Zamami: Island Views, Sea and Remembrance

There are several ways to plan a visit to Zamami: Zamami Island offers seasonal marine experiences, while the surrounding area has more to explore, including landscapes and memorial culture. Different types of tours, the change from summer to winter and views of the Kerama Inland Sea offer practical starting points for planning your trip.

A memorial site overlooking the sea and settlement

Near Zamami, the Peace and Memorial Tower 平和之塔 was built in March 1958 on the slope of Mount Takatsukiyama on Zamami Island. From the hilltop, you can look out over the settlement and the Kerama Inland Sea. Memorial stones around the tower bear the names of those who died in the war; they were erected in 1995. Here, remembrance of the dead stands alongside views of the island and seascape. On March 26, the annual memorial day of Zamami Village, residents visit the tower. The date gives remembrance a fixed place in the village’s annual calendar.

Marine experiences in different seasons

On Zamami Island, marine activities take centre stage in summer, while whale watching is a winter highlight. Visitors come to the island throughout the year, though the seasonal highlights differ. This contrast can help you choose when to travel if you have particular on-the-water experiences in mind. Operators and schedules vary, so check what is available for your travel dates.

In the village, Marine Shop IRIE zamami offers two types of tour: a boat snorkelling tour to spots accessible only by boat, and a combined SUP and snorkelling tour that starts from the beach. The access arrangements are different: the boat is part of reaching the snorkelling spots on one tour, while the SUP and snorkelling combination on the other starts at the beach. The operator’s offerings may change; check in advance which tour will be available during your travel dates.

Wind-shaped vegetation and sunsets

At the 女瀬の崎展望台 viewpoint, strong northerly winds inhibit plant growth, shaping a distinctive landscape. The viewpoint on Zamami Island is also known for the beauty of its sunsets. The effects of the wind and the evening atmosphere describe two different aspects of this viewpoint: one is seen in the vegetation, the other in its reputation for sunsets. If you are interested in landscapes and the natural forces that shape them, this offers a different focus from the memorial tower or marine activities.

Visitor information and places to stay

The village tourist information centre offers maps and brochures, holds luggage for a fee, and provides information about accommodation and restaurants. These services may change, so check in advance what is currently available if you plan to use them.

The village has a campsite at Ama Beach with a cooking building, showers and toilets; there are also cottages nearby. Some campsite facilities may be temporarily unavailable. When looking for a holiday rental in Zamami, you can use your travel dates and the experiences that matter to you as a starting point: seasonal activities on the water, landscapes and memorial culture each offer a different focus.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Yonabaru.

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