If you’re planning your Japan trip for the spring or summer, Okinawa is one destination you definitely want to consider. This cluster of islands is scenic and enriching in any season, but the beaches are best enjoyed on a day when the sun is shining.
Okinawa in Japan is expansive, being made up of several islands, many with their own gorgeous beaches.
It can be hard to decide which one to visit first, as many of their beaches are loved by tourists and locals alike. Below are ten of some of the best beaches you’ll find on Okinawa.
Emerald Beach
If you plan on visiting the Ocean Expo Park in Okinawa, Emerald Beach needs to be one of your stops. As you’ll learn, the beauty is within the name.
The sparkling beach water appears to change from a brilliant blue to an emerald color. The sand is also especially clean, so you’re free to just take a seat and take in all of your surroundings.
This beach is also one of the many man-made beaches throughout Okinawa, but that doesn’t make it any less of a wonder.
There are separate areas on the beach for those who want to swim, an area to sunbathe and relax, and an area that’s usually less busy, so it’s perfect for your social media photo op.
Another great feature of this beach is the rental areas, where you can rent umbrellas and chairs for soaking up the sun in a safe way, or grab a vest if you want to take a dip in the water.
Emerald Beach Location Via Google Maps
Manza Beach
Manza Beach also referred to as Manza Cove, is one of the most well-known beaches in Okinawa. This beach is also very popular for families, as there is a very exciting inflatable playground on the beach that kids can enjoy while parents relax on a beach chair.
There is also a resort located right by the beach if you want to stay and enjoy the beach for a couple of days.
There are a lot of activities you can enjoy on the beach, with equipment to rent if you enjoy water sports or soft sand that you can set a blanket on and enjoy a lunchtime picnic.
Manza Beach Location Via Google Maps
Azama Sun Sun Beach
A beautiful array of trees sit on one end of this picturesque beach, which is known for being a hotspot for water sport enthusiasts.
There are separate parts of the beach that are designated for either swimming or water activities, so there’s no concern for safety in that regard.
Additionally, lifeguards are all around to ensure everyone is safe.
Beach-goers can also head out to the sand with rented umbrellas or chairs, then head to a rented barbeque to cook lunch.
If you’re looking to try out some fun in the water, rest assured jellyfish will be kept away with netting.
Some of the activities you can enjoy on Azama Sun Sun Beach include jet-skiing, different types of boating, and of course, swimming.
Azama Sunsun Beach Location Via Google Maps
Kondoi Beach
Kondoi Beach isn’t just a place with clear, calm blue waters and light sand; it’s also a place to learn. This is because Kondoi Beach is located on Taketomi Island in Okinawa, where many folks who live there practice the old ways of Okinawa living.
You can even see this admiration for Okinawan tradition reflected in the architecture.
This is also the perfect beach to visit if you like the water but aren’t a big swimmer. There is a very large shallow area that is free from any seaweed or hard stones, so you can take a nice stroll while dipping your feet into the water.
Kondoi Beach Location Via Google Maps
Nishihara Kira Kira Beach
Nishihara Kira Kira Beach is part of the Nishihara Marine Park and is the perfect place to spend a sunny day in Okinawa.
One part of the beach is ideal for swimmers and sunbathers, while the other part of the beach is set up for those who want to participate in summer sports, such as volleyball or badminton.
You can also rent a bike and take a scenic ride along the beach, or kick around a ball on the field nearby. Once you’ve worked up an appetite from a day of activity in the sun or in the water, you can head over to a barbeque that you can rent ahead of time and cook up lunch or dinner.
Nishihara Kira Kira Beach Location Via Google Maps
Okuma Beach
This is one of the naturally occurring beaches in Okinawa and sits right by the JAL Private Resort Okuma. This is another perfect area to explore when you want to stay in Okinawa for a few days.
You will be absolutely blown away by the area of pristine white sand and brilliantly clear blue water.
This beach is the perfect beach to just sit down and be mindful of the moment. However, there are plenty of activities that you’re able to do on the beach, as the nearby resort has plenty of equipment to help you enjoy the water safely.
The Yanbaru Forest is also nearby, creating a stunning contrast along the clear beach.
Okuma Beach Location Via Google Maps
Zanpa Beach
Zanpa Beach has so much to offer to everyone who loves a beach day. Children and adults alike can find ample things to do on the beach, which is also perfect for just strolling by the water and feeling the sand between your toes.
You also have the very memorable opportunity to see one of Okinawa’s coral reefs at this beach, which you can go into, but it’s advised not to in order to keep it preserved.
There is plenty of sparkling beach water to enjoy, sand toys, chairs, and water sports equipment to rent to either relax or get active.
Zanpa Beach Location Via Google Maps
Bibi Beach Itoman
This beach is a fairly new one to the Okinawan area, being constructed into a beach in 2006.
There are also a variety of amenities available at this beach, including barbeque stations and food that can be purchased for barbequing, nets for volleyball, a park, water activities and equipment to rent, and even shallow beach pools where you can see a plethora of aquatic life swimming around.
The beach is also a lovely place to walk around and take in the lovely atmosphere and fun energy. It’s not located very far from the Naha Airport, which is how many people arrive on Okinawa Island.
Bibi Beach Itoman Location Via Google Maps
Mibaru Beach
Mibaru is a beach that isn’t often visited by tourists, as it’s one of those beaches that are secrets that locals tend to keep to themselves.
This beach is also important to Japanese history, as the Ryukyu legends started here. It’s a beautiful place for a quiet day by the water, admiring the coral reefs and tropical fish swimming throughout.
Okinawa is one of many islands sacred to the Ryukyu religion, which is one practiced by many Indigenous people in the area.
Mibaru Beach Location Via Google Maps
Maehama Beach
If you’re someone who loves diving into the clear water of a tropical beach, you’ll love Maehama Beach. What’s more, the sand on this beach is some of the brightest and whitest you will ever see, making it feel like you’re walking through paradise.
Maehama Beach Location Via Google Maps
The water is also temperate enough for swimming and more water activities for most of the year, and this beach is the perfect place to watch one of those famous Okinawan sunsets.
