Set across 20 islands in the East China Sea, Zamami Village is famed for its picture-perfect beaches and crystal-clear waters. It’s one of Japan’s premier snorkeling and diving locations, as well as a popular spot for sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Things to do in Zamami
Zamami Island is the largest in the archipelago and home to most of the village’s population, with traditional Okinawan-style homes that feature rustic wooden beams and red-tiled roofs. Stop at the observation decks scattered across the island, which offer magnificent views of the archipelago.
Zamami forms part of the Kerama-shoto National Park, designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Its coral reefs are teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles and manta rays, while rare bird species and Kerama deer can be spotted on land.
No trip to Zamami is complete without venturing below the water’s surface on a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion. Furuzamami Beach is one of the best places for accessing the colorful coral reefs, and you can jump aboard a boat-based day trip to explore further afield.
Want to see one of Japan’s most magnificent wildlife spectacles? Time your visit between January and March when humpback whales migrate to the waters surrounding Zamami to give birth.
Getting around Zamami
High-speed ferries connect Zamami with Naha and the Naha Airport, which has flight connections across Japan. The main settlement on Zamami Island is small enough to visit on foot and you can hire a bicycle or motorbike to explore the island.