Editor’s Note: I am a huge fan of Okinawa beaches. Had a great time exploring them during my last trip to the tropical side of Japan. Jen, our Dining Traveler Asia contributor, shares her top picks:
Top Okinawa Beaches
Japan has been my home for 2 years now, and these Okinawa beaches simply never get old. The landscape of the islands is mysterious yet peaceful. Pair that with what we call the “Oki blues” (the seemingly endless shades of blue of the Pacific Ocean and East China Sea that surround our dear island home), and you’ve got an epic combo. So grab some snacks from your local konbini, hop into your Honda Mobilio wagon, and get ready for an adventure.
Toyosaki Chura Sun Beach
Watching airplanes take off and land while sunning and swimming on Chura Sun Beach really can’t be beat. Gaze out to the Kerama Islands in the distance and lie beneath the flight approach to Naha International Airport on close to a half-mile of sand. What a cool experience to see the planes so close! A unique feature, for sure.
Chura Sun’s sand is made of crushed coral and can often be rocky especially as you wade into the sea. Dining Traveler Tip: wear water shoes to protect your feet. The water itself is gentle and calm. Who doesn’t love swimming in a giant bath tub?
There are plenty of pavilions for keeping cool in the shade as well as an observation deck for excellent views. If you’re interested in grabbing more than a quick bite, try Resort Cafe Kai, right along the beach. A covered wooden deck provides stellar views while you enjoy a cocktail and maybe a margherita pizza or sashimi tuna bowl. If you’d like to cool off inside, the ambiance is downright swanky…glass chandeliers and modern fixtures. Either way, you can’t go wrong.
Emerald Beach
As you drive north, the crowded city of Naha gives way to sugar cane fields, farmland, and wild jungle. The Motobu Peninsula, roughly 60 miles away, is touted for its mikan (tangerine) trees and the Churaumi Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring whale sharks and manta rays. It draws millions of visitors each year for good reason.
At the end of the Ocean Expo Park, which houses the aquarium, is Emerald Beach. 3 separate areas for swimming, playing, and viewing are spread out along the shore to provide a little something for everyone.
Probably my favorite part of this beach is its proximity to the tiny fishing village of Bise. Homes are shaded beneath hundreds of Japanese evergreens known as Fukugi trees. It’s a magical spot to take a walk through town and watch the sunset along the water after relaxing on the beach. These little unique details make Okinawa beaches so special.
Tokashiku, Tokashiki-jima
With less than 1,000 inhabitants and only an hour ferry ride from the main island of Okinawa, the breathtaking island of Tokashiki-jima awaits. Tokashiki is one of 10 islands in the Kerama Island chain. In winter months, humpback whales make their home during migration in the open waters surrounding these islands.
On the western side of the island, there is a protected beach on the shores of the Tokashiku Marine Village. The accommodations are basic but star of this property is the cove. Snorkel right off the beach to the vibrant reef, home to colorful fish and even a few sea turtles. The sand is peppered with coral and picture-perfect shells and sea glass. Life is truly simple and sweet here.
Furuzamami Beach, Zamami-jima
Zamami-jima‘s Furuzamami Beach can be described with one word: water. It’s blue. It’s green. It’s turquoise. It’s aqua. It’s stunning.
The beach has chair and umbrella rentals as well as a little beach cafe with tasty Okinawan specialties. This is one of those Okinawa beaches that makes you want to stay all day. (Zamami-jima is also a part of the Kerama Island chain and just a ferry ride away.)
Araha Beach
This is our local neighborhood beach…a quick 5-minute stroll away along the East China Sea. The water is seriously stunning…clear, warm, and calm, and the netted swimming area, common on Okinawa beaches, keeps out fish and unwanted jellyfish. Lifeguards also keep an eye on swimmers and beach conditions. Besides the serene water, there is a chance to do so many other things here. Rent a kayak or take a glass-bottom boat to get a glimpse under the sea. Go for a thrill ride on a parasail, jetski, or inflatable catamaran pulled by a speed boat. For the kiddies, the play area steps away features a giant pirate ship fashioned after an actual shipwreck that occurred on Okinawa. A lookout tower, zipline, climbing net, and slide are the perfect diversion from the sand and sea (if you really need one!). There are also basketball courts and volleyball nets. When you’re hungry, a small snack shack with kara-age (fried chicken), fries, kakigori (shaved ice), curry and other treats (cold Orion beer!) provides a quick refresher. Or if you’re planning in advance, rent a pavilion, gather a bunch of friends, and grill out. Araha Beach has got you covered.
Have you been to Okinawa, Japan? Which is your favorite beach? Share in the comments!
*Most Okinawa beaches provide facilities from April 1 through October 31. This often includes lifeguards, showers and toilets, swimming nets, lockers, and recreation rentals.
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