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13 Most Beautiful Beaches in Okinawa (And Where They Are)
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Okinawa is a renowned area for travel, holding many of the most beautiful beaches in Japan and the world. This article suggests 13 stunning beaches, activities you can enjoy at these locations with white sand and crystal blue waters, and how to get there.
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This is the official account of MATCHA's editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.
Okinawan Beaches, Highly-Regarded for their Beauty
Spend your vacation on a sandy beach in Okinawa Prefecture
Okinawa is a prominent Japanese resort area, blessed with a warm climate throughout the year. There are many beautiful, world-renowned beaches on Okinawa's islands. The peak temperature in March and April is around 20-25°C or 68-77°F, and some days can hit up to 30°C or 86°F, even in October. The beaches open on different days, so check in advance for some peace of mind.
Continue reading to learn thirteen recommended beaches in Okinawa, how to best enjoy them, and how to get to them via car and public transportation.
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Okinawa Island (Northern Area)
1. Manza Beach
Manza Beach
Manza Beach, one of the most famous beaches in Okinawa, is located on the ANA Intercontinental Manza Beach Resort known for its clear blue waters. With parasailing, diving and other activities, the beach is patronized by many visitors
Manza Beach
Address: Okinawa, Kunigami, Onna-son, Serakaki 2260
Google Map
Access: From Naha Airport, 80 minutes by car. 100 minutes via airport limousine bus (1700 yen).
Homepage: ANA Intercontinental
2. Emerald Beach
Picture courtesy of OCVB
Emerald Beach is located in Kaiyohaku Park, next to the popular Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. The beach has white sandy beaches, and just like the name, the emerald green sea stretches out across the horizon. At beachfront stores, you can rent items like parasols and life preservers.
You can use the showers for free. Of course, you can take a dip in the water, but it’s beautiful even to just gaze at the ocean. Be sure to drop by after you’ve been to the aquarium.
Emerald Beach
Address: Okinawa, Motobucho, Ishikawa 424 (inside Kaiyohaku Park) Google Map
Access: From Naha Airport, two hours by car (on the highway). Two hours and 15 minutes via airport limousine bus (2500 yen), get off at the Kinen Koen bus stop.
Homepage: Kaiyohaku
3. Okuma Beach
Picture courtesy of OCVB
Okuma Beach is a beach with natural white sand stretching for one kilometer. This is a beach where you can spend the day playing in the sand with family and take in a gorgeous sunset in the evening.
Okuma
Address: Okinawa, Motobu, Kunimura, Okuma 913 Google Map
Access: From Naha Airport, 100 minutes by car (on the highway). Highway Bus [111] bound for the Nago Bus Terminal, and switch at the Nago Bus Terminal. Okinawa Bus [67] Hentona Line bound for Hentona Bus Terminal, get off at Okuma Beach stop. Three and a half hours (3,140 yen).
Homepage: Okuma
Okinawa Island (Central Area)
4. Zanpa Beach
Picture courtesy of OCVB
Zanpa Beach is near a steep 30-meter cliff, the Zanpa Cape. The cobalt blue sea is very impressive. While small, you can enjoy marine sports like riding water scooters.
Zanpa Beach
Address: Okinawa, Nakagami, Yomitanson, Uza 1933 Google Map
Access: From Naha Bus Terminal to Yomitan Bus Terminal, 90 minutes by bus (1080 yen), 30 minutes from Yomitan Bus Terminal on foot
Homepage: Yomitan
5. Moon Beach
Picture courtesy of OCVB
Attached to Hotel Moon Beach, Moon Beach got its name from its bow shape resembling a crescent moon. The roughly 350 palm trees and the natural sandy white beach allows its visitors to enjoy a tropical feeling. You can also reserve a picnic tour at Hotel Moon Beach on the uninhabited island of Yo. In addition to snorkeling and barbecuing, you can enjoy relaxing in a swaying hammock.
Moon Beach
Address: Okinawa, Motobu, Onnason, Maeganeku 1203 Google Map
Access: From Naha Airport, 50 minutes by car. 65 minutes by airport limousine bus (1,500 yen), get off at Hotel Moon Beach.
Homepage: Moon Beach
6. Sunset Beach
Picture courtesy of OCVB
Sunset Beach at Chatanchoumihama, bustling with young people, is a popular hangout for locals. As the name implies, the sight of the setting sun is quite romantic. The nearby shopping mall and onsen facility let you enjoy more than just the beach. The Ferris wheel at the shopping mall is also famous.
Sunset Beach
Address: Okinawa, Nakagami, Chatanchoumihama 2 Google Map
Access: From Naha Airport, one hour via airport limousine bus (800 yen), get off at The Beach Tower Okinawa
Homepage: Sunset Beach
Recommended Beaches on Okinawa Island (South Area)
7. Bibi Beach Itoman
Picture courtesy of OCVB
Bibi Beach Itoman, in front of the Southern Beach Hotel, has excellent access from the airport. There are places to barbecue along the beachside, and there are services which can provide you with appropriate equipment and ingredients. Twice a day, you can visit the uninhabited island of Ukaha, where there are whale fossils, on an adventure tour.
Bibi Beach Itoman
Address: Okinawa, Itoman, Nishizaki 1-6-15 Google Map
Access: From the Naha Bus Terminal Yui Rail Akamine Ekimae stop, take Okinawa Bus 89 on the Itoman Line (25 minutes, 450 yen). Get off at Itoman and take a taxi for five minutes or walk for 40 minutes.
Homepage: Bibi Beach Itoman
8. Azama Sansan Beach
Picture courtesy of OCVB
Azama Sansan Beach, next to the Azama Port in Nanjo City, is famous with locals and tourists alike due to its clear waters and white sand. It is also replete with marine sports like banana boating, half-pipes, and Big Mable boating. It feels great to experience the thrill of gliding over beautiful waters at high speed.
Azama Sansan Beach
Address: Okinawa, Nanjo, Chinen Azama 1141-3 Google Map
Access: From Naha Airport, 50 minutes by car. From Naha Bus Terminal, one hour on Toyo Bus 38, get off at the Azama Sansan Beach stop (780 yen).
Homepage: Azama
Beaches on Uninhabited Islands
9. Furuzamami Beach on Zamami Island
Picture courtesy of Zamami
Furuzamami Beach is a beach with clear blue waters, 50-70 minutes from Naha by high-speed ferry. In addition to snorkeling, diving, and other activities, we recommend trying the kayaking. Look into the sea and you can see coral and tropical fish. From May 17, 2018, some areas have been made off-limits for swimming due to coral conservation. Be sure to check where you can swim when you arrive. Visitors who love the ocean and want to fully enjoy their time can camp and stay in cottages on the island.
Furuzamami Beach
Address: Okinawa, Shimajiri, Zamami, Zamami 1743 Google Map
Access: From Naha Tomari port, take the high-speed Queen Zamami ferry for 50-70 minutes (3,140 yen). The Ferry Zamami is 90-120 minutes (2,120 yen). Click for details.
Homepage: http://www.vill.zamami.okinawa.jp/
10. Yonahamaehama Beach (Miyakojima)
Picture courtesy of Miyakojima Library
Yonahamaehama Beach in Miyakojima stretches for seven kilometers and is said to have the whitest sand in the Pacific. The shallow of the beach is beautifully transparent and you can see the island of Kurimajima, nine kilometers in circumference, across the water. The 1690-meter bridge that stretches across to Kurimajima is the longest on Miyakojima.
Yonahamaehama Beach
Address: Okinawa, Miyakojima, Shimojiyonaha 1199 Google Map
Access: 15 minutes from Miyako Airport by car
Homepage: Miyako
11. Ishigakijima Sunset Beach (Ishigaki Island)
Picture courtesy of OCVB
At Ishigakijima Sunset Beach, you can get your fill of nature. With fish and squid swimming about in the clear waters, you can enjoy here snorkeling, too. The shower, toilet, and changing facilities are available for 500 yen (250 yen for children). There are also plenty of places to eat as well as rental shops nearby.
Ishigakijima Sunset Beach
Address: Okinawa, Ishigaki, Hirakubo 234-323 Google Map
Access: 40 minutes from Shin-Ishigaki Airport by car
Homepage: https://www.i-sb.jp/?lang=en
12. Kondoi Beach (Taketomi Island)
Kondoi Beach, Taketomi Island
Okinawa’s original scenery still remains on Taketomi Island, with rows of homes with red brick roofs and oxcarts in the streets. Kondoi Beach has clear waters and calm waves in the shallows, making it popular with families. Kaiji Beach is five minutes away by car, with star-shaped sand particles created by the beach. Go searching for the star sand after you’ve enjoyed a dip!
Kondoi Beach
Address: Okinawa, Yaeyama, Taketomi, Taketomi Google Map
Access: 43 minutes on foot from Taketomi Higashi Port, 12 minutes by rental cycle. 10-20 minutes from Taketomi to Ishigaki by high-speed ferry (600 yen)
13. Nishihama Beach (Hateruma Island)
Picture courtesy of Taketomi Tourist Association
Nishihama Beach is on the southernmost inhabited island in Japan, Hateruma Island, and is notable for its Hateruma Blue waters. One hour from Ishigaki Island by high-speed ferry, in the evening the crimson sun sinks into the sea, and at night a perfect starry sky spreads out. We suggest spending a night here to enjoy the scenery.
Nishihama Beach (Hateruma Beach)
Address: Okinawa, Shimajiri, Zamami, Aka Google Map
Access: 15 minutes from Hateruma Port on foot. One hour from Ishigaki Island to Hateruma by high-speed ferry (3,550 yen)
Homepage: http://www.painusima.com/haterumajima
FAQ
What beach has star shaped sand in Okinawa?
Sunayama Beach on Miyako Island in Okinawa is known for its star-shaped sand particles. The sand on this picturesque beach is naturally shaped like tiny stars, creating a unique and beautiful sight that sets it apart from other beaches in the region. Sunayama Beach's star sand has become a popular attraction for visitors exploring the stunning coastline of Miyako Island in Okinawa.
Does Okinawa have clear water?
Okinawa is renowned for its crystal-clear waters that offer excellent visibility, making it a paradise for snorkeling, diving, and water-based activities. The coastal areas around Okinawa's many islands boast stunning clarity and vibrant marine life, with coral reefs, colorful fish, and other aquatic creatures thriving in the transparent waters. Whether you're exploring the beaches of Okinawa's main island or venturing to the surrounding Kerama Islands, Ishigaki, or Miyako Island, you're likely to encounter the region's signature clear and inviting waters, providing unforgettable experiences for water enthusiasts and nature lovers.
What is the most beautiful part of Okinawa?
Okinawa's beauty is exemplified in several breathtaking locations, each offering a unique perspective on the prefecture's natural wonders. Cape Manzamo enchants with its scenic cliffs and sea views, while the Kerama Islands beckon with their pristine beaches and vibrant marine life, ideal for snorkeling and diving adventures. Iriomote Island showcases lush mangrove forests, waterfalls, and remote beaches for nature lovers seeking tropical landscapes. Yonaguni Island stands out for its underwater treasures like the Yonaguni Monument, drawing divers to its mysterious depths. Meanwhile, the Motobu Peninsula captivates visitors with attractions like the Churaumi Aquarium and Emerald Beach, highlighting Okinawa's marine biodiversity and coastal splendor. Each of these areas contributes to Okinawa's reputation as a place of unparalleled natural beauty, inviting exploration and appreciation of its diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.
What is the safest beach in Okinawa?
Sunset Beach in Chatan, Okinawa, is often highlighted as one of the safest beaches in the region, ideal for families and individuals seeking a relaxing and secure swimming environment. Known for its calm waters, gentle waves, and shallow depths, Sunset Beach provides a tranquil setting conducive to all ages and swimming abilities. Lifeguards are commonly present during peak times, offering an added layer of safety and supervision. While enjoying the beach, it is advisable to adhere to posted guidelines, pay attention to water conditions, and practice basic water safety measures to ensure a pleasant and secure beach experience in Okinawa.
How many beaches are in Okinawa?
Okinawa, a prefecture in Japan consisting of multiple islands, is blessed with numerous beautiful beaches. The main island of Okinawa is known to have approximately over a hundred beaches, with around 130 beaches offering a variety of coastal experiences. Some of the popular beaches in Okinawa include Emerald Beach, Sunset Beach, Kouri Beach, and Nishihama Beach, each showcasing its unique features and attractions. Whether you seek calm waters for swimming, stunning coral reefs for snorkeling, or picturesque sunsets, Okinawa's diverse beaches cater to a range of preferences and activities, providing ample opportunities for visitors to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand in this tropical paradise.
Why is Okinawa famous?
Okinawa is renowned for its fame rooted in multiple facets that make it stand out as a destination of unique allure. The region's notoriety for longevity, boasting a high number of centenarians, propels its global recognition and invites studies into lifestyle and dietary habits contributing to long life. Its rich cultural heritage stemming from the Ryukyu Kingdom manifests in traditional arts, music, such as Eisa dance, and pottery craftsmanship. Okinawa's pristine beaches, clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs make it a sought-after spot for divers and beach enthusiasts seeking unparalleled underwater experiences. Historical landmarks like Shuri Castle and the Okinawa Peace Memorial Park underscore the region's historical significance and resilience. Additionally, Okinawan cuisine, distinguished by flavors like bitter melon and purple sweet potatoes, showcases a culinary identity that sets it apart. With its tropical nature, lush forests, and diverse wildlife, Okinawa is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and ecotourists. Together, these elements contribute to Okinawa's fame as a multifaceted destination with a blend of longevity, cultural richness, natural beauty, historical importance, and unique gastronomy.
What is Okinawa best known for?
Okinawa, a prefecture in Japan consisting of tropical islands, is renowned for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, and clear waters, attracting beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. The region boasts a rich cultural heritage from the Ryukyu Kingdom, reflected in traditional music, dance, and arts like pottery. Okinawan cuisine is distinctive, featuring healthy ingredients and unique flavors, such as bitter melon and purple sweet potatoes. Historical sites like Shuri Castle and the Himeyuri Peace Museum showcase Okinawa's past, while the prefecture's lush nature offers opportunities for diving and snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs. Okinawa's reputation for longevity, tied to its lifestyle and diet, adds to the region's appeal as a destination known for its natural beauty, cultural richness, and healthy living practices.
Enjoy the Best of Okinawa
Okinawa has a unique culture, traditions and food, in addition to its magnificent beaches. Plan to spend a day on the beach or go sightseeing, and enjoy Okinawa to the fullest.
Find accommodation in Okinawa on Booking.com
Search for flights to Okinawa
*Prices are current as of June 2019, and are subject to change.
Read also
Original writer: Sawada Tomomi
*This article was rewritten from the original version on 2016/7/28.
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This is the official account of MATCHA's editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.
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