When can we start enjoying the Okinawan sea this year? Introducing popular beaches and Okinawan ocean fun

Enjoy the Okinawan sea 120%!

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan is Okinawa Prefecture, the southernmost prefecture in the country.

Located farther southwest than Kyushu, Okinawa's remote island environment is unique and offers the atmosphere of a tropical resort, but of course, since it is in Japan, no passport is required.

Today, Okinawa Prefecture is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan, but it was once the Kingdom of Ryukyu, where a culture different from that of Japan was built.

Even today, remnants of that culture continue to be passed down from generation to generation, and you can feel a strong sense of the climate, which is different from that of the mainland.

The main content of a sightseeing trip to Okinawa Prefecture is the beautiful blue ocean that only a tropical country can offer.

Okinawa is a land of innumerable attractive elements, but one cannot talk about tourism to Okinawa without mentioning the ocean.

In this issue, we will provide a variety of information for those who are considering a trip to Okinawa Prefecture to fully enjoy the Okinawan sea.

 

When does the ocean open?

The first thing to grasp in order to enjoy the ocean is when it opens.

While just wandering around the beach is a great way to enjoy the location of the ocean, if you have gone all the way to Okinawa, you may want to enjoy swimming in the ocean.

However, if you travel at a time when the ocean is not open for the season, you may suffer the disadvantage of not being able to enjoy swimming in the ocean.

In the mainland, from Kyushu to Tohoku, many areas open the sea from June to July, although there is some variation, and the swimming season continues until the end of August.

So, is it the same in Okinawa?

Unlike mainland Japan, all of Okinawa Prefecture has a subtropical climate, which means that the year-round temperatures are quite different from those on the mainland.

As a result, the average temperature never drops below 20°C even in the middle of winter, and some people even wear short sleeves throughout the year.

This is why, to our surprise, the sea opens as early as March in Okinawa Prefecture.

And since the bathing season lasts until mid-October, visitors can continue to enjoy swimming in the sea for more than half the year!

Thus, the ability to make travel plans for swimming not only during the summer months is one of the major factors supporting the popularity of tourism in Okinawa Prefecture.

 

When to enjoy the Okinawan sea

So, is it not possible to enjoy the Okinawan sea outside of the open season?

As it turns out, this is never the case.

The clear blue waters of Okinawa Prefecture are characterized by their transparency, and just looking at them will give you a relaxing and calming experience.

Even during the season when swimming is prohibited, it is possible to go into the sea by participating in activities.

Many of the activities are basically year-round, so the beauty of the Okinawan sea can be enjoyed year-round through a variety of means.

 

 Recommended by local staff! 10 recommended beaches on the main island of Okinawa

Okinawa Prefecture is home to many fascinating islands, but the main island of Okinawa, with its capital, Naha City, is probably the most popular travel destination.

Although the number of tourists has declined in recent years due to social conditions, at its peak before that, more than 10 million people visited the main island of Okinawa throughout the year.

When traveling to the main island of Okinawa, many people are puzzled by the choice of beach.

The main island of Okinawa is a large remote island surrounded by the sea on all sides, and the topography of the island means that beaches are scattered throughout the island.

With so many beaches to choose from, it is easy to get lost on a sightseeing trip and not know which one to go to.

So as not to waste your time getting lost in your destination, we would like to pick up 10 beaches recommended by our local staff.

 

Sesoko Beach

The first beach I would like to introduce is Sesoko Beach, a popular beach located on an island called Sesoko Island.

An island that was billed as a beach on the main island of Okinawa, but is suddenly another island? You may wonder why Sesoko Island is adjacent to the main island of Okinawa and connected to it by the Sesoko Ohashi Bridge.

The Sesoko Ohashi Bridge, with a total length of 762 meters, can be easily accessed by car, and its main attraction is that it allows visitors to enjoy the atmosphere of a remote island at ease.

From Naha Airport, take the Okinawa Expressway to the "Xuden IC" and follow the coastal road toward Nago City.

After crossing the bridge, follow the road to the back of the island to reach Sesoko Beach.

Okinawa is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan, which means that popular beaches tend to be crowded during the tourist season.

Sesoko Beach is a long beach that stretches for about 800 meters, and thanks to its size, it is not overcrowded even during the tourist season.

Of course, the beach is renowned for the beauty of the ocean, and its location on the western edge of the island makes it an excellent place to watch the sun set.

With restrooms, showers, and changing rooms, and a lifeguard on duty, this beach is a safe and comfortable place to play, and is definitely worth considering a visit.

 

Manza Beach

Next, I would like to introduce Manza Beach, which is popular for its view of Manzamo, one of the most scenic spots on the main island of Okinawa.

If you get off at the "Yaka IC" on the Okinawa Expressway, it will take about 10 minutes to get there.

Manza Beach is one of only three beaches in the prefecture to receive this high rating from the Ministry of the Environment.

It is considered a paid beach endorsed by the Ministry of the Environment, so to speak, and you will be able to enjoy an excellent location with beautiful corals spreading in the sea.

The beach is managed by the ANA Intercontinental Manza Beach Resort, so you will be happy to know that a well-maintained environment is always available.

The location is easy to play with children, making it a good spot for everyone.

The variety of activities also makes this an excellent beach for a wide range of enjoyment.

 

Kouri Beach

The third beach I would like to introduce, Kouri Beach, is a popular beach located on Kouri Island, which, like Sesoko Beach, can be reached via a bridge.

From the "Xuda IC" on the Okinawa Expressway, drive north on National Road 58, then turn onto Prefectural Road 110 and continue on to reach a bridge called the Kouri Ohashi Bridge.

After crossing the child bridge, which is 1960 meters long and the longest bridge in Japan that can be crossed for free, Kouri Beach spreads out at the entrance of Kouri Island.

The beach is characterized by its shallow waters and safety features such as jellyfish nets installed in summer, and the blue of the ocean, known as "Kouri blue," is also a must-see.

The beach is conveniently located near a parking lot and souvenir shops, as well as other facilities necessary for swimming.

However, since this is one of the most popular beaches on the main island, be aware that it tends to be crowded during the summer vacation period.

It is also popular for viewing the star-filled sky as night falls, and it may be interesting to visit to see the different faces of the sky at different times of the day.

 

Alaha Beach

Okinawa today is characterized by a unique culture fostered by a mixture of aspects inherited from the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom and those influenced by the United States.

One beach that has gained popularity for its Americanized atmosphere is Alaha Beach, located just a few minutes' walk from Chatan American Village.

From Naha Airport, you can reach the beach by heading north on Route 58, turning left at the Chatan Minami intersection, and then right at the end of the road.

The symbol of the park is the Indian Oak, which resembles a large ship, and the location of the promenade along the ocean is just like overseas.

The beach is equipped with toilets, showers, lockers, concession stands, jellyfish nets, and lifeguards, making it an easy place to play regardless of the situation.

The beach is also a popular place to enjoy barbecues, so why not experience what it feels like to travel abroad?

 

Zanami Beach

Zanpa Beach is located near Cape Zanpa, one of the most scenic spots in the world, and features a location where the cape can be seen from the beach.

If you follow Route 58 from Naha Airport and drive for about an hour toward Nago, you will be able to reach the beach without getting lost.

Because the beach is adjacent to the hotel, some people are sometimes put off by the thought that there is a fee to use the beach, but this beach can be used free of charge.

The beach is well maintained and the ocean facing it is a sparkling clear blue.

The beach is surrounded by sugarcane fields, and depending on the season, visitors may be able to enjoy the swaying of the sugarcane fields in the sea breezes.

Another important point not to be missed is that you can also visit Cape Saganami.

On the cape stands a symbolic white lighthouse, and if you climb up to the top of the lighthouse, you can see the magnificent East China Sea, making it a spot where you can experience the beauty of the Okinawan landscape as much as possible.

 

Moonbeach

The main island of Okinawa covers a very large area, and there are a number of popular tourist areas on the island.

Moon Beach is one of the most popular resorts in Onna Village, which attracts many tourists.

Moon Beach is also easily accessible: it takes about one hour from Naha Airport via the Okinawa Expressway, getting off at the Ishikawa IC, and then heading toward the west coast.

The name "Moon Beach" refers to the beautifully arched shape of the beach, and although it is a natural beach, the topography is so beautiful that it appears to have been artificially created.

The variety of facilities around the beach is another attraction of this location, and there is no shortage of places to eat and rest.

Even if your travel schedule tends to be hectic, a visit to Moon Beach is sure to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

We invite you to make Moon Beach a part of your travel plans and enjoy a moment of luxury.

 

Orion ECO Chura SUN Beach

Next, I would like to introduce a new beach that was built relatively recently on the main island of Okinawa.

One attraction of Orion ECO Chura SUN Beach, established in 2010 as an artificial beach in Tomigusuku City, is its long length of 700 meters.

The beach is also one of the best maintained beaches in the prefecture, as it is an artificial beach that has only been completed for a short period of time.

Another factor contributing to its popularity is its easy accessibility, which can be reached simply by driving south on Route 331's Oroku Bypass from Naha Airport for about 15 minutes.

In addition to the beauty of the ocean, the area is adjacent to a park called Toyosaki Seaside Park, which offers a variety of ways to play, including walking and cycling in the park.

It is also popular as a barbecue spot, and sets that can be enjoyed without anything are available. How about tasting the unique Okinawan culture of barbecue on the beach?

 

Sunset Beach

Surrounded by the sea on all four sides, east, west, south, and north, Okinawa's west coast is the direction with the most popular beaches.

The west coast offers a romantic scene as the tropical sun sets over the horizon.

One of the best beaches for viewing such a sunset scene is Sunset Beach, located in Chatan.

From Naha Airport, take Route 58 north, then turn left at the Mihama intersection, which takes about 40 minutes.

It is adjacent to a spot called Mihama American Village, so it will be hard to get lost with landmarks.

Just before the glorious sun slowly disappears into the East China Sea, the Okinawan sea turns a fiery bright orange.

If you take in such a spectacular view from Sunset Beach, the sight will surely remain in your memories forever.

It is also known for its beautiful starry sky at night, making it an attractive beach for both day and night.

 

gorilla chop

Gorilla Chop, which I will introduce next, is the name commonly given to a particular large rock.

Gorilla Chop is located right next to Sakihonbu Beach, so it is precisely Sakihonbu Beach that we will introduce, but it is often referred to by the name of its symbolic rock.

This spot is located near the famous Churaumi Aquarium, which can be reached by following the road from Naha Airport after getting off at the "Xuda IC" via the Okinawa Expressway.

The beaches are safe with calm tides and a large amount of coral colonies around Gorilla Chop.

This makes it a popular spot for snorkeling, and it is also a good beach for beginners to try their first activity.

It is one of the most popular beaches not only for tourists but also for local residents.

 

 Azama Sun Sun Beach

Azama Sun Sun Beach, located in the southeastern part of Okinawa's main island, is an artificial beach that has gained popularity for its diverse activity experiences.

It is adjacent to Ajama Port, where ferries to Kutaka Island, also known as God's Island, depart, and can be reached by taking National Routes 329 and 331 after exiting the Okinawa Expressway at the Minabehara Kita IC.

One of the attractions of Azama Sunsun Beach is not only its beautiful sparkling white sandy beach, but also its large swimming area.

While beaches in Okinawa tend to be densely populated during the high tourist season (summer vacation, etc.), you can enjoy your time here in a relatively relaxed manner.

Azama Sun Sun Beach is also known as a spot where various marine activities are actively held.

The use of gas and charcoal is permitted, making it a popular barbecue spot as well.

This is a barrier-free spot, so visitors of all ages can enjoy it with peace of mind.

 

5 Spectacular Beaches on Remote Islands that can be Visited from the Main Island of Okinawa

Okinawa Prefecture is made up of nearly 700 islands scattered over a wide area of ocean, and some islands are separated from each other by hundreds of kilometers, even though they are in the same prefecture.

For this reason, many people may think that a trip to Okinawa Prefecture is basically a trip to sit back and enjoy just one island.

In fact, however, there are some islands and islets that are easily accessible, especially from the main island of Okinawa, which provides smooth access to several outlying islands.

Below we will introduce five superb beaches located on remote islands that can be reached from the main island of Okinawa, so let's take a look at them in order.

 

Hate no Hama, Kumejima Island

Hate-no-hama, which can be accessed from Kume Island via cruising tours, is the name given to a grouping of three uninhabited islands: Menuhama, Nakano Beach, and Hatinu Beach.

It is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the prefecture, and the sight of the pure white sand piled up from minute coral fragments is absolutely fantastic.

Many tours to Hate's Beach are combined with activities such as snorkeling and diving, and are highly popular.

The waters of Hate-no-hama are glowing emerald green, and the underwater scenery is extremely clear.

Divers equipped with snorkels and other equipment can dive into the ocean and enjoy interacting with tropical fish, coral, sea turtles, and other beautiful underwater creatures.

Although cruising may sound like a hurdle, it is actually something that can be easily participated in.

If you go all the way to Kume Island, why not add a little extra effort and visit Hate-no-Hama?

Click here for Hate no Hama Tour

 

Kerama Tokashiki Island, Awaren Beach

Next, let me introduce you to the main beach of Tokashiki Island, Aharen Beach.

Abaren Beach is known as a long beach, extending approximately 800 meters in length, and its vast location will greatly stir up the feeling of traveling to a southern land.

The sea of the Kerama Islands is so blue that it is called "Kerama blue," and the beauty of the long beach facing such blue sea is beyond description.

Abaren Beach is not just a straight stretch of sand, but is characterized by gentle waves thanks to its gently curved, arched shape.

The terrain is not only beautiful but also suitable for swimming, and children will be able to visit with ease.

Of course, the underwater world is teeming with coral and tropical fish, and their beauty is sure to take your breath away.

The beach is equipped with restrooms and stores, and many activities are held there, making it one of the beaches that we recommend loudly.

Click here for Abaren Beach Tour

 

Tokashiki Beach, Tokashiki Island, Kerama

Next, I would like to introduce another beach on Tokashiki Island, Tokashiku Beach.

Like Awaren Beach, Tokashiku Beach is a beautiful beach facing the Keramas blue ocean, but it also has a different charm.

Tokashiku Beach is known as one of the best spots for sea turtles in the prefecture, and the fine white sand and gentle waves are very suitable for them to live.

You will have a high probability of seeing them swimming in the sea, as well as living on the beach.

Of course, not only can you see sea turtles, but you can also try snorkeling, diving, and a variety of other activities.

Located in the center of Tokashiki Island, the road is easy to find, and easy access is one of the charms of Tokashiki Beach.

Click here for Tokashiku Beach Tour

 

Kozamami Beach, Zamami Island

The Kozamami Beach on Zamami Island is one of the most highly rated beaches not only in Japan, but also from overseas.

The beach is rated extremely highly by the Michelin Green Guide Japon, a travel guide for foreigners, and attracts a steady stream of visitors.

The coral sand, which is white sand derived from coral, stretches about 3 km long, and when the sun shines on the white sand, it shimmers beautifully, dazzling the eye.

The water is said to be one of the clearest in the Kerama Islands, which have a reputation for beautiful water quality, and you will be able to see tropical fish even from the surf.

Many families visit the beach because it is a place where small children, who are not yet old enough to swim in the ocean, can enjoy the unique beauty of Okinawa.

Note only that it is a slight 20-minute walk from the port, and you may want to consider taking a cab in mid-summer when there is a risk of heat stroke.

Click here for tours on Zamami Island

 

Mizuna Island, Mizuna Beach

Lastly, we would like to introduce Mizuna Beach on Mizuna Island, a remote island accessible by a mere 15-minute boat ride from the main island of Okinawa.

Mizuna Beach is the main beach on the island and is adjacent to the pier where the boats arrive, so there is no need to worry about access at all.

The waters around Mizuna Island are rich in coral, and the clear waters are characterized by the effect of the coral's water purification properties.

The quality of the sand at Suina Beach is also extremely good, and when you walk barefoot, you will feel the pleasant sensation of the fine sand caressing your feet.

Some beaches in Okinawa have sand that is painful and difficult to walk on without sandals, but you don't have to worry about that at all at Mizuna Beach.

A jellyfish waterproof net makes swimming safe and enjoyable, and the presence of a lifeguard makes for a perfect safety environment.

Anyway, it is a very popular beach, so keep in mind the large crowds during the high tourist season.

Click here for Mizuna Island Tour

 

8 recommended activities to enjoy the Okinawan sea

We hope that our introduction so far has given you some idea of the major beaches in Okinawa Prefecture.

Of course, there are many other attractive beaches, but if you are on a sightseeing tour with a limited itinerary, just visiting the above beaches should be enjoyable enough.

Then, the next thing you may be wondering about is how to enjoy the beach.

Of course, you can enjoy the Okinawan sea just by swimming and beachcombing, but if you want to get a deeper taste of Okinawa, we recommend participating in various activities.

Here we have selected eight activities that you should definitely try during your trip to Okinawa, so let's check them out in order.

 

snorkeling

One of the most popular marine activities in Okinawa Prefecture is snorkeling, in which visitors enjoy swimming in the beautiful ocean while wearing a snorkel.

A snorkel is a set of underwater glasses and a breathing tube, which allows the wearer to breathe without having to raise his or her face above the surface of the sea.

You will be able to open your eyes and see the underwater landscape without worrying about the seawater, and you will marvel at the clarity of the Okinawan sea.

The use of fins on the feet also greatly increases propulsion in the water, allowing for greater maneuverability than bare diving.

Even in the season when the temperature drops a little, you can participate without feeling cold by wearing a rash guard or wetsuit, so why not consider participating?

 

diving

Diving is a highly popular diving activity paired with snorkeling.

Divers carry oxygen tanks on their backs, wear regulators, and wear various other equipment before diving deeper into the ocean.

Unlike snorkeling, where you breathe through a snorkel near the surface of the ocean, here you do not need to hold your breath thanks to an oxygen tank.

Although this activity normally requires a license, it is possible to enjoy the experience of diving in Okinawa under the guidance of a professional instructor.

The mystical feeling of becoming one with the Okinawan sea is something you should definitely try.

 

sea kayak

The term "kayak" refers to a small canoe-like boat, which can accommodate up to two people and is operated using paddles.

Some people have an image that paddling a boat with a paddle is difficult and strenuous, but in reality, the hurdle to participate in sea kayaking is not high.

Due to their structure, kayaks are very easy to control and are not prone to capsizing.

Women and the elderly can easily paddle the boat, and since life jackets are worn while riding, there is no need to worry about swimming in case the boat capsizes.

The ability to settle down close to the surface of the ocean and gaze out at the sparkling sea is a different kind of attraction from other activities.

 

SUP

SUP stands for stand-up paddleboarding, an activity where one stands directly on a large surfboard or a board specially designed for SUP and paddles through the water using a paddle.

Standing on the board may seem daunting, but in fact the board is so stable that even beginners will quickly get used to it.

SUP is an activity born in Hawaii, and it is highly effective for fitness by strengthening the core through the movement of standing on the surface of the water with only a board, which is something you don't do in your daily life.

When viewed from the beach, it looks as if you are standing directly on the surface of the ocean, so if you have your picture taken, you are sure to get one that will look great on social networking sites.

Another attraction of SUP is that activities are held at various times of the day, and you can enjoy a wide range of locations with great views of the sunrise, sunset, and starry sky.

 

parasailing

The variety of activities in Okinawa's waters is not limited to enjoying the ocean and underwater locations.

Parasailing is an activity in which a high-speed motorboat is used to pull a parachute through the air.

The main point of this activity is that it is conducted with the full support of experienced instructors, so safety is also ensured.

Parasailing in the blue sky of Okinawa will give you a taste of the beautiful scenery from above.

Covering the scenery from three different locations (land, sea, and air) will surely make your Okinawa sightseeing memories deeper and more vivid.

 

marine sports

If you want to enjoy the Okinawan sea with high spirits as if you were at a resort, why not try marine sports?

The term "marine sports" refers to activities such as banana boats and marine jets, which allow visitors to experience the experience of sailing through the water at breakneck speed.

Marine sports are popular around Onna Village, one of the best resort areas on the main island of Okinawa, and marine sports in the beautiful ocean are exhilarating!

A wide variety of other marine sports, such as marbling and flyboarding, are also available, so you will be able to choose the one you prefer and try it.

If you are planning to spend plenty of time on the beach, it might be interesting to try to conquer all the marine sports!

 

Beach Yoga

Yoga, which has its roots in Indian religious culture, has become a widely accepted form of exercise in Japan.

Many people may have tried or are interested in this challenge, as there is a wide range of opportunities available, from specialized classes to simple courses at community centers and other facilities.

On the main island of Okinawa, yoga can be enjoyed in beautiful beach locations.

Some people may have a difficult image of yoga, but at Beach Yoga, even beginners can participate as a casual exercise.

Attempting yoga in the great outdoors will help you achieve even deeper relaxation, so we recommend that you first actively participate.

 

photo tour

The beautiful locations of Okinawa will be burned into your mind as vivid memories that you will never forget once you have seen them.

However, there are many people who would like to preserve the scenery of Okinawa they have visited.

Nowadays, anyone can easily take pictures using a smartphone, so why not join a photo tour where you can leave behind high quality photos taken by professionals?

In the photo tour, you can choose from a variety of unique plans such as mermaid experience, drone photography, and starlight photography, and get the best photos while having fun.

You are guaranteed to be impressed by technical photography that only professionals can do, such as shooting from high altitude using a drone and shooting with a starry sky in the background, which is difficult to reflect in a photograph!

We encourage you to take advantage of our photo tours to capture your best memories.

 

summary

For those who are considering a trip to Okinawa Prefecture, we have recommended beaches and activities on the main island of Okinawa.

In any case, it is easy to get lost in the many options available, so the key to a successful trip to Okinawa is to acquire a lot of information in advance and plan well in advance.

We hope you will make full use of the information in this article to enjoy the charms of the main island of Okinawa without regret in the limited time you have for your trip.

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