Okinawa Camping

Naha is the main transport hub for the area and where most visitors arrive; whether by plane or ferry. Without wasting much of my time we headed straight to the ferry terminal and found an ferry to hit our first destination at Zamami. I would recommend you to check the ferry schedule and camping situation at the camp site to be on the safer side in case you are very particular about camping only at the campsites. We prepared for wild camping as the island offered quite beautiful locations for us to hop over everyday. We started camping with AMA beach for first 2 nights. It surrounds more of jungle like experience and you will find new friends who generally continue to camp very long and the place has quite good arrangements for cooking, showers, etc.

The next day we were at Furuzamami beach and the views with deep blue water were simply breathtaking. It doesn’t have a designated camp ground but once you start to move around you will be amazed to find some amazing spots. This was quite an highlight of my trip as it was so secluded and so beautiful that every moment spent here made us feel so grateful for just being there. Gazing over the sky filled with stars and the having fire by the shores made each night so special for us. Mornings were followed by waking up listening to the clear waves and the sound of the rich fauna surrounding us.

Zamami Island is perfect to check your fitness levels as cycling around the island with 25km stretch is a must as it surrounds some great view points you would have seen in the whole of Japan. It is a difficult hike up but definitely worth it!

Then we next headed to Aka Islands as our next point and as soon as we reached we fell in love with everything surrounding this beautiful small island and rich corals. I was lucky enough to spot a shark while snorkeling in the Nishihama beach. The free moving deers around here are an absolute treat to eyes and cycling around the islands is a bit difficult but worth for the breathtaking views the island has to offer. One could easily spend 2-3 days enjoying the cool vibe of this island.

The next day we took the morning ferry to Tokashiki Islands. The ferry connecting Aka Islands to Tokashiki Island is limited (2 times a day) and needs a reservation a day earlier by phone which is not so difficult to book at the terminal so make sure to plan this.

This stunning island is blessed with clear blue waters and some amazing view points. We were excited to camp here by the beach and I would highly recommend if you are looking for an offbeat different experience. The campgrounds here can also be booked with pre built tents in case you want to travel light and has some fine local food, definitely worth trying them. Next to the Aaharan beach here lies a secluded beach and I could experience one the most beautiful sunsets in Japan.

Watching over the clear sky filled with stars we still couldn’t believe that it was last night for our trip. The next day we packed our camp and snorkeled around before we left from Tokashiki to Naha. It was my first time I didn’t book any hostel or hotels for 10 days and just did camping with basic necessities and I am so grateful to experience something as blissful as this.

I highly recommend you to travel in these beautiful islands of Okinawa islands and you will be treated with a mystical lifetime experience one can never forget!