Ferry from Naha to Tonaki Island

Naha Guide

Naha Ferry Port

Naha Port is situated on the south coast of Okinawa, the southernmost prefecture belonging to Japan. The only ferry routes departing from Naha are to Tonaki Island and Kume Island, both crossing once per day and lasting between two and four hours. Naha epitomises Japan’s modern infrastructure; skyscrapers, high-rise apartments and an elevated monorail decorate the skyline. On the streets, the makeup of Naha may differ from expectation, visitors can witness the myriad of travellers and backpackers weaving between the quintessential traffic jam. To get right in the heart of the action, Kokusai Street is a mile long stretch of coffee shops, restaurants and clothing stores, though be prepared to dodge in and out of the rushing foot traffic. Next to Kokusai Street, the Makeshi Public Market on main Market Street is a hub of energy, with endless stalls offering local delicacies. Away from the busy streets lined with outlets, many cultural landmarks are scattered around the city. For a touch of education into the history of the area, there are a couple of museums that are well worth a visit, alternatively, the historical sites of Shrikinjocho Stone Path and Shurijo Castle are perfect for a day of sightseeing. The Naha monorail links the major areas of the city, though it doesn’t run to the port. Much of the city centre can be covered by foot, or there are taxis for quick and convenient transport.

Tonaki Island Guide

What is there to do in Tonaki Island?

Spellbound by a constant stream of inertia, Tonaki Island is the epitome of tranquillity; fishing and agriculture are the only forms of industry on the tiny island that only lays home to just over 400 people. The relatively difficult accessibility (it can only be reached by ferry) means that the sparse green land attracts very few visitors per year; those that do visit typically tend to only spend a day or two browsing the naturally idyllic surroundings before returning to more prominent tourists spots. The most popular pastime on the island is to just stroll across the glorious terrain, soaking in the picturesque views as you traverse to the apex of the undulating hills. There is very little crime in the area, so embarking on a leisurely stroll in the evening is a safe way to attain a few enviable photos.