Zamami Island is an outlying island blessed with the wonderfully transparent sea called “Kerama Blue” and abundant nature.
Highlights are scattered across the island, such as the representative Furuzamami Beach, Ama Beach where you can meet sea turtles, and the spectacular Takatsuki-yama Observation Deck and Unaji-no-sachi Observation Deck.
Also not to be missed are Ino-hama, which spreads at low tide, the Marilyn statue that became a movie setting, and Kamino-hama Observation Deck and Chishi Observation Deck with their magnificent views.
Moreover, whale watching is possible in winter, making it a region you can enjoy year-round, not just in summer. Zamami Island, where you can savor both nature and culture, is a special place where you can discover new charms each time you visit.
Recommended sightseeing spots on Zamami Island
1. Furuzamami Beach
“Furuzamami Beach,” a popular spot representing Zamami Island, is a spectacular beach with pure white sand and a clear emerald-green sea.
It is recognized worldwide and has even been awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide.
Coral reefs are scattered around the beach, and you can observe colorful tropical fish from the shallows, so it is also recommended for snorkeling beginners. Access from the port is good; while busy with tourists, in the early morning and evening you can enjoy the beauty of nature in a calm atmosphere.
| Access | From “Zamami Port” to “Furuzamami Beach” ・On foot: about 15 min ・By bus: about 5 min (300 yen) ・By bicycle: about 10 min |
| Address | Zamami 1743, Zamami Village, Shimajiri District, Okinawa |
| Admission fee | No |
| Activities | Yes |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | Yes |
2. Ama Beach
Ama Beach is a popular spot known for being able to swim with sea turtles on Zamami Island.
Green sea turtles live in the highly transparent sea, and there is a chance to encounter them even in relatively shallow water.
Compared with Furuzamami Beach there are fewer tourists, and being able to relax in a calm atmosphere is a charm. At dusk you can also enjoy a beautiful sunset.
Being close to the port with good access, it is easy to visit even for a short stay. It is a beach perfect for those who want to spend soothing time while connecting with nature.
| Access | From “Zamami Port” to “Ama Beach” ・On foot: about 25 min ・By bus: about 5 min (300 yen) ・By bicycle: about 10 min |
| Address | Ama, Zamami Village, Shimajiri District, Okinawa |
| Admission fee | No |
| Activities | Yes |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | Yes |
3. Takatsuki-yama Observation Deck
Located on Takatsuki-yama at about 137 m elevation, this observation deck is a spectacular spot with sweeping views of all of Zamami Island and the Kerama Blue sea.
It is about a 20-minute walk from the port, and being easy to visit is a charm. From the deck you can see Ama Beach, Furuzamami Beach, and even the surrounding islands, making it popular with tourists who visit camera in hand.
On clear days the magnificent scenery of the distant Kerama Islands unfolds, and at sunrise or sunset you can enjoy dramatic views. It is recommended as an easy-to-climb scenic point.
| Opening hours | None in particular |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | Yes |
| Shop | No |
| Official website | https://www.vill.zamami.okinawa.jp/guidemap/detail/131/ |
4. Unaji-no-sachi Observation Deck
Located at the island’s western tip, Unaji-no-sachi Observation Deck is a thrilling viewpoint set on sheer cliffs.
Powerful waves crash below Unaji-no-sachi, and you can enjoy a grand panorama of sea and sky spreading to the horizon.
Especially at dusk, the sky and sea are dyed orange, wrapping you in a romantic atmosphere.
Access is a bit difficult, but that means fewer tourists and the chance to quietly enjoy the view. It is one of Zamami Island’s finest viewpoints, where you can experience the power and beauty of nature at the same time.
| Opening hours | None in particular |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | No |
| Shop | No |
| Official website | https://www.vill.zamami.okinawa.jp/guidemap/detail/155/ |
5. Ino-hama
Ino-hama is a soothing spot away from the bustle of tourists, where you can commune with untouched nature.
The coral reef spreading across the shallows, the crystal-clear water, and the sea’s ever-changing face with the ebb and flow of the tide make for a beauty truly worthy of the name “garden of the sea.”
This beach, which seems reachable only by those who know the island inside out, holds a quiet strength that resets a traveler’s heart.
| Access | From “Zamami Port” to “Ino-hama” ・On foot: 1 hr 30 min ・By bus: none ・By car or bike: about 25 min |
| Address | Asa, Zamami Village, Shimajiri District, Okinawa |
| Admission fee | No |
| Activities | No |
| Parking | Yes (free, about 5 cars) |
| Restroom | No |
6. Kamino-hama Observation Deck
Kamino-hama Observation Deck, located in the western part of Zamami Island, is a popular scenic spot with sweeping views of the majestic Kerama Islands.
On clear days you can see the surrounding islands and even distant Tonaki Island, and in the evening the beautiful sunset over the East China Sea captivates every visitor.
Since it is a little far from Zamami Port, we recommend going by bicycle, moped, or car.
| Opening hours | None in particular |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | No |
| Shop | No |
| Official website | – |
7. Chishi Observation Deck
“Chishi Observation Deck” stands quietly at the northern tip of Zamami Island.
Passing through the Asa settlement and following a green path, you suddenly come upon steep cliffs and the endlessly expansive Kerama Blue sea. Its clarity and grandeur are a special sight only those who visit can experience.
Gazing at the sea while feeling the sea breeze in the gazebo is so beautiful it makes you forget the time. Wrapped in silence, this place is perfect for those who want to leave the hustle behind and connect with nature.
| Opening hours | None in particular |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | Yes |
| Shop | No |
| Official website | https://www.vill.zamami.okinawa.jp/guidemap/detail/158/ |
8. Inazaki Observation Deck
Inazaki Observation Deck stands quietly atop a steep cliff at the northern tip of Zamami Island.
It is one of the island’s finest scenic spots, with sweeping views of the deep-blue open sea and distant outlying islands.
In winter, whales leap from the surface; in summer, the setting sun sinks below the horizon. The magnificent panorama that changes its expression with the season and time of day will surely take everyone’s breath away.
| Opening hours | None in particular |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | No |
| Shop | No |
| Official website | https://www.vill.zamami.okinawa.jp/guidemap/detail/151/ |
9. Yuhina-no-hama
In contrast to the tourist-busy Furuzamami Beach and Ama Beach, Yuhina-no-hama has sparse tourists and is wrapped in a quiet like a secret hideaway.
The gently shallow, calm sea, the white sand, and the large rock towering in the center weave a landscape that gently soothes visitors’ hearts.
There is also a romantic legend that lovers who pledge their love here will be united, making it a place where couples and travelers seeking healing can spend special time.
| Access | From “Zamami Port” to “Yuhina-no-hama” ・On foot: 45 min ・By bus: none ・By car or bike: about 15 min |
| Address | Ama, Zamami Village, Shimajiri District, Okinawa |
| Admission fee | No |
| Activities | No |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | No |
10. Uhama Beach
Since Uhama Beach is not a tourist spot, this beach where untouched nature remains as it is makes you feel as though you have your own secret hideaway beach.
The highly transparent sea, the white sand, and the sound of gentle waves—here spreads a silence in which you can spend time forgetting the clock.
| Access | From “Zamami Port” to “Uhama Beach” ・On foot: 1 hr 15 min ・By bus: none ・By car or bike: about 20 min |
| Address | Ama, Zamami Village, Shimajiri District, Okinawa |
| Admission fee | No |
| Activities | No |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | No |
Zamami Island Information
Recommended activities on Zamami Island
Zamami Island offers a variety of marine activities.
You can book diving, snorkeling, parasailing, and more.
If you would like to enjoy diving or snorkeling, why not check out the available activities online?
Kanusuba Zamami
Kanusuba Zamami is a beautiful hotel that opened in July 2019.
It also features a shared lounge, concierge service, free WiFi, and more.
How to get to Zamami Island
To get to Zamami Island from Naha Airport, you need to take either a ferry or a high-speed ferry.
The steps are as follows.
- Step 1: Travel from Naha Airport to Tomari Port (Tomarin)
- Step 2: Take a ferry or high-speed ferry from Tomari Port (Tomarin) to Zamami Port
Ferry and high-speed ferry fares are as follows.
During busy periods such as summer, you may not be able to board without a reservation, so we recommend booking in advance.
| 船種 | 大人（片道） | 大人（往復） | 小人（片道） | 小人（往復） |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry Zamami | 2,150 yen | 4,090 yen | 1,080 yen | 2,060 yen |
| Queen Zamami (high-speed ferry) | 3,200 yen | 6,080 yen | 1,600 yen | 3,040 yen |
For the boarding times of other ferries and high-speed ferries, please see the article below.
Summary
Zamami Island is a charming outlying island with a highly transparent sea called Kerama Blue, abundant nature, and a somehow nostalgic island time.
At Furuzamami Beach and Ama Beach you can meet vivid coral and sea turtles, and from the observation decks you can enjoy magnificent panoramas.
Moreover, cultural spots represented by the Marilyn statue and activities such as trips to uninhabited islands are plentiful. In addition to good access—reachable even on a day trip from Naha—if you stay overnight you can also enjoy the morning and evening views and a sky full of stars.
Zamami Island is a special place where nature, culture, and healing are in harmony, sure to deliver an unforgettable experience to visitors.
Comments