Summer is synonymous with beaches, and the season of deep blue skies and sparkling azure seas is truly captivating. Japan boasts many beautiful beaches, with Okinawa's being among the most stunning in the world. Within Okinawa's seas, there are some deserted islands that can be fully enjoyed only during the summer.
This time, we will introduce the uninhabited islands you must visit when traveling to Okinawa this summer.
The Uninhabited Island Resort “Nagannu” You Can Visit Empty-Handed
Nagannu Island is located at the entrance of the Kerama Islands and is the closest uninhabited island to Naha. It is easily accessible, taking just 30 minutes by boat from Tomari Port.
Although Nagannu Island is uninhabited, it is a resort island with facilities like toilets and showers. Guests can freely use sun umbrellas and lounge chairs, and other items such as snorkeling gear can also be rented.
There are also many activities available, such as parasailing and banana boating. With a casual restaurant on the island, there’s no need to bring food or drinks, and you can even enjoy a barbecue by making a reservation.
Most visitors come for a day trip, but overnight stays are also possible. The lounge accommodations are simple, yet well-equipped, with air conditioning and hot showers. It is recommended for those who want to easily experience a deserted island.
- Nagannu Island
- Address: 3-14-2 Tomari, Naha, Okinawa
- Website: https://www.nagannu.com/
Visit Komaka Island Without a Reservation if You’re Sightseeing in the South!
Komaka Island is a small, 800-meter-circumference island floating 3 kilometers off the coast of the Chinen Peninsula in southern Okinawa. If you’re looking for a deserted island stay in the south, consider coming here.
It takes just 15 minutes by boat from Chinen Marine Leisure Center Port, located next to Azama Sun Sun Beach, with two buses running every hour, so no reservation is needed. The charm of Komaka Island lies in its easy accessibility, allowing you to visit on a whim.
The only facility on Komaka Island is a toilet. On this island, which retains its pristine natural beauty, you can enjoy playing in the sea to your heart’s content.
You can enjoy snorkeling to explore the underwater world or take an adventurous stroll around the island. Even in shallow waters, you can spot many colorful tropical fish, making it a safe place for children to experience a deserted island.
We recommend bringing cold drinks in a cooler when visiting. Additionally, since your luggage is likely to get wet when boarding the boat, it’s advisable to prepare waterproof bags for items like your phone and camera.
- Komaka Island（小马卡岛）
- Address: Chinen, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture
- Transportation fee: Adults (Junior high school and above) 4,000 yen / Elementary school students 2,000 yen / Free for children below elementary school age
- Website: https://www.chinenmarine.co.jp/
Swim in the World’s Most Pristine Coral Seas at Agenashiku Island (安庆名敷島)
The brilliant blue of Zamami is a sight one must witness at least once in a lifetime. Zamami Island, part of the Kerama Islands, boasts some of the clearest and most vibrant waters in the world, teeming with diverse coral species. You don’t need to travel far to distant overseas beaches—here, you’ll find the finest sea.
If you visit Zamami Island in the summer, Agenashiku Island is a must-see. A short 10-minute ride on a deserted island ferry from Zamami Port will take you to this emerald haven.
Beyond the dazzling white sands, a gradient of blues extends from emerald green to aquamarine, cobalt, and ultramarine.
Even in the shallow waters of the beach, you can often see small tropical fish swimming freely in the crystal-clear sea. About 3 meters deep on the western side of the coast, there is a stunning coral reef, with a 10-meter-deep coral forest zone—a paradise for advanced snorkelers. Simply floating in the shallow waters is delightful, so everyone can enjoy it according to their level.
When visiting the island, don’t forget to bring drinks and food. Additionally, since there’s no shade on the island during the day, renting a parasol on the ferry is essential.
- Agenashiku Island (安庆名敷島)
- Address: Zamami, Zamami Village, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture
- Transportation fee: Round trip per person: Adults 1,500 yen / Children 1,000 yen
- Transportation time: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Website: https://zsc.okinawa/sea/agenashiku/
Most Photogenic Spot in Kume Island: “Hatenohama Beach” (はての浜)
Hatenohama, also known as “The First of the East,” is the collective name for three sandbars stretching about 7 kilometers, floating off the coast of Ou Island and the Oha Islands of Kumejima. This stunning uninhabited island shifts its shape with the tides.
Kume Island is famous for its beautiful beaches, but the beauty of Hatenohama is in a league of its own. The blue sea and blue sky meet at the horizon, creating a layered landscape that is incredibly photogenic from any angle!
While the island is mostly empty, portable toilets and shops appear in the summer, and many visitors enjoy snorkeling and swimming in the sea. You can also find people enjoying stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
Hatenohama Beach is about a 20-minute boat ride from Tomari Port and a 5-minute ride from Eef Beach. Most visitors opt for a half-day tour, with some tour companies offering hotel pick-up services.
You can visit year-round, not just in the summer (as long as the sea conditions are stable), so I highly recommend visiting Kume Island whenever you have the chance.
- Hatenohama (はての浜)
- Address: Okinawa Prefecture, Kumejima Town, Shinadō Offshore
- Transportation Cost: Free* (Paid ferry required to reach Hatenohama)
- Website: https://www.okinawastory.jp/spot/1084
Stroll through the Coral Forest on the "Phantom Island" (Hamajima)
Near the coast of Kohama Island in Yaeyama lies an island known as the "Phantom Island," accessible by a 10-minute boat ride. The name itself is intriguing, as the island only appears during low tide, earning it the name "Phantom Island." Its official name is "Hamajima."
This area is located in the Sekisei Lagoon, Japan's largest coral reef zone, spanning Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island. It is a popular destination for both island hopping and snorkeling, offering the chance to see stunning coral formations.
To visit this "Phantom Island," there are no regular ferry services, so joining a guided tour is necessary. However, tours depart conveniently from Kohama Island, Taketomi Island, and Ishigaki Island.
Even for beginners who can't dive underwater, just looking out from the surface allows you to appreciate the coral and the variety of fish that inhabit it, making it an ideal spot for novice snorkelers.
Barasu Island (バラス島): A Coral Fragment Island
Barasu Island is a small coral fragment, approximately 1 square kilometer in size, floating between Iriomote Island and Hatoma Island.
Depending on the tide, the island may appear or disappear beneath the sea, so it's best to visit during low tide. Vibrant tropical fish swim around the island, and even in shallow waters, you can witness their lively movements.
Tours to Barasu Island typically depart from Iriomote Island, but there are also options from Ishigaki Island and Hatoma Island.
If your primary goal is to land on Barasu Island, a simple snorkeling tour is recommended. However, for a more immersive experience, consider a tour that includes visits to other natural wonders of Iriomote Island or Hatoma Island. Sunset tours are also available for those seeking a magical moment, offering various ways to enjoy your trip.
Uni-no-hama (ユニの浜): A Place to Explore by Kayak
With the ebb and flow of the tides, "Uni-no-hama (ユニの浜)" appears near the Irabu Bridge on Miyako Island. In the local Miyako dialect, "Uni" means "prime time." The name likely originates from the thick sandbank that emerges during low tide.
Visiting Uni-no-Hama requires joining a guided tour, but besides the usual boat rides and island landings, kayak tours from Miyako Island are also popular.
The distance from the Miyako Island coast to "Uni-no-hama" is approximately 1.4 kilometers. Paddling your kayak while taking in the Miyako blue sea from a uniquely low angle is a special experience in itself.
There are also sunset tours during low tide, which are highly recommended. Some tours offer the chance to do yoga on the island during sunrise or sunset. Why not explore the new charm of Miyako Island at "Uni-no-hama"?
Each uninhabited island varies in size and location, offering different attractions and ways to enjoy them. If you are serious about snorkeling, Agenashiku Island in the Kerama Islands is highly recommended. If you want to experience the sea, waterfalls, and hiking all at once, Barasu Island (バラス島) is a great choice.
Okinawa Prefecture consists of a total of 691 islands! Besides the main island of Okinawa, there are 39 inhabited islands (40 if you include the main island), making the majority of them uninhabited. Why not plan a dream trip to one of these deserted islands this summer?
