Zamami vs Tokashiki
Tokashiki has the shortest fast-boat crossing and direct bus access to Aharen Beach. Zamami has more restaurants, a more social village feel, winter whale watching, and more overnight-stay context.
Okinawa Islands Ferry Comparison
Compare 5 islands by duration, fare, and on-island amenities before checking the detailed ferry guides.
Quick comparison
Fares are adult one-way. Durations reflect the standard timetable.
| Island | High-speed | Ferry | Vehicle | Departure port |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zamami Island | 60min ¥3,950 | 120min ¥2,900 | Yes | High-speed boat: Tomari Port, North Pier Ferry: Tomari Port, South Pier (in front of Tomarin) |
| Tokashiki Island | 40min ¥2,530 | 70min ¥1,690 | Yes | Tomari Port, North Pier |
| Kume Island | — | 180min ¥3,450 | Yes | Tomari Port, North Pier (Passenger Terminal) |
| Aka Island | 50min ¥3,950 | 90min ¥2,900 | Yes | High-speed boat: Tomari Port North Pier Ferry: Tomari Port South Pier (in front of Tomarin building) |
| Tonaki Island | — | 115min ¥2,750 | Yes | Tomari Port, North Pier (Passenger Terminal) |
Compare by trip type
Day trip access
The three Kerama islands (Tokashiki, Zamami, Aka) can each be reached by high-speed ferry in about an hour, making a morning-out / evening-back day trip practical.
Bring your own vehicle
Islands whose ferry sailings accept cars, motorcycles, and bicycles: Zamami Island・Tokashiki Island・Kume Island・Aka Island・Tonaki Island。
Convenience stores & bank ATMs on the island
Kume Island
The only island among the five with two FamilyMart stores and a bank ATM is Kume Island。
A quiet, small-scale historic village
Tonaki Island
An entire village designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. With only two small shops and a village walkable in 1–2 hours, Tonaki Island。
How the islands differ
Duration and fare are only part of the comparison. Day-trip access, first-time Kerama access, quiet stays, and overnight island time point to different islands.
Day trip access
The three Kerama islands have high-speed ferry access from Naha in about an hour. Tokashiki has the shortest crossing, while Zamami and Aka depend more on the day’s timetable.
First-time access
Tokashiki has direct beach transport and visitor facilities around Aharen. Zamami has more food and lodging options. Aka has quieter nights and a smaller village setting.
Next steps after choosing an island
Once you have a likely island, use these links to move from comparison into ferry details, itineraries, and activity planning.
Best for day trips
Tokashiki has the shortest high-speed crossing and clear beach-transfer context. Zamami can also work as a day trip depending on ferry timing.
Best for overnight stays
Zamami has more food and lodging context, while Aka is better for quieter nights and a smaller village setting.
Best for activities
Tokashiki is strong for Aharen-area day tours. Zamami has Furuzamami, Ama Beach, and winter whale-watching context.
Check ferry options
Schedules, fares, booking methods, and boarding points are on each island ferry page. Confirm final details on the official operator site.
See sample itineraries
Use the itinerary pages to check how much island time you have before moving to ferry booking.
On-island amenities
Zamami Island
- ATM
- No ATMs on the island. Withdraw cash in Naha before departure
- Stores
- No convenience stores. A few local shops with limited hours
- Getting around
- The island is walkable or bikeable. A rental car is usually unnecessary
Tokashiki Island
- ATM
- ATMs available in Tokashiki village (post office, JA shop). None in Aharen area — withdraw cash on the Tokashiki side before heading to Aharen.
- Stores
- A local shop 'Shinhamaya' in Tokashiki village (7:00–23:00) and 'Arakaki Shoten' in Aharen (7:00–21:00). No nationwide convenience store chains.
- Getting around
- The island is about 9 km north–south with hilly roads. A shuttle bus timed to ferry arrivals serves Aharen Beach; rental cars and taxis are also available.
Kume Island
- ATM
- ATMs are available on the island, including a bank ATM inside the FamilyMart near Eef Beach.
- Stores
- Two FamilyMart stores on the island (Nakadomari branch and Eef Beach branch).
- Getting around
- The island is large and public transport is limited, so rental cars are often used for sightseeing. Rental car counters are available at both Kanegusuku Port and Kumejima Airport.
Aka Island
- ATM
- Yucho Bank ATM at Aka Post Office (weekdays only, closed weekends and holidays)
- Stores
- No convenience stores on the island. Super Tatsunojo (open 7:30-21:00, until 22:00 in peak summer) carries groceries and daily essentials
- Getting around
- No rental cars, taxis, or buses on the island. Rental bicycles and scooters are the main transportation. Available at Super Tatsunojo and other shops
Tonaki Island
- ATM
- A Yucho Bank ATM is available at Tonaki Post Office (no holiday service on weekends and holidays). It's wise to bring extra cash from Naha.
- Stores
- No convenience stores or pharmacies. Only two small shops on the island, and no restaurants serve lunch — bring your own lunch from Naha.
- Getting around
- No buses, taxis, or rental scooters on the island. Rental bicycles are available at the Tourist Information Center (4 e-bikes and 4 standard bikes, walk-in only — no advance booking). One small rental car operator, 'Rent-a-Car Nishimon,' has a single vehicle. The village can be circled on foot in 1–2 hours.
Island groups
Kerama 3 islands (Zamami, Tokashiki, Aka)
These three Kerama islands lie 40–60 minutes from Tomari Port in Naha by high-speed ferry, making them practical for day trips. Zamami and Aka share the same Ferry Zamami service. You cannot travel between Aka and Zamami on foot or by bridge. Use an inter-island boat such as the village-operated Mitsushima and check the same-day official operating information. All three are known for the clear waters of 'Kerama Blue.'
Kume & Tonaki (Kume Shosen route)
Operated by Kume Shosen (Ferry Ryukyu and Ferry Kaiho) on the Naha-Tonaki-Kume route. Kume is a larger island about 3 hours from Naha by Kume Line ferry, with two FamilyMart stores, a bank ATM, and an airport, so a rental car is realistic for getting around. Tonaki is a stopover about 2 hours out, with just two small shops and a preserved traditional village. Check official sources for KO Jet and other services, travel times, and operating dates.