13 Best Beaches in Okinawa

Furuzamami Beach on Zamami Island is one of the easiest to reach, as it's just a ferry ride away from Okinawa. You’re most likely to arrive on Okinawa’s main island of the same name, and from there, you have the option to travel the archipelago as you please. Even so, Furuzamami Beach is usually first to tick off the list due to its convenient distance.

While Furuzamami Beach isn’t near anything 'urban', you won’t find any of its amenities to be lacking. Sit back, relax and enjoy the views of clear blue waters with other islands in the distance and the abundant greenery contrasting nicely with the shades of blue, from sky to sea.

Nishihama Beach might take a bit of extra travel to reach but many past travellers say that the remote locale is well worth the trek. Nishihama Beach sits on Hateruma, Japan’s southernmost inhabited island. The ocean stretches as far as the eye can see, from your spot on pristine, white sands backed by dense foliage.

The cobalt-blue waters are particularly calm, making Nishihama a nice pick for families with young children or weak swimmers. Besides swimming, snorkelling is also popular at Nishihama Beach, thanks to the coral reefs that lie just off the shore.

The human-made Emerald Beach got its name from its vibrant waters, which are crystal-clear with a greenish hue. There’s more to this beach than just its striking waters, though. It sits within Okinawa’s Ocean Expo Park, which has a botanical garden, aquarium and cultural exhibits.

The beach is separated into 3 different zones. One is for relaxing (so no splashing around or noisy kids), the second for swimming and water-based activities while the third offers plenty of sightseeing opportunities for you to get your Instagram photo and go. On-site showers are free to use. You can rent umbrellas, chairs and life vests at shops, many of which are within walking distance of Emerald Beach.

You can reach Aharen Beach if you’re willing to take a short hour’s boat ride from Okinawa. You can go from Naha’s vibrant urban centre (which has many shopping, dining and nightlife options) straight to your own private getaway with ease.

Aharen Beach is very popular with day-trippers. The brief boat ride transports you to a tropical isle where the waters are so blue, they practically glow. Further beyond the crescent-shaped beach, you’ll find expansive hilltops covered in palm trees.

Manza Beach, located on Manza Cove, is conveniently situated near several large hotels. You can book an ocean-view room and step directly from your guestroom onto the sandy shores. Technically, Manza Beach is on ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort’s property, but you don’t need to stay at the resort to enjoy the beach, as it’s open to the public.

Manza Beach has white sands, clear waters and even a floating inflatable playground for kids, though the latter does come with a fee. You can enjoy the scenery and the water at no cost, though. Other activities include diving and parasailing. From Manza Beach, some choose to walk to the nearby Cape Manzamo, a beautiful backdrop for travel photos.

Azama Sun Sun Beach is a family favourite for a variety of reasons. This Okinawan beach is very well-patrolled by lifeguards and watchmen. There are lots of amenities that make the beach overall safer and more convenient for travellers with children in tow.

The beach is well-equipped to accommodate travellers with special needs, featuring jellyfish nets to protect your kids from harmful sea creatures. The beach also offers designated areas for a variety of water activities, including swimming, banana boating, half piping and jet skiing. You can also rent beach umbrellas, lounge chairs and even a barbecue, for a spur-of-the-moment picnic. 

Zanpa Beach is another family-friendly choice, but it appeals to travellers of all types thanks to its overall beauty, thick and white sand, aquamarine waters and picturesque sunsets. Just offshore, you’ll find the largest coral reef in the Okinawa prefecture, which results in very calm waters, great for kids and weak swimmers alike.

You’ll find your normal water activities here, but special attention is paid to water activities created for toddlers and young children. There are children’s sand toys that you can rent. Other items for rent include beach chairs, volleyball nets and umbrellas.

Mibaru Beach in southern Okinawa is very popular with locals as it's one of the few beaches that have yet to be discovered by the travelling masses. It's pretty casual and you’ll see that it’s not quite as cleaned up as some of the other beaches on this list (expect to encounter some rocks and seaweed), which only adds to its authentic, locals-only vibe.

As you splash around off-shore rock formations, the water’s clarity makes it easy for spotting tropical fish. You can also opt for a glass-bottomed boat tour if you prefer to stay dry. Do note that the waves at Mibaru Beach are a bit on the rougher side.

Yonaha Maehama Beach (or Maebama Beach) reportedly offers travellers the whitest sands in the Asia Pacific. You can visit and judge for yourself, as you walk the 7-km length of this spacious beach. From the shores, you’ll be treated to views of Kurimajima Island just across the water, as well as the bridge connecting Kurimajima to Miyakojima, the island where Maehama Beach is located.

Miyakojima is consistently named one of the best islands for diving in not only Okinawa, but in all of Japan. If you don’t want to swim, at least consider stopping here for one of its famous sunsets.

Kondoi Beach is a must-visit for travellers seeking a thorough mix of marine activities, culture and history. The beach is found on Taketomi Island, where you can still find locals living a more traditional way of Okinawa life, among ancient architecture. The narrow beach is flanked by vegetation, so you won’t feel uneasy as the waves lap towards you.

The shallows are expansive, so you and even your youngest travelling companions can walk by the calm waves and translucent waters for quite a distance. You won’t find any diving or snorkelling options here, but that hardly detracts from Kondoi Beach’s appeal.

Located at the eastern end of Miyakojima, Yoshino Kaigan is famous for its clear waters and coral reefs. Once you step into the sea, you'll be surrounded by stunning coral formations and a variety of tropical fish, often visible right from the shoreline. Miyakojima is said to have one of the largest populations and varieties of tropical fish.

Although you can enjoy bathing and surfing, snorkelling is the highlight here. Due to the shallow waters, it's best to avoid low tides and check tide levels in advance. Yoshino Kaigan is also one of Miyakojima's important spawning grounds for sea turtles, so you'll have a very good chance of meeting sea turtles here during the spawning season from May to August.

Naminoue Beach is a short walk from Kokusai-dori (International Street), which is something of a hub for travellers and tourists. Naminoue Beach is one of the most accessible and enjoyable seaside destinations you're likely to find. There isn't a huge area for bathing, but there aren't many waves either, so children can swim here with nothing to worry about.

There are facilities such as hot showers and toilets too, and with its proximity to the city, its convenience is a key advantage. There are also activities such as snorkelling and diving, and there's a park around the beach where you can take a walk. This is a clean beach where you can relax, swim, read a book or sunbathe. 

Chatan Sunset Beach is one of Okinawa's premier spots to witness the magical sunset. With its blue sea, white sands and stunning red sunset on the horizon, it offers breathtaking beauty. The calm waves in the bathing area of this artificial bay make it a safe swimming spot for children.

You can also enjoy a beach BBQ with all necessary equipment and food available for rent on-site. Locals and tourists alike appreciate the nearby amenities, including shopping centres, restaurants, cinemas, hot springs and other entertainment options. Located on the west side of the island, this beach is a perfect blend of natural beauty and convenience.