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When you think of Okinawa, you think of the sea that shines with gradients of cobalt blue and emerald green!
Immersing myself in the sea, adorned with countless shades of blue, and the endless white sandy beaches, spending time relaxing and enjoying myself is the ultimate luxury.

Okinawa has many beaches, but each one has its own unique characteristics and appeal.
Here are some beaches perfect for spending luxurious time with family, friends, or your loved one.

<Table of Contents>

[1] What do you do on the beaches of Okinawa Island?

[2] Must-Visit Beaches in Okinawa!
Part 1: Busena Beach (Northern Area)
Part 2: Manza Beach (Central Area)
Part 3: Nirai Beach (Central Area)

[3] The sea is simply beautiful! Top 3 popular beaches
Part 1: Emerald Beach (Northern Area)
Part 2: San Marina Beach (Central Area)
Part 3: Okuma Beach (Northern Area)

[4] Two safe beaches that even young children will enjoy!
Part 1: Azama Sansan Beach (Southern Area)
Part 2: Zanpa Beach (Chubu Area)

[5] Local Recommendations! 4 Popular and Hidden Gem Local Beaches
Part 1: Toyosaki Chura SUN Beach (Southern Area)
Part 2: Nishihara Kirakira Beach (Chubu Area)
Part 3: Shiokawa Beach (Northern Area)
Part 4: Niihara Beach (Southern Area)

[6] Useful things to bring to the beach

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[1] What do you do on the beaches of Okinawa Island?

It is said that there are approximately 130 places on Okinawa Island that are recognized as beaches.
While swimming seasons vary, beaches are generally bustling with activity from April to October.
Some hidden gems and places where you can enjoy unspoiled nature are open year-round.

Okinawa's beaches are great for viewing, swimming, and playing.
Beaches overflowing with Okinawa's original scenery, beaches where you can enjoy the colorful underwater world through snorkeling and diving, beaches where you can fully enjoy activities such as barbecues and beach volleyball...
Okinawa has a variety of beaches, and each one has its own unique charm that only a southern island can offer.

Find your favorite beach and enjoy it in your own style.

[2] Must-Visit Beaches in Okinawa!

Part 1: Busena Beach (Northern Area)

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It unfolds right in front of The Busena Terrace, one of Okinawa's leading resort hotels.
The water is incredibly clear; you can even see colorful small fish swimming in the shallows.

Furthermore, the area near the beach also features an underwater observatory offering 360-degree views of the ocean, as well as a departure point for glass-bottom boats, allowing for a variety of ways to enjoy the beach.

<Busena Beach>
Location: 1808 Kise, Nago City
Access: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
Parking: 1,000 yen per car
Facilities: Changing rooms/toilets available, lockers (for a fee), showers (free), etc.
Shop: Available
Rentals: Parasols, sun loungers, etc.
Marine activities: Aqua biking, jet skiing, canoeing, etc.
Operated by: The Busena Terrace

Part 2: Manza Beach (Central Area)

This is one of Okinawa's most representative beaches, offering views of Manzamo, one of Okinawa's top scenic spots.
The calm sea in the cove is truly emerald green! It's so beautiful that you don't even need to swim; just gazing at it is enough.

The floating water obstacle course (for a fee) is also popular with children.

<Manza Beach>
Location: 2260 Seragaki, Onna Village, Kunigami District
Access: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
Parking: 1,000 yen per car
Facilities: Changing rooms/toilets available, lockers (for a fee), showers (free), etc.
Shop: Available
Rentals: Parasols, sun decks, etc.
Marine activities: Jet skiing, parasailing, sea walking, etc.
Operated by: ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort

Part 3: Nirai Beach (Central Area)

The beach in front of Hotel Nikko Alivila, a popular seaside resort in Yomitan Village, central Okinawa.
The sea, which has been preserved in its original state without alteration, boasts high water clarity and allows visitors to enjoy the shallow, pristine waters characteristic of Okinawa.

Besides swimming and snorkeling, even young children can enjoy observing fish and marine life on the reef that appears at low tide.

<Nirai Beach>
Location: 600 Gima, Yomitan Village
Access: Approximately 100 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Parking: Free
Facilities: Changing rooms, showers (for a fee), lockers (for a fee), etc.
Shop: Available
Rentals: Parasols, beach chairs, etc.
Marine activities: Dragon boating, SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), beach canoeing, etc.
Operated by: Hotel Nikko Alivila

Enjoy attractive girls' trip perks! Check out the tour here ☆

[3] The sea is simply beautiful! Top 3 popular beaches

Part 1: Emerald Beach (Northern Area)

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It is located at the northern end of Ocean Expo Park, which also includes the Churaumi Aquarium.
The cobalt blue sea, with its indescribable colors, boasts AA-ranked water quality (the best possible) and is recognized as one of Japan's Top 100 Beaches.
I was also captivated by the endless stretch of pure white sand.

<Emerald Beach>
Location: 424 Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun
Access: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Parking: Use the Marine Museum parking lot.
Facilities: Changing rooms/toilets/showers, lockers (for a fee), etc.
Shop: Available
Rentals: Parasols, sun loungers, etc.
Marine activities: Not available
Nearby hotel: Hotel Orion Motobu Resort & Spa

Part 2: San Marina Beach (Central Area)

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Located right in front of the Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort, this beach boasts some of the clearest waters in the prefecture.
The AA-rank water quality means it has been designated as one of only 12 locations nationwide with "particularly good water quality."
The shallow beach is surrounded by a breakwater, so the waves are calm.

<San Marina Beach>
Location: 66-1 Fuchaku, Onna Village
Access: Approximately 1 hour by car from Naha Airport
Parking: Approximately 50 spaces, 1,000 yen per car
Facilities: Changing rooms/toilets/showers, lockers (for a fee), etc.
Shop: Available
Rentals: Beach towels, parasols, deck chairs, etc.
Marine activities: snorkeling, pedal boating, sailing, etc.
Operated by: Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort

Part 3: Okuma Beach (Northern Area)

Okuma, a resort hotel overflowing with exotic charm, boasts a private beach and a resort-like secluded beach.
The Yanbaru forest surrounds the cobalt blue sea, which boasts a water quality rating of AA, and the pristine white beach stretching for 1km is entirely made of natural sand.
This beach is perfect for relaxing.

<Okuma Beach>
Location: 913 Okuma, Kunigami Village
Access: Approximately 2 hour by car from Naha Airport
Parking: Free
Facilities: Toilets available, showers (for a fee), etc.
Shop: Available
Rentals: Parasols, sun loungers, etc.
Marine activities: Introductory diving, glass-bottom boat tours, sea kayaking, etc.
Operated by: Okuma Private Beach & Resort

[4] Two safe beaches that even young children will enjoy!

Part 1: Azama Sansan Beach (Southern Area)

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The waves are calm and the water is very clear. The beach is known for its thoughtful design, with separate swimming and water sports areas, and jellyfish nets installed.
With lifeguards and supervisors on duty at all times, you can enjoy playing here with peace of mind, even with small children.
The facility also boasts excellent accessibility features, including restrooms for people with disabilities.

<Azama Sansan Beach>
Location: Azama, Chinen, Nanjo City
Access: Approximately 50 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Parking: Approximately 350 spaces (500 yen per vehicle all day. Motorcycles are 100 yen per vehicle.)
Facilities: Changing rooms/toilets, showers (for a fee), etc.
Shop: Available
Rentals: Parasols, sun loungers, barbecue equipment, etc.
Marine activities: Banana boat, jet ski, halfpipe, etc.
Nearby hotel: Yuinchi Hotel Nanjo

Part 2: Zanpa Beach (Chubu Area)

This beach is located at the tip of Cape Zanpa, a famous spot for watching the sunset.
Surrounded by one of the largest coral reefs in the prefecture, the waves are calm, making it ideal for families.

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Furthermore, they offer marine activities that even toddlers as young as three or four years old can enjoy, as well as free rental of sand play sets, making it a great option for families with young children.

<Zanpa Beach>
Location: 1575 Uza, Yomitan Village
Access: Approximately 70 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Parking: Approximately 100 spaces, free of charge
Facilities: Changing rooms/toilets, lockers (for a fee), etc.
Shop: Available
Rentals: Parasols, deck chairs, inner tubes, etc.
Marine activities: Dragon boating, jet skiing, introductory diving, etc.
Operated by: Okinawa Zanpa Misaki Royal Hotel

[5] Local Recommendations! 4 Popular and Hidden Gem Local Beaches

Part 1: Toyosaki Chura SUN Beach (Southern Area)

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Located next to Toyosaki Seaside Park, just a 15-minute drive from Naha Airport, the beach boasts one of the largest lengths in the prefecture, stretching approximately 700 meters.
On this spacious beach, you can enjoy not only swimming, but also marine leisure activities such as jet skiing, sports like beach soccer, and even barbecues!
Furthermore, the sunset over the horizon is said to be one of the most beautiful in the prefecture.

<Toyosaki Chura SUN Beach>
Location: 5-1 Toyosaki, Tomigusuku City
Access: Approximately 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Parking: Approximately 600 spaces, free of charge
Facilities: Changing rooms/lockers, showers (fee applies), beach volleyball court (reservation required), etc.
Shop: Available
Rentals: Parasols, beach chairs, floating mats, barbecue tent equipment, etc.
Marine activities: Jet skiing, snorkeling, uninhabited island adventure tours, etc.
Nearby hotel: Ryukyu Onsen Senaga Island Hotel

Part 2: Nishihara Kirakira Beach (Chubu Area)

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This is a tranquil beach located within Nishihara Marine Park, a large, multi-purpose seaside park.
The resort is divided into a swimming zone and a marine sports zone, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of leisure activities.

The resort boasts a variety of leisure activities, including a rest area where families and friends can enjoy barbecues, a multi-purpose field that can be used for soccer and baseball, and jet skis and banana boats.

<Nishihara Kirakira Beach>
Location: 17 Higashizaki, Nishihara-cho, Nakagami-gun
Access: Approximately 35 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Parking: Approximately 1,000 spaces, free of charge
Facilities: Changing rooms, showers (for a fee), lockers (for a fee), etc.
Shop: Available
Rentals: Parasols, beach beds, beach volleyball courts, barbecue tent equipment, etc.
Marine activities: Banana boat, jet ski, Super Marble, etc.
Nearby hotel: Tokyo Daiichi Hotel Okinawa Grand Mer Resort

Part 3: Shiokawa Beach (Northern Area)

Image provided by: Motobu Town Hall
This natural beach is located on a popular scenic coastline in the northern part of the main island, on the way from Nago to Churaumi Aquarium.
Surrounded by a dense forest of casuarina trees, with no shops or parasols, the blue sea and white sandy beach stretch out before you.

Amidst the abundance of artificial, large-scale beaches, this one retains the original landscape of Okinawa's beaches, making it popular even among locals.
The shade of the Casuarina trees is also suitable for camping.

<Shiokawa Beach>
Location: Shiokawa, Motobu Town
Access: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Parking: Available, Free
Amenities: No toilet or shower.
No shop available.
Rental: None
Marine activities: Snorkeling available
Nearby hotel: Hotel Rizonnex Nago

Part 4: Shinbara Beach and Hyakuna Beach (Southern Area)

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A popular beach in the southern area, frequently used by locals.
The two beaches together boast approximately 2km of white sand, and you can even spot tropical fish in the crystal-clear waters.
Hyakuna Beach is cherished by locals as a beach associated with the legend of Amamikiyo, the founding goddess of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

<Shinbara Beach / Hyakuna Beach>
Address: 1407 Nibara, Nanjo City
Access: Approximately 50 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Parking: There is a fee for parking at Shinbara Beach, but free parking is available at Hyakuna Beach with space for several cars.
Facilities: Shinbara Beach has changing rooms, showers, and lockers (for a fee).
Shop: Available
Rental: Please inquire.
Marine activities: snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours, etc.
Nearby hotel: Yuinchi Hotel Nanjo

[6] Useful things to bring to the beach

1) The sun is incredibly strong on Okinawa's beaches! Especially during peak season.

Therefore, a rash guard is an essential item.
Bring long sleeves, a hat, or a hoodie to protect your skin.
Of course, when you're on the beach, be sure to rent a parasol or make other arrangements to rest in the shade.

2) The beach has a lot of coral and seashells, so you might get injured if you go barefoot.

Wearing flip-flops or water shoes is recommended.

3) If you want to enjoy snorkeling, especially since the snorkel is something you put directly in your mouth, those who are concerned about this should bring their own equipment.

They're sold in various places, such as shops near the beach and Don Quijote on Kokusai Street.

However, since the ocean conditions in Okinawa can change quickly, it's recommended to sign up for a guided snorkeling experience tour, which is available at shops and beaches.
By the way, if you're going to procure it after arriving in Okinawa,Home Center MakemanIt's cheap and I recommend it!

4) The seas around Okinawa are home to venomous creatures, the most famous of which is the box jellyfish. They appear throughout Okinawa from around July to October, and a sting causes intense pain and severe itching.

Vinegar is a useful first-aid treatment. It's said to be effective to pour a generous amount on the sting and wash it off.
Afterward, it's best to cool it with cold water or ice to reduce the pain, so consult the shop or the audit office.

Some beaches have nets installed to prevent box jellyfish, but the timing of installation varies from beach to beach. It's best to check directly with the beach beforehand.

5) Okinawa is in the path of typhoons. The peak season is especially from August to September, which can ruin your marine leisure activities.

Also, expect the sudden downpours characteristic of a subtropical climate.
Rain gear is essential, but if it's raining heavily, take shelter immediately! Relax in a hotel, indoor facility, or cafe until the rain stops.

Final thoughts

Above, we introduced some popular beaches on Okinawa Island that are recommended even for first-time visitors!
This summer, be sure to create lots of wonderful memories on Okinawa's emerald-colored beaches!

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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