When people think of Okinawa, the first things that come to mind are clear blue water and white sand beaches.
Here are the beaches our staff have hand-picked as especially recommended, even by Okinawa standards.
From beaches loved by locals to ones that suit visitors and a few slightly hidden gems, we introduce beaches that are uniquely Okinawan.
Blue Cave and marine activities
Toyosaki Seaside Park and Toyosaki Chura-SUN Beach (Tomigusuku City)
Just 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
Built inside Toyosaki Seaside Park, it is one of the largest man-made beaches in Okinawa Prefecture, about 700 meters long.
The spacious beach is ideal for families and groups of friends.
You can enjoy swimming, one of the largest floating marine athletic courses in Japan, the first net athletic course in the prefecture, barbecues and more.
If you apply in advance, you can also bring your own boat, kayak and similar gear.
The facilities are well equipped, with paid parking, restrooms, showers and coin lockers. The waves are calm, habu box jellyfish nets are installed, and beach lifeguards are always on duty, so you can relax in comfort and safety.
It is a recommended beach for families with children and for anyone visiting Okinawa for the first time.
Swimming beach area
One of the highlights of Toyosaki Chura-SUN Beach is its water, so blue and clear that you would never guess it is man-made.
Beach lifeguards are always on duty, so you can swim with peace of mind.
Marine sports area
You can enjoy marine sports such as jet skis and banana boats.
Barbecue-only area
The barbecue space can accommodate large beach parties.
Marine athletic course
Giant inflatable play equipment floats on the water, making this one of the largest floating athletic courses not just in the prefecture but in all of Japan.
Net athletic course
The first of its kind in the prefecture, this is a new type of athletic course where you play on a stretchy net.
Management building
The management building, located almost in the middle of the beach, houses shower rooms, locker rooms and the management office.
There is also a smoking area, so smokers are welcome to use it.
Parking lot
The parking lot can hold up to about 800 vehicles.
There are also dedicated parking areas for large buses and motorcycles.
Beach soccer and volleyball area
Soccer goals and volleyball nets are set up so you can enjoy beach soccer and beach volleyball.
Basketball court
There is a basketball court too.
Playing while looking out over the sea is refreshing.
Outdoor stage
An outdoor stage where you can enjoy music events and a variety of shows.
Niinii Hill
A small hill used as a filming location for the movie "Nada Sōsō."
The park also has a gymnasium and tennis courts.
Recommended points
・Easy to reach, in a convenient location
・Blue, clear water that you would never guess is man-made
・Well-equipped facilities that offer many ways to enjoy the beach
・Beautiful sunsets over the horizon, so you can enjoy sunset time too
Toyosaki Seaside Park
Address: 5-1 Toyosaki, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone: 098-850-1139
Park hours: 6:00-22:00 (reception hours 9:00-17:00; outside those hours, a security guard assists)
Toyosaki Chura-SUN Beach
Address: 5-1 Toyosaki, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone: 098-850-1139
Inquiries: Toyosaki Seaside Park
Operating period: swimming season April 1 to October 31
Swimming hours: April to June, September and October 9:00-18:00; July and August 9:00-19:00
Facilities: management building (showers, restrooms, lockers, first-aid room), rooftop observation deck, cycle center, barbecue area, basketball court area, beach soccer and beach volleyball area, jellyfish prevention nets, lifeguards
Fee: free admission
Website: https://churasun-beach.com/
Kouri Island Beaches (Kouri Island)
Kouri Island has long been known as the "Island of Love" and the "Island of the Gods," according to old legends.
There is a tale of an Okinawan Adam and Eve, and it is said that the name "Kouri" comes from "Kuijima" (Love Island).
For that reason, many couples visit from all over Japan.
Kouri Island is known for its beautiful sea and spectacular views. The island has six main beaches, all with high water clarity, and Kouri Beach in particular has an outstanding sense of openness.
Away from the main spots, you can enjoy an atmosphere like a private beach.
The viewpoints with a view of Kouri Ohashi Bridge are another attraction.
Kouri Beach
Just after you cross Kouri Ohashi Bridge, at the entrance to Kouri Island, this shallow beach is busy with many swimmers.
It is well equipped, with marine gear rental, showers, restrooms and parking.
Taking a commemorative photo with Kouri Ohashi Bridge in the background is also popular.
Kouri Ohashi Bridge
A bridge connecting Yagaji Island in Nago City with Kouri Island in Nakijin Village.
At 1,960 meters long, it is the longest bridge in Japan that you can cross for free.
Emerald green water spreads out below, making for a spectacular view.
Tokei Beach (Pothole)
A beautiful beach made up of several natural stretches of shore, where coral remains.
You can get close to the fish and see colorful tropical fish, so it is recommended for anyone who wants to go snorkeling.
It is often used for filming movies and TV dramas.
Another distinctive feature is the scenery of rocks scattered about with large round holes, called "potholes."
Peace Beach
A beach right next to Tokei Beach, with a rocky area in between.
It lies at the end of a path overgrown with greenery, which gives it the feel of a hidden spot.
Tiinu Beach (Heart Rock)
A beach also known as Heart Rock Beach because of its heart-shaped rock.
Heart Rock is well worth seeing.
It is said that if you look at it from the spot where the rocks overlap to form one, your luck in love will improve.
Chigunu Beach
A beach with the legend of the Okinawan Adam and Eve.
There is a cave where the two are said to have lived.
Sounu Beach
A beach that appears only when the tide goes out.
Be careful: there are no shops or restrooms.
Cave of Beginnings
The birthplace of humankind in Ryukyuan mythology.
This is where the Okinawan Adam and Eve are said to have lived.
The residents of Kouri Island are said to be descendants of the two, and from here people spread to the islands of the Ryukyus.
Recommended points
・A quiet, relaxing atmosphere
・The "Island of Love" that couples visit
・Beautiful sea and spectacular views
Kouri Beach
Address: Kouri, Nakijin Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone: 0980-56-4909 (reception hours: weekdays 9:00-12:00; closed Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays)
Inquiries: Kouri Rural Environment Improvement Sub-Center
Operating period: swimming season from around late April to around mid-October
Swimming hours: 9:00-18:00
Facilities: jellyfish prevention nets (from around late June to around October; note: this varies), lifeguards, restrooms, showers, snack shop. Fee: free admission
Cape Maeda (Onna Village)
Cape Maeda in Onna Village, in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa, has highly transparent water and is one of the best snorkeling spots in Okinawa.
It is famous for the "Blue Cave," where sunlight streaming into the water makes the surface glow blue. In winter, you can even see whales.
Blue Cave
A cave at the foot of the cliffs at Cape Maeda.
Sunlight streaming in is reflected inside, making the water glow a mysterious blue, which is why it is called the "Blue Cave."
It is one of the most popular snorkeling and introductory diving spots on the main island of Okinawa.
Highlights
・Highly transparent water
・One of Okinawa's best snorkeling and diving spots
・The glowing blue "Blue Cave" is famous
<h3>Cape Maeda Beach</h3>
Address: 469-1 Maeda, Onna Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone: 098-982-5339
Hours: management office 8:30-17:30
Parking lot 7:00-19:00
Showers, lockers and hair dryers 7:00-18:30
Facilities: restrooms, hot showers, coin lockers, snack shop, shop, vending machines, rest area, open plaza, and emergency equipment such as an AED
Website: https://maedamisaki.jp/
Ikei Beach (Uruma City)
A beach on Ikei Island, which you can reach by car from the main island of Okinawa via Kaichu Road, a popular driving route.
The clarity of the water is among the best in Okinawa.
With a calm environment little affected by the tides and a shallow sandy beach stretching out, you can spend a leisurely time while feeling the island's beautiful nature.
Marine sports are popular too, and the jet ski tour around Ikei Island is a huge hit.
You can also enjoy snorkeling and diving, where you meet many tropical fish.
On the beach, you can have barbecues, beach parties and more.
Kaichu Road
It is neither a tunnel built under the sea nor a bridge over it, but a road across the water built on an embankment in very shallow sea, so it feels as if you are driving right through the ocean. It is about 4.75 kilometers long.
A popular driving route running through spectacular scenery surrounded by sea on all sides, it lets you easily reach four islands from the main island of Okinawa: Henza Island, Hamahiga Island, Miyagi Island and Ikei Island.
Highlights
・Water with some of the best clarity in Okinawa
・Open all year, so you can swim year-round
・Reachable by car from the main island of Okinawa
Ikei Beach
Address: 405 Ikei, Yonashiro, Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone: 098-977-8464
Hours: swimming hours 10:00-17:00 (varies with season, weather and other conditions)
Facilities: jellyfish prevention nets, lifeguards, restrooms, showers, coin lockers, snack shop
Fee: admission adults 500 yen, children 400 yen
Website: http://www.ikei-beach.com/
Cape Zanpa (Yomitan Village)
Facing the East China Sea at the westernmost point of the main island of Okinawa, Cape Zanpa is one of Japan's leading scenic spots, with dramatic 30-meter-high sheer cliffs that continue for about 2 kilometers.
Because the coastline has not been developed, coral reefs remain, and the lagoon, called an "inō," is one of the largest on the main island of Okinawa.
On a clear day you can see the Kerama Islands, and it is known as the place where the sun sets last on the main island of Okinawa.
At sunset, the contrast between the golden sky and the sea is stunning.
There are several roofed places of worship called "uganju," which are also power spots where local people offer their prayers.
Cape Zanpa Park
A park developed as a place to relax, making use of Cape Zanpa's rich natural environment.
Cape Zanpa Lighthouse
A large white lighthouse, the symbol of Cape Zanpa, about 31 meters tall and the tallest in the Nansei Islands.
The 360-degree panoramic view from the observation deck is spectacular, and on a clear day with good visibility you can see Aguni Island, Tonaki Island, Kume Island and more.
Zanpa Ojishi
A giant shisa, the symbol of Cape Zanpa. At 8.75 meters tall and 7.8 meters long, it is the largest in Japan.
It was built to pass on to future generations the culture of international exchange of Yomitan Village, which prospered through trade with China in the Ryukyu Kingdom era.
It is also popular as a photo spot.
Taiki Statue
Taiki was the first Ryukyuan tribute envoy, making five trips to China, and is regarded as a hero of Yomitan Village.
A statue has been erected to him as the "god of business."
Highlights
・A romantic sunset spot
・A scenic area with dramatic sheer cliffs
Zanpa Beach
Address: 1861 Za, Yomitan Village, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone: 098-958-0038
Inquiries: Zanpa Beach
Operating period: swimming season April to October
Swimming hours: 9:00-18:00
Facilities: jellyfish prevention nets, lifeguards, restrooms, coin showers, coin lockers, snack shop
Fee: free admission
Sesoko Beach (Sesoko Island)
Sesoko Island is a small island floating off the west coast of the Motobu Peninsula in the north.
You can drive there from the main island of Okinawa across Sesoko Bridge, which makes it easy to get to.
On the northwest side of the island, a sandy beach about 800 meters long stretches out, popular for the beauty of its natural white sand.
The clarity of the emerald green water is among the very best in Okinawa Prefecture.
It is praised for the beautiful gradation of colors that blend into the endless horizon.
The beach is shallow, and when the tide goes out the water becomes shallower and the waves calmer, so it is also recommended as a snorkeling spot.
The view from the beach of Ie Island and Minna Island is beautiful too, and it is one of the best sunset spots in Okinawa Prefecture.
Sesoko Bridge
A bridge 762 meters long connecting the main island of Okinawa and Sesoko Island in Motobu Town, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture.
The open ocean spreads out below, and you can see fish swimming in the water, so walking across is recommended too.
Highlights
・A beautiful beach of natural white sand about 800 meters long
・Water clarity among the best in Okinawa
・Recommended for snorkeling
Sesoko Beach
Address: 5583-1 Sesoko, Motobu Town, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone: 0980-47-7000
Inquiries: Sesoko Beach Management Office
Operating period: swimming season from mid-April to October
Swimming hours: 9:00-17:00
Facilities: jellyfish prevention nets, lifeguards, restrooms, showers, coin lockers, snack shop
Fee: free admission
Website: https://www.sesokobeach.jp/
Emerald Beach (Motobu Town)
Located inside the Okinawa Commemorative National Government Park (Ocean Expo Park), this beach is right next to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.
A rare beach inside a lagoon, even for Okinawa, its water quality has been rated "AA" (the best).
It was certified as one of the "88 Best Bathing Beaches" in 2001 (Heisei 13) and one of the "100 Best Comfortable Bathing Beaches" in 2006 (Heisei 18).
Although it is a man-made beach, it is maintained with consideration for safety, comfort and nature conservation, and its beautiful sand and calm sea make it recommended for families and children.
Sea turtle nesting is confirmed there every year.
Coastal promenade
A promenade where you can stroll while taking in the cobalt blue sea, the islands floating on the distant horizon, and the nature of Okinawa.
Highlights
・Very close to the Churaumi Aquarium, so you can enjoy both together
・A rare beach inside a lagoon, even for Okinawa
・A well-maintained swimming area that is safe
<h3>Emerald Beach</h3>
Address: 424 Ishikawa, Motobu Town, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture (inside Ocean Expo Park)
Phone: 0980-48-2741
Inquiries: Ocean Expo Park Management Center
Operating period: swimming season April to October
Swimming hours: April 8:30-18:30 (swimming ends at 18:00)
May to August 8:30-19:00 (swimming ends at 18:30)
September 1 to 15 8:30-18:30 (swimming ends at 18:00)
September 16 to September 30 8:30-18:00 (swimming ends at 17:30)
October 8:30-17:30 (swimming ends at 17:00)
Facilities: jellyfish prevention nets, lifeguards, restrooms, showers, coin lockers, snack shop
Fee: free admission
Website: https://oki-park.jp/kaiyohaku/inst/75
Hateruma Nishi Beach (Hateruma Island)
About 70 minutes by high-speed boat from Ishigaki Island.
Nishi Beach is on the north side of Hateruma Island, the southernmost inhabited island in Japan.
The "Nishi" in Nishi Beach is sometimes mistaken for 「西」 (west), so the beach is occasionally written 「西浜」, but in the local dialect "nishi" means north.
It is one of the most popular beaches in the entire Yaeyama Islands.
One of the most beautiful beaches even among the Yaeyama Islands, its sea has a lovely contrast of blue and green known as "Hateruma Blue" and boasts overwhelming clarity.
The shore is shallow, with shallows continuing far out.
There are almost no waves, so it is also recommended for swimming.
Outside the breakwater there is plenty of coral and fish, making it ideal for snorkeling.
The sand on the beach is silky, and walking on it feels as soft as powder.
It is also a very popular spot for its beautiful sunsets.
Hateruma Blue
The distinctive, beautiful blue sea seen around Hateruma Island is called "Hateruma Blue."
Highlights
・One of the most beautiful beaches in the Yaeyama Islands
・The beautiful, highly transparent sea of "Hateruma Blue"
・You can enjoy beautiful sunsets
Hateruma Nishi Beach
Address: Hateruma, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone: 0980-82-5445
Inquiries: Taketomi Town Tourism Association
Facilities: restrooms, showers
Fee: free admission
Aharen Beach (Tokashiki Island)
About 32 kilometers west of Naha, Tokashiki Island is the largest island in the Kerama Islands.
With its white sand and Kerama Blue sea, "Aharen Beach" is a popular beach that represents Tokashiki Island, with a beautiful stretch of pure white sand running 800 meters.
The bay curves gently and the sea is relatively calm. You can see tropical fish even inside the swimming area, and dense coral colonies offshore.
There are plenty of marine activities, too. It is also famous as a beach where you can meet sea turtles.
Kerama Blue
The Kerama Islands are known for the beauty of their blue sea, so transparent it seems to draw you in.
This is because coral reefs on the seabed have built up over many years into white seabed sand that reflects the sunlight, and this distinctive color of the sea is called "Kerama Blue."
Highlights
・A wide range of marine activities
・A beautiful white sand beach and Kerama Blue sea
・You might even meet a sea turtle
Aharen Beach
Address: Aharen, Tokashiki Village, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone: 098-987-2333
Inquiries: Tokashiki Village Office, Tourism and Industry Division
Hours: year-round
Facilities: lifeguards, restrooms, showers, camping
Fee: free admission
Website: https://www.vill.tokashiki.okinawa.jp/
Furuzamami Beach (Zamami Island)
Like Aharen Beach, this is a beach on Zamami Island, one of the Kerama Islands.
It is the main beach of Zamami Island and earned two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japon.
The contrast between the pure white coral sand and the blue of the sea, whose clarity is outstanding even compared with other places, is beautiful and hard to find anywhere else.
The underwater world is full of fish and coral, so much so that it is called a "luxurious aquarium of tropical fish."
Swim just a few meters from the water's edge and you can play with all kinds of sea creatures, such as clownfish, damselfish and butterflyfish.
The facilities are well equipped and easy to use, making it a popular beach with visitors and families.
Just like Aharen Beach, if you are lucky, you may meet a sea turtle here too.
Highlights
・Beautiful, highly transparent water
・A chance to encounter sea turtles
・Recommended for snorkeling
Furuzamami Beach
Address: 1743 Zamami, Zamami Village, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone: 098-987-2320
Inquiries: Zamami Village Office, Shipping and Tourism Division
Operating period: swimming season from around mid-April to around late November
Swimming hours: 8:30-17:30
Facilities: lifeguards, restrooms, showers, snack shop
Admission: free
Website: https://www.vill.zamami.okinawa.jp/guidemap/detail/154/
Hyakuna Beach (Nanjo City)
Located in Nanjo City in the southern part of the main island of Okinawa, "Hyakuna Beach" is known for its gleaming white sand and shallow sea that is easy to swim in.
The waves are quiet, so you can enjoy a private-beach feel, and it is recommended for anyone who wants to relax.
The water is very clear, and together with neighboring "Miibaru Beach" it forms a natural beach 2 kilometers long, loved by locals as well.
It is an easy spot to stop at during sightseeing.
This beach is said to be where Amamikiyo, the goddess who created the Ryukyus, came ashore from Kudaka Island, and locally it is treasured as a sacred place.
A stone monument called "Yaharazukasa," marking the point where she landed, stands a little offshore from the beach, but it appears in full only at low tide and sinks into the sea at high tide.
Nearby is also "Hamagawa Utaki," another sacred place, which is a power spot too.
It is also famous as a kiteboarding spot, and besides swimming, many people can be seen enjoying beach parties and parasailing.
Its sunrises are especially praised for their beauty, and you can take your time enjoying the spectacular view.
Amamikiyo
A goddess who appears in Ryukyuan mythology. On Kudaka Island, which floats in the sea about 5.5 kilometers east of the Chinen Peninsula in the southern part of the main island of Okinawa, there is a Ryukyuan creation myth that says Amamikiyo and Shinerikiyo (a male god) came from Niraha-na (Nirai Kanai) and planted grasses and trees on the islands drifting in the sea, creating the land of the Ryukyus.
Yaharazukasa
"Yaharazukasa" is a place of worship said to be where Amamikiyo, the god who opened the Ryukyus, first set foot when landing on the main island of Okinawa.
It is one of the places of worship visited in the Agari Umaai pilgrimage, which tours the sacred sites east of Shuri Castle.
Because it lies in the sea, you can cross to it only at low tide.
Hamagawa Utaki
An utaki on the cliff at the northern end of Hyakuna Beach.
"Utaki" is a general term for sacred places called "mui," "ugan," "on" and similar names in the Okinawa region, and many are sacred areas at the center of a village's faith where village festivals are held.
This place is said to be where Amamikiyo stayed temporarily after landing at Yaharazukasa.
Highlights
・A relaxed beach where you can enjoy a private-beach feel
・A spectacular spot where sunrises look beautiful
・A power spot, the site of a Ryukyu Kingdom myth
Hyakuna Beach
Address: Hyakuna, Tamagusuku, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone: 098-948-4660
Inquiries: Nanjo City Tourism Association
Facilities: none
Fee: free admission
Website: https://www.kankou-nanjo.okinawa/enjoy/12/
Koki Beach (Nago City)
Connected to neighboring Kise Beach, this is a natural long beach with white sand stretching about 1 kilometer.
It is a coast where much nature remains, and casuarina trees grow thick behind the long sandy beach, passing on the original look of an Okinawan beach to this day.
With no man-made structures such as jellyfish nets or jet skis, it is a beach full of openness.
There is no restricted swimming area, so you can swim as far as you like. The water deepens gradually, so even families with children can feel at ease.
The water is relatively clear, and besides swimming you can also have barbecues and camp.
Because it is a little away from the center of the tourist area, its calm atmosphere is also a plus.
Highlights
・Easy to get to, and a convenient base for sightseeing in Nago City
・A natural long beach with continuous white sand
・Much of the nature remains, preserving the original look of an Okinawan beach
Koki Beach
Address: 674-1 Koki, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone: 0980-54-2567
Inquiries: Kise Park Management Office
Hours: April to September 9:00-19:00
October to March 8:00-19:00
Facilities: restrooms, showers, coin lockers, barbecue
Fee: free admission
Miibaru Beach (Nanjo City)
Nanjo City, home to Miibaru Beach, is in the southern part of the main island of Okinawa and is known for the World Heritage power spot "Sefa Utaki."
Miibaru Beach in Tamagusuku, Nanjo City, is just 40 minutes by car from Naha Airport, yet it is untouched by resort development, with simple Okinawan scenery and a popular hideaway feel.
Its appeal is that you can enjoy the open sea of true Okinawa, which is a little different from a man-made beach.
At the edge of the beach there are also large, strange rock formations of uplifted Ryukyu limestone, so you can enjoy a dynamic landscape too.
The emerald green sea is shallow with calm waves.
Small children can feel at ease here too.
Another attraction is the glass-bottom boat, which lets you look at coral and fish from above the sea.
Sefa Utaki
"Utaki" is a general term for sacred places found widely across the Nansei Islands.
Sefa Utaki appears in the Ryukyu creation legends and is regarded as the highest sacred place of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Inside the utaki there are six ibi (sacred areas), and it is said that the Ryukyu king prayed to the gods at these six places for national prosperity and peace, abundant harvests, safe voyages and more.
Highlights
・A hideaway spot with simple Okinawan scenery
・Safe for small children to play, so popular with families
・Enjoy the underwater world from a glass-bottom boat
Miibaru Beach
Address: 1599-6 Hyakuna, Tamagusuku, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone: 098-948-1103
Inquiries: Miibaru Marine Center
Hours: swimming possible year-round (depending on season and weather)
Swimming hours: 9:00-16:00
Facilities: public restrooms, showers, coin lockers, changing rooms
Showers and changing rooms available from Golden Week through the end of September
Fee: free admission
Conclusion
That was a selection of beaches hand-picked from among the many beaches of Okinawa. How did you like them?
One tip for making the most of Okinawa's beaches: to avoid crowds, aim for early morning or late afternoon.
Especially at beaches that have become tourist destinations, visiting at these times lets you spend a calm, quiet time.
Also, as more visitors come to Okinawa, there are more cases of trouble with local residents.
So that visitors and locals alike can enjoy themselves comfortably, please be considerate by respecting local rules, not leaving trash in the sea and protecting the natural environment.
Do that, and you will have a great time at any beach and come away with wonderful memories.
Okinawa has wonderful beaches besides the ones introduced here, so please go out and discover some for yourself.
May the time you spend in Okinawa's sea make your trip even more special.
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