Nature
Mae Island
Mae Island
Maeshima is an uninhabited island in the Kerama chain off Okinawa, administered by the city of Tokashiki. There are no facilities or residents, so this is a stop for open water and coastal scenery rather than a destination with sights to walk around — most visitors see it from a boat rather than landing.
Getting there
The island has no scheduled ferry service of its own. Access is generally by chartered boat or diving/snorkeling tour departing from Naha, since the Kerama Islands sit in open water offshore rather than being connected by bridge or regular public transport. Factor in a boat crossing of roughly an hour or more each way, depending on departure point and sea conditions.
How much time to allow
Because there's nothing built up on the island itself, time here is really time on or in the water around it — plan around the length of whatever boat or diving trip includes it, typically a half-day or full-day excursion rather than a quick stop.
When to go
Calm seas matter more than time of day, so conditions depend heavily on season and weather rather than crowds — there's no infrastructure here to get congested. Check marine forecasts before booking, as trips can be affected by wind and swell, especially outside the warmer months.
Combining with other stops
Given its remote position in the Kerama group, Mae Island is best treated as part of a boat-based itinerary rather than combined with land attractions. The Keise Islands (13km) are the closest option and could realistically fit into the same day on the water. Naha city sights such as Naminoue Shrine (22.5km), Shiseibyō (22.5km), and Senaga Island (20km) are far enough that they're better saved for before or after your boat day rather than combined with it.
Updated September 20, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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