Okinawa is a place where you can see the beautiful blue sea just by taking a short walk.
However, when it comes to actually going to the beach, many people probably wonder, "Where should I go?"
The southern part of Okinawa Island, in particular, has many reclaimed land areas and steep rocky cliffs, so if you set off without deciding on a destination, you might have trouble finding the "ideal sea" that matches your image.

So, this time, we'll divide the beaches in southern Okinawa Island into "artificial beaches" and "natural beaches" and introduce our recommendations for each!
"When you come to Okinawa, you want to play in the beautiful ocean!"
Here you'll find the perfect beach to fulfill your wishes.

Table of contents
1. Safe and easy♪ Artificial beach in the southern part of the main island
1-1. [Nanjo City] Azama Sansan Beach
1-2. [Tomigusuku City] Toyosaki Chura SUN Beach
1-3. [Itoman City] Mimi Beach Itoman
1-4. [Nishihara Town, Nakagami District] Nishihara Kirakira Beach
2. Untouched Okinawan nature! Hidden gem beaches in southern Okinawa Island
2-1. [Nanjo City] Shinbara Beach & Hyakuna Beach
2-2. [Nanjo City] Oujima Beach
2-3. [Itoman City] John Man Beach
3. The diverse faces of Okinawa's sea

In the southern part of Okinawa, where Naha City, the gateway to Okinawa, is located, there are many well-maintained, beautiful artificial beaches.

The biggest advantage of artificial beaches is undoubtedly their safety and convenience. With well-equipped facilities such as showers, lockers, and shops, families with small children can enjoy the Okinawan sea with peace of mind.

If you're someone who wants a clean, safe beach to play in, but also wants to enjoy Okinawa's natural beauty, then we recommend "Azama Sansan Beach" in Chinen, Nanjo City.

Among the beautiful artificial beaches in the south, this is my absolute favorite!

Surrounded by the sea and forest, this beach has the perfect atmosphere for a quiet and relaxing getaway.
Although it's a bit smaller than other artificial beaches, it offers plenty of activities such as jet skiing and banana boating.

The beach offers a view of Kudaka Island, and is only about a 5-minute drive from Seifa Utaki, one of Okinawa's most powerful spiritual spots. It's said that ringing the heart-shaped bell in the center of the beach will bring you and your loved one a loving relationship!

[Beach Details]
☆Beach equipment rental: Available
☆ Various marine sports: Available
☆Shop: Available
☆Toilet: Available
☆Changing rooms: Available
☆ Showers: Available (separate for men and women)
☆Usage fee: Free
☆Parking: Paid (500 yen for cars, 100 yen for motorcycles)
☆Box jellyfish net: Available (swimming area)
☆Accessibility: Available (Please inquire for details)
☆Other: BBQ available (no need to bring anything) (reservations required)

<Azama Sansan Beach>
■TEL: 098-948-4611 (Nanjo City Tourism Association)
■Address: 1141-3 Azama, Chinen, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture
■Access: Approximately 50 minutes by car from Naha Airport
[Approximately 20 minutes from Naha Airport to Haebaru Minami Interchange on the Okinawa Expressway]
→Approximately 30 minutes from Haebaru Minami Interchange via local roads.
■By bus: Take bus number 38 (Shikiya Line) from Naha Bus Terminal.
Get off at "Azama Sansan Beach Entrance". Fare: 780 yen
■Swimming season: From the start of the swimming season until October
■ URL http://okinawa-nanjo.jp/beach/

©OCVB
If you prioritize easy access from Naha City, but also want to visit a beach with as much space as possible, then Toyosaki Chura SUN Beach is perfect for you.

Located on the west coast of Tomigusuku City, next to Naha City, this beach boasts a pristine white sand beach stretching 700 meters. It's a truly open and relaxing beach, typical of Okinawa.

[Beach Details]
☆Beach equipment rental: Available
☆ Various marine sports: Available
☆Shop: Available
☆Toilet: Available
☆Changing rooms: Available
☆ Shower: Available
☆Usage fee: Free
☆Parking: Free
☆Box jellyfish net: Available (swimming area)
☆Accessibility: Available (Please inquire for details)
☆Other: BBQ available (no need to bring anything) (reservations required)
Bicycle rental available

<Toyosaki Chura SUN Beach>
■ TEL: 098-850-1139
■Address: Toyosaki, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture
■Access: Head south on the Oroku Bypass from Naha Airport. Approximately 15 minutes.
■By bus: Take bus number 55, 56, 88, or 98 from various locations within Naha city.
Get off at "Michi-no-Eki Toyosaki".
(For details, see [Bus Navi Okinawa])http://www.busnavi-okinawa.com/map/reference)
■Swimming season: April to October
■ URL http://churasun-beach.com/

©OCVB

If you're looking for a beach with a relaxed, homey atmosphere where the whole family can have fun, then head to "Bibi Beach Itoman."

This beach is popular with families in Okinawa, and it's a safe place for young children to play. It's also easily accessible from Naha city, so getting around isn't a problem.

[Beach Details]
☆Beach equipment rental: Available
☆ Various marine sports: Available
☆Shop: Available
☆Toilet: Available
☆Changing rooms: Available
☆ Shower: Available
☆Usage fee: Free
☆Parking: Paid (500 yen for cars, 100 yen for motorcycles)
*Parking is accessible all day, and is free from November to March.
☆Box jellyfish net: Available (swimming area)
☆Accessibility: Available (Please inquire for details)
☆Other: BBQ available (no need to bring anything) (reservations required)

<Mimi Beach Itoman>
■ TEL: 098-840-3451
■Address: 1-6-15 Nishizaki-cho, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture
■Access: Head south on the Oroku Bypass from Naha Airport. Approximately 25 minutes.
■By bus: Take bus number 89 (Itoman Line) from Naha Bus Terminal.
Get off at "Itoman Entrance". The fare is 510 yen.
■Swimming season: April to the end of October
■ URL http://bibibeach.com/page.php

©OCVB

If you're an Okinawa lover who wants to visit a less-visited, off-the-beaten-path beach, then Nishihara Kirakira Beach at Nishihara-Yonabaru Marine Park is highly recommended.

The area around Higashihama (Agarihama), where the beach is located, is currently undergoing rapid development. Yacht harbors and stylish shops are starting to pop up, creating a lively and exciting atmosphere.

©OCVB

The 550-meter-long beach is frequented by many locals, from couples to families.
In addition to Nishihara and Yonabaru Marine Park, there are large parks scattered around the beach area. It's a noteworthy spot where you can relax and enjoy yourself throughout the day, not just by the sea.

[Beach Details]
☆Beach equipment rental: Available
☆ Various marine sports: Available
☆Shop: Available
☆Toilet: Available
☆Changing rooms: Available
☆ Shower: Available
☆Usage fee: Free
☆Parking: Free (within Nishihara/Yonabaru Marine Park)
☆Box jellyfish net: Available (swimming area)
☆Accessibility: Available (Please inquire for details)
☆Other: BBQ is by reservation only (no outside food or drinks allowed).

<Nishihara Kirakira Beach>
■ TEL: 098-944-5589
■Address: 17 Higashizaki, Nishihara-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
■Access: Approximately 35 minutes by car from Naha Airport
[Approximately 25 minutes from Naha Airport to Haebaru Kita Interchange on the Okinawa Expressway]
→Approximately 10 minutes from Haebaru Kita Interchange via local roads.
■By bus: Take bus number 30 (Awase Line) from Naha Bus Terminal.
Get off at "Nishihara" station. The fare is 560 yen.
■Swimming season: April to early October
■ URL http://マリンパーク.com/index.html

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Well-maintained beaches are nice, but there's nothing quite like the natural beaches of Okinawa where you can directly experience the ocean!
While Okinawa's natural beaches offer beautiful scenery, there is a risk of injuring your feet on coral if you walk barefoot on the sand or swim in the sea.
Don't forget to bring shoes that will properly protect your feet, such as snorkeling shoes or rubber boots.

If you're looking for a natural beach where you can observe fish swimming in the ocean and where both adults and children can have fun, then our top recommendation is the hidden gem, "Mibaru Beach."

The panoramic view stretching for about two kilometers along the Pacific Ocean is worth seeing in itself.
The calm, shallow waters are perfect for observing Okinawa's marine life. There are also popular glass-bottom boats where you can observe fish from the water.
This is a hidden gem of a beach in the South where everyone can feel like a kid again and get excited.

[Beach Details]
☆Beach equipment rental: Available
☆ Various marine sports: Available
☆Shop: Available
☆Toilet: Available
☆Changing rooms: Available
☆ Shower: Available
☆Usage fee: Free
☆Parking: Paid (500 yen)
☆ Box jellyfish net: None
☆Accessibility: Only the multi-purpose toilet is accessible.
☆Other: Glass-bottom boat available
Pets are allowed on the beach (with some restrictions).
<Shinbara Beach>
■ TEL: 098-948-1103
■Address: 1599-6 Hyakuna, Tamagusuku, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture
■Access: Approximately 40 minutes by car from Naha Airport
[Approximately 20 minutes from Naha Airport to Haebaru Minami Interchange on the Okinawa Expressway]
→Approximately 20 minutes from Haebaru Minami Interchange via local roads.
■By bus: Take bus number 39 (Awase Line) from Naha Bus Terminal.
Get off at the final stop, "Shinbara Beach". The fare is 780 yen.
■Swimming season: Available all year round
*The Marine Park facilities will be open from the end of April to the end of September.
■ URL http://www.mi-baru.com/index.html

If you're someone who wants to "feel the ocean rather than just play in it," then Hyakuna Beach is perfect for you.

With Shinbara Beach behind you, follow the signs and walk for 15 minutes in the direction of "Ukinjuhainju." When you come across a dense thicket of trees, take the narrow path down to your right.

After passing through the trees, you'll find yourself in front of Hyakuna Beach, a place that locals cherish and protect as a "sacred place."

In contrast to Shinbara Beach, where the joyful voices of children can be heard across the rocky shore, a calm and peaceful atmosphere prevails here.

Looking ahead, you'll see the blue, shallow sea with Kudaka Island in the distance, while looking behind, a lush green forest filled with abundant water stretches out before you.
This is a hidden gem for enjoying the sea in peace and quiet, while appreciating the natural beauty of Okinawa.

[Beach Details]
☆Beach equipment rental: Not available
☆ Marine sports: None
☆Shop: None. There are no vending machines unless you go all the way to Shinbara Beach.
☆Toilet: None
☆Changing rooms: None
☆ Shower: None
☆Usage fee: Free
☆Parking: Available
Shinbara Beach paid parking lot or
There is a paid parking lot 400 meters to the right before the entrance to Hyakuna Beach.
☆ Box jellyfish net: None
☆ Barrier-free access: Not available
☆Other: There are almost no streetlights around Hyakuna Beach, so it gets pitch black at night. Please be careful.

<Hyakuna Beach>
■Address: Hyakuna, Tamagusuku, Nanjo City
■Access: Approximately 45 minutes by car from Naha Airport
[Approximately 20 minutes from Naha Airport to Haebaru Minami Interchange on the Okinawa Expressway]
→Approximately 25 minutes from Haebaru Minami Interchange via local roads.
■By bus: Take bus number 39 (Awase Line) from Naha Bus Terminal.
Get off at the final stop, "Shinbara Beach". The fare is 780 yen.
It's a 15-minute walk to Hyakuna Beach.
■Swimming season: Available all year round

If you're a seasoned snorkeler who wants to enjoy snorkeling in the pristine waters of Okinawa, then you should definitely head to "John Man Beach."

This beach, famous for being a nesting ground for sea turtles, has more of a rocky shore feel than a typical beach. It's a natural coastline with a vast lagoon (ino), truly a paradise for marine life.

The terrain is uneven and there are dangerous creatures, so it's not suitable for young children to play. Of course, adults should also be well-prepared and exercise extreme caution.

[Beach Details]
☆Beach equipment rental: Not available
☆ Marine sports: None
☆Shop: Irregular hours (vending machines available)
☆Toilet: Available
☆Changing rooms: None
☆ Shower: Available (summer only)
☆Usage fee: Free
☆Parking: Free
☆ Box jellyfish net: None
☆ Barrier-free access: Not available
☆Other: Environmentally conscious BBQ is permitted.
Many highly venomous marine creatures, including the box jellyfish, inhabit the area.
This beach is enjoyable for everyone, but utmost caution is necessary.

<John Man Beach>
■Address: 240-7 Odo, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture
■Access: Approximately 50 minutes by car from Naha Airport
[From Naha Airport, take National Route 331 towards Peace Memorial Park]
→Turn right at the entrance to "Odohama Beach".
■ Bus access: There are no bus stops nearby, so access is only possible by car.
■Swimming season: Available all year round

Even though we say "beaches in southern Okinawa Island," the interesting thing about Okinawa is that the scenery changes dramatically depending on where you go.

Whether you spend a day lounging on the pristine white sand beach or running around in the ocean chasing fish, there are many ways to enjoy the sea in Okinawa.

Even crossing Okinawa from west to east only takes about an hour by car. While you're in Okinawa, be sure to visit various beaches!

*The detailed information for each beach is current as of August 2015 and may be subject to change. Please check in advance before visiting.
*For beaches marked "Swimming Season: Open Year-Round," this indicates that swimming is not restricted. Please use the beach at your own risk, as you must determine whether it is actually safe to swim in given the weather conditions.

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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