Okinawa is a dream vacation destination in the hearts of both Japanese people and travelers from around the world. Here, you can not only enjoy beautiful beaches and the ocean, but the island is also rich in cultural history and delicious Okinawan cuisine waiting for you to explore. If you're looking for a unique island holiday experience, then join us as we uncover this hidden gem of Okinawa: Toshima Island!
Introduction to Toshima Island, Okinawa
This paradise-like small island is actually Toshima Island, located in the western waters of Okinawa’s main island and the largest among the Kerama Islands. With its crystal-clear blue waters and stunning scenery, the island's excellent ecological environment has attracted many sea turtles to make it their habitat. Come here to fully relax your body and mind, enjoy a variety of water activities, and explore the magnificent underwater world — Toshima Island is definitely your top choice for an island vacation!
Recommended Attractions on Toshima Island, Okinawa
Toshima Island Attraction #1
Abaran Beach
Abaran Beach is a popular swimming spot located about 4.5 kilometers south of Toshima Port and can be reached by bus in just 15 minutes. It is the most famous beach on Toshima Island, with its long stretch of white sand shining brightly under the sun, and its clear, azure, and highly transparent waters that attract countless visitors for snorkeling. In addition, you can also enjoy water activities like banana boat rides and canoeing here.
The small nearby settlement, Abaran Village, has a very rustic rural charm. Walking through the village, you’ll find many laid-back cats lying around enjoying the sunshine — yes, Toshima Island is also one of Japan’s famous cat islands!You can casually choose a café to enjoy a rich cup of coffee and quietly soak in the slow, leisurely rural atmosphere. It’s an island-hopping experience you absolutely shouldn’t miss when visiting Okinawa.
*Best time to visit: October to the end of June of the following year; winter months from November to March are not suitable for snorkeling
Toshima Island Attraction #2
Togashiku Beach
Compared to Abaran Beach, Togashiku Beach is much quieter. Though it’s in a more remote location and can only be reached by taxi or private car — it’s about a 10-minute drive from Toshima Port — it’s definitely a hidden beach gem in Okinawa worth visiting!
With its excellent ecological environment, Togashiku Beach not only features colorful tropical fish and coral reefs, but you can also spot sea turtles while snorkeling in the shallow waters, earning it the title of “sea turtle habitat.” Snorkeling here allows you to glide through the Kerama Blue waters while getting up close to the vibrant marine life. It’s definitely the best spot for snorkeling on your trip to Okinawa!
*Best time to visit: October to the end of June of the following year
Toshima Island Attraction #3
Terayama Observation Deck / Forest Park
You’ve probably heard that Toshima Island’s Abaran Observation Deck offers a panoramic view of Abaran Beach, but Terayama Observation Deck is also a fantastic alternative. After climbing the long forest trail, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking views of both Togashiku Beach and Abaran Beach, along with distant vistas of the dazzling Zamami Island, Aka Island, and other smaller islands in the Kerama archipelago across the Kerama Strait.
Next to the observation deck, Terayama Forest Park also features play equipment and an extra-long slide, making it perfect for family outings. Among the eight observation decks on Toshima Island, this one is my top recommendation!
Toshima Island Attraction #4
Abaran Garden
Located at the southern tip of Toshima Island in Okinawa, Abaran Garden is actually a scenic viewpoint about three kilometers away from Abaran Village. From here, you can take in a 360-degree view of the beach and the surrounding rocks, which are truly marvels of nature that inspire awe. Continuing along the trail leads to the Abaran-zaki Lighthouse Observation Deck, which is the best spot on the entire island to watch the sunrise or sunset, whether in the morning or evening!There’s also Ula Beach, the southernmost beach on Toshima Island, another must-visit sunset spot on your Okinawan adventure.Oh!
Toshima Island Attraction #5
Uninhabited Island: Hanare Island
Scattered around the beautiful Tokashiki Island are several uninhabited islets, and among these stunning deserted islands, I highly recommend Hanare Island the most! Just 800 meters from Tokashiki Island, you can reach Hanare Island by taking a glass-bottom boat from Awa Beach or by renting a kayak from a small shop near the beach.
This beautiful little island has no artificial buildings at all, so the beaches and waters remain in their most pristine state. Whether you want to sunbathe on the sand or go snorkeling to explore the colorful underwater world, it’s definitely the best choice for escaping the crowds during your vacation on Tokashiki Island!
? Glass-bottom Boat Ticket Location: Cold Drink Stand (Closed every Monday)
??Business Hours: 9:30–17:00
??Phone: 098-987-2364
Okinawa Tokashiki Island Food Recommendations
Okinawa Tokashiki Island Food Recommendation #1
Cafe Shimun
This popular exotic cuisine restaurant on Tokashiki Island is actually an Italian café. Each dish here is carefully crafted by the owner using locally sourced natural ingredients. In addition, every staff member at the restaurant was born and raised on the island. Chatting with them might even get you insider tips on hidden gems known only to locals.Oh!
? Address: 152 Awa, Tokashiki, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture
??Business Hours: 12:00–21:00
??Closed: Wednesday
Okinawa Tokashiki Island Food Recommendation #2
Tounya Barrack
Located next to Awa Beach, Tounya Barrack is an authentic Okinawan teishoku (set meal) restaurant on the island. Fresh sashimi, popular soba noodles, and other recommended dishes are among its specialties. At night, the teishoku restaurant transforms into a popular izakaya, serving a variety of Okinawan awamori (local liquor). If you enjoy Japanese cuisine or a drink or two, this is the place to dine.Oh!
? Address: 145 Awa, Tokashiki, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture
??Business Hours: 11:00–14:00 / 17:30–21:00
?? Closed: Tuesday
Okinawa Tokashiki Island Transportation
? Friendly Reminder:During summer, there are many travelers and seats can fill up quickly. It is recommended to book ferry tickets two months in advance.
??Booking Website:Tokashiki Ferry Official Website
??Timetable:Ferry Timetable
Intra-island Transportation on Okinawa Tokashiki Island
? Sightseeing Bus:Taketomi Island Sightseeing Bus Website
??Car Rental (Self-drive):Taketomi Island Car Rental Website
??Taxi:metersHamaTransportation reservation phone: 090-3078-5895 (There are no hail-on-the-spot taxis on the island)
After reading this in-depth introduction to Taketomi Island, do you know this beautiful little island off the coast of Okinawa even better? When you have time, take a break from your busy schedule and plan a relaxing island holiday!
(This article is a collaboration between Tripresso Travel Cafe and Tripbaa Tripbaa. The original was published on:Okinawa Taketomi Island: The Top Summer Island Holiday Destination!5 Ways to Enjoy Taketomi Island, an Okinawan Outlying Island, unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.)