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Day-Trip Islands from Naha — Ferries Leave Just 9 Minutes from SUNZ ROOMS

When people think of Okinawa, they picture beach resorts — but few realize you can take a day trip to some of the world's most beautiful islands right from downtown Naha. Ferries and speed boats depart daily from Tomari Port (Tomarin) to the Kerama Islands, known for their stunning turquoise waters. SUNZ ROOMS Naha Miebashi is just a 9-minute walk from Tomari Port. Catch a morning speed boat, spend a full day on a Kerama island, and be back at SUNZ ROOMS by evening. Leave your luggage in your room and travel light — that is one of the biggest perks of staying in central Naha. This guide covers four islands you can visit as a day trip from Naha. Tokashiki, Zamami, and Aka sail from Tomari Port; Nagannu departs from Miegusuku Port. Fares and travel times are as of July 2026. Please check each operator's official website for the latest schedules and prices.

Your guide to day-trip islands

1. Tokashiki Island — 40 minutes by speed boat

Tokashiki is the largest island in the Kerama group and the easiest to reach from Naha. The speed boat Marine Liner Tokashiki takes about 40 minutes, while the ferry takes about 70 minutes. Speed boat fares are 2,530 yen one way or 4,810 yen round trip for adults. Ferry fares are 1,690 yen one way or 3,210 yen round trip. An environmental tax of 100 yen (round trip) applies for high school students and above. The speed boat runs twice daily (with extra services in summer), and the ferry runs once daily. The island has two main beaches: Aharen Beach and Tokashiku Beach, both boasting the crystal-clear Kerama Blue waters. Tokashiku Beach is known for frequent sea turtle sightings, making it a favorite for snorkeling. Using the speed boat, you can depart at 9 AM and return on the 4–5 PM service, giving you 7–8 hours on the island. This is the best island for first-time day trippers. Tickets can be booked online up to two months in advance — early booking is recommended in summer. Fares and schedules are as of April 2026. Please check the Tokashiki Village official website for the latest information.

2. Zamami Island — 50 minutes by speed boat

Zamami Island is home to Furuzamami Beach, which earned two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. The speed boat Queen Zamami takes about 50 minutes, while the ferry takes about 2 hours. Adult fares are 3,950 yen one way (7,510 round trip) on the Queen Zamami speed boat and 2,900 yen one way (5,510 round trip) on the ferry, plus a 100 yen island tax on arrival (as of July 2026). Some services stop at Aka Island en route. Furuzamami Beach stretches over 800 meters of white sand, attracting divers and snorkelers from around the world. In winter (January to March), whale watching is available — the waters are a breeding ground for humpback whales. The island has bicycle and scooter rentals, and the observation decks offer breathtaking views. Tickets can be booked online up to two months ahead, and advance reservation is essential. Fares shown are approximate as of April 2026. Please check the Zamami Village official website for exact pricing.

3. Aka Island — 50 minutes by speed boat

Aka Island is the quietest of the Kerama group — perfect for travelers who want to slow down and soak in island time. It shares the same ferry and speed boat route as Zamami Island, with some services stopping at Aka before continuing to Zamami. The speed boat takes about 50 minutes and the ferry about 90 minutes, with fares similar to those for Zamami. The main beach, Nishibama (North Beach), stretches about 1 km of natural white sand with uninhabited islands visible offshore. There are no traffic lights and no convenience stores — and that is exactly the charm. Rent a bicycle and ride across the Aka Bridge to neighboring Kerama Island for more exploring. Look down from the bridge and you might spot sea turtles or rays swimming below. You may also encounter Kerama deer, a nationally designated natural monument, on the beach or in the village. You can combine Aka with Zamami, but for a day trip, spending the whole day on Aka alone is the most relaxing option. Fares are approximate as of April 2026.

4. Nagannu Island — about 25 minutes from Miegusuku Port

Nagannu Island is an uninhabited island about 25 minutes by boat from Miegusuku Port. This is the one island that departs from Miegusuku, not Tomari Port, so double-check your meeting point. Officially part of the Keise Islands, it is a slender strip of white sand surrounded by emerald-green waters. Access is by tour-operated charter boats rather than scheduled ferries, so advance booking is required. Activities include swimming, snorkeling, and various marine sports. Prices vary by plan: the Free Plan is 9,500 yen per adult from April to June and October to November, and 10,500 yen from July to September, plus a 100 yen environmental cooperation tax. Day-trip plans run from 1 April to 30 November — the island is not accessible in winter. If you want the fastest route to an island beach, Nagannu is your answer. Check the Nagannu Island official website for details. Fares are as of July 2026.

5. Getting to Tomari Port and buying tickets

Tomari Port (Tomarin) is located along Route 58, about a 9-minute walk from SUNZ ROOMS Naha Miebashi. From Miebashi Station on the Yui Rail monorail, it is about a 10–15 minute walk. The terminal has a convenience store, ATM, and café for any last-minute shopping before departure. Tickets can be booked online through each island's official website. Walk-up purchases are possible, but advance booking is recommended during summer and Golden Week when boats often sell out. One important note: speed boat and ferry boarding points are in different locations. The ferry dock is right next to the terminal, while the speed boat dock is about a 10-minute walk away. Arrive with time to spare — buy your ticket at least 30 minutes before departure and board at least 10 minutes early.

The bottom line

For first-timers, Tokashiki is the easiest choice. For world-class beaches, head to Zamami. For peace and quiet, pick Aka. For the fastest route to an uninhabited island, Nagannu is unbeatable. Tomari Port, the gateway to the three Kerama islands, is just 9 minutes on foot from SUNZ ROOMS (Nagannu alone departs from Miegusuku Port). Leave light in the morning, spend a full day in the Kerama Blue, and unwind in the SUNZ ROOMS living room by evening. That is the kind of trip only this location makes possible.

SUNZ ROOMS is a private vacation rental just 1 minute from Miebashi Station and about 9 minutes on foot from Tomari Port — the gateway to all Kerama Islands. Leave your bags in the room and head to the islands light. Each floor has its own kitchen, shower room, and washer-dryer, so you can shower and relax the moment you get back. Accommodates up to 19 guests.

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