Charming beach town in one day and night – 08.20.16
Slept for only night in NAHA then the following day I went aboard a ferry to explore nearby island TOKASHIKI to beach and (for the first outside my home country) camp. In this entry, I share a day an ironically full day in the quiet town near AHAREN BEACH – from encounters with friendly strangers from the old lady at the campground entrance to fellow campers to this welcome of a stretch of fine sand, clear water to a town pinned with just the right amount of quirky restaurants for beer and fast food.
From the main city Naha, I took the ferry for about an hour and a half to reach the island. Same as before, I found my spot inside the free seating elevated platform but from time to time would go out the deck to enjoy the breeze and occasional splash of water.
On the way to …
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Tsaraaaan. Where I have seated
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You adorable Mr. Pole Dancer
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Somewhat grand huh
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Tomari Bridge connecting lands
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My colorful bag blending in
My first time to ride a ferry with an elevator
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Still air-drying my towel, obviously
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Not as crowded yet
Only kind of waves I am not scared to face
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Smiling awkwardly because there’s a family bunch in front of me
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Pre-island picnic
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This reminded me of the drawing in The Little Prince
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It was a little bit before noon when I reached the port. From there, the campground where I will be staying overnight is a bus ride away. But before that, since I have not yet ordered my return ticket, I made sure to inquire first on the ticket sales on what my options are.
Based on prior research that boats from Tokashiki to Zamami are limited and less frequent, I almost gave up on the idea. However, I trusted my gut and decided to not buy a return ticket yet from Tokashiki and instead push through with the Zamami trip the following day.
Arrival/wait area
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Counter where I asked on return tickets
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Buses to Aharen Beach were easy to find a short walk from station. These run in schedule but luckily I was right on time. (It is also possible that they synchronize they trip schedules with arrival of ferries).
For reference schedule to port
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That look when I got a seat by the window!
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Just about to leave
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Even from the bus’ window, I already had a glimpse of how local life is in that small town
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… and a glimpse of the nice beach too!
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Bus was a quick 15-minute ride that before twelve, I was at the entrance the campground where I had to register. At the counter was where I had an interesting conversation with a warm lady who cannot speak much English but who for some reason, I got to communicate with and trust my fate that night. As you know, I was about to camp there with no tent and apparently, she had to contact someone to provide the tent who I then just have to meet in the camping ground. Maybe her sincerity was beyond the barrier in language that even if I was hazy on the instructions, I just nodded and walked my way to the campground.
Mates
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“An occupation” has a nice ring to it, for some reason
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A must-have to take one of those plastic bags to ensure campsite’s cleanliness
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A stolen photo of one of my favorite strangers
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Dirt road to the campsite
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I didn’t know what to expect so I was quite lost when I arrived at the site. Other tents were already set up and there was no one or any stall where I could rent one. I went to look for my spot nonetheless while trying to be extra observant on whether that person I had to meet is somewhere. I found some relief though from a couple who was about to leave who told me that someone will just come and hand me the tent I could use.
Not where I camped but I had to put down my stuff because my back was starting to hurt
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Could he be that guy?
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Yes, that guy was my guy. Since I could not predict the weather and I wanted to be dry in case it rains, I had my tent set up until another open tent.
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The camp is behind this major rock –
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On the right side is this rocky end of the beach. I am not sure whether swimming is allowed as it did not look as safe as the other end of the beach. 
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View of the arch from the left side from the camp site
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From about a few more meters farther from camp
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I could not swim yet at this point but had to stop
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Loved those arch details
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From the arch, the people this small
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I walked towards the crowd and found a place in the sand that is somewhat private but within the group (just in case I get drowned or something – ’cause yes, I can get that paranoid especially if in a foreign land). The sun was perfect that day that I could stay at the beach all day but since there was no shade, I couldn’t. I took relief on dips in water but when the heat was starting to feel uncomfortable, that was my cue to find some shade nearby. 
Some welcome beer needed then
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Entrance to the beach for all rental and water activity needs
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Ice cream cracking under the heat
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Finally beer as sole customer in one of the food stalls near the beach
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Hmmm 😀
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Post-beer taco
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For reference on rates
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After beach, I decided to explore more of town. At first I thought there was a lot of walking to do from the beach but place was apparently so small that I managed to walk around what is the center in about 30 minutes. I dropped by a grocery just to see what goods they sell.
Some rice snack / ‘onigiri’
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Too bad I missed the schedule for the uninhabited island trip
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Shoulders already burnt
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Sun-drying self
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The usual paraphernalia
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Vendo machine culture even in this small town
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While walking was this discovery of a fun-themed cafe but it was not yet open so I kept on wandering.
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While on what seems the leftmost part of center enjoying the quietness of the seemingly abandoned homes, I heard some sort of music over town. It could be signaling the time of day, I couldn’t say. 
Discovered this other entrance to the beach near an elementary school
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Something in 3D
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I was back at the beach half past six wanting to catch the sunset. Since I couldn’t stay put in one place, instead of the usual ‘watch-the-sun-set’ mode, I walked my way back to my tent as sun was going down.
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Sharing in this couple’s romantic moment before sunset
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On my way to camp is this series of art on the sand —- 
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Pastel
Love those shells
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Hey there, sleepyhead!
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Boo. Still closed?
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Since I’ve been waiting for the cafe to open since early that afternoon, I was one of the first customers by around seven. Both ambiance from in and out are nice so I had beer in both places. I could have stayed longer but after two glasses of beer, I thought I should just drink somewhere closer to camp in anticipation of dark roads and people probably already resting.
Our very own Pale Pilsen represent!
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Mandatory selfie because I love the vibe!
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My kind of clutter
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Purple on my hair now washed out
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My second beer this time from one of the stools outside
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Again a black cat as I end my day
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Am sure it is a safe there but boy the streets were deserted
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As I was walking towards the beach entrance, I found this bar which seemed crowded. I just got curious and sat by the bar while observing the locals drink and eat. A perfect way to end the day quite early on this laidback town.
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How to get to the island and other practical details :
More details on TOKASHIKI (including ferry schedule from Naha) can be viewed on this website .
To get to AHAREN BEACH, there are buses at the port. Travel takes 15-20 minutes.
There are no trees for natural shade along the stretch so either you are willing to sunbathe or rely on an umbrella that you may rent from the stalls near the entrance.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristina Correa (or more known to almost all people in her life as Teng) is based on the city of Manila in the Philippines and whenever she can, cools off with routine and gets her doses of happy someplace else. She doesn’t mean to inform and help plan (as obvious with her laziness with details) but hopes her stories and photos can inspire you to create your own.
I am no travel planner. 