fbpx
    • Spring
      • video

        Finding the Flow from Kansai to Kochi

        Shikoku’s many mountains, valleys and proximity to the ocean has made it a hidden gem for rafting, kayaking and canyoning enthusiasts willing to take a step or two further from the Golden Route of Kyoto and Osaka.

        Solace and Giant Salamanders in Akiota

        Just beyond Hiroshima City is a tranquil outdoor destination home to some of Japan's last remaining oosanshouo, the elusive giant salamander.
        Kyoto Oni Trail Outdoor Japanvideo

        The Oni Trail: Hiking Coastal Kyoto

        The mystical oni is prevalent in Japanese children’s stories, usually as a way to scare kids straight. Adventure Travel Kyoto is shedding a new light on this folklore and developing a new hiking route in the countryside of Kyoto.
    • Summer
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
        adventure travel world summit in hokkaido

        Adventure Travel World Summit in Hokkaido

        The ATTA will host their first Adventure Travel World Summit in Asia in Hokkaido, Japan. We caught up with ATTA Director Shannon Stowell to find out more about the adventure travel industry and how it continues to grow and evolve.
        mead brewing in japan

        The Sweet Secrets of Brewing Mead

        Wander into the world of mead brewing and find yourself immersed in a fascinating journey spanning centuries and continents.
        the knights in white lycra

        The Knights in White Lycra

        Each year a group of cyclists head to the deep north towards Tohoku’s vast rice fields and coastal trails to help transform the lives of neglected children.
        sea to table yamagata

        Sea to Table in Yamagata

        An unforgettable way to intimately explore the Shonai Region in Yamagata is a culinary experience bringing bounty of the sea straight to your table.
    • Autumn
    • Winter
      • video

        CAMP3 Clubhouse in Madarao

        Keith Stubbs, a veteran in the snowboard industry, transitioned from rider to coach and instructor trainer for Snowboard Instruction New Zealand. After coaching in various Japanese resorts, he has established a permanent base in Madarao, outlining his plans for the area and future snowboard endeavors.
        shiretoko hokkaido outdoor japan

        New Horizons in Shiretoko

        During another epic powder season, two seasoned winter sports enthusiasts traded their snowboard bags for camera bags and traveled to Eastern Hokkaido to explore the frozen landscape and broaden their winter horizons.
        sayuri matsuhashi double role curling athlete japan outdoor

        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.
        ainu tour daniel moore outdoor japan hokkaido

        Heritage Hunting in Hokkaido

        Travelers venturing beyond Hokkaido's popular winter resorts will discover a land with a rich cultural and natural history, a proud indigenous people and a community striving to preserve their heritage.
        shizukuishi skiing snowboarding outdoor japan

        Shizukuishi

        Northern Honshu’s Iwate Prefecture, known for heavy snowfall, features Shizukuishi—a powder-rich resort area with views of Mt. Iwate. Snow enthusiasts seeking lesser-known gems can enjoy exceptional snow quality and uncrowded resorts, including Shizukuishi Ski Resort, Amihari Onsen Ski Resort, and Iwate Kogen Snow Park, offering affordability and traditional hospitality.
    • Near Tokyo
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Near Kyoto
    • All Regions
    • Article Map
    • Ocean and Beach
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • River and Lake
      • ainu tour daniel moore outdoor japan hokkaido

        Heritage Hunting in Hokka...

        Travelers venturing beyond Hokkaido's popular winter resorts will discover a land with a rich cultural and natural history, a proud indigenous people and a community striving to preserve their heritage.
        getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Mountain and Land
    • Sky
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Snow and Ice
      • video

        CAMP3 Clubhouse in Madarao

        Keith Stubbs, a veteran in the snowboard industry, transitioned from rider to coach and instructor trainer for Snowboard Instruction New Zealand. After coaching in various Japanese resorts, he has established a permanent base in Madarao, outlining his plans for the area and future snowboard endeavors.
        shiretoko hokkaido outdoor japan

        New Horizons in Shiretoko

        During another epic powder season, two seasoned winter sports enthusiasts traded their snowboard bags for camera bags and traveled to Eastern Hokkaido to explore the frozen landscape and broaden their winter horizons.
        sayuri matsuhashi double role curling athlete japan outdoor

        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.
        shizukuishi skiing snowboarding outdoor japan

        Shizukuishi

        Northern Honshu’s Iwate Prefecture, known for heavy snowfall, features Shizukuishi—a powder-rich resort area with views of Mt. Iwate. Snow enthusiasts seeking lesser-known gems can enjoy exceptional snow quality and uncrowded resorts, including Shizukuishi Ski Resort, Amihari Onsen Ski Resort, and Iwate Kogen Snow Park, offering affordability and traditional hospitality.
        togari onsen outdoor japan

        Northern Shinshu’s Secret Stash

        A weak yen, revenge travel, and excellent ski conditions have led to high demand, booking out popular resorts like Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen this year. Fortunately, lesser-known gems like Togari Onsen, near Nozawa Onsen and Madarao, offer charming alternatives for powder seekers.
    • Travel
      • video

        CAMP3 Clubhouse in Madarao

        Keith Stubbs, a veteran in the snowboard industry, transitioned from rider to coach and instructor trainer for Snowboard Instruction New Zealand. After coaching in various Japanese resorts, he has established a permanent base in Madarao, outlining his plans for the area and future snowboard endeavors.
        shiretoko hokkaido outdoor japan

        New Horizons in Shiretoko

        During another epic powder season, two seasoned winter sports enthusiasts traded their snowboard bags for camera bags and traveled to Eastern Hokkaido to explore the frozen landscape and broaden their winter horizons.
        sayuri matsuhashi double role curling athlete japan outdoor

        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.
        ainu tour daniel moore outdoor japan hokkaido

        Heritage Hunting in Hokkaido

        Travelers venturing beyond Hokkaido's popular winter resorts will discover a land with a rich cultural and natural history, a proud indigenous people and a community striving to preserve their heritage.
        shizukuishi skiing snowboarding outdoor japan

        Shizukuishi

        Northern Honshu’s Iwate Prefecture, known for heavy snowfall, features Shizukuishi—a powder-rich resort area with views of Mt. Iwate. Snow enthusiasts seeking lesser-known gems can enjoy exceptional snow quality and uncrowded resorts, including Shizukuishi Ski Resort, Amihari Onsen Ski Resort, and Iwate Kogen Snow Park, offering affordability and traditional hospitality.
    • Food and Drinks
      • video

        CAMP3 Clubhouse in Madarao

        Keith Stubbs, a veteran in the snowboard industry, transitioned from rider to coach and instructor trainer for Snowboard Instruction New Zealand. After coaching in various Japanese resorts, he has established a permanent base in Madarao, outlining his plans for the area and future snowboard endeavors.
        shiretoko hokkaido outdoor japan

        New Horizons in Shiretoko

        During another epic powder season, two seasoned winter sports enthusiasts traded their snowboard bags for camera bags and traveled to Eastern Hokkaido to explore the frozen landscape and broaden their winter horizons.
        sayuri matsuhashi double role curling athlete japan outdoor

        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.
        ainu tour daniel moore outdoor japan hokkaido

        Heritage Hunting in Hokkaido

        Travelers venturing beyond Hokkaido's popular winter resorts will discover a land with a rich cultural and natural history, a proud indigenous people and a community striving to preserve their heritage.
        shizukuishi skiing snowboarding outdoor japan

        Shizukuishi

        Northern Honshu’s Iwate Prefecture, known for heavy snowfall, features Shizukuishi—a powder-rich resort area with views of Mt. Iwate. Snow enthusiasts seeking lesser-known gems can enjoy exceptional snow quality and uncrowded resorts, including Shizukuishi Ski Resort, Amihari Onsen Ski Resort, and Iwate Kogen Snow Park, offering affordability and traditional hospitality.
    • Races and Events
      • sayuri matsuhashi double role curling athlete japan outdoor

        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.

        Winter News and Notes

        Check out the latest news and winter events held at ski resorts all over Japan in 2024!
        dd4d brewing

        DD4D Brewing

        In nearly e...

48 Hours in Zamami

Often referred to as the “Hawaii of Japan,” the archipelago of islands that make up Okinawa offer plenty of options for travelers. If you are short on time but high on adventure, a camping car expedition to the sleepy island of Zamami is a quick escape with beach camping, snorkeling and paddling the stunning “Kerama Blue” waters.

zamami okinawa outdoor japan

Whether you are fresh off the plane or spending a few nights enjoying the sights and sounds of Naha, Tomari Port is just a ten-minute taxi or fifteen-minute monorail from the airport or Kokusai Street in the heart of the city. The port is Naha’s gateway to some fun island-hopping adventures. After slowly rolling our RV onto the ferry, the buildings in Okinawa’s biggest city quickly faded into the distance and our island getaway began.

The Kerama Islands (also known as the Zamami Islands) are just 90 minutes away on a slow ferry. We arrived at Aka Island, a popular diving spot, at 11:30 a.m., and after a quick stop we arrived at our destination, Zamami Island, at high noon. The same boat turns around and heads back each afternoon.

zamami okinawa outdoor japan

The Keramas, designated as a national park in 2014, consist of 36 islands of which only four are inhabited. Zamami Island is a favorite for both locals and tourists from the main island to enjoy fishing, snorkeling or just to get away for a weekend in paradise. The island is home to roughly 550 residents and when you exit the ferry, you’ll arrive in downtown Zamami where most of the locals live and work. 

Renting a scooter or bicycle is a breeze with several rental shops located downtown. Grab a bike or scooter and get a quick lay of the land or head straight to one of the gorgeous beaches to soak up the sun, snorkel and relax. 

You can go in search of marine life with one of the scuba shops, or try your hand at some sport fishing. And if you get off the boat hungry, pop into Zamami Burger & Pizza, located downtown, for some great pizza, which also hits the spot after a long day adventuring.  

zamami okinawa outdoor japan

Yuji Miyazato was born on Zamami and raised fishing the waters around the islands. He owns and operates Gooddays Standup Paddle as well as his own fishing and whale watching charter. His boat, the Calenda GT, is a 47-foot custom Japanese boat built by Hamagawa Shipbuilding Co. It’s an incredibly nice and comfortable boat—put on some of your favorite tunes and enjoy an island cruise. 

zamami okinawa outdoor japan

And if you fish, Yuji’s a great guide. He’s a passionate marlin fisherman who competes on Japan’s professional fishing circuit and knows these waters well. You can enjoy an afternoon trolling, or if fishing isn’t your thing, he and his team also know the best snorkeling and SUP spots on the island. Yuji is a JSCA/SUPA SUP instructor. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide and spent the afternoon fishing and snorkeling the crystal clear waters—we even caught a glimpse of a humpback whale!

zamami okinawa outdoor japan

After a big day on the water we made our way to the Ama Beach Campground. The campground is a five-minute drive (or bus) from the port or a 20-minute walk if you are backpacking it. There are great options for everyone from tent sites to cool log cabins and autocamp sites for our RV. The facilities are great as well: showers, tent rentals and even free firewood are available if you didn’t come prepared. Remember to stop by the local market in town to grab some meat and vegetables for the barbecue before you arrive. We hung out by our camping car and enjoyed some time by the fire before crashing out so we could get an early start.

zamami okinawa outdoor japan

We rose in the wee hours of the morning to go snorkeling on the beach directly out in front of the campground. It turned into a magical morning as we soon found ourselves swimming with sea turtles. The early mornings and evenings are the best time for chance encounters with these beautiful creatures as they come close to shore for feeding. Just look for their heads popping out of the water. 

zamami okinawa outdoor japan

After getting out of the water, we had a hearty breakfast and an espresso back at the RV. It was time to relax and enjoy the real reason we came to Zamami—to detach from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives back home and connect with nature. It’s the perfect place to soak in the island vibes and relax with family and friends with no distractions. 

Essential Info

Getting There

zamami okinawa outdoor japan

Our favorite times to visit Zamami is late spring (before rainy season arrives in May) and October and November after summer’s peak season, when things cool down a bit but the ocean temperature is still comfortable. Rainy season usually is mid-May to mid-June, but the weather can be unpredictable so always check the forecast, especially during typhoon season in August and September. 

If you are taking your car or camping car over to Zamami, the ferry leaves Tomari Port at 10 a.m. and arrives in Zamami at 12 p.m. Be sure to get to the port early and bring your vehicle registration to show proof of the vehicle’s size. If you have any questions, call a day ahead. Another option is the high-speed boat that leaves Naha at 9 a.m. and arrives at Zamami at 9:50 a.m., or at 4 p.m. and arrives in Zamami at 5:10 p.m. Check their website for updates in schedule and pricing at Okinawa Zamami Village’s official website.

Ama Beach Camping and Cabins
Campsites, RV Sites and Cabins

Gooddays Standup and Calenda GT
SUP, Snorkeling, Fishing and Whale Watching Charters (winter)

Okinawa RV
Located about 50 minutes north of Naha, but ask about pick up/drop off options at Naha Airport. 

okinawarv.com

Tourist Information

For more info and updates about events, activities, local shops and accommodation, check out Okinawa Zamami Village’s official website here.

About the Author

Brian Crawford is an Okinawa-based photographer and videographer who runs Zazen Media. Brian’s wife Izumi runs Okinawa RV, camping car rentals and sales. Follow their adventures and learn more about camping car travel in Okinawa on their YouTube Channel.  

[novo-map id=2 individual=”yes”]

Outdoor Japan logo tree

Related

Leave a reply

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest posts

CAMP3 Clubhouse in Madara...

Keith Stubbs, a veteran in the snowboard industry, transitioned from rider to coach and instructor trainer for Snowboard Instruction New Zealand. After coaching in various Japanese resorts, he has established a permanent base in Madarao, outlining his plans for the area and future snowboard endeavors.

New Horizons in Shiretoko...

During another epic powder season, two seasoned winter sports enthusiasts traded their snowboard bags for camera bags and traveled to Eastern Hokkaido to explore the frozen landscape and broaden their winter horizons.

Silent Resilience

Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.

Categories