Ojima
奥武島Ou26°08′ N 127°46′ EThe Southfishing villagetempurahaari
Ojima is a 0.23 km² fishing island joined by a short bridge to Tamagusuku in Nanjo, about 40 minutes from Naha, and it is known for its tempura stands and its haari boat race.
Ojima has long been an uminchu (fisherfolk) island, facing the rich Pacific fishing grounds off the south coast of Nanjo. About 870 people lived here in 2021, on a low hill only 16 m high, and summer still brings rows of flying squid drying in the sun. The best-known event is the Unjami sea-god festival and haari dragon-boat race on the fourth day of the fifth lunar month, between late May and late June.
Most visitors come for the tempura. Nakamoto by the bridge and Ohshiro on the south side fry fish, squid, mozuku and vegetables to eat on the spot, and the Imaiyu fish market has more seafood and a coffee counter. The Kannon-do in the middle of the island holds an image of Kannon that, the story goes, a Chinese crew gave the islanders in the seventeenth or eighteenth century after they were rescued from a wreck.
The west side of the island is a busy dive site because the water is often calm when other spots are not, and beginners and training courses come here. A glass-bottom boat goes out all year, and its boatman's commentary is part of the 30-minute trip.
Getting there
Ojima lies about 100 m off the south coast of Tamagusuku in Nanjo and is joined to the main island by the short Ojima Bridge, turning off Route 331 at the Ou-iriguchi junction. Naha is about 40 minutes away by car. Nanjo's N-bus serves the island's single Ojima bus stop; from Naha you change at the Nanjo city office.
Getting around
On foot or by bike. A road built in the early 1990s circles the island, which is about 1.7 km around, and the lanes of the village inside are narrow and twisting.
Riding on Ojima
Ojima makes a natural stop on the Route 331 coast ride, with a 1.7 km lap of the island and tempura shops at the bridge.
December to March
The tempura shops stay open through winter, and Nakamoto Tempura brings in aasa (sea lettuce) tempura around March. The glass-bottom boat runs 9:00–17:00 from October to March. Divers use the west side because it is often calm when other sites are blown out.
Worth knowing
- Nakamoto Tempura closes on Thursdays and Ohshiro on Mondays, so at least one is open every day of the week.
- Look for the Ryugu-shin rock on the shore road, a tall oddly shaped stone where people pray to the sea god.
Where to base
Towns and villages on Ojima町
FAQ
Quick answers about Ojimaよくある質問
How do you get to Ojima in Okinawa?
By road. Ojima is joined to the south coast of Nanjo by a short bridge off Route 331, about 40 minutes by car from Naha, and Nanjo's N-bus stops on the island.
What is Ojima known for?
Ojima is known for its Okinawan tempura stands, such as Nakamoto and Ohshiro, and for the haari dragon-boat race held on the fourth day of the fifth lunar month.
Can you cycle around Ojima?
Yes. A road built in the early 1990s circles Ojima, which is about 1.7 km around, so a lap takes a few minutes by bike.
How big is Ojima?
Ojima covers 0.23 km² and is home to about 872 people.
Can you cycle on Ojima?
Ojima makes a natural stop on the Route 331 coast ride, with a 1.7 km lap of the island and tempura shops at the bridge.
What is Ojima like in winter?
The tempura shops stay open through winter, and Nakamoto Tempura brings in aasa (sea lettuce) tempura around March. The glass-bottom boat runs 9:00–17:00 from October to March. Divers use the west side because it is often calm when other sites are blown out.
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