Ikei Island is a small island located farthest to the north, reached from Okinawa’s main island by crossing Kaichu Road and passing through Henza Island and Miyagi Island. In the Okinawan dialect, the island is called “Ichi-hanari.” “Ichi” means a faraway place, while “hanari” means separated.
The island’s inhabited village lies in the south, where you can see scenes of old Okinawa, including the island’s only community supermarket, traditional houses with red-tiled roofs, a plaza where ceremonies are held, and sacred sites known as utaki.
Near the village are Ikei Beach and Odomari Beach. Both charge an entrance fee, but their beautiful, exceptionally clear waters are popular with tourists.
The central part of the island is even more peaceful, with fields of sugarcane and tobacco stretching across the landscape. Many archaeological sites dating from the late Jomon period to the early Yayoi period have been discovered in this area. At the Nakabaru Village Ruins, visitors can see a reconstruction of Okinawa’s largest pit dwelling free of charge.
On this island, which has not been extensively developed for tourism, the simple scenery, the quiet passage of time, and the sea breeze, sunshine, and ocean are its greatest charms.