Tokashiki Island is located around 32 kilometers west of Naha, Okinawa. For its unbelievably transparent, beautiful waters, it is famous for various marine activities in summer while it is equally fascinating for its whale watching tours in winter. The island also offers serval nice trails with green colours, natural sceneries, and striking views.
About the Tokashiki Island
Tokashiki Island (Tokashikijima) is the largest of the Kerama Islands. It is a long island extending from the south to the north, with three main sightseeing areas- Aharen in the south, Tokashiku in the central, and Tokashiki in the north.
Attractions of Tokashiki Island
Tokashiki Island is different in its three sightseeing areas, though they are equally nice. Let’s look at the how they are different but still attractive in terms of their spots and activities.
The South Area - Aharen Area with Tokashiki Island’s Main Beach, “The Aharen Beach”
Aharen in the south offers many to see- from the popular hotspot “Aharen Beach” to secretive, remote spots. A must-see is, without a shadow of doubt, the 800 meters long “Aharen Beach” with white sands and blueish waters. It is a beautiful beach to swim, while for its nice coral reef and clear water, it is also famous for snorkelling, marine sports like banana boat and sea kayak. You may also want to visit the “Aharen Enchi (Garden)” in the south most of the island, with subtropical plants and colourful flowers to see, and the natural whitened soil by volcanic tuff, which is unique to the Tokashiki Island, to experience.
The Central Area - Encountering Turtles at “Tokashiku Beach”
The Tokashiku area is at the center of the island, with “Tokashiku Beach” as its main attraction. The water in the beach is shallow and famous as a spot for turtles to swim close to eat the seaweed on the sea bank. If you were lucky enough in the right timing, you may enjoy a swim together with turtles! If you are around, please do not miss the “Tokashiku Kaigan Park”. There is an observatory to take in the emerald greenish sea and white sands, the magical creation by nature.
The North Area - A Nature-Rich Area Centering on the Tokashiki Habour
Last but not least, Tokashiki is in the north, centering on the villages nearby Tokashiki Habour, which is sounded by mountains as high as 200 meters. Its habour observatory ” Minato no Mieru Oka observatory platform” is the only observatory on the island at where visitors can take in views of villages, as well as the ships travelling to and from the habour.
The highest spot is Mt. Akama, at there is a National Okinawa Youth Friendship Center with two observatories, one in the east and one in the west to take in splendid views of the sea, along with other neigbouring islands.
Foods and Restaurants on Tokashiki Island
Relax on Tokashiki Island by indulging in local Okinawan cuisine, prepared with the local sea-fresh luxury fish called “Gurukun” (fusilier). As for souvenir, never miss out “Tuna Jerky” (dried tuna pickled with special sauce). Restaurants and souvenir shops are usually found in the Aharen area and the Tokashiki area.
Accommodations on Tokashiki Island
The accommodation facilities on Tokashiki Island differ quite a lot from each other in different areas, the majority is in the Aharen area, or nearby the Aharen port. They are guesthouses, with some other resort hotels and pensions. The number of accommodation facilities are relatively low in Tokashiku area, but still, there is a nice hotel with a panoramic ocean view. On the other hand in the Tokashiki area are guesthouses, pensions, and dormitories which cost only around 3,000 – 5,000 yen per stay. If you were looking for a budget stay, it is the right area for you. (As of August 2019)
How to Get to Tokashiki Island from Naha, Okinawa
First head to Tomari Port Tourist Terminal (Tomarin) at Naha city, Okinawa and take turbo jet or ferry there to get to Tokashiki Island. It takes around 35 mins by turbo jet to reach “Tokashiki Port”, the entrance of the island. By ferry, it is around 1 hour and 10 mins. Tourist spots are scattered all over the island so you may want to take buses. However, they only stop at Tokashiki port, village office nearby the Tokashiki port, and Aharen beach in the south. Let’s transport by taxi, rental car, or on foot to other spots.
Spot information
- Spot name: Tokashiki Island (Tokashiki port)
- Street address: 346 Tokashiki, Tokashiki-son, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa (901-3501)
- Access: Tomarin (Tomari Port) → [turbo jet] approx. 35 mins→ Tokashiki port
- Wi-Fi: available (Tokashiki Port's passenger waiting area and Youth Travel Village Management Building)
- Language: English
- Credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club International (different in facilities)
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