descend from steps to the rocky shore.
The coral here is very rich, and at low tide you can sometimes see lively coral poking out above the surface without even diving. At about 100 m to the reef edge, it is the place where you can get closest to the offshore coral reef by beach entry.
The reef edge off the south of Ogami Island
The reef edge off the south of the island is especially recommended; there is a point around where the tour boats moor, and the offshore scenery is said to look just like Yabiji.
Branching coral, table coral, and blue coral spread through the area, and along with tropical fish such as blue-green damselfish, you can sometimes see sea turtles too.
Because this offshore point has tidal currents, it is safest to visit it on a boat snorkeling tour.
Around Pamasasu
Pamasasu is the island’s largest sandy beach, reached by walking north from Ogami Fishing Port along the western route.
Its defining feature is a semicircular sandbar formed where currents from the left and right collide; at its tip, the waves draw complex, beautiful ripples.
The beautiful sandbar appears only at low tide, so checking a tide table before your visit is a must. Rather than coral viewing, it is a scenic beach for enjoying the white sandbar and crystal-clear sea.
Ogami Island snorkeling tours
There are also operators running snorkeling tours on Ogami Island.
If you’d like to enjoy a guided snorkeling tour safely, you can also book one online, so be sure to check the options below.
Bonus: Yabiji tours
Yabiji is one of Japan’s largest coral reef groups, spreading off the north of Miyako Island — a stunning spot also called the “phantom continent.”
You can see vast colonies of table and branching coral, schools of tropical fish, and, if you’re lucky, sea turtles.
The coral reef off Ogami Island is said to closely resemble Yabiji, so if you enjoy Ogami, it makes a great next step to try.
You can also book a snorkeling tour online, so be sure to check the options below.
Sightseeing spots on Ogami Island
Ogami Island is a small island only about 2 km around, but as befits its name as the “island of the gods,” it is packed with unique sights you won’t find on other remote islands. It’s a size you can fully cover on foot, so a leisurely stroll using the wait time for the ferry is also recommended.
To name a few of the representative sightseeing spots —
Ogami Island Lookout (Upuyuumui)
A hilltop viewing spot in the center of the island. Beyond the stairs, a 360-degree panorama spreads out — a stunning point from which you can see Miyako Island, Ikema Island, and out toward Yabiji. It’s the one place you can’t miss when you come to Ogami Island.
The Notch rocks (mushroom rocks)
Mushroom-shaped rock formations carved by wave erosion, scattered along the coastline on the island’s north side. These curious shapes created by nature are wonderfully photogenic and are one of Ogami Island’s signature scenes.
Opuyu Shokudo
The island’s only eatery. Many visit for its specialty, the “Kakidako-don” (octopus rice bowl), where you can enjoy the simple, warm flavors of the island. It’s reassuring to check the opening hours and closing days against the boat schedule in advance.
The beach around the multipurpose plaza
In front of the multipurpose plaza near the port spreads a sea of high clarity. With a covered rest area and restrooms, it’s a perfect place to relax and gaze at the sea.
Beyond these, there are so many sights you’d hardly expect from such a small island — the scenery of the old village, and the stunning views that appear along the loop road that circles the island.
That said, the whole of Ogami Island is considered sacred, with places you must not enter and rules to observe. For etiquette when visiting and detailed directions and highlights for each spot, we cover them in detail in the article below, so please check it out as well.
Summary
Ogami Island is a precious island where an untouched coral sea remains, even though you can get there in just 15 minutes from Miyako Island.
Its appeal is being able to choose a spot to match your level and style: calm, rock-enclosed “Kamikakisu” for beginners, “Nnapazu” at low tide if you want to observe coral closely, and the southern offshore reef edge by boat tour if you’re after truly spectacular scenery. The “Pamasasu” sandbar, which appears only at low tide, is not to be missed either.
However, there are no lifeguards or lifesavers in Ogami Island’s waters. Take every safety precaution — wear a life jacket, check the tides — and if you’re at all uneasy, don’t push yourself; use a guided tour.
And what you must not forget is that Ogami Island is still an “island of the gods” where faith is alive. Observe the island’s rules and manners, hold a feeling of gratitude, and enjoy the beautiful sea and the quiet island time.
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