Nestled in the Okinawan Islands, there’s plenty of things to do on Aka Island in Japan. From relaxing and swimming at deserted beaches to hiking to viewpoints over Aka Island – there is something for every sun-seeking traveler.

Whether you want to spend your day trip to Aka Island soaking in the gentle waves of the ocean or spotting for whales overlooking the horizon, there is a reason to visit Aka Island, even if only for a couple of hours.

 

Where is Aka Island in Japan?

Aka Island lies in the Okinawan Islands of southern Japan. From the main island of Okinawa, from the city of Naha, a ferry leaves once or twice per day for Aka Island.

While the ferry from Naha to Aka Island takes around 50 minutes, the more common island visitors catch the ferry to is the nearby island if Zamamai.

Zamami is a short 10-minute ferry from Aka and is where the majority of accommodation and restaurants in the small cluster of islands are.

While it is quite a small island, there are a number of things to do on Aka Island in Okinawa.

 

Day trip to Aka Island

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While there are great things to do on aka Island itself, most of the accommodations are on Zamami Island. Which is a beautiful part of the Okinawan Islands.

As most will stay on Zamami Island, travelers mostly day trip to Aka Island.

The main ferry route is one of the ways to transport visitors to this isolated island, you can also get a shuttle boat at specific times of the day – it’s best to talk to the staff at the port (either Naha or Zamami Island will have up to date information on times and cost of taxi-boats and ferry).

Once you’re there, what to do on Aka Island? Well, as you’ll see below, there is hiking, swimming, wildlife spotting, relaxing on the beach and an adorable story of love between two dogs.

 

What to do on Aka Island in Japan

While the island is small, there are a number of memorable things to do on Aka Island – from hiking to viewpoints to snorkeling the calm water and relaxing on golden sandy beaches.

 

Swimming

Aka Island has a number of beaches- with the most well known being Nishibama Beach, located on the eastern side of the island and looking across to Zamami Island.

Nishibama Beach usually a crystal clear, calm beach and great snorkel opportunity. There is a bunch of small shops offering snacks and drinks as well as snorkel rental if you don’t have your own. There is a lifeguard on duty most days in high season.

Another popular beach is one located just to the west of the bridge leading to Geruma Island. Much of the beach here is sheltered from bad weather and is a very calm place for a swim and snorkel.

 

Hiking

Hiking on Aka Island is a popular thing to do and there are a few routes to choose from.

• Hiking to Geruma Island – if you caught a boat to Aka Island (which you have to), you would have noticed a huge bridge leading to another island. That’s Geruma Island (you can continue to Fukaji Island on the same road). The road takes you along the coast of the islands and even gives a beautiful elevated view of Aka Island as well as Geruma.
• Ama-Gusuku Observation Deck – This observation deck on Aka Island gives a sweeping vista out over the ocean and during whale migration seasons, you can be lucky enough to spot spouts of water shooting up over the horizon.
• The main road of Aka Island snakes through the inside and eventually leads to a beach on the northeastern shoreline.

 

Viewpoints on the island

While many of the best views of Aka Island come from just walking around. Two of the best viewpoints I found are the bridge from Aka Island to Geruma Island and the Ama-Gusuku Observation Deck.

 

The story of Shiro and Marilyn – Two dogs in love

As soon as you step off the ferry from Zamami (or Naha) you will be close to a statue of a dog, Shiro. Zamami Island has a statue of another dog, Marilyn.

These two dogs, in the summer of 1986, joined these two islands in an unexpected way.

The story goes that Shiro and Marilyn lived with separate families on the island of Zamami. In 1986 Shiro and his family moved to the neighboring Aka Island.

Shiro would disappear for hours on end every morning and turned out to be swimming to Zamami Island to meet up with Marilyn. It is around 2km from the nearest points of Aka Island and Zamami – and Shiro made that trip to visit his love, Marilyn.

The next year, in 1987, Marilyn passed away, but along with Shiro, leave behind a beautifully pure story about love in unexpected places.

If you would like to know more, this story became so popular in Japan that a movie was created about Shiro and Marilyn!

So, make sure to visit the Shiro Statue on Aka Island, and Marilyn on Zamami Island.

 

What is Aka Island like?

Honestly, it is a stereotypical paradise. Clear and calm waters, with golden sands and vibrant plant life – as well as marine life to watch with a snorkel set.

Aka Island, much like other islands in the Okinawan cluster, is super relaxed. Especially when you take into account they are part of Japan, where society runs on a strict timeline, island life is a little easier going.

Chances are you’ll encounter some friendly locals going about their day – for me, it was a bunch of kids swimming and fish from the end of the pier.

All up, it’s hard to not love the place. With many unforgettable things to do on the Okinawan Island in Japan, you’re sure to find something worth the visit.

 

Summary of things to do on Aka Island, Japan

I hope you enjoyed this post detailing the best things to do on Aka Island in the Okinawan Islands of Japan.

From the clear waters to lush green trails – There’s something for everyone on Aka Island.

Enjoyed this post? Give it a share to social media to share the love for Aka Island. You can also down the What to do on Aka Island PDF for offline viewing – you’ll find a big button below that will give you instant access!

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Thanks for reading!

Happy and safe travels,

Ben – Horizon Unknown