Sun, Sand, and Sea: Top 10 Beaches to Visit in Okinawa
What is the Most Popular Beach in Okinawa?
Okinawa’s beaches are renowned for their stunning beauty, showcasing Japan’s deep connection with the sea. Located at the southernmost tip of Japan, Okinawa is a prime destination for beachgoers and marine sports enthusiasts, thanks to its warm, inviting climate.
The region’s waters are celebrated for their crystal-clear, emerald-green hue and pristine white sand beaches. This vivid color is due to the coral, which through photosynthesis purifies the seawater. The dazzling sand consists of coral fragments made of limestone. Discover the best beaches in Okinawa and the surrounding islands.
1. Naminoue Beach
A convenient city beach with safe swimming and seaside activities
Good for: Adventure, Families
Naminoue Beach is a short walk from Kokusai-dori (International Street), which is something of a hub for travelers and tourists. Naminoue Beach is one of the most accessible and enjoyable seaside destinations you’re likely to find. There isn’t a huge area for swimming, but there aren’t many waves either, so children can swim here with nothing to worry about.
There are facilities such as hot showers and toilets too, and with its proximity to the city, its convenience is a key advantage. There are also activities such as snorkeling and diving, and there’s a park around the beach where you can take a walk. This is a clean beach where you can relax, swim, read a book, or sunbathe.
Location: 1 Chome-25-9 Wakasa, Naha, Okinawa 900-0031, Japan
Naminoue Beach
2. Chatan Sunset Beach
Stunning sunsets and family-friendly barbeques await
Good for: Families, Food, Photo
Chatan Sunset Beach, located on the west side of the island, is one of Okinawa’s greatest sunset spots. The blue sea, the white sands, and the bright red sunset falling on the horizon are breathtakingly beautiful, producing unforgettable memories.
The waves are calm in the swimming beach area of the artificial bay, so children can swim in peace here. It’s also possible to have a BBQ on the beach. And you don’t need to bring your own equipment either, because everything you need (even foods to barbecue) is available right here. Locals and tourists love the fact that there are also shopping malls, restaurants, movie theaters, hot springs, and other amusement facilities nearby.
Location: 2 Mihama, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0115, Japan
Open: Hours vary by season
Chatan Sunset Beach
3. Mibaru Beach
Experiencing Okinawa’s natural beauty with family-friendly beach adventures
Good for: Adventure, Families
Mibaru Beach means “new beach” in the Okinawa dialect. Although it’s a 40-minute drive from Naha Airport, it’s well worth checking out as this is a special place that really captures Okinawa’s nature at its best. The beach is 500 meters long, the waters are shallow, and the waves are calm, so it’s hugely popular with families with children.
In addition to swimming in the sea, you can speed across the water in a banana boat, spot fish in the water from a glass-bottom boat, or take a tour of the famous “Blue Cave.” This is a natural beach where you can enjoy the open Okinawan seascape with your friends and family.
Location: Hyakuna-1599-6 Tamagusuku, Nanjo, Okinawa 901-0603, Japan
Mibaru Beach
4. Ishigakijima Sunset Beach
The beauty of Ishigaki Island
Good for: Adventure, Families, Photo
Of the many beaches on Ishigaki Island, one of the most beautiful has to be Ishigakijima Sunset Beach. This untouched beach is lined with blue, transparent waters and white sands, and it’s so beautiful that it’s even been used a movie location. Although it’s something of a hidden beach, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, such as snorkeling and banana boating.
There’s also a net to prevent habu jellyfish from entering, and of course there’s a lifeguard too, so families with young children have nothing to worry about. You’ll also find facilities such as showers, toilets, changing rooms, and shops, making this beach a good choice for those who want to spend their time in comfort.
Location: 234-323 Hirakubo, Ishigaki, Okinawa 907-0331, Japan
Open: Hours vary by season
Ishigakijima Sunset Beach
5. Kabira Bay
Ishigaki’s top scenic bay with stunning shades of blue
Good for: Families, Photo
Kabira Bay, a top attraction on Ishigaki Island, has been selected as one of the 100 Landscapes of Japan and boasts a three-star Michelin Green Guide rating. The waters here are so clear that the color of the water changes depending on the amount of light there is, producing a sea surface with multiple shades of breathtaking blue.
Nine uninhabited islands are scattered throughout the bay, and you can easily spend hours just looking at this photogenic scene. While swimming is prohibited due to strong tides and frequent tourist boats, visitors can explore the vibrant underwater world aboard a glass-bottom boat.
Kabira Bay
6. Yoshino Kaigan
A captivating underwater world awaits at Miyakojima’s eastern gem
Good for: Adventure, Families
Yoshino Kaigan, situated at the eastern tip of Miyakojima, is renowned for its pristine waters and vibrant coral reefs. As soon as you wade into the sea, you’re greeted by expansive coral formations that captivate visitors with their beauty, especially in the shallow waters. The beach is a popular destination for swimming and surfing, but it truly shines as a snorkeling hotspot.
Given the shallow waters, it’s advisable to check tide levels beforehand to ensure the best experience. With its breathtaking underwater scenery, Yoshino Kaigan offers an unforgettable escape into nature’s wonders.
Location: Aragusuku-15-38 Gusukube, Miyakojima, Okinawa 906-0102, Japan
Yoshino Kaigan
7. Maesato Beach
Family fun and crystal-clear adventures
Good for: Adventure, Families
Maesato Beach is the only artificial beach on Ishigaki Island. It features a smooth sandy beach without any rugged coral fragments, perfect for strolling. Known for its safety, it’s an ideal spot for families with young children to play without worry. It also features the Maesato Ocean Park where little ones can enjoy playing on seaside trampolines, see-saws, and slides.
The shallow, crystal-clear waters are ideal for snorkeling and sea walks, while activities like banana boating, jet skiing, and diving ensure there’s something for everyone.
Location: 354-1 Maezato, Ishigaki, Okinawa 907-0002, Japan
Maesato Beach
8. Akahaka Beach
The tranquil beauty of Okinawa’s hidden gem
Good for: Couples, History, Photo
Akahaka Beach, nestled in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa, is a serene retreat known for its aesthetic beauty rather than swimming. Named after the “red tomb” nearby, the beach holds historical significance linked to Uema Ochika, brother of Sho En, the first king of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
The beach’s tranquility and stunning transparency of its waters, praised by locals, are enhanced by coral rocks that create a mesmerizing light blue hue under sunlight. This rural haven, with its breathtaking blue gradients against white sand, offers a timeless escape from the everyday hustle.
Location: Shoshi, Nakijin, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0426, Japan
Akahaka Beach
9. Kariyushi Beach
Okinawa’s welcoming family-friendly retreat
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Families
Kariyushi Beach is the perfect family-friendly destination, offering safe swimming thanks to a jellyfish-prevention net, calm waves, and attentive beach staff. From thrilling marine sports like jet skiing and dragon boating to unique water experiences such as sea walks, there’s something for everyone.
For those who prefer to stay dry, glass-bottomed boat rides provide a glimpse into the vibrant underwater world. With rentable beach umbrellas and chairs, relaxation is easy. Although it’s a private beach belonging to Kariyushi Hotel, it’s accessible to all for a fee.
Location: 1996 Kise, Nago, Okinawa 905-0026, Japan
Open: Hours vary by season
Kariyushi Beach
10. Maehama Beach
Discovering the transparent sea known as Miyako Blue
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Maehama Beach on Miyakojima is celebrated as one of the Orient’s most stunning beaches, boasting fine white sand that complements the dazzling “Miyako Blue” sea. Stretching 7 km, this natural beach is free of pebbles and coral fragments, inviting barefoot strolls and a true southern island experience.
As the island’s premier beach, it offers convenient facilities like hotels, parking, showers, and shops. Without coral reefs, the sea is perfect for swimming and exciting marine activities like banana boating and jet-skiing. Beach huts provide a spot for BBQs, while the southwest location ensures breathtaking sunsets.
Location: Yonaha-1199, Shimoji, Miyakojima, Okinawa 906-0305, Japan
Maehama Beach
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