Tokashiki

Understand

Tourist information site The local tourist association has a Japanese-only guide site.

Getting there

Two ferries make the trip to Tokashiki daily. The high speed ferry (Marine Liner Tokashiki) leaves Tomari Port in Naha city on Okinawa Island twice daily. The journey takes about 35 minutes and costs about ¥4,200 for a round trip ticket. A second, much slower (70-minute trip) ferry (Ferry Kerama) makes one round trip daily and costs about ¥3,200 round trip. This ferry also accommodates vehicles. More information on these ferries can be found at the village website.

Getting around

Local buses and hotel buses meet the ferries at the port and can take you most anywhere on the island for about ¥700 per person round trip. Car, scooter, and bicycle rentals are also available near the port.

See

Aharen beach on the southwest coast near Aharen Village and Tokashiki beach on the west coast are the two main tourist beaches. Numerous remote beaches are also found on the island. At least six lookout points dot the highest hills on the islands, offering views and, in spring, the chance to spot whales. These observatories can be accessed by hiking trails. Two short hiking trails are found on the island.

Municipal History & Ethnic Culture Museum, next to the ferry terminal. Exhibits about the island's history, with a focus on WW2, plus the skeleton of a humpback whale. Opening hours are erratic, book ahead with the town hall.

Do

Snorkeling and scuba diving can be done from most beaches. Several dive shops are located in Aharen Village. Snorkel equipment as well as beach umbrellas can also be rented in Aharen Village next to the beach entrance. There are numerous dive and snorkel shops in both Aharen Village and in Tokashiku Village.

The "Yellow Submarine", a glass-bottomed boat, sails around Aharen Bay giving passengers underwater views of the bottom of the bay. There are numerous festivals throughout the year. Whale-watching is one of the favorite pastimes between January and April.