Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost prefecture, is considered a favorite beach vacation destination for Japanese and foreign visitors are starting to discover its tropical charms. The capital city of Naha is a convenient location to experience local culture and serve as a base to explore this wonderful island. Visitors usually land at Naha Airport and take a bus or rental car to the surrounding beaches.
Here are a few of our favourite beaches of Okinawa!
Naminoue beach in Naha City
Naminoue Beach – The only beach in Naha and a favourite with families with children and is located near downtown Naha. There are beach chair and umbrellas rentals available.
Bibi’s on the Beach restaurant
Bibi Beach – Popular among locals, Bibi Beach is around 20 minutes by car or bus from Naha Airport and is in Itoman City. A relatively new beach, it was designed with extensive, year-round barbecue facilities.
Bibi Beach at the Southern Hotel and Resort in Itoman
Very easy to rent grills and food to prepare in the shops by the beach while watching some great beach volleyball matches or exploring by kayak.
Mibaru Beach – Close to the city of Nanjo and around an hour away from Naha Airport by car or bus, Mibaru beach stretches got over a mile and has shops which sell beach gear and souvenirs, perfect for taking back home after a vacation. Parasailing, wind surfing, kayaking and common.
AZAMA-SunSun Beach
Azama Sunsun Beach – A favourite with families with children, Amama Sunsen is located on the southeastern coast of Okinawa. It takes about an hour to reach from Naha by car by car or bus. The beach has picnic facilities and a variety of shops for food and beach gear. There is a ferry which makes a trip to the islands of Komaka and Kudaka, popular for snorkeling and coastal sightseeing.
Hedo cap beach on Okinawa
Hedo Cap on the northern most point of Okinawa is quite a journey to get to but is ideal for beach camping and driftwood brought in by the tides is plentiful. Diving and snorkeling are popular as the seas are full of coral reefs. Beaches are rocky so wear beach shoes!
Ikea Island beaches
Ikei Beach is around 1.5 hours from Naha and has some of the best sand on Okinawa Island. Crystal clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere make a visit truly enjoyable.
Emerald-Beach Okinawa
Some other beaches, in no particular order, but all highly rated, are; Emerald Beach which is close to Churaumi Aquarium and around 3 hours from Naha Airport by Car. It has a beautiful view of the emerald green sea and contrasting white beach and was designated as one of “the 55 Selected Beaches in Japan” by the Japan’s Environment Agency.
The popular beach is open for swimming from April to October.
Zanpa Beach (yomitan)
Zanpa Beach is a great clean beach located just after Yomitan. They have beachware rentals and BBQ area and boat rides. Definately walk up to the top of the cliffs of Cape Zanpa for a scenic view, spectacular!
Renaissance Beach Okinawa
Renaissance Beach, about an hour from Naha Airport, is on the southern end of the resort area Onna village. Perfect white sand and clear blue waters make it a must visit. Perfect for swimming and diving, wind surfing and other marine sports.
Manzamo Beach is on the northwest Okinawa coast, not far from the picturesque beaches of Onna Village. The cape is a great place for picnics and family outings thanks to the lush greeness and amazing sea-views. The beach is popular with divers and snorkelers.
photos by:
Solimar International &
kickmonkey,
Yoichi Kawasaki,
PhF1,
Raoul Kennedy,
Mansmf,
new.E
