When I first visited Japan, I didn’t expect to find golden sands and turquoise waters. But the Okinawan Island of Aka (and Geruma Island) sure showed me the diversity of the Japanese landscape. If you’re after deserted stretches of beaches and lush jungle surrounded by endless ocean, then these 11 images of Aka Island in Japan is where you need to be!

 

Information about Aka Island

As I mentioned above, Aka is an island in Japan. Part of the group of the Kerama group of islands in the Okinawan Prefecture, Aka is around 24 km southwest of Okinawa.

Also commonly known as Aka-shima, there are around 300 people who call this tropical paradise home. This tiny Pacific Ocean island is home to many species of fish and marine life.

Most travelers visit Aka Island on a day trip from the neighboring Zamami Island.

 

1. Hiking the Island of Aka

Aka Island offers some great hiking. Once your boat docks (either from Naha or Zamami), you can hike the entire island in a few hours.

Crossing the giant concrete bridge to Geruma Island gives a vertical view of the clear blue and green waters below, as well as the pier used for fishing and snorkeling.

There is an outlook ON  aka Island that gives a pristine view of the vast Pacific Ocean.

While there are many more hiking points of interest on Zamami Island, walking around Aka is a great activity for those looking to get out into the sunshine.

 

 2. Aka’s Gusuku Observation Deck

If you’re after a view on Aka Island, Gusuku Observation Deck is where you need to visit. Perched up a steep trail, this observation pagoda gives views of the blue Pacific Ocean, with chunks of Sandy beaches and lush green tropical jungle.

If you’re visiting during the migrating whale season (January to March) you might be able to spot water spouts and fins off in the distance. This incredible journey takes humpback whales around 9000 km to Alaska to feed. While they are far away, it is possible to see them with the naked eye.

 

 3. Aka ferry

Leaving from Naha on the island of Okinawa, the ferry is a scenic chunk of free time. Going up to the observation deck on the roof is perfect for some fresh air and plenty of sparkling blue ripples surrounding the boat.

 

 4. Akao Bridge

This giant concrete structure connecting Aka to Geruma Island is one of the quietest bridge I’ve ever seen. The only noise was not from a motor puttering past me, but from the howling wind as the ocean breeze is by interrupted by anything but open ocean.

If you’re up for a short walk to Geruma Island from Aka Island, I highly recommend taking some time and soaking in the blue vista from the bridge.

 

 5. Aka’s Nishibama Beach

Nishibama Beach is one of the best beaches on Aka Island. During the summer months, this beach draws in a number of visitors, but Aka isn’t ever really a busy island.. There are parasol for rent if you want to sit by the ocean and relax, and a number of shops rent snorkeling gear for those who want to explore the underwater world around Aka.

Be aware, snorkeling in Aka (and Zamami) does have its risks. A little offshore, I spotted a black and white sea snake. While they can be aggressive, leaving enough space between you and the creature should be enough for a safe swim.

 

 6. Statue of Shiro on Aka Island

Once again, Aka and Zamami Island are connected, but this time but a love story between two dogs. In 1986, Shiro moved with his family from Zamami to Aka Island, leaving Merlin, his girlfriend behind.

Shiro’s owner followed him as the dog crossed 3.2km (2 miles) of water to see his girlfriend, Merlin. You can visit Shiro’s statue on Aka Island, right near the pier and Merlin has her statue on Zamami Island.

 

 7. Aka deer – There’s plenty of wildlife around this small island

Aka isn’t just home to plentiful marine life, there are also animals on land. This deer had just woke up from a lunchtime nap. These animals are wild and should be treated as such, but they are cute to watch from a distance.

 

How to get to Aka Island

Getting to Aka Island is easy. There are really only two ways.

1. Ferry from Okinawa. You will be able to get off on Aka Island from the ferry to Zamami Island from the city of Naha on the main Okinawan Island.
2. You can catch a water taxi from the main pier in Zamami. Just ask in at the tourist information building – the one that is right on the pier itself.

 

How to get to Geruma Island

You can get to Geruma Island by walking from the neighboring Aka Island. I’m not saying to walk through the water, there is a giant bridge that connects these two Pacific Island gems.

Zamami is the much larger and populated of the three islands. It holds the accommodation and many great things to see and do.

 

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Further Reading For Traveling Japan

1. The best Buddhist Temple stay – just outside of Tokyo – Taiyoji Temple
2. Fantastic things to do in Japan
3. Otaru is a great day trip from many places on Hokkaido

 

Thanks for reading!

Happy and safe travels

Ben – Horizon Unknown