The islands are beautiful, alone in the Pacific Ocean. By ferry from Naha, you can reach them in about an hour.

The shore of Aka is picture perfect. There are a few pension guest houses and some residential houses, and not a lot else.

Facing the other islands, the waves are slight, and a beautiful little enclave exists. It's easy to waste a day or two here.

The beaches are served by a shop of this kind, run by a local. Business is much better in the summer than in the winter. Except for the memory cards being sold next to the disposable cameras, it really seems like time stopped here in the seventies.

The beaches aren't too long, and wandering off 50 meters will have you surrounded by the coral rock that makes up the islands.

The islands still look young when you see the sharp rocks that haven't yet been worn down. There's not a great variety in the geography of these islands, but it's still a pleasure to explore.

Of course, it's absolutely scenic in the evening. From the right points, you can see the the sun set completely into the ocean.

Time goes by slowly here.