Ama Beach, Zamami
Ama Beach is located on Zamami Island, part of the Kerama Islands archipelago in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The Kerama Islands are known for their distinctive azure waters, locally referred to as "Kerama Blue," and the area has earned two stars from the Michelin Green Guide for its pristine nature and scenery.
The beach is particularly renowned for green sea turtle sightings, with these marine creatures visiting daily at high tide to feed on the shallow seagrass meadows. The calm, shallow waters make this an ideal location for families with children, though visitors are reminded to observe turtles from a distance to protect their habitat. Beyond turtles, the beach features a vibrant coral garden located just meters from the shore, densely covered with branching corals and home to species including tomato clownfish living among sea anemones.
Visitors can access the beach via a 20-minute walk or 5-minute bus ride from Zamami Port to the west. Alternative transportation options include renting bicycles for a 20-minute ride, scooters, or cars, with the beach well-signposted from the jetty. To reach Zamami Island, visitors take boats from Tomari Harbor in Naha, Okinawa's capital city, with the closest monorail stop being Miebashi, a 10-minute walk from the jetty.
Parking areas near the beach accept both coins and major credit cards, with some offering free parking and designated disabled spaces close to beach access points. Visitors should note that the sea floor contains rocky areas with corals and limestone, making footwear advisable, and shade is limited, so bringing sun protection is recommended. For optimal turtle viewing and snorkeling conditions, checking tide tables and visiting at high tide is essential.
The beach provides basic facilities including bathrooms and baggage storage. Lifeguards are on duty from late April until early November. The adjacent Ama Beach Youth Travel Village offers camping facilities starting at ¥500 per night for tent sites, with cabins also available. The campground includes hot showers, kitchen facilities, free wifi. Beach snacks selling sandwiches and drinks are available on-site, while Zamami village, located approximately one mile away, offers a broader selection of restaurants and accommodation.
