Tokashiki Guide | Okinawa’s Best Outer Island

Looking for an unforgettable adventure on Okinawa? Look no further as we dive into this Tokashiki travel guide!

Some of the best beaches in Okinawa are on Tokashiki Island. Located a short ferry ride away from Tomari Port you’re about to have the time of your life! 

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• The Ultimate 5-Day Okinawa Itinerary 
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Tokashiki FAQ

1. Where is Tokashiki Okinawa?

Tokashiki Island is located 30km (18.6 miles) west of Naha. It spans 9km (5.5 miles) north to south and 2.8km (1.7 miles) east to west.

Get Travel Insurance 

A common question I get is what do I need to travel to Japan? One thing I always recommend is travel insurance. Life throws curveballs. Flights get canceled. You get sick. There’s a family emergency. I highly recommend using World Nomads Travel Insurance which you can book here. With the World Nomads Travel Insurance, you can expect:

1. Trip Cancelation – This benefit helps you recover non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs when you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason, including for an unexpected sickness that keeps you from traveling.
2. Emergency Medical – If you get sick with COVID-19 or another illness, you can get diagnostic tests to confirm your case and other emergency medical benefits.
3. Medical Evacuation – If you’re in an inadequate medical facility, our plans have benefits that can arrange a transfer to a hospital capable of treating your medical needs.
4. Trip Interuption – This section helps you get reimbursed for a one-way, economy-class ticket home and any pre-paid, unused portions of your trip for a covered reason.
5. Trip Delay – If your travels are delayed at least six hours by a covered event, you could get reimbursed for meals, hotels and other basic expenses.

If this plan isn’t for you then you can check out the different travel insurance plans World Nomads offers here.

How To Stay Connected in Japan

Japan is super stingy when it comes to their wifi and sharing internet. They’ve gotten a little bit better since I’ve lived there, but not much.

I recommend you book an e-sim card and download it directly to your phone. You can also order a 4G wifi box ahead of time and pick it up at any airport you designate in Japan.

How To Get Around Okinawa

Okinawa is not public transportation friendly. You will need to rent a car for your Okinawa travel. Naha has a monorail that will take you as far as Urasoe. For more information on the Yui Rail and where it takes you, check out the website here.

Ferry To Tokashiki Cost

How to get to Tokashiki? The easiest way to get to Tokashiki National Park is via ferry from the North Pier (Hokugan) of Tomari Okinawa Port. To make a reservation, call 098-868-7541 one day in advance.

The receptionists speak some English so speak slowly and clearly. Check your calendar for Japanese holidays and book in advance.

The slow ferry takes about 70 minutes and you can bring your car aboard. The high-speed boat takes about 40 minutes. 

• Solo Round Trip is 3,160 yen ($22 USD).
• Round trip plus a car ferry is 13,100 yen ($91 USD).
• Round trip plus a scooter is about 5,180 yen ($36 USD).

How To Get Around Tokashiki Island Okinawa

If you’re staying overnight on the Tokashiki Islands, I suggest bringing your own transport like a car, scooter, or bike. If you’re making a day trip, there are buses to take you to Aharen Beach from the port.

The Tokashiki Kanko Bus runs three times a day for 400 yen ($3 USD). For car rentals, book online directly at Kujira Rental Car.

• Bike rentals are about 1,000 yen ($7 USD).
• Scooter rentals are about 2,700 yen ($19 USD) for 12 hours. 
• Car rentals rare 8,000 yen ($55 USD) until 6pm. 

Where To Stay On Tokashiki Okinawa

Youth Travel Village Camp (Budget)

To make a reservation call 098-987-2333. You can also check out more information about the Youth Travel Village Camp here. These are usually not needed unless you’re bringing a big party or traveling around Japanese holidays like Golden Week.

At the camp grounds, you have access to shower facilities, bathrooms, and foot rinsing areas. You’re about a minute walk from Aharen Beach where you can find shops, restaurants, and corner stores.

• 500 yen ($3.50USD) per night to camp
• 300 yen ($2 USD) for a five minute hot shower
• 1,200 yen ($8 USD) for a three person tent
• 2,000 yen ($14 USD) for a five person tent

Kerama Backpackers (Budget)

For those of on a tight budget, stay at the at Kerama Backpackers. It costs about 8,000 yen ($56 USD) a night, which is cheap for Tokashiki. It is located about a ten minute walk from the eastern shore of Tokashiki Island.

There is a garden at the property and WiFi is available in all areas. The hostel offers free pick-up service from Tokashiki Port upon reservation.

Tokashiki Guest House (Mid-Range)

If you’re in the area and you’d have a little more cash to spend, the Tokashiki Guest Houses are really well equipped for 25,000 yen ($174 USD) per night. It includes a barbecue, basic kitchen, and a lovely terrace. This place accommodates six guests comfortably.

Kame Kame House (Mid-Range)

The Kame Kame House is a sustainable ryokan in Tokashiki and a two minute walk from Aharen Beach.

This property encourages guests to embrace nature with its eco-friendly arrangements. This property is perfect for travelers who love sustainability and want to watch their carbon footprint.

Kerama Terrace (Luxury)

The Kerama Terrace Hotel has jacuzzis, luxury rooms, and delicious Okinawa and Western food. They offer a free continental breakfast.

They are also a two minute walk from Hijuishi Beach and Aharen Beach is a six minute walk away. Stays start at 57,000 yen ($390 USD) per night.

Book a Tokashiki Tour

I know how difficult it can be to do things for yourself. Traveling Okinawa can be challenging if you don’t speak Japanese. 

For travelers who want a hassle free trip, these are some tours I recommend. 

• Tokashiki Island Day Tour
• Tokashiki Island Snorkeling & Turtle-Finding in Okinawa

Best Tokashiki Beaches

Tokashiku Beach

Tokashiku Beach in Tokashiki Island is a beautiful little slice of paradise. There’s only one option for renting equipment and using the restroom.

If you want to stay overnight, many hotels are nearby. It’s a little expensive, but so worth it.

It’s a little less touristy than Aharen Beach. Depending on the time of year, you can swim with sea turtles. Tokashiku Beach is also known as Turtle Beach. 

Snorkeling equipment ranges from 1,000 yen to 1,500 yen. However, if you can, buy your own mask and fins to bring around.

Aharen Beach

Aharen beach has white sand and turquoise waters making it look like something out of a storybook. It’s one of the best places to swim on Okinawa.

You can easily go snorkeling and see brightly colored fish. There are many rental shops for snorkeling gear around the island. 

Best Observatories on Tokashiki

If you have a car, I recommend you drive around the island to get scenic viewpoints of the Keramashoto Islands. These viewpoints are great for drones and photographers.

Teruyama Observatory

The Teruyama Observatory offers panoramic vistas and a chance to catch a glimpse of the humpback whales during winter. You can also get excellent views of Tokashiku and Aharen Beach from here. 

Kubandaki Observatory

This is also another beautiful location to get scenic views of Okinawa’s ocean. It is a place of worship so please be respectful! What To Do On Tokashiki

Eat Good Food

Part of the island charm is to grab your friends, grab a grill, and cook out! It’s cheap to buy food if you split it between friends and having an ice cold Orion beer after a hot day in the sun feels so refreshing.

You can rent a grill at the camping grounds and buy meat from the local grocery stores. Most of the meat comes frozen and ready-made in little plastic bags.

If you want to eat at restaurants, just be aware everything on the island closes after five unless you speak Japanese and can make a reservation with the owners. Most restaurants feature traditional Okinawan food like Okinawa soba and awamori (Okinawan rice alcohol). You can also find sashimi so fresh, they literally took it out of the ocean that day.

Go Whale Watching on Okinawa

In the months of January through March, you can see humpback whales. I’ve done it before and you can see their tails coming above the water. It’s a sight to behold. You can book your Okinawa whale-watching tour here. 

Zamami

If you’re really interested in going to Zamami, you can easily take a 35 minute ferry there for only 700 yen. You can make a day trip and hop over to Aka and Geruma too.

There are two times the ferry leaves from Aharen Port: 9:05 AM and 4:05 PM. From Zamami Port, the ferry leaves at 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM. Since there are two times they leave, I suggest you don’t miss it.

Visit the Keramas

Did you know Southwest of Okinawa Island is a group of 22 islands collectively known as the Kerama Islands? Well, now you do. 😉

It features miles of unspoiled beaches, white sands, emerald waters, and abundant sea life. In my not so humble opinion, it is one of the most beautiful places on earth. You can book your Keramas day trip snorkeling experience here.

Also, if you’re certified in diving, they have a Kerama diving experience you can do here.

Why Tokashiki?

My best memories have come from trips to Tokashiki laughing, cooking, and making great memories with my friends. If you’re interested in a great beach holiday, the best time to visit Tokashiki is from August through October.

The weather will be perfect than during those times. Once you travel to Tokashiki, you’ve traveled to paradise.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Tokashiki today! For additional information, check out the official Tokashiki Village Website.

Special Thanks

I had some help writing this post and I would like to give a big shout out and thank you to my dear friends Aaron and Hugo. Without your guidance, support, and translation help, this wouldn’t have been possible!

This post contains affiliate links which means at no additional cost to you, I make a small commission to help keep Gina Bear’s Blog running. Thanks for your support!

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