Izena Island (Izena-jima)

If you’re exploring the northern part of Okinawa and looking for coral islands even further off the beaten path, Izena Island (Izena-jima) is a wonderful choice. Together with neighboring Iheya Island (Iheya-jima), it offers a glimpse into authentic island life, with limited tourist infrastructure but endless charm.

Both islands are home to spectacular white sandy beaches and thriving coral reefs. For those eager to experience pristine coral reefs despite climate change, we highly recommend joining an off-the-boat snorkeling or diving tour with Izena Guin. For off-the-beach snorkeling, this area is a great spot featuring beautiful table corals and branch corals, though it requires a bit of a swim from shore. You can almost always see sea turtles at high tide on many of Izena’s beaches, though they’re usually quite shy and quick to swim away when approached.

Izena has several beautiful beaches, but Mattera Beach stands out with its striking backdrop — the majestic rock formation of Agi Gitara. Don’t miss the Shirasagi Observatory, which offers panoramic views of both Agi Gitara and the mountain of Izena Castle.

If you have time, also visit the nearby Yanaha Island and Gushikawa Island — both uninhabited, blessed with pristine white sand and crystal-clear tropical waters, perfect for a peaceful island escape.

Island-hopping (for example to Gushikawa Island)

A boat service between islands is operated by fishermen and is called watashibune (渡し船 in Japanese). You can ask the fisheries cooperative to arrange a watashibune: 0980-45-2018. It is also possible to ask a fisherman with a boat at the port (not the main port but Uchibana port 内花漁港).

For those who are considering traveling to Izena Island/Okinawa Main Island outside summer months of May to October, especially for avid snorkelers, we recommend the Miyako Islands or Yaeyama Islands (such as Ishigaki and Iriomote) over Izena Island/Okinawa Main Island because of warmer temperatures for both air and underwater. Okinawa Main Island and the other northern islands of Okinawa Prefecture have a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), while the southern islands of Okinawa Prefecture (the Miyako Islands and Yaeyama Islands) have a tropical rainforest climate (Af). This results in noticeable differences in both air and water temperatures from November to April.