Before heading to the beach in Okinawa, it’s a good idea to check the tide schedule and major tidal changes. Depending on the tide, the area within the jellyfish nets may become too shallow to swim.
Northern Okinawa
The beaches in the north are known for their water clarity and are generally less crowded than those in the central or southern areas. They also feature more natural, undeveloped coastlines.
Adan Beach
- Jellyfish Net: No
- Facilities: Restrooms, paid showers
- Parking: ¥200 per vehicle
- MAP: Kunigami, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-1501
This is the beach about 20 minutes from Cape Hedo where almost no tourists come. There are no stores nearby, so be sure to bring your own beach equipment and food and drink. Surfers, snorkelers, and divers can enjoy the unspoiled nature.
Seaglass Beach
- Jellyfish Net: No
- Facilities: none
- Parking: Free
- MAP: Toyohara, Nago, Okinawa 905-2172
This off-the-beaten-path beach isn’t found in most guidebooks, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a quiet coastal escape. Known for its colorful sea glass scattered along the shore, it’s ideal for beachcombing for seaglass and leisurely strolls. Rather than swimming, visitors come here to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and explore the natural beauty that washes up with the tide.
Kouri Beach (Kouri Island)
- Swimming Season: Late April to mid-October
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Jellyfish Net: Yes
- Facilities: Restrooms, paid showers
- Parking: Free (additional paid lots nearby)
- MAP: Kouri, Nakijin, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0406
Just across the 1,960-meter-long Kouri Bridge, on the left after entering the island. Located near the Kouri Fureai Plaza. Parking can get crowded during peak tourist season, on weekends, and during events.
Features a striking contrast between the vibrant “Kouri Blue” sea and white coral sand—perfect for photos. Nearby, you’ll find marine activity rentals and glass-bottom boats for reef viewing, plus plenty of stylish, hidden restaurants.
Emerald Beach
- Swimming Season: April to October
- Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 to 7:00 PM
- Jellyfish Net: Yes
- Facilities: Restrooms, paid showers
- Parking: Free (1,900 spaces)
- MAP: Bise, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0207
Located in Ocean Expo Park, close to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. A bit of a walk from the parking, but great for families. Offers a view of Ie Island and often hosts events.
Sesoko Beach
- Swimming Season: Mid-March to late November
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Jellyfish Net: Yes
- Facilities: Restrooms, paid showers
- Parking: ¥1,000 per vehicle, bicycle parking available
- MAP: 5583-1 Sesoko, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0227
In front of Hilton Okinawa Sesoko Resort, with a view of Ie Island. Offers buggy rides, marine activities, and rental gear. The clear water and tropical fish make it great for snorkeling and swimming.
Nabee Beach
- Swimming Season: April to late October
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 to 7:00 PM
- Jellyfish Net: Yes
- Facilities: Restrooms, paid showers
- Parking: Free
- MAP: 419-4 Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0411
Great for marine activities. Nestled between Cape Manza on the left and ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort on the right. Popular for BBQs and watersports.
Mission Beach
- Swimming Season: Mid-April to October
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 to 5:30 PM
- Jellyfish Net: Yes
- Facility Use Fee: ¥300 (includes restrooms, showers, changing rooms)
- Parking: ¥300
- MAP: 2005-1 Afuso, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0402
Ideal for BBQs and marine activities. Shallow waters make it safe for kids and less confident swimmers. No nearby convenience stores, so visitors typically use the beach cafés and diners.
Central Okinawa
More accessible than the north and typically clearer than the south, with many available activities.
Zanpa Beach
- Swimming Season: April to October
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Jellyfish Net: Yes
- Facilities: Restrooms, paid showers
- Parking: Free
- MAP: 1933 Uza, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0328
Features water-based obstacle courses and abundant marine activities. Located in front of Zanpa Park near Okashi Goten’s main location.
Uken Beach
- Swimming Season: Opening day to October
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Jellyfish Net: Yes
- Facilities: Restrooms, paid showers
- Parking: ¥500
- MAP: 644-3 Uken, Uruma, Okinawa 904-2211
Has an adjacent dog run (no pets allowed on the sand). Enjoy beachside BBQs while watching the ocean.
Ikei Beach
- Swimming Season: From the official beach opening
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Jellyfish Net: Yes
- Admission: ¥400 adults, ¥300 kids, free under 4
- Facilities: Restrooms, paid showers
- Parking: Included in admission
- MAP: 405 Yonashiroikei, Uruma, Okinawa 904-2421
Offers a full set of rental gear, so you can show up empty-handed. Swim alongside colorful tropical fish.
Araha Beach
- Swimming Season: Mid-April to October
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Jellyfish Net: Yes
- Facilities: Restrooms, paid showers
- Parking: Free
- MAP: 2 Chome-16-2 Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0116
Popular with tourists, locals, and foreign residents due to its convenient location. Features playgrounds and basketball courts. Offers BBQ and water activities. Expect parking to get crowded on weekends.
Tropical Beach (Ginowan)
- Swimming Season: Mid-April to October
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Jellyfish Net: Yes
- Facilities: Restrooms, paid showers
- Parking: Free
- MAP: 4 Chome-2-1 Mashiki, Ginowan, Okinawa 901-2224
Located just 20 minutes from Naha via the West Coast Road, this beach is easy to reach.
Southern Okinawa
Easiest to access from Naha and the airport. Offers a wide range of rental gear for tourists.
Toyosaki Chura SUN Beach
- Swimming Season: Mid-April to October
- Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Jellyfish Net: Yes
- Facilities: Restrooms, paid showers
- Parking: Up to ¥500
- MAP: 5-1 Toyosaki, Tomigusuku, Okinawa 901-0225
The closest beach to Naha Airport. You can watch airplanes fly overhead. Surrounded by shopping malls and outlet centers.
Bibi Beach Itoman
- Swimming Season: From the official opening day to the end of October
- Hours: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Jellyfish Net: Yes
- Facilities: Restrooms, paid showers
- Parking: ¥500
- MAP: 1-6 15 Nishizakicho, Itoman, Okinawa 901-0306
Features BBQ pits, playground equipment, and artificial tide pools. Great even if you don’t plan on swimming.
Azama Sun Sun Beach
- Swimming Season: From opening day to October
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 to 6:00 PM
- Jellyfish Net: Yes
- Facilities: Restrooms, paid showers
- Parking: ¥500 per car
- MAP: Azama-1141 3 Chinen, Nanjo, Okinawa 901-1502
Located near one of Okinawa’s top spiritual power spots. A bit farther from Naha but offers easy access to nearby islands and includes barrier-free amenities.
