Beaches on Okinawa Main Island
The entire prefecture of Okinawa is famous for its warm climate and beaches. While Okinawa Main Island (Okinawa Honto) is not considered to have the prefecture's very best beaches (these are found on smaller islands such as Miyako), it, nevertheless, has some attractive beaches where visitors can enjoy the sun, sand and sea. See the list below for some of the island's best beaches and snorkeling spots.
The best time to go swimming at the beach in Okinawa Honto is between May and October. From December to March the air temperatures can drop to levels below 20 degrees Celsius which many people will consider too cool for swimming. Water temperatures around Okinawa Honto never drop below 20 degrees and reach about 30 degrees during the summer months.
When using the beaches, beware of strong currents that can pull you out to sea and poisonous creatures such as Habu Jellyfish, a type of box jellyfish, which are most prevalent from June to October. Signs at the beaches inform about the dangers, while some beaches have netted off swimming areas. Although stings are rare, if stung you should pour vinegar over the sting, remove any tentacles, and seek medical help as it may become life threatening.
Snorkeling
The sea life along the shores of Okinawa Honto is not quite as colorful as around some of Okinawa's smaller islands. Nevertheless, there are a few nice snorkeling spots.
Getting there and around
Manza Beach
Manza Beach is connected directly with Naha by bus number 120 (120 minutes, 1420 yen from Naha Bus Terminal or 130 minutes, 1510 yen from Naha Airport; 2 buses/hour) and airport limousine bus (70 minutes, 1630 yen from Naha Bus Terminal or 80 minutes, 1730 yen from Naha Airport; every 1-2 hours). Get off at Manza Beach-mae (万座ビーチ前). By car, it takes about 50 minutes (more during rush hours) from Naha if using the expressway between Naha and Yaka IC (700 yen one way).
Moon Beach
Moon Beach is connected directly with Naha by bus number 120 (90 minutes, 1210 yen from Naha Bus Terminal, or 100 minutes, 1320 yen from Naha Airport; 2 buses/hour) and airport limousine bus (55 minutes, 1430 yen from Naha Bus Terminal or 65 minutes, 1530 yen from Naha Airport; every 1-2 hours). Get off at Moon Beach-mae (ムーンビーチ前). By car, it takes about 50 minutes (more during rush hours) from Naha if using the expressway between Naha and Ishikawa IC (650 yen one way).
Okuma Beach
Take highway bus number 111 or 117 or the Yanbaru Express from Naha to Nago Bus Terminal (80 minutes, 1650-2140 yen from Naha Bus Center; 95 minutes, 1650-2240 yen from Naha Airport; 1-2 buses/hour) and transfer to bus number 67 to Okuma Beach Iriguchi (奥間ビーチ入口, 60 minutes, 1030 yen, hourly). Note that between Naha and Nago the Yanbaru Express is cheaper than the other buses and that it stops at the Kencho Kitaguchi bus stop instead of the Naha Bus Center. By car, it takes about two hours from Naha if using the expressway between Naha and Nago (1040 yen one way).
Emerald Beach
Please see the Ocean Expo Park page for access details.
Mibaru Beach
Take bus number 50 or 51 from Naha Bus Terminal to Hyakuna Bus Terminal (百名バスターミナル, 65 minutes, 730 yen, 1-2 buses/hour), from where the beach can be reached in a 15 minute walk. By car, it takes about 40 minutes from central Naha.
Zampa Beach
Take an airport limousine bus from Naha to Royal Hotel Okinawa Zanpamisaki next to the beach (ロイヤルホテル残波岬; 75 minutes, 1430 yen from Naha Bus Terminal or 85 minutes, 1530 yen from Naha Airport; every 2 hours). Alternatively, take bus number 28 from Naha Bus Terminal to Yomitan Bus Terminal (読谷バスターミナル, 80 minutes, 1100 yen, 3-4 buses/hour) from where it is a 45 minute walk to the beach. By car it takes about 70 minutes from central Naha.
Sunset Beach
Please see the Mihama American Village page for access details.
Cape Maeda
Take bus 120 from Naha to Yamada (山田; 80 minutes, 1110 yen from Naha Bus Terminal, or 90 minutes, 1200 yen from Naha Airport; 2 buses/hour), from where Cape Maeda can be reached in a 20-30 minute walk. By car, it takes about 50 minutes (more during rush hours) from Naha if using the expressway between Naha and Ishikawa IC (650 yen one way).
Odo Kaigan
Take bus number 89 from Naha Bus Terminal to Itoman Bus Terminal (糸満バスターミナル, 60 minutes, 590 yen, departures every 10 minutes) and transfer to bus number 82. Get off at Seimei Byōin-mae (晴明病院前, 20 minutes, 390 yen, 1 bus/hour), from where the coast can be reached in a 10-15 minute walk. By car, it takes about 45 minutes from central Naha.
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Hotels around Okinawa Island
-
-
La Passione Boutique B&BBoasting city views, La Passione Boutique B&B features accommodation with terrace, around 2.2 km from Naminoue Beach. This 1-star bed and breakfast offers a shared kitchen, luggage storage space and free WiFi. The rooms are fitted with a balcony. Each unit is fitted with air conditioning, a private bathroom and a well-fitted kitchen including a dishwasher, oven, microwave and a toaster. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle. At the bed and breakfast, units have bed linen and towels. Continental and Asian breakfast options with warm dishes, local specialities and pancakes are available. There is a coffee shop and lounge. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 4.1 km from the bed and breakfast, while Sefa Utaki is 20 km from the property. Naha Airport is 4 km away.View on Booking.com
-
Best ever hotel -SEVEN Hotels and Resorts-Best ever hotel -SEVEN Hotels and Resorts- features accommodation within 700 metres of the centre of Naha, with free WiFi, and a kitchenette with a microwave, a fridge and a stovetop. The air-conditioned accommodation is 1.4 km from Naminoue Beach. The accommodation offers a lift and full-day security for guests. At the aparthotel, every unit comes with a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 4.7 km from the aparthotel, while Nakagusuku Castle is 20 km from the property. Naha Airport is 4 km away.View on Booking.com
-
Hotel CollectiveIn a prime location in the centre of Naha, Hotel Collective offers American breakfast and free WiFi throughout the property. Offering a restaurant, the property also has a fitness centre, as well as a sauna and a hot tub. The accommodation provides a kids' club, a 24-hour front desk and currency exchange for guests. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. The units will provide guests with a wardrobe and a kettle. Naminoue Beach is 1.8 km from Hotel Collective, while Tamaudun Mausoleum is 3.5 km away. Naha Airport is 5 km from the property.View on Booking.com
-
JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom NahaJR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Naha offers accommodation in Naha. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant during their stay. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and private parking is available on site for an additional fee. JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Naha is completely non-smoking and fully equipped with barrier-free facilities. Each of the hotel's carpeted rooms is air-conditioned and soundproofed. The rooms have a flat-screen satellite TV. The bed is equipped with a Simmons pocket coil mattress. Rooms are equipped with an electric kettle, clothes rack and refrigerator. The rooms have a private bathroom with a bathtub. Towels, bathrobes, slippers, toothbrushes and free toiletries are also provided. There is also a safety deposit box and a laptop safe. Free luggage storage is available at the 24-hour front desk. Drinks vending machines and a free trouser press are available on site. Paid massages and meeting/banquet facilities can be arranged for an additional fee. JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Naha is a 1-minute walk from Naha Kokusai Dori Shopping District and a 5-minute walk from Miebashi Monorail Station. Naha Airport is within 30 minutes by train.View on Booking.com
-
Living Inn NahakoumaeIdeally located in the Naha City Centre district of Naha, Living Inn Nahakoumae is situated 22 km from Sefa Utaki, 23 km from Nakagusuku Castle and 30 km from Zakimi Gusuku Castle. It is set 5.4 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum and offers free WiFi plus a lift. The property is 1.2 km from the city centre and 1.3 km from Naminoue Beach. Some units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, washing machine and a kettle, as well as a fully equipped kitchenette. At the aparthotel, units come with a private bathroom. Katsuren Castle is 32 km from the aparthotel, while Maeda Cape is 34 km from the property. Naha Airport is 4 km away.View on Booking.com
-
Hotel GrandConsort NahaWell set in the centre of Naha, Hotel GrandConsort Naha is within 1.5 km of Naminoue Beach and 4.2 km of Tamaudun Mausoleum. This 4-star hotel offers a shared lounge, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. Private parking is available on site. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. All units include a wardrobe. Sefa Utaki is 20 km from Hotel GrandConsort Naha, while Nakagusuku Castle is 21 km away. Naha Airport is 5 km from the property.View on Booking.com
-
Rihga Royal Gran OkinawaOffering direct access from Asahibashi Monorail Station, Rihga Royal Gran Okinawa features spacious Western-style accommodations with free WiFi. Guests can ask for concierge services at the front desk. All rooms are non-smoking and feature air conditioning, a flat-screen satellite TV, safety deposit box and fridge. Guests can make green tea using the electric kettle and wear the provided sleepwear. The en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer and toothbrush sets. Currency exchange and photocopying services are offered at the front desk. Laundry services are provided and on-site parking is available at an extra charge. The lobby is located on the 14th floor. A breakfast buffet and Western a la carte dishes are served at Dining 19, which offers beautiful sunset views from the top floor. Okinawa Gran Rihga Royal is a 10-minute walk from Kokusai Street and a 25-minute drive from Shuri Castle. Naha Airport is just a 10-minute drive or train ride away. A 24-hour convenience shop can be found next door.View on Booking.com
-
Hotel Little Island Okinawa MatsuyamaConveniently located in the centre of Naha, Hotel Little Island Okinawa Matsuyama offers a balcony, air conditioning, free WiFi and flat-screen TV. This 3-star aparthotel offers a lift and luggage storage space. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The kitchen is fitted with a microwave, a fridge and a stovetop and there is a private bathroom with slippers and a hair dryer. For added privacy, the accommodation features a private entrance. Naminoue Beach is 500 metres from the aparthotel, while Tamaudun Mausoleum is 4.7 km from the property. Naha Airport is 4 km away.View on Booking.com
-
Condominium GOLF GOLF TsuboyaOffering city views, Condominium GOLF GOLF Tsuboya is an accommodation located in Naha, 2.9 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum and 19 km from Sefa Utaki. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi. The accommodation provides a lift, full-day security and luggage storage for guests. Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchenette, a TV and a private bathroom with bidet, slippers and a hair dryer. A microwave, a fridge and stovetop are also provided, as well as a kettle. The units include a desk. Nakagusuku Castle is 19 km from the aparthotel, while Zakimi Gusuku Castle is 28 km away. Naha Airport is 5 km from the property.View on Booking.com
-
Daiwa Roynet Hotel NAHA-OMOROMACHI PREMIERConveniently located in Naha, Daiwa Roynet Hotel NAHA-OMOROMACHI PREMIER offers a buffet breakfast and free WiFi throughout the property. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Guests can enjoy city views. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a wardrobe, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 2.8 km from Daiwa Roynet Hotel NAHA-OMOROMACHI PREMIER, while Nakagusuku Castle is 17 km from the property. Naha Airport is 7 km away.View on Booking.com
-
Experiences around Okinawa Island
-
-
Mangrove Kayaking and Trekking with Outdoor Cooking in Iriomote IslandExprole quiet Mangrove river and Waterfall / Jungle streamView on Klook
-
2N3D Meditation & Fasting Treatment PackageEnjoy meals with fresh vegetables made in Okinawa and it’s all Vegan.View on Klook
-
-
Okinawa’s Unique Coral Dyeing Experience | Near Shuri CastleUse Okinawa's beautiful local coral as a dyeing tool for making your craftsView on Klook
-
-
Fly Zipline Experience at Matayoshi Coffee FarmEnjoy 5 different Zipline courses with a professional guide.View on Klook
-
ATV Adventure in Okinawa From Itoman or Higashi VillageLearn how to ride an ATV with the guidance of a professional coachView on Klook
-
Yukata and Kimono Rental in OkinawaCompletely immerse yourself in Japanese culture by dressing up with a kimono or a summer yukataView on Klook
-
Blue Cave Snorkeling and Diving in OkinawaExplore the glowing wonders of the Blue Cave on a snorkeling or diving experienceView on Klook
-
Marine Walk Experience in Onna VillageExperience the unforgettable feeling of walking across the sandy ocean bed and discover a mesmerising world under the seaView on Klook
-