Your Guide to Tokashiki: Okinawa's hidden gem in Kerama Islands!

Just 40 kilometers west of Okinawa Main Island lies the pristine Kerama islands. The largest and most captivating among them is Tokashiki, which offers unique charms. It’s home to the best beaches in Okinawa, as well as verdant hills and exhilarating hiking trails that will leave you absolutely energized for more!

Before setting sail to this underrated gem, here’s a handy guide on the island. Learn more about how to reach it, the perfect time to visit, the best places to go, and all the essentials to make your trip planning a breeze.

Then prepare for an unforgettable nature getaway in Tokashiki of the Kerama islands, where beauty and adventure await!

The incredible Kerama islands, including Tokashiki, are just 40 km west of Okinawa Main Island! To arrive there, you can hop on a 70-minute ferry ride. But if you can’t wait to explore the area, you can also go on a 40-minute high-speed boat ride! Remember that the high-speed boat is pricier but worth it if you want to get there faster. 

The weather in Tokashiki is absolutely fantastic for all your swimming and seaside adventures from May to October! 

However, it can get chilly during the rest of the months, with air temperature dropping below 20°C, so swimming and other outdoor activities might not be ideal. But don’t worry — there's still plenty of nature to see, even if you can’t take a dip in the water!

Good news travelers, reaching Tokashiki of the Kerama islands is a piece of cake! You just need to ride a ferry or high-speed boat from Tomari Port, located at the Tomari Wharf Passenger Terminal Building on Okinawa’s main island.

You can reach Tomari Port from Naha Airport by going on a 15-20 minute car ride. You’ll be at the port in no time at all, ready to embark on your exciting island getaway.

When planning your visit to Tokashiki Island, remember that the ferry operates once daily. The high-speed boat, on the other hand, has two trips in a day that are eight hours in between. That means if you opt for a day trip and take the high-speed boat, you can enjoy a whopping eight hours on the island! For the summer and Japan’s Golden Week, expect the number of trips on high-speed boats to increase to three. 

It’s important, however, to stay in the loop, as schedules or the number of trips may change due to environmental factors and business demands. To be up-to-date, you can check here for any changes. Otherwise, just be ready to get your sun hats out for a great time!

You can simply head to the ticket offices at Tomari Port and Tokashiki Port, where you can grab your tickets directly. The best part? They accept credit cards and electronic money — easy peasy!

If you prefer to secure your tickets in advance, you can also choose to book online. You can even book on the same day or two months before your boarding date, starting at midnight. What makes booking online so great is that you can reserve the outbound and return trip, ensuring a seamless journey. Just don’t forget to specify the date and time for your round trip within two weeks. 

You can reserve your tickets here!

For a smooth journey, it’s essential to know the boarding process and type of transportation available once you reach Tokashiki. First off, it's vital to know that for the ferry, boarding starts an hour before departure, while for the high-speed boat, it's 30 minutes. Plan your arrival accordingly and give yourself enough time to get settled. 

If you’re opting to buy tickets directly from the port’s ticket office, you need to buy them 30 minutes before departure and board the boat 10 minutes before it sets sail. The boarding points for the ferry and high-speed boat are also different. For the high-speed boat, you need to walk for ten minutes from the Tomarin Building. 

Once at Tokashiki, you can get around via bus, car rental, or taxi. Just pick the mode of transpo that suits you best and lets you go around the island easily.

Discover Aharen Beach, a must-visit destination with stunning white sand and crystal-clear waters, only 4.5 km south of Tokashiki Port. It boasts dedicated zones for snorkeling and swimming, as well as rental shops, beach huts, food spots, shower facilities, and accommodations. Truly a hidden gem among Okinawa beaches!

You can also visit Tokashiki’s smaller yet charming beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and even snorkeling at its dedicated section. Enjoy the convenience of nearby toilets and paid shower facilities. You can even stay longer, since there are accommodations at the ready! 

At Tokashiki, you better get ready for incredible views at its observatories! Head west of the island to Teruyama Observatory, to have a whole new vantage point of both Aharen and Tokashiku Beach. On the eastern side, you'll find the Minato no Mieru Oka Observatory, offering stunning views of Tokashiki Village. Last but not least is the Kubandaki Observatory, located right next to Aharen Beach, where you can feast your eyes on the stunning coastal scenery. Don’t forget to bring your cameras!

Now that you've got all the essential information about reaching Tokashiki Island and its incredible attractions in your arsenal, it's time to embark on an unforgettable adventure in one of the most beautiful spots in the Kerama islands. From pristine beaches to breathtaking observatories, your journey promises unforgettable adventures amidst stunning surroundings!