Top 15 most popular beaches in Okinawa! From hole-in-the-wall beaches to beaches near Naha Airport and hotels!

You must visit at least once! Introducing breathtakingly beautiful beaches in Okinawa!

 

Okinawa Prefecture is one of the best tourist prefectures in Japan, a place where you can enjoy the atmosphere of a tropical resort even though you are in Japan.

In particular, the main island of Okinawa, which includes Naha City, the prefectural capital, is a popular destination because of its convenient accessibility by a single flight from many parts of Japan and its many attractive locations.

There are many ways to enjoy a trip to the main island of Okinawa, but one of the main contents is playing in the ocean on the beautiful beaches.

For those who are planning or considering a trip to the main island of Okinawa, we would like to share with you various information about the beautiful beaches that you should visit at least once.

 

10 recommended beaches in Okinawa

 

Surrounded by beautiful seas on all sides, the main island of Okinawa is dotted with numerous attractive beaches, too numerous to list here and there on the island.

The sheer number of beaches is a factor that contributes to the wide range of tourist destinations, but when you are on the road with limited time, it is easy to get lost as to which beaches you should prioritize.

In this article, we have selected 10 beaches that are highly recommended.

Please check out the introduction and access methods below in order.

 

 Zanami Beach

 

The first beach we will introduce is Zanpa Beach, which features a location overlooking Cape Zanpa, which is popular as one of the most spectacular spots in the world.

The idyllic scene of well-maintained beautiful beaches, the sparkling clear blue ocean, and the surrounding sugarcane fields is a symbolic scene of Okinawa.

Although it is often mistakenly believed that there is a fee to use the beach because it is adjacent to the hotel, it is actually free of charge, so why not make it a priority to visit?

 

Access: It takes about one hour from Naha Airport via Route 58 toward Nago.

 

Sakimotobe Beach

 

Sakihonbu Beach is located south of Motobu Port in the northern part of Okinawa's main island and is a natural beach that is highly popular among both locals and tourists.

Sakihonbu Beach has a reputation for its excellent location, and many people are impressed the moment they see the shimmering ocean scene.

The tides are very gentle and the waves are few, making it a very suitable spot for snorkeling and other activities.

 

Access: From Naha Airport, via Okinawa Expressway, get off at "Xuda IC".

Follow the road for a total of two hours and you will be located right next to Churaumi Aquarium.

 

Sunset Beach

 

Sunset Beach, as the name of the beach implies, is known for its beautiful sunset scenery.

The scene of the tropical sun disappearing into the vast East China Sea, which had been shining brilliantly during the day, is fiery and beautiful, and you will encounter a spectacular view that will take your breath away and make you want to watch.

It is also a beautiful spot for star gazing after the sun has set, making it a beach that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, taking advantage of its location as well as the ocean itself.

 

Access: From Naha Airport, drive north on Route 58 and turn left at the Mihama intersection, and it takes about 40 minutes by car.

 

gorilla chop

 

The large rock called Gorilla Chop, located near the Sakimotobe Beach mentioned above, is one of the recommended spots to accompany the beach.

Gorilla Chop is not only a powerful rock, but it is also very attractive because of the large number of corals that live around the rock.

If you take a snorkeling tour and dive into the ocean, you will see numerous colorful corals.

 

Access: common with Sakimotobe Beach

 

anti-Beach

 

Sesoko Island, which is adjacent to the main island of Okinawa via a bridge and can be reached directly by car, has a relatively secluded beach named Anti Beach.

The beach is a natural beach, so you will encounter a location that is close to nature in its natural state, and by swimming and snorkeling, you will be able to feel the nature of Okinawa even more deeply.

It is a beautiful and easily accessible spot, but be prepared to wear marine shoes or other footwear because the coral and rocks are so rugged that walking barefoot can damage your feet.

 

Access: After getting off at the "Kusuda" IC via Okinawa Expressway, proceed from Route 58 to Route 449, and you will see the Sesoko Ohashi Bridge.

The Sesoko Island Park parking lot is located just across the bridge, and you will be able to go down to the beach from the stairs across the street.

 

Azama Sun Sun Beach

 

Opened in 2000 in Nanjo City, Azama Sun Sun Sun Beach is an artificial beach that has gained a reputation for its beautiful sight of a long stretch of shining white sandy beach.

The artificial beach is the only one with a well-developed environment, and its spacious location is the secret of its popularity, not only because of its sandy beach but also because of its large swimming area.

Not only swimming, but also marine activities and barbecues are popular, and the area is even equipped with barrier-free facilities, so everyone from children to the elderly can enjoy themselves with peace of mind.

 

Access: From Okinawa Expressway, get off at "Nambuhara Kita IC" and proceed to Route 329 and 331, then turn left at Chinen Azama Port to reach Azama Sun Sun Sun Beach.

 

Okuma Beach

 

If you want to use a beautifully maintained beach on the main island of Okinawa, we recommend using a private beach at a resort hotel, although an additional fee is required.

Okuma Beach is a long beach with nearly 1 km of natural white sand and faces the beautiful ocean, which has received the highest rating in a water quality survey by the Ministry of the Environment.

Since it is managed by a hotel, there are many types of activities, and you will be able to enjoy a wide variety of cruising and jet-type marine sports.

 

Access: Get off at the "Xuden IC" of Okinawa Expressway, and proceed from Route 329 to Nago East Road, then to Route 58 to reach Okuma Beach.

 

Nilai Beach

 

Nilai Beach is adjacent to the hotel, but is a casually accessible village beach and features a rich ecosystem fostered by the lack of excavation of the coral reef.

Although the footholds are unstable, this is more than compensated for by the fact that you will encounter a wide variety of underwater life, some of the best on the main island of Okinawa.

At low tide, when the water recedes, you can walk directly on the coral reefs. This is a spot where you can enjoy a different direction from other beaches and experience Okinawa's nature in a way that will satisfy your heart.

 

Access: Get off at the Okinawa Expressway "Okinawa Minami IC" and proceed about 18 km to reach the beach.

 

Hyakumei Beach

 

In addition to the beauty of the ocean and sandy beaches, you can also encounter the unusual pleasure of a power spot at Hyakuna Beach in the southern part of the main island of Okinawa.

In addition to the beautiful scenery of the beach, which still retains its original landscape, Hamagawa Utaki (Hamagawa Utaki), where Amamikyo, the god of the creation of Ryukyu, is believed to have lived, is located next to the beach.

This is a spot that reminds us of Okinawa's roots dating back to mythological times and may give you great power in combination with playing in the ocean.

 

Access: Take Route 331, turn right at the intersection with signs for "Niihara Beach" and "Hyakuna Beach," and follow the narrow road ahead of Niihara Beach until you reach the end of the road.

 

Beach51

 

For our tenth beach, we would like to change things up a bit and introduce you to Beach51, a photogenic beach that looks great on social media.

The most distinctive feature of this beach, also called Zaneh beach, is a spot called "Rock Window," where the rocks are shaped like a peephole.

You can see the blue ocean of Okinawa from the window of the rock, and if you sit on the window frame and take a picture, you will surely leave the best memory of your trip!

 

Access: Get off at the Okinawa Minami IC on the Okinawa Expressway, and then follow Route 58 to the Cape Maeda parking lot.

Beyond that, you will be able to reach the beach by taking a right on the branch return road on the farm road.

 

5 beaches with excellent access near Naha Airport and hotels

 

Accessibility is a major factor in the attractiveness of beaches on time-sensitive sightseeing trips.

By choosing beaches that are easily accessible from your base airport or hotel, you can save time and enjoy the Okinawan sea more efficiently.

In addition to the 10 beaches listed above, we have also selected 5 beaches that we recommend for their accessibility.

 

Beautiful Beach Itoman

 

The first beach with excellent accessibility that should be mentioned by name is Bibi Beach Itoman.

The strength of Bizami Beach Itoman lies in its accessibility, which is only 20 minutes from Naha Airport, the gateway to the main island of Okinawa.

Of course, it is also an excellent beach, a well-maintained and safe environment, complete with breakwaters and protective nets to keep the waves calm.

This beach is highly recommended, especially for tourists with children, who may find it too dangerous to play on regular beaches.

 

Access: From Naha Airport, take Route 331 south on the Oroku Bypass and turn right at the Senaga intersection.

 

Chatan Sunset Beach

 

Chatan Sunset Beach is the official name of the Sunset Beach introduced above, and we would like to mention it in this section because of its excellent accessibility.

It is characterized by its location adjacent to Mihama American Village, and its easy-to-follow path makes it easily accessible from Naha Airport and Naha City.

The sunsets and starry skies are beautiful, as mentioned above, and the beachside barbeques are also a great way to enjoy the experience.

If you want to visit an authentic beach without any hesitation, you should definitely set your sights on Chatan Sunset Beach.

 

Access: See Sunset Beach section above.

 

Orion ECO Chura SUN Beach

 

Orion ECO Chura SUN Beach, which we will introduce next, is a new man-made beach that was just built in Tomigusuku City in May 2010.

The beach is well managed and beautiful because it is a newly built beach, and with a total length of 700 meters, it is one of the best beaches in the prefecture.

Because it is adjacent to Toyosaki Seaside Park, it is possible to use the park's facilities together, and enjoy a wide range of active recreational activities such as swimming, cycling, and beach soccer.

Since Tomigusuku City is close to Naha Airport, it is highly recommended to make a sightseeing plan to visit this beach immediately after arriving at the main island of Okinawa.

 

Access From Naha Airport, take National Route 331, the Oroku Bypass, and drive south for about 15 minutes.

 

Moonbeach

Moon Beach, located in Onna Village, one of the best resort areas on the vast main island of Okinawa, is another popular beach due to its easy accessibility.

This beach is a natural beach and features a beautifully arched, arched shape that looks like a work of art.

The area has a strong demand for resorts, and the facilities around the beach are excellent, making it possible to enjoy ocean fun in a luxurious atmosphere if you make good use of them.

When you are making plans to enjoy a rich Okinawa vacation, you should definitely consider a visit to Moon Beach.

 

Access: From Naha Airport, via Okinawa Expressway, get off at Ishikawa IC, and head toward the west coast.

The time required is approximately 60 minutes.

 

 Kariyushi Beach

 

Kariyushi Beach, the fifth beach we will introduce, is another beach group located in the Onna Village area, as is Moon Beach.

This is a beach for those who want to have more active fun, and the presence of an ocean athletic facility is a major symbol of this beach.

There is also a swimming pool attached to the beach, making it a very useful spot for those who want to enjoy a calm and relaxing visit with their children.

Of course, the beach itself is clear and shallow, making it safe and easy to play on.

 

Access From Naha Airport, via Okinawa Expressway, exit at "Xuden IC" and shortly after get off at "Xuden IC".

The time required is approximately 1 hour.

 

Spectacular beaches on remote islands easily accessible from the main island of Okinawa

 

One of the attractions of the main island of Okinawa is its access to a group of remote islands located nearby.

Compared to the main island of Okinawa, which is a resort area with a sophisticated atmosphere and the developed metropolis of Naha City, the beaches of the smaller outlying islands have a different tranquility, beauty, and idyllic charm.

Below we have selected five beaches on remote islands that you should definitely visit via the main island of Okinawa.

All of them are attractive spots, so check them out if you want to enjoy Okinawa in a deeper way!

 

Mizuna Island] Mizuna Beach

 

Mizuna Island is one of the most popular of the remote islands accessible from the main island of Okinawa, and can be accessed in a short 15-minute drive from the main island.

Mizuna Beach, the main beach of Mizuna Island, is the first beach that visitors to the island will see, and is loved by many as the face of the island because of its beautiful scenery.

It is a beach with an excellent environment, and is a great spot for swimming as well as activities, combining the atmosphere of a remote island with the ease of play.

 

Kerama, Tokashiki Island] Awaren Beach

 

The next beach we will introduce, Aharen Beach, is the main beach of Tokashiki Island, which can be reached in about 35 minutes by high-speed boat from Naha.

Facing the emerald blue ocean, its spacious location and the clarity of the water that allows visitors to see directly under the sea are deeply entrancing.

The beach is popular not only for swimming, but also for snorkeling and other activities, and is a place where visitors can enjoy the best of Okinawa's ocean.

 

Tokashiki Island, Kerama] Tokashiki Beach

 

Next, I would like to introduce one more beach from Tokashiki Island where Awaren Beach is located, and that is Kakashi Beach, located in the center of the island.

Tokashiki Beach, with its arc-shaped topography, is a spot characterized by gentle waves, white sand, and colorful coral reefs in the clear waters.

The waters of Tokashiki Beach are also home to sea turtles, and if you participate in snorkeling, you can sometimes see the lovely sight of sea turtles in the clear waters.

The calm currents and safety of the ocean make this a safe spot for those with no snorkeling experience or children to enjoy this activity.

 

Kume Island] Hate no Hama

 

Located just off Kume Island, one of the remote island groups that make up Okinawa Prefecture, Hate-no-hama is a small uninhabited beach that boasts a paradise-like location.

The name Hate-no-hama is also used as a generic name for a group of three adjacent uninhabited islands, one of which is located on Hate-no-hama.

It covers an area as long as 7 km, and its shining white sandy beach, where no one but tourists set foot, has been called the most beautiful in the East.

The fact that the overall color changes finely depending on the way the sun hits the beach is also said to be a major attraction, and many people come back to this popular beach more than once, so be sure to check it out!

 

Zamami Island] Kozamami Beach

 

Last but not least, Kozamami Beach on Zamami Island has received a high rating of 2 stars in the Michelin Green Guide, a travel guide for foreigners.

The pure white coral-derived sand and the clear blue ocean are like jewels.

Kozamami Beach is a great place to swim, enjoy activities, and play freely, and is home to a large number of tropical fish.

If you are considering a beach vacation in Okinawa Prefecture, why not go for Kozamami Beach, which is highly regarded not only in Japan but also in other parts of the world?

 

What to do at the beach in Okinawa? Recommended Spending

 

The beautiful beaches of Okinawa are a sight to behold, and it is well worth the effort just to visit and take in the spectacle.

However, if you have come all the way to Okinawa Prefecture, which is far from the mainland, you may want to enjoy beach tourism in the best possible way.

Because beaches offer a high degree of freedom in terms of how to play, it is easy to get lost when you visit.

In the following sections, we have listed a wide range of recommended ways to spend time on Okinawa's beaches, from relaxing to active.

Please refer to this page to find the best way to spend your time.

 

Relaxing swimming in the sea

 

As with beaches throughout Japan, swimming is one of the most popular ways to enjoy beaches in Okinawa Prefecture.

Swimming does not require a great deal of enthusiasm; simply soaking your body in the beautiful, clear water and enjoying the location is guaranteed to be a wonderful experience.

Even if you are not a good swimmer, choosing a beach with calm waves and playing mainly in shallow water will allow you to get in the mood for a good swim.

 

beachcombing

 

Beachcombing is a term used to describe a playful way of collecting driftwood and other debris washed up from the sea on the beach.

The name may sound like a special way to play, but in essence, it is a way to take a leisurely stroll along a beautiful beach and look at what is falling around your feet.

Many of Okinawa's beaches are filled with beautiful white sand, and a moment of beachcombing in the ocean breeze will give you the most peaceful feeling.

 

BBQ

 

Enjoying BBQ on the beach has taken root as one major culture among people living in Okinawa.

Of course, there are also many beaches that rent BBQ sets for tourists, and BBQ enjoyed in a beautiful location may taste several times better than usual.

Why don't you enjoy BBQ on the beach in the Okinawan style?

 

photography

If you have visited the beautiful blue ocean of Okinawa, you should definitely be aware of the photography that will make your trip memorable.

In this day and age of improved smartphone camera capabilities, it is easy to take our own photos anywhere, but participating in a photo tour is also recommended!

Having your photo taken by a professional in a great location in Okinawa will leave you with a great photo that will look great on social networking sites.

 

marine sports

 

If you are going to enjoy Okinawa's beaches in an aggressive manner, why not participate in tropical marine sports?

A wide variety of marine sport tours are offered on and near the beach, making it easy to enjoy an exhilarating experience.

A wide variety of marine sports such as banana boats, marine jets, marbles, and flyboards are available, and we encourage you to actively consider trying them.

 

snorkeling

 

Among the many types of activities that allow visitors to experience Okinawa's ocean with their whole bodies, snorkeling is the most popular and beloved of all marine activities.

By wearing a snorkel and fins, you will have much more freedom of movement in the water and will be able to enjoy a much more comfortable underwater swim than usual.

We invite you to experience snorkeling in Okinawa and enjoy encounters with adorable tropical fish, sea turtles, coral, and other sea creatures!

 

summary

In this issue, we have provided information on a number of attractive beaches for those who are considering a trip to the main island of Okinawa.

We have featured 20 beaches from the main island of Okinawa and the surrounding islands, but there are still more beaches that could not be mentioned in this article alone.

It would be interesting to visit not just one, but many beaches and find your own favorite beach.

We hope this article will be of some help to you during your sightseeing trip to the deeply attractive main island of Okinawa.

Thank you for taking the time to read this to the end.