Araha Beach is located in Chatan Town, on the west coast of central Okinawa Island. Chatan Town is a stylish town with a large foreign population, giving it the atmosphere of an overseas resort. In addition, there are many large commercial facilities, restaurants, and activity spots in the surrounding area, making it a very lively place.

This time, we'll introduce you to the unique charms of city beaches, which are a little different from hidden gem beaches.

<Table of Contents>
1. What kind of place is Araha Beach?
2. How to enjoy Araha Beach
3. Recommended food near Araha Beach
4. Recommended shops near Araha Beach
5. Access to Araha Beach and Parking Information
Araha Beach <Basic Information>
Summary

Araha Beach is a straight beach located within Araha Park in Chatan Town. It's a relatively new beach, having opened in 2001.

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A white sandy beach stretches for approximately 600 meters, and the park and beach are seamlessly connected. As a result, during the day, you can see many families playing in the park and foreigners enjoying jogging.

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The biggest appeal of Araha Beach is that you can have fun both on the beach and in the park. The sandy beach is an artificial beach and is well-maintained, offering a wide variety of marine activities, including beach volleyball. Meanwhile, the large lawn in the park features a life-sized pirate ship, the "Indian Oak," which is a popular playground for children!

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And let's not forget that it's one of the best sunset spots. The twilight hours as the sun sinks into the East China Sea are incredibly beautiful, and the proportion of couples increases from sunset onwards.

As you can see, Araha Beach offers a variety of ways to enjoy yourself. Let's take a closer look at each of them.

Part 1: Playing on the beach

As it's a relatively new artificial beach, it boasts plenty of facilities. There's a beach volleyball court, and a multi-purpose outdoor stage is located almost in the center of the beach.

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The swimming area isn't very large, but that means it's easier for lifeguards to keep an eye on everyone, making it a safe option for families with young children. Of course, jellyfish nets are also securely installed offshore. Please note that snorkeling is prohibited within the swimming area.

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Shower rooms and locker rooms are available for a fee. In addition, there are changing rooms, a shop, and even a non-smoking area, making it a place where everyone can have a comfortable and enjoyable time.

Part 2: Enjoying marine sports

The area boasts a wide variety of activities and rental shops, so you'll never be short of marine sports options. From parasailing, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the blue ocean from the sky, to banana boating, which offers an exhilarating sense of speed and fun for everyone, and flyboarding, where you soar through the air using the power of water pressure.

There are also glass-bottom boats, specially designed boats with transparent glass bottoms, that allow you to enjoy the coral reefs. It's amazing that you can enjoy beautiful coral even on beaches right in the city – that's Okinawa for you!

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To enjoy marine sports, please be sure to make a reservation in advance at the Araha Beach management building or any of the marine shops.

Part 3: Enjoying a barbecue

A barbecue area is provided within the park.

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It's incredibly convenient because they provide everything from barbecue equipment and chairs to tents, tables, and even food. You can order food and reserve tents at the beach shop.

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The barbecue plans available for general customers at the shop come in two options: the "Araha Set" and the "Gold Set." The Gold Set is a bit more luxurious as it includes spare ribs!
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Chatan Town is the perfect place for a fun-filled day out. There are also many popular shops around Araha Beach.

Part 1: Taco Rice Café Kijimuna Depot Island Store

This taco rice restaurant is located in Mihama Depot Island, Okinawa's top city resort. Taco rice is considered Okinawa's soul food, but the restaurant's most popular item is "Omutaco," which is taco rice topped with fluffy, runny eggs.

"Omutaco" was created at this restaurant in 2003. Considered the original omutaco, it has won numerous awards at gourmet festivals held in Onna Village and Chatan. In addition, its cute appearance and ease of eating have made it a very popular menu item among women.

■Taco Rice Café Kijimuna Depot Island Store
Address: 2F, Building C, Depot Island Building, 9-1 Mihama, Chatan Town
TEL／098-989-5100
Business hours / 11: 00-22: 00
Regular holidays/Open all year round

Part 2: Café Terrace NIRAI

A stylish cafe nestled by the sea. It offers panoramic views of the glittering Mihama district at night, including the Ferris wheel. The spacious interior features a two-story atrium, with comfortable open-air terrace seating, table seating, and sofa seating. A variety of live music performances are held on weekends.

The menu is diverse, based on Italian cuisine, and includes lunch sets, seasonal pasta sets, pizzas and other cafe-time items, and dinner. They offer over 100 kinds of drinks and alcoholic beverages. The photo shows a brown sugar caramel latte. It would be lovely to enjoy the night view with a drink in hand.

■Café Terrace NIRAI
Address: 15-58 Minato, Chatan Town
TEL／098-926-5150
Business hours / 11: 00-25: 00
Closed: Wednesdays

Part 3: Asian Dining Bar A Danny

This Indian curry restaurant is located along National Route 58. It used to be in Kumoji, Naha City, but has since moved to Chatan. The interior is decorated in an Asian resort style, and many of the staff are foreigners, creating a stylish atmosphere.

During lunchtime, they offer set menus where you can choose your favorite curry. Pictured here are the restaurant's most popular "Butter Chicken Curry" (in the back) and the "Keema Prawn Curry," which contains minced meat and shrimp. You can choose the spiciness of the curry from five levels.

Our curry is a hit, of course, but our homemade naan is also incredibly popular. Its fluffy, chewy texture is simply irresistible. Besides this plain naan, we offer six different kinds, including cheese and garlic, so be sure to try them all!

■ Asian Dining Bar A Danny
Address: 2-12-6-1F Chatan, Chatan-cho
TEL／098-923-1958
Opening hours: 11:00-15:00, 18:00-24:00
Regular holiday/Tuesday

Part 1: Flamingo Antique Shop

Along National Route 58, which stretches from Chatan to Ginowan City, there are many shops selling goods directly imported from the United States. Here at Flamingo Antique Shop, you'll find a wide selection of vintage toys and stylish everyday goods sourced from America and Europe.

In particular, their extensive selection of Fire-King, an American heat-resistant glass brand, is attracting attention from collectors due to its excellent condition.
This playful shop might just make you feel cheerful just by looking around.

■Flamingo Antique Shop
Address: 5-19-5 Oyama, Ginowan City
TEL／098-898-8327
Business hours / 12: 30-19: 30
Closed on Tuesdays and the last Sunday of the month.

Part 2: Mihama American Village / Akara Gallery

When it comes to spots around Ahara Beach, you simply can't forget Mihama American Village. This large resort, situated on a site roughly the size of five Tokyo Domes and facing the ocean, features restaurants, shops, galleries, live music venues, and more.
Among them, the one I would definitely recommend you visit is Akara Gallery.

This is a permanent gallery showcasing the work of Bokunen Naka, one of Japan's leading printmakers. You can encounter Naka's fresh style, as the theme changes every season.

In addition, works by various artists active in the prefecture are on display. A creative shop where you can purchase fashion items and artist merchandise is also located on the premises. It's a great spot to easily enjoy Okinawan art.

■ Akara Gallery
Address: 9-1 Mihama, Chatan-cho, AKARA 1F
TEL／098-926-2764
Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 21:00 PM (Summer hours: 10:00 AM - 21:00 PM)
Regular holiday / Irregular holiday

Parking lot

Parking at Araha Park is free. There are three parking lots (Parking Lots 1-3) and can accommodate approximately 150 cars. However, since it is a popular beach in the city, be aware that parking may be unavailable even on holidays. The park opens at 7:00 AM and closes at 10:00 PM.

If you are going by car or rental car

It's about a 40-minute drive from Naha city. Take the Okinawa Expressway north, exit at Kitanakagusuku IC, and then drive on local roads for about 20 minutes. You'll see a sign for "Araha Beach" along National Route 58, so turn left there and you'll be at the beach right away.

If you go by bus

From Naha Bus Terminal, take bus number 63 (via Hamby) bound for Gushikawa Bus Terminal; the journey takes approximately 50 minutes. From the bus stop in front of Hamby Town, it's about a 5-minute walk to the beach.

■Araha Beach <Basic Information>
Address: 2-21 Chatan, Chatan-cho
TEL: 098-926-2680 (Araha Beach Management Building)
098-936-9442 (Inquiries regarding barbecues)
Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 18:00 PM (until 18:30 PM during summer holidays)
Operating period: Second Friday of April to the end of October
[remarks]
• Parasols, sun loungers, beach mats, and other items are available for rent at the shop.
Details about the barbecue are below.
http://ccdc.jp/araha-beach/

Summary

So, that concludes our introduction to Araha Beach. What did you think? Araha Beach offers a tropical beach atmosphere all year round, not just in the summer when you can enjoy swimming. Be sure to take a stroll along the coastline and enjoy the American-style Okinawa!

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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