13 Beaches to Visit in Okinawa: A Paradise of Blue Seas and White Sand

Some beaches in Okinawa have jellyfish prevention nets and lifeguards, while many others remain natural shorelines. Check the designated swimming areas and the day’s sea conditions, and enjoy the ocean within safe limits.

Okinawa’s waters are home to dangerous creatures with potent venom. If you spot an unfamiliar animal, do not touch it carelessly. Take safety precautions, such as using beaches with jellyfish prevention nets.

The sun in Okinawa is stronger than you might expect, and seaside glare can make it feel even more intense. Use a hat and rash guard, and take frequent water breaks and rest breaks.

The beach stretching out at the base of Kouri Bridge is recommended for those who want to do more than look at the ocean—they can enjoy the scenery itself. With bright white sand spreading to the left and right of the bridge, the beach is also known as a viewpoint where you can take in Kouri Bridge in one sweeping view.
During the swimming season, rentals such as parasols are available, and banana boats and jet skiing are also well offered. This shoreline offers a wide range of ways to enjoy your time, from walks to activities.

Known for Heart Rock, Tinu Beach is a popular seaside spot for people who want to enjoy both the view and photography. Many visitors look for the angle where the rock appears heart-shaped, making it a well-known photo spot.
After taking photos against the backdrop of the white sand and ocean, it is also recommended to drive around Kouri Island and explore the surrounding scenery. The landscape is fitting for an island known for romance.

At this beach resort representing the Kerama Islands, the highlight is not only swimming but also time spent enjoying the underwater world. Aharen Beach, known for its crescent-shaped white sand, and Tokashiku Beach, formed in a bay inlet, are the two major spots for marine activities, and if you are lucky, you may even encounter sea turtles.
After observing coral reefs and tropical fish while snorkeling or diving, taking in the view of the islands from an observation deck is also exceptional.

Reached by boat, Hatenohama is a special beach where the sandy shore itself becomes the destination. There are three sandbars, named “Mae-no-hama (Meenuhama),” “Naka-no-hama (Nakanuhama),” and “Hate-no-hama (Hatenuhama)” in order from the side closest to Kumejima, and they are collectively called “Hatenohama.”
On the approx. 7 km-long stretch of sand, there are no buildings and no shade from trees—only sea and sky as far as the eye can see. While snorkeling or swimming, you can immerse yourself in scenery far removed from everyday life.

This long beach stretching for approx. 2 km is perfect for travelers who want to relax by the sea during their stay. From morning walks to nighttime stargazing, it shows different expressions throughout the day.
The shoreline is covered with fine, pure white sand. Another appeal is how the beach’s atmosphere changes with the tides. Because the water is shallow and the waves are calm, it is easy to enjoy swimming and snorkeling. Hotels and restaurants are also gathered nearby, making it a familiar base for stays on Kumejima.

Known as one of Miyako Island’s signature beaches, Yonaha Maehama Beach first impresses visitors with its sheer scale. The contrast between the approx. 7 km stretch of pure white sand and the clear emerald-green sea is so striking that it is called “the best in the East.”
Enjoy a leisurely stroll, or spend your time actively with jet skiing or snorkeling. This classic beach is a place you will want to stop by at least once when visiting Miyako Island.

If you want to observe coral reefs up close, head to Yoshino Coast, known as one of Miyako Island’s top snorkeling spots. When you enter the sea from the approx. 500 m-long white sand beach, coral reefs spread out just a few meters from the shore.
There are many types of tropical fish, and at high tide you can encounter an even wider variety of marine life. Easy for beginners and families to enjoy, this is a highly worthwhile beach to visit for underwater observation.

Aragusuku Coast is a popular spot for those who want to enjoy relaxed snorkeling. Once you enter the water, you can see tropical fish swimming around the coral reefs and spend time as if taking an underwater walk.
Because the sea is shallow, high tide is recommended for making the most of snorkeling. It is also known for having a high chance of sea turtle encounters among Miyako Island beaches, and if you are lucky, you may see one underwater. This shoreline is perfect for those who want to enjoy encounters with living creatures.

Toguchi no Hama is appealing for its arcing sandy beach and views of surrounding islands. The soft, smooth sand continues for approx. 800 m, and many people can be seen enjoying seaside walks.
This is also a scenic beach, with views over the bright cobalt-blue sea toward green-covered Shimoji Island, Kurima Island, and Miyako Main Island. After swimming or enjoying marine activities, you will want to spend a slow time here until sunset. The hours when the sky and sea are tinted red and orange are also not to be missed.

If you want to see distinctive terrain shaped by nature, Sawada no Hama is not to be missed. Its defining feature is the countless reefs carried in by the great tsunami of 1771. In the evening, the reefs and sea are lit by the sunset, creating a mood unlike other beaches.
In addition, the traditional fishing method “nagaki” fish fences still remain, offering scenery where nature and human activity overlap.

This is one of Ishigaki Island’s signature snorkeling spots. In addition to swimming, snorkeling is extremely popular here because you can observe beautiful coral reefs and the colorful fish that gather around them up close.
Equipment rentals are also available at the shop, making it easy to get into the water. While feeling close to the nature that spreads across part of Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, enjoy encounters with marine life.

Shiraho Coast is less a place for simply looking at the sea than a place to experience a rich ecosystem. As you walk along the water’s edge, take a moment to think about the marine environment stretching beyond it.
It is known for its rare blue coral colonies, said to be the largest in the Northern Hemisphere. In addition, more than 70 types of coral live here, forming a diverse marine environment. On this coast, where untouched nature remains, there are almost no artificial structures, and the scenery gives a real sense of Ishigaki Island’s natural richness.

Sukuji Beach, known for its impressive crescent-shaped sandy shore, is a popular swimming spot for families. In summer, box jellyfish prevention nets are set up, and lifeguards are stationed at this swimming beach, allowing small children to enjoy the water safely.
Activities such as sea kayaking and SUP are also available, creating an environment where you can spend the whole day by the sea. In the evening, the sun sets over the horizon, and at night, a sky full of stars spreads overhead.