Looking for something more than Kokusai Dori, Shuri Castle, and beni imo taruto? If you’re thinking about a holiday on Okinawa, search no further as I have composed a guide to Tokashiki for all travelers. This paradise is part of the gorgeous Kerama Islands and it takes the cake for being the best outer island because it’s got a beautiful, laid back, great island feel. In this Tokashiki guide, I will cover ferry cost, transportation, accommodation, and more!

okinawa tokashiki island

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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. If you don’t have that capability, you can order a 4G wifi box ahead of time and pick it up at any airport you designate in Japan.

How To Get Around Okinawa

Most flights go directly into Naha which is the international airport. Okinawa is not public transportation friendly. You will need to rent a car for your Okinawa travel. If you’re only planning on staying in Naha as an Okinawa tourist, then disregard this. 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 Japan is to take an Okinawa 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. When traveling during Japanese holidays, book at least a month in advance. The slow ferry takes about 70 minutes and you can bring your car aboard.

  • Solo Round Trip is 3,160 yen ($22 USD).
  • Round trip plus a car 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 planning on 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 showers, bathrooms, and foot rinsing areas.You’re about a minute walk from Aharen Beach where you can find shops, restaurants, and corner stores. Sleeping there at night is great because the sea breeze keeps you comfortable.

  • 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. Staying here will give you the most value for your money. Stays start at 57,000 yen ($390 USD) per night.

Book a Tokashiki Tour

If you don’t feel like doing everything yourself, there is a one day Tokashiki snorkeling tour available. You can absolutely bask in the awesome of Tokashiki in just a day if you’re a quick traveler. The tour includes a hassle free round trip from Tomarin Port, Japanese style lunch, and snorkeling at Aharen Beach. Book your Kerama Tokashiki one day tour here and get a discount.

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 do 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. This beach is where you can see turtles. Snorkeling equipment ranges from 1,000 yen to 1,500 yen. Although my suggestion is you bring you own mask and fins. Tokashiku Beach is also known as Turtle Beach.

If thou shalt venture to get turtle slapth, thou shalt recieveth. Tokashiki is a popular sea turtle mating ground and you can see them during July. Be careful not to get too close because they will bite you! Also, don’t be a complete dickhead and touch them. Respect them and their house. After all, seeing turtles in the aquarium isn’t half as cool as seeing them in the ocean.

Aharen Beach

Like all beaches on Okinawa, these have coral on them, but the white sand, clear and clean water makes up for it. You can easily go snorkeling and see brightly colored fish. There’s many places to rent snorkeling gear around the island.

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-March, it’s also whale watching season. Hear the whales singing and playing around the island December through March. It’s awesome! 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?

If you hate crowded places swarming with people, Tokashiki is the better island. In addition it was made into a National Park so it is kept clean and pristine. 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. You won’t have weather more 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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23 Comments on Tokashiki Guide | Okinawa’s Best Outer Island

  1. Hi! Thank you so much for your helpful post. I was wondering whether reserving a ferry ride one day in advance is early enough during June? I’d hate to not be able to visit Tokashiki because the ferry has sold out. How late do you think we can chance making our reservations and still be sure there will be free spots?

    Thank you!

    • Hi! I think you should be okay as long as it’s not a weekend or following a public holiday! Tokashiki is great and my favorite outer island! Let me know if you need any help and how your trip goes! 🙂

      • Awesome, thank you so much! I think I’ll try and reserve tickets a week in advance to be sure, that way we can sort of go on weather forecasts so we pick a day that’s on the sunny side 🙂 How is Okinawa weather generally in the second half of june? You’re an expert so I feel safe asking you! 🙂

        • The way I recall is June is kind of rainy with some good days in between. Also, that’s when typhoon season starts so you have to be careful! When I lived on Okinawa, I always remembered you always had to take a chance.

  2. Are all the photos Tokashiki or are some Zamami?
    Thanks for your recommendation. I went last weekend and thought it was beautiful.

    • All the photos taken are from Tokashiki! I’m glad you loved it! It’s my favorite outer island!

  3. Hello Gina,
    I am planning my Okinawa trip. Thank you for providing much useful details! Have a good day.

    • Hi Carrie! I’m glad this guide was able to help you! I’ve been to other outer islands and I can’t wait to make guides on those too! Please stop by again!

  4. Hey, I was interested in staying at the Youth travel village. Do you know if they would take reservations for small numbers, in this case for 2 people? I would hate to show up and it be full or have run out of tents to rent.
    Thanks!

    • I think the Youth Travel Village would definitely take a reservation. It’s probably better to make one if you’re traveling around high season, and they might be rented out. If you’re going now, I wouldn’t worry about it and there will probably be plenty of room. For the tents, you should definitely call ahead so they know what to provide for you.

  5. I enjoyed watching your video. I like that you bought food from a grocery store. I do that too when I travel. It saves me a lot of money. I also like your recommended accommodations. The beach is really beautiful.

  6. Hi Gina! Thanks for the incredible guide! I’m interested in using the campsite for the Youth Travel Campsite. I have a quick question though, does the rental of the tent include a pillow and some bedding? Also are there coin lockers to keep a few baggage while I am traveling around during the day? Thanks!

    • Hi Khoi, I’m really happy to help you plan your Tokashiki trip. It’s my favorite place on Earth 😉 They do give bedding but I think the pillow is on your own. I’m pretty sure there are coin lockers, but I don’t think you need to worry too much. Japan is safe and I’ve left my things laying around (including my expensive camera) and no one took anything, but do what you feel is most comfortable.

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