11 Inspiring Photos of Things to do in Zamami, Japan -

Looking for tropical paradise in Japan? You won’t be disappointed by visiting Zamami Island. From pristine blue waters and golden sand beaches to unforgettable panoramic vistas, there’s plenty of memorable things to do on Zamami Island.

I’ll even tell you exactly how to swim with turtles on Zamami Island. No tour or anything needed other than a snorkel set. You can rent them easily on Zamami Island, read on to find out where from.

Let’s dive into the best things to do on Zamami Island, Okinawa, Japan!

Zamami Beaches

Ama Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Zamami Island, mainly for turtles at high tide — Ama Beach, Zamami Island, Japan

There are a number of beaches on Zamami that worth visiting for a variety of reasons. The common grounds they have is they are all beautiful. Blue and turquoise water that turns invisible once you start swimming. Along with palm trees and sand, it’s what a tropical island paradise is good at.

Snorkel with turtles Zamami, Ama Beach

Turtles eating among the dead coral is a common sight at high tide just off Ama Beach — Grazing Turtle, Ama Beach, Zamami

Zamami’s Ama Beach is my personal favourite. While there isn’t much to see other than bleached and dead coral, it does have a special visitor.

High tide brings hungry turtles close to shore. Grazing among the dead corals of Ama Beach, turtles can be found here most evenings.

While they are pretty content and don’t seem to care too much about your presence, you shouldn’t try and touch or harass these beautiful creatures.

Other than these peaceful grazing turtles, if you’re after snorkelling, there are other more picturesque beaches teeming with marine life.

Ama Beach is also right next to the only campground on Zamami Island.

Furuzamami Beach

Zamami’s most popular beach. Until I visited Zamami, I had no idea the Michelin Star ratings applied to beaches as well. Furuzamami Beach currently holds a 2-star rating. This causes it to be the busiest beach on the island.

Unfortunately, due to the high numbers of visitors, the negative effects of tourism are quite visible. The sea floor is lined with dead coral from tourists stepping or touching the living creature.

For a snorkel set, you can rent from the shops here. A set will cost around 1100 Yen (Aud). Furuzamami Beach is around a 20-minute walk from town.

So if you do visit this beautiful Beach, and I still suggest you do, take care not to damage any of the fragile coral life.

Hiking Zamami Island

Hiking around the island of Zamami in Japan gives some beautiful views — Hiking Around Zamami Island, Japan

While Zamami Island is usually visited for its beach locations, there’s much more to see on the island. Hiking on Zamami is a perfect activity if you want to dry off from your swim, or get some stunning island vistas.

There are two main roads of Zamami and 6 official lookouts. Hiking to each will take a few hours. The roads are pretty well paved, but the incline can be steep.

The first road goes to the eastern tip of the island, past Furuzamami Beach and the village of Asa. The second leaves from the back of the Zamami Village and heads straight up. Youll walk past 5 observation decks along this second road, and a single observation point on the first road.

You can rent a push/pedal bike, motorbike and even a car on Zamami Island. The steep roads might put a few people off. See below for information about hiring vehicles.

While there are a few observatories around the island, there’s plenty of great views along the roads itself when the thick trees clear out of the way.

Takatsukiyama Observatory

One of Zamami’s best lookouts is Takatsukiyama. From the back of Zamami Village, there’s a trail that leads up and up. Once you make it to the outlook, on a clear day, you can see the main Okinawa island of Naha.

Other notable points about Takatsukiyama Observatory is there is a bathroom here. There is also a trail heading east leading you to Furuzamami Beach.

Inazaki Observatory

Another great Zamami observatory is Inazaki. In the winter months, this is one of the best spots to whale watch as they migrate. They will be very far away but the bursts of water from whales blow holes are visible in the distance.

On a clear day, many surrounding islands can be seen from this observatory. It is a beautiful panorama and well worth the exhausting hike.

Zamami Sunset Stand up Paddleboarding

Stand up paddleboarding is a great activity on Zamami Island, especially at sunset — Stand Up Paddleboarding, or SUP, Zamami Island, Japan

My favourite Zamami activity was stand up paddle boarding during and watching the sunset over the island of Zamami.

The tour company Drifter was fantastic. They provided everything. Paddleboard and paddles, a lift to and from the drop off point and fun and enthusiastic guide. As the sky turned purple and pink and the water went from clear blue to dark black, it was an unforgettable memory of Zamami.

Where to stay in Zamami

Tiny and secluded beaches are dotted around the island of Zamami — Zamami Island, Japan

Note: Some of the links below are affiliate links, at no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you book anything through these links. If you have any questions at all, please contact me.

If your looking for accommodation in Zamami, you can’t look passed Zamamia International Guesthouse. Its one of the best hostels I’ve stayed at. They also have private rooms if you are looking for privacy, but also able to meet new people easy.

The beds are incredibly comfortable, hot showers and a common room that makes it so easy to meet new friends.

The staff here are also super helpful. They have knowledge about everything to do with Zamami Island. High and low tide times, weather forecast, and can tell you many more amazing things to do on Zamami Island.

You can check all available accommodation here for Zamami Island.

Travelling Zamami Information

Sunset paddle boarding off the coast of Zamami Island — Travelling Zamami Island, Japan

As mentioned above, staying at Zamamia International Guesthouse is worth every penny. However, you can visit, ask questions and gain valuable information from the staff here even if you’re not a guest. There’s also a restaurant if you’re looking for a decent meal. There are many great places to stay on Zamami Island – Book Here!

Many establishments will hire snorkel sets to traveled for around 1100 Yen ($14 AUD).

Zamami Car Rental

Zamami Island is usually full of sun shine, but storms can hit the tiny island out of nowhere — Trekking Zamami Island, Japan

The only car rental place on the island. You can rent a car here hourly (3140 Yen/$40 AUD) or for the day (8400 Yen/$107 AUD). As well as scooters (4500 Yen/$57 AUD for 12 hours) and pedal bikes (1500 Yen/$19 AUD for 24 hours). For the latter two, the price is very competitive with everywhere else on the island.

Whatever mode of transport you decide on, remember there are some steep and exhausting hills.

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