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Enjoy the drive! 8 remote islands in Okinawa that can be reached by car

Enjoy the drive! 8 remote islands in Okinawa that can be reached by car

2024-06-11

There are many remote islands in Okinawa, some of which can be reached by car over bridges, making it easy to go and enjoy the beautiful ocean and local specialties.
This article introduces remote islands that can be reached while enjoying a drive from the main island of Okinawa.
Each island has its own unique charm, so enjoy touring the remote islands.

Author of this article

Setsukushima Island

"Sesoko Island "is a small island with a circumference of 8 km.
Sesoko Island is connected to the main island by the 762-meter long "Sesoko Ohashi Bridge ", and the beaches at the foot of the bridges on both sides are very beautiful and popular.
On the main island side, "Anti Beach "is a natural beach that has been left in its natural state, and a laid-back atmosphere prevails.
There are also beach houses and showers, so you can snorkel and play to your heart's content.

Located at the foot of the Sesoko Island side "Sesoko Beach "has pure white sands and sparkling blue waters.
The beach is also very photogenic, with blue parasols set up on the beach.
You can enjoy swimming and marine leisure activities while relaxing in comfort.
It is also famous for its beautiful sunsets in the evening, and watching the orange sun set over the horizon from the beach is recommended.

On the island, you can stroll around and enjoy the typical Okinawan scenery or take a break at a stylish café.
The popular "Apple Cafe "offers exquisite sweets made by a patissier from France.
One of the best ways to enjoy the cafe is to take out the cafe menu and eat it on the beach.

There are also hotels on the island, such as "Hilton Okinawa Sesoko Resort ", which are recommended for overnight stays.
Let's visit Sesoko Island, which is full of attractions.

"Spot Information "
Spot name: Sesoko Island
Address: Sesoko, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa 905-0227
Distance from Naha: approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes by car

Miyagi (island)

"Miyagi Island "is known as a mysterious island with many power spots.
Perfect for those who want to enjoy the ocean, "Tonnaha Beach "offers a variety of marine activities such as snorkeling and jet skiing in the clear, clean waters.
Beachside barbecue facilities are available, and food and equipment are provided, so you don't need to bring anything.

We recommend "Akuna beach ", which is popular as a great surfing spot, and "Uuku beach ", a hole-in-the-wall spot next to Akuna beach.
On days when the waves are high, many people come to enjoy surfing, but on days when there are no waves, there are few people, and you can enjoy the private space as if you have the beach all to yourself.

The most vibrant spot on Miyagi Island is "Nuchi-Unau ".
You can see how "Nuchimasu ", a famous Okinawa souvenir, is made at "Nuchimasu Tourist Salt Manufacturing Factory ", a power spot for good health and luck "Ryujin Fuudo ", and Kaho Banta ", a spectacular view spot popular for its cliffs that bring happiness ".

Don't miss gourmet spots such as "Tahanari ", where you can taste dishes using Nuchimasu, and "Espacio ", a cafe with delicious homemade coffee.
Explore the island and feel the charm and power of nature.

"Spot Information "
Spot name: Miyagi Island
Address: Uehara, Yonagusuku, Uruma City, Okinawa 904-2424
Distance from Naha: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car

Ike Island (Tokyo)

"Ike Island "is located across the "Ike Ohashi "bridge from Miyagi Island. It is a small island with a circumference of about 7 km.
The Shisa at the entrance to the Ikea Bridge is a photo spot, and it is standard practice to take pictures with the bridge and the ocean in the background.
The most popular spot on Ike Island "Ike Beach "offers pure white sand and crystal clear waters.
The beach parlor and showers are well equipped, making it a good spot for family vacations.

The perfect place for those who want to enjoy swimming with their pets is "Oodomari Beach ".
Since Odomari Beach is pet-friendly, many people can be seen running and playing on the beach with their beloved pets.

Ike Island has two historical spots: "Ike Gusuku "and "Nakahara Ruins ".
Ikea Gusuku is a very sacred area that is believed to have been used for trade with China in ancient times.
The Nakahara Ruins are the site of a village that existed during the Jomon Period and are a valuable national historic site.

A café with a great atmosphere renovated from an old private house, "That Soil of Life Medicine "offers exquisite gourmet food centered on island vegetables.
There is also a hotel on the island, and we recommend spending the entire day on Ike Island to experience its charms.

"Spot Information "
Spot name: Ike Island
Address: Ike Yonagusuku, Uruma City, Okinawa 904-2421
Distance from Naha: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car

KOOO LEE ISLAND

"Kouri Island "is a small island with a circumference of about 8 km, but it is a popular remote island full of attractions.
The 2-km long "Kouri Bridge "is a great driving spot, and the emerald ocean seen on both sides of the bridge is breathtaking.
At "Kouri Beach ", located at the foot of the edge of the Kouri side of the island, you can enjoy swimming and marine activities.
Relaxing on the white, crisp beach is also recommended.

On the north side of the island, "Tinu Beach "has the famous "Heart Rock "as a power spot for matchmaking.
It is believed that the rock emerged from the sea and was carved by waves over a long period of time to form the shape of a heart.
Heart Rock at sunrise and sunset is mysterious and very beautiful, perfect for taking pictures.

Located high on the island, "Kouri Ocean Tower "is an observation deck overlooking the ocean.
You can enjoy a relaxing view of the main island of Okinawa and the sparkling ocean in the distance.

Located near Kouri Beach, "Aisu Land Kouri Island "sells fresh island vegetables, fruits, and specialty products, making it a great place to pick up souvenirs.
With many cafes and restaurants, you can't miss Kouri Island, where you can enjoy all day long.

"Spot Information "
Spot name: Kouri Island
Address: Nakijin Kouri, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa 905-0406, Japan
Distance from Naha: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car

Hamabika Island

"Hamahika Island "is a sacred island that is said to be the birthplace of the Ryukyu Islands.
Although it is a small island with a circumference of about 7k, there are numerous power spots where many people come to pray.
Hamahika Island is also called God's Island because it is revered as the island where the gods "Amamikyo "and "Sinerikyo "who created Ryukyu lived.

The place where the two gods are believed to have lived is a limestone cave on the island called "Silmichu ".
After passing through the torii gate at the entrance, there is a long staircase, and the quiet space surrounded by lush trees has a very mystical atmosphere.
Silmichu is said to be the place where two gods gave birth to a child and is famous as a power spot for fertility.

Popular spots "Hamahika Beach "is a man-made beach where you can relax on smooth, clean sand.
Another popular spot "Muluk Beach Beach "is a natural beach with beautiful gradations and a variety of marine activities.

There are also a number of restaurants, including "Teerabui ", a renovated old private house with a great atmosphere, and "413 Hamaiga ", which has a great location and is perfect for enjoying Okinawan food and specialties.
We recommend getting out of the car and exploring Hamahika Island on foot, where the streets are pleasantly Okinawan.

"Spot Information "
Spot name: Hamahika Island
Address: Katsure, Uruma City, Okinawa 904-2316
Distance from Naha: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes by car

Yau Ma Tei Island

"Yagaji Island "is a peaceful island with much unspoiled nature.
From the main island side, cross the "Walmi Bridge "to "Walmi Bridge Observatory "for a magnificent view of nature.
Ryukyuan costumes are available for rent free of charge, so we recommend changing into them and taking pictures.

Right next to the bridge, "Yagaji Beach "is a popular destination for "Pure Road ", which appears only at low tide.
When the tide recedes, a path leads to a small island off the beach that can be walked across.
It is said to bring good luck and marriage blessings, so those who wish to witness this mystical sight should check the time of low tide before heading there.

Yagaji Island is home to mangroves, subtropical plants, rare mangrove crabs, and other creatures.
Mangrove walking tours are also available for those interested.

There are many restaurants and eateries with a great atmosphere and delicious food, such as the old private house cafe "Kishiki "and the avocado specialty restaurant "AVO CAFÉ OKINAWA ", so you can spend a relaxing time on Yagaji Island.

"Spot Information "
Spot name: Yagaji Island
Address: Rao Hirana, Nago City, Okinawa 905-1632
Distance from Naha: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car

Obu Island

"Okutake Island "has a thriving fishing industry and is the perfect place to taste gourmet seafood.
"The Okutajima Imaiyu Market "sells a wide variety of freshly landed seafood, island vegetables, and fruits, and is a good place to buy souvenirs.
You can also purchase sun-dried squid, which has become a tradition on the island and takes place every summer and fall.
Sun-dried, concentrated flavor goes great with sake and other alcoholic beverages.

There are a number of restaurants on the island that serve delicious tempura, including "Nakamoto Fresh Fish Restaurant "and "Oshiro Tempura Restaurant ", where you have to wait in line.
Another attraction of Okutake Island is that you can enjoy eating reasonably priced, easy-to-eat tempura by comparing them with each other.

There are cats everywhere on the island, making it a mecca for cat lovers.
You can see cats lying comfortably on the breakwater or approaching to play with people, which is natural and adorable.

"Spot Information "
Spot name: Okutake Island
Residence: 901-0614 Okinawa Prefecture, Minami City, Okinawa, Tamagusuku Omu
Distance from Naha: 45 minutes by car

Setagashima Island

"Senaga Island "is located near Naha Airport and is famous for its natural hot springs, a rarity in Okinawa.
Popular spots on Senaga Island: "From Senaga Beach ", you can watch airplanes take off and land on the island.
On the beach, there is a large rock called "Child-Raising Rock ". It is said that if you throw a stone into the holes at the top and bottom of the rock, you will get a boy, and if you throw a stone into the hole at the bottom, you will get a girl.

Lined with white buildings that look like Santorini ", Senagashima Umikazi Terrace "has a wide variety of restaurants, bars where you can enjoy drinks, and stores where you can find the perfect souvenirs.
Soaking in the free natural hot spring footbath and watching the sunset and starry sky is also recommended.
Senaga Island is a small island with a circumference of 1.8 km, but can be enjoyed throughout the day.

"Spot Information "
Spot name: Senaga Island
Address: Senaga, Toyomigusuku City, Okinawa 901-0233
Distance from Naha: approximately 15 minutes by car

summary

We have introduced some remote islands that can be easily reached by car from the main island of Okinawa.
Each of the remote islands has its own unique charm and offers a relaxing atmosphere and healing space that can only be felt by actually visiting the island.
Strolling through the typical Okinawan streets and eating local specialties are also recommended ways to enjoy the area.
If you visit Okinawa, you should definitely enjoy touring the remote islands.

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