13 Beaches in Okinawa worth your time

A stunning seven-kilometer stretch of three uninhabited sand islands offering white beaches and snorkeling in crystal clear waters.

What it is

• A group of three uninhabited sand islands located five kilometers east of Kume Island.
• Consists of three distinct areas named Menu-hama, Nakano-hama, and Hatinu-hama.
• Ranked as the seventh best beach in Japan by TripAdvisor in 2016.
• Served as a filming location for the movie Tsuribaka Nisshi 11.

What to see

• Expansive white sand dunes surrounded by emerald green ocean waters.
• Designated snorkeling areas where visitors can observe local marine life safely.
• Simple facilities including toilets and sunshades located on the middle island.
• Seasonal shops that operate on the sandbar during the peak tourist months.

When to go

• Visit during low tide to walk between the different sand dunes.
• The tourist season when island shops are open for visitors.

Getting there

• Take a twenty-minute boat ride from the main coast of Kume Island.
• Most commercial tours land specifically on the middle island of Nakano-hama.

Read more about Hate-no-hama

A seven-kilometer white sand beach in Miyakojima known for its clear water and views of the Kurima Bridge.

What it is

• A seven-kilometer white sand coastline located in Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture.
• A top-ranked Japanese beach with Grade A water quality classification.
• The starting point for the All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima held every April.
• The official site for the annual Miyakojima sea opening ceremony.

What to see

• Views of Kurima Island located directly across from the sandy shore.
• The Kurima Bridge which connects the beach area to the nearby island.
• White sand beaches extending for seven kilometers along the coast.
• On-site facilities including the Miyakojima Tokyu Resort and MIPAMA ES SU CASA.
• Public amenities such as free parking, showers, and restroom facilities.

When to go

• April for the start of the All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima.
• The swimming season when jellyfish prevention nets are installed for safety.
• During the annual sea opening ceremony to mark the start of the season.

Read more about Yonaha-Maehama

A shallow swimming beach on Taketomi Island famous for its white sandbars, clear water, and resident cat population.

What it is

• A popular swimming beach located on the western side of Taketomi Island.
• Part of the protected Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park area.
• Ranked as the third most popular Japanese beach by TripAdvisor in 2020.
• A scenic coastal spot facing Iriomote, Kohama, and Kuroshima islands.

What to see

• Shallow waters suitable for swimming and wading.
• Large sandbars that appear offshore during low tide.
• A significant population of local cats living around the beach area.
• Facilities including showers, changing rooms, toilets, and shaded gazebos.

When to go

• Mobile vendors operate on-site from late March through October.
• Visit during low tide to walk out onto the exposed sandbars.

Getting there

• Take a seven-minute bus ride from Taketomi Port to reach the shore.
• Cycle for ten minutes from the main village to the beach entrance.

Read more about Kondoi Beach

Japan's southernmost beach on Hateruma Island features unique stone formations and coastal vegetation, though swimming is strictly prohibited.

What it is

• The southernmost beach in Japan, located on the southern side of Hateruma Island.
• A five hundred meter stretch of coastline consisting of gravel and uniquely shaped stones.
• A natural site where swimming is prohibited due to fast currents and deep water.
• A remote coastal area lacking public shower and toilet facilities.

What to see

• Terrace cliffs and sand dunes situated to the north of the beach area.
• Native plant communities including Scaevola taccada and Messerschmidia argentea.
• Unusual rock formations and gravel terrain along the shoreline.

Getting there

• A fifteen minute drive from Hateruma Port to the southern coast.
• A forty minute walk from Hateruma Port following island roads.
• Narrow paths leading from the surrounding roads directly to the coastline.

Read more about Pemuchi Beach

A man-made beach in Ginowan Seaside Park featuring shallow waters, jellyfish protection nets, and dedicated barbecue areas for public use.

What it is

• A man-made beach in Ginowan City facing the East China Sea.
• Opened for public use on May 17, 1993 within Ginowan Seaside Park.
• Managed by Hagoromo PM Service as a public recreation facility.
• Features a shallow swimming area equipped with jellyfish protection nets.

What to see

• The coastline of the East China Sea from the sandy shore.
• Dedicated areas for visitors to participate in paid barbecues.
• The surrounding greenery and facilities of Ginowan Seaside Park.

When to go

• Swimming season is available from late April through October 30.
• The beach facilities remain open until 22:00 daily.

Getting there

• Furujima Station is the nearest available monorail station.
• The Convention Center Mae bus stop is the closest transit point.

Official site

www.ginowantropicalbeach.jp

Read more about Tropical Beach

A scenic beach in Okinawa famous for its sunset views and massive boulders scattered across shallow waters by a historic tsunami.

What it is

• A coastal area located between Irabu Island and Shimoji Island in Okinawa.
• One of Japan's Top 100 Beaches known for its unique landscape.
• A shallow bay filled with large rocks moved by the 1771 Yaeyama earthquake tsunami.
• A filming location for the Twelve Girls Band music video.

What to see

• Numerous large boulders scattered throughout the shallow offshore waters.
• Traditional stone tidal weirs called katsu near the airport side.
• Airport approach lights extending from the nearby Shimoji Island Airport into the sea.
• Tangible folk cultural properties consisting of ancient stone fishing structures.

When to go

• Visit during the evening to experience the famous sunset views.
• Arrive during low tide to walk far out into the shallow offshore area.

Read more about Sawada Beach

A scenic snorkeling beach on Kuroshima Island famous for a coral reef bridge that appears during low tide.

What it is

• A natural beach located on the western side of Kuroshima Island.
• A popular destination for snorkeling and diving activities.
• A coastal area known for the Watanji coral reef bridge.

What to see

• The Watanji coral reef bridge which emerges during low tide.
• A monitoring hut where life jackets are available for rent.
• Paimiya shop located at the entrance of the beach.
• Restrooms, showers, and changing room facilities for visitors.

When to go

• Visit during low tide hours when swimming is generally permitted.
• Avoid high tide and tide changes due to dangerous strong currents.

Getting there

• The beach is approximately two kilometers from Kuroshima Port.

Read more about Nakamoto Beach

A secluded beach on Kume Island featuring fresh spring water, abundant seafood, and a coral reef accessible during low tides.

What it is

• A coastal area in southwestern Kume Island known for its fresh spring water.
• A local source for seafood including various shellfish and octopus.
• A quiet natural site with very few houses located near the coastline.

What to see

• A coral reef located one kilometer offshore from the sandy beach.
• Expansive sunset views over the water in the evening.
• Local residents gathering seafood from the shallows during the day.

When to go

• Visit during low spring tides to walk out to the distant coral reef.
• Arrive late in the afternoon to watch the sunset over the coast.

Getting there

• Drive fifteen minutes from Eef Beach past a power plant and sugar factory.

Read more about Āra Beach

Naha's only swimming beach is a free, accessible artificial shore located right next to a historic shrine.

What it is

• The only swimming beach located within Naha City.
• An artificial beach with two sections opened in 1991 and 1999.
• A public facility offering free admission to all visitors.
• A recreational area situated directly next to Naminoue Shrine.

What to see

• The Wakasa and Tsuji sides of the sandy shoreline.
• Functional facilities including showers, changing rooms, and toilets.
• Land and water wheelchairs available for rent on site.

When to go

• Visit between April and October for the official swimming season.

Getting there

• A 15-minute drive from Naha Airport.
• A 10-minute walk from the Kume Post Office bus stop.

Official site

www.naminouebeach.jp

Read more about Naminoue Beach

A crescent-shaped beach on Iriomote Island featuring rare singing sand and a nesting site for sea turtles.

What it is

• A curved shoreline on Iriomote Island also known as Tsukigahama.
• The beach is located at the base of Unarizaki Cape near the Urauchi River.
• The white sand consists of weathered rock rather than typical coral.
• The area serves as a protected site for sea turtle egg laying.

What to see

• A shoreline that forms a distinct curved arc shape.
• Singing sand that makes a unique noise when visitors walk on it.
• River deposits of white sand originating from upstream locations.
• The Hoshino Resorts Iriomote Hotel located on the inland side.

Getting there

• Take a ten minute bus ride from Uehara Port to reach the beach.

Read more about Tudumari-no-hama

A scenic beach on Miyako Island famous for its natural rock arch and white sand, ranked highly by travelers.

What it is

• A coastal destination located on the west side of Miyako Island in Okinawa.
• A site ranked as the second best beach in Japan by TripAdvisor in 2019.
• An area without official swimming designation or stationed lifeguard monitors.
• A natural landscape where resort development plans were previously suspended.

What to see

• A large natural rock arch formation standing on the left side of the beach.
• Protective fencing installed to prevent entry into the rock arch area.
• White sand dunes leading down to the turquoise ocean water.
• Free showers and parking facilities located near the entrance path.

Read more about Sunayama Beach

An 800-meter white sand beach on Irabu Island featuring a 16th-century historical shrine and views of neighboring islands.

What it is

• A white sand beach extending for approximately 800 meters on southwest Irabu Island.
• Home to the Nuushi Utaki shrine established around the 16th century.
• The site was designated as a historical location by Miyako City in 1994.

What to see

• Views of Miyako Island and Kurima Island from the shore.
• The Nuushi Bridge connecting Irabu Island and Shimoji Island.
• The Nuushi Utaki shrine located near the beach area.
• Coastal scenery bordering the edge of Shimoji Island.

Getting there

• The beach is a 20-minute drive from Sarahama Port.

Read more about Toguchi Beach

A highly-ranked white sand beach on Hateruma Island known for its clear water and basic public facilities.

What it is

• A natural beach located on the northern part of Hateruma Island.
• The name Nishi means north in the local Yaeyama dialect.
• Ranked as the top beach in Japan by TripAdvisor in 2017.
• A non-designated swimming area that saw a rescue station open in 2019.

What to see

• Pehama Beach located immediately to the south of the site.
• Public facilities including showers, toilets, and benches for visitors.
• Changing rooms where a notable incident occurred in October 2000.

Getting there

• A ten minute walk from the Hateruma Port terminal.

Read more about Nishihama Beach