The Kerama Islands are a group of subtropical islands in the East China Sea located about 40km west of the prefectural capital of Naha, taking just 50 minutes by high-speed boat. Zamami Village is a remote island village making up the western-half of these islands. It is known for its beautiful underwater scenery and crystal-clear waters, world-class coral reefs and a variety of tropical fish, attracting divers throughout the year. Zamami Village is made up of three inhabited islands--Zamami, Aka, and Geruma--all covered with subtropical forests and home to the Kerama Deer, a nationally protected species. In March of 2014, Zamami Village along with the neighboring Tokashiki Village were designated as the Keramashoto National Park.

https://www.vill.zamami.okinawa.jp/
https://www.visit-zamami.com/english-information/ (Tourist Association)

Region with similar economy led by tourism and with similar environment located in a coastal area.
Open to conducting exchange and homestays between elementary and middle school students.

Natural Environment

■しかくThe closest coral reef paradise from mainland Okinawa
The inland sea, with its white sand beaches and lush green islands dotted with coral reefs, attracts divers with its beautiful underwater scenery. In 2005, the inland sea was registered as a globally important site under the Ramsar Convention. During the summer on nights of a full moon, the mysterious sight of coral spawning en mass can be seen, and the area encompassed by the Kerama Sea is called the "home of coral reefs." In 2014, the area was designated as a national park and expanded to cover the entirety of the Kerama Islands.

■しかくMarch 2014, Designation as the Keramashoto National Park
In March of 2006, the villages of Zamami and Tokashiki, which share the Kerama Sea, began promoting conservation of the sea area in both the public and private sectors, launching the Kerama Natural Environment Council. Led by professional divers, the the Kerama Environment Council has been working to protect the coral reefs, removing crown-of-thorns starfish and other pests that eat away at the coral.

In 2012, based on the Ecotourism Protection Law, the Kerama Region Ecotourism Promotion Plan was the second in Japan to be recognized (It was the first plan to receive designation for specific nature tourism resources).

March, 2024―Designation as the Keramashoto National Park (the first designation in 27 years. The 31^st National Park of Japan.)

■しかくA Treasure Trove of National Monuments
Ryukyu Robin (Designation January 23, 1970)
Coenobita hermit crab (Designation November 12, 1970)
Crow Pidgeon (Designation May 19, 1971)
Kerama Deer and their habitat (Designation May 15, 1972)
Sengoku's Gecko (Designation November 9, 1978)

Traditional Festivals and Events

■しかくIsland of Faith and Religious Rituals
Within Okinawa Prefecture, the islands of Zamami Village have been said to be as faithful as Kutaka Island. Although some festivals have been lost, the communities within Zamami continue to carry out several festivals throughout the year.

The "Flowing Boat" festival on March 3^rd of the lunar month. Small boats flying large fishing flags gather in the sea around the uninhabited islands and parade around the inland sea before circling Zamami Port. Onboard, sanshin and parlanku (a type of taiko drum) is played while people sing. People of all ages and genders dance a traditional Okinawa dance around the port and on the ships.

■しかくSocial Events
In Zamami Village, several ocean-related events and exchange events with tourists are carried out over the course of the year, including the whale watching festival, sabani race, Zamami yacht race, and SUP tournament, encouraging tourists to visit the island.

Mt. Takatsuki Park...Located on the southern-side of Zamami Island 137 m above sea level, Mt. Takatsuki has an observatory and walking trails. The observatory overlooks not only the Kerama Archipelago, but also mainland Okinawa, Aguni Island, Tonaki Island, and Kume Island, making it the most scenic spot in the village. (Zamami Island)

Sightseeing

Tower of Peace...Zamami Village was the first place American troops landed at during the Battle of Okinawa on March 26, 1945. Many people lost their lives during the war. At the Tower of Peace, halfway up the slope of Mt. Takatsuki, 1,220 military and civilian personnel are enshrined as guardians of peace. (Zamami Island)

Furuzamami Beach...The beautiful white sand beach, made from fragments of coral, was rated 2 stars by the Michelin Green Guide. Here, visitors can swim with the many tropical fish that live in the coral reefs. From April to November lifeguards are stationed on the beach, and underwater masks, snorkels, fins, and other equipment can be rented, and a snack bar is open. (Zamami Island)


National Important Cultural Property Takara House...The Takara House, with its beautiful red-tile roof and unique stone masonry surrounding the house, is a valuable example of a traditional Okinawa family house, with the main structure facing south with a hipped roof and a standalone wall at the front (hinpun). It was built in the late 19^th century by the head of the family, who was a captain on a trading ship with Tang Dynasty China. (Geruma Island)

Nishibama Beach
Located on the north side of Aka Island, similar to Zamami Island's Furuzamami Beach, snorkeling can be enjoyed at this beautiful beach. From April to November lifeguards are stationed on the beach, and rentals are available and a snack bar is open. (Aka Island)

Kerama Deer...The Kerama deer, designated as a National Monument ofJapan, inhabit Geruma Island and Aka Island. It is said to be a subspecies of the Japanese deer, with a small body (up to about 75 kg) and dark coat color. They can be seen in the mountains during the daytime and around hamlets in the evening Places they can be seen...Aka Island, Geruma Island

Experiences in Zamami Village

Snorkeling...Even without heavy diving equipment, you can fully enjoy sights of schools of tropical fish swimming in a sea of coral with only an underwater mask, snorkel, and fins. The waters of Zamami Village are rich in both variety and number of tropical fish, and even small children and the elderly can enjoy impressive snorkeling experiences at Zamami Island's Furuzamami Beach and Aka Island's Nishibama Beach. In recent years, snorkeling by boat and snorkeling on uninhabited islands have become very popular.

Sea Kayak...Non-motorized sea kayaks are an ocean-friendly transportation type with a small environmental footprint. In recent years, Zamami Village has become a popular kayaking destination. While paddling the crystal-clear waters and gazing at the green islands dotting the inland waters of Kerama, kayakers can feel a oneness with nature.

Whale Watching...Every winter, the calm waters of Zamami Village are visited by pods of humpback wales for breeding activities.
Their exciting breaching and other performances impress onlookers. Under the rules of the Zamami Village Whale Watching Association, whale watching is conducted without disturbing the lives of the whales.

SUP...A sport gaining popularity worldwide, SUP, an abbreviation for standup paddle-boarding, is another activity that can be enjoyed in Zamami. Paddling from a standup position, you can clearly see the coral reef below the surface of the sea as well as the lush green island landscape.