Japan's most beautiful and best beaches are without a doubt found on the tropical islands of Okinawa, the country's southernmost prefecture. But for some reason, when talking about Japan, many tourists often forget about its beautiful beaches with clean clear water, coral reefs and snow-white sand.
Famous mainly for the Ryukyu Islands, Okinawa Prefecture consists of more than twenty islands and islets. All of them are located far to the south and significantly removed from the main islands of Japan, so if you decide to go even further south, beyond the main Okinawan island of Honto, you will find that the remaining islands are truly tropical and much less explored than those that are located to the north.
The island of Okinawa itself is rich in magnificent beaches: most of them are developed resorts, and the rest are located within the city. But Okinawa's most beautiful beaches are hidden on smaller islands such as Yaeyama, Miyako and Kerama. So what makes Okinawa's beaches so attractive? Of the features, I would like to mention first of all the fact that most of these places have been preserved in their original form, remaining untouched by civilization and technological progress. Here you will find real jungles, mangrove forests and luxurious white sand beaches. On the Okinawa islands you can see sea turtles, dolphins, stingrays and whale sharks. The coastal waters offer truly world-class diving!
The beaches of the Ryukyu Archipelago are a tropical paradise, but like any tropics, in addition to their enchanting beauty, they are also fraught with danger. Firstly, although it may not be cold in Okinawa in October, typhoon season begins at this time, which can cause understandable inconvenience. Another danger that you need to beware of while relaxing on the beaches of Okinawa is the Habu jellyfish - a box jellyfish or, as it is also called, a sea wasp, the poison of which is deadly to humans. These jellyfish are most often found during the summer months.
Akajima Beach
Akajima (sometimes pronounced Akashima) is an island belonging to the Kerama Island group in Okinawa Prefecture. The resort was nicknamed Aka and is located equidistant from both the main Japanese islands and the island of Okinawa. Akajima Island is located halfway between the northernmost point of Taiwan and the southernmost point of Japan, that is, in the tropical climate zone. Just over three hundred residents live permanently on the island of Akajima and its neighboring island of Geruma.
Akajima Island can be reached by ferry, which sails between the main island of Okinawa (Port Tomari) and the Kerama group of islands. The ferry ride will take between an hour and a half, depending on which ferry you take. And once you get to the island, rent a bike. This is the favorite means of transportation for local residents. This way you can enjoy not only a beach holiday, but also explore the island itself.
The warm Kuroshio Current flows past the island, meaning the coastal waters offer stunning coral reefs and a variety of marine life. Therefore, diving is perhaps a real gem of Aka, just like most of the islands of Okinawa. Coral reefs surround most of the island, and the waters here are warm and calm, teeming with a variety of colorful tropical fish. The holiday season lasts from April to October, and the months from December to March are considered “off-season”. But even at this time, you can find a lot of interesting things on Akajima, for example, during this period the breeding season of humpback whales takes place.
The best beach on the island is called Nishibama Beach. A wide strip of snow-white soft sand stretches along the clean turquoise coastline. The beach is approximately thirty minutes by bike northeast of the ferry terminal located on the southern part of Akajima Island. Once you get to the beach, you can rent snorkeling equipment, which will cost you a thousand yen (less than ten dollars).
Locals take the protection of nature very seriously and consider Nishibama Beach to be part of a nature reserve, so it is better to limit yourself to snorkeling in clearly designated areas. You can get a lot of pleasure from exploring the colorful underwater world of local waters, without swimming very far from the shore.
If you want to take a break from the annoying car and any other transport and spend time on the beach, Akajima is an ideal place, easily accessible by ferry. In addition, for those who want to stay overnight, you can stay in one of the guest houses on the island.
Oceanarium on Okinawa Island
Of course, the Okinawa Aquarium, called Churaumi, also deserves attention. Translated, this word means “beautiful sea.” At the aquarium you can admire the flora and fauna of the island and the Kuroshio sea current. Its representatives are manatees, sharks, dolphins, and the Sea Devil stingray. The aquarium with these marine inhabitants is the main pride of the aquarium. You can go to the aquarium at any time of the year. Outside the main building of the aquarium there is a pool with turtles, a pool with manatees and lagoons with dolphins.
Before or after visiting the aquarium, visit a small restaurant nearby, which is located on the top of the mountain. They serve delicious pizza, but the amazing views around are the icing on the cake.
Don't miss the opportunity to try Awamori rice liquor, which is the original drink of Okinawa. Due to the peculiarities of the preparation process, the liqueur is more reminiscent of soju than sake. The drink does not have a pronounced taste, but it intoxicates quite well, so watch the amount you drink.
When you go on vacation to the island of Okinawa in Japan, you probably expect to eat nothing but sushi. You might be surprised to learn that the main product on the island is pork. Pigs were first brought to the island by the Chinese back in the 15th and 16th centuries; since then, the inhabitants of Okinawa have eaten absolutely all parts of the pig, with the exception of the pig's squeal.
As for food, if you want to have a really tasty meal, then it is better to refuse to choose a restaurant from among those that Google will offer you. The best guide is a large number of locals in the establishment. Most likely, you will not even be offered a menu in English and will need to rely only on the recommendations of the waiter, chef or owner of the establishment.
Another important point of your trip to the island of Okinawa is to rent a car if you are going to travel outside the capital, Naha. Considering that most of the best beaches, hotels, and diving spots are located in the northern part of the island, and the cost of a trip there by taxi can cost a fortune, it is better to take care in advance and book a car.
Maehama Beach
Maehama is often called the best beach in Japan and it's easy to see why. A strip of fine white sand stretches for seven kilometers along the southeastern coast of Miyakojima Island. The water here is very warm, bluish-emerald in color, soft and crystal clear. Despite its tropical appearance, this is not an uninhabited island, so there is everything you need for a safe and comfortable beach holiday - from lifeguards to showers. It's safe to swim in these waters, but be careful and watch out for jellyfish. Some areas of the beach may be closed from time to time to ensure the safety of beachgoers.
Emerald Beach
Emerald Beach is located at the tip of the Motobu Peninsula, north of Okinawa's main island, Honto. The beach owes its name to the greenish-turquoise color of the purest transparent water. Emerald Beach is part of the Ocean Expo Park, which stretches three kilometers along the coast and includes an authentic Okinawan village and botanical garden. The park's most famous attraction is the Churaumi Aquarium, which is considered the best in Japan and the second largest aquarium in the world.
The beach is divided into three zones, each of which has its own focus - there is a beach for relaxation, a beach for admiring beautiful views, which is perfect for photography and video shooting, and a beach for swimming and other water activities. You can only see this in Japan!
Where to stay?
There will be no problems with accommodation. There is a place to stay for a budget tourist and a place to wow a traveler who is willing to overpay for increased comfort, swimming pools and beautiful scenery. You can spend the night in hostels from 10 to 30 euros per day. For example, the Santiago Guesthouse Naha hostel looks like a traditional Japanese house, there is free Wi-Fi, and the cost of a bed in such an authentic room is just under 13 euros per day.
You can also find more expensive options - resorts with views of the coast and simply European-style hotels. On average, prices start from 30 euros to 150 euros for a single room. For example, the cost of a room in the Premier Home II complex is somewhere around 70 euros, but this takes into account that one of the beaches is located 750 meters away, and breakfast is included. There are hotels with hot springs and onsen. Their thermal waters relieve fatigue, tension, stress and help fight chronic diseases.
Aharen Beach
Aharen Beach is located on the west coast of Tokashiki Island, which is part of the Kerama Island group and can be reached by boat within an hour from Okinawa's capital, Naha. The curved white sandy bay is surrounded by high hills covered with lush vegetation, the very sight of which leaves no doubt that you are in the tropics. Not far from the shore, under the clear, aquamarine water, there is a coral reef, thanks to which Aharen is considered an excellent place for snorkeling and diving. If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city, this place is ideal for that. The island can be reached by boat or ferry; in addition to a beach holiday, here you can rent a bicycle or walk around the island and admire the fantastic beauty of the tropics. If you wish to extend your stay on the island, local guest houses are available.
Sunayama Beach
Sunayama Beach is located in the north of Miyakojima Island, which is one of the islands of the tropical Okinawa Prefecture. This charming white sandy beach is easily identified by the stone arch that lies at its southern end. An arch is a reef formation formed over centuries by sea waves and wind.
In addition to the arch, the main feature of Sunayama Beach is the snow-white fine sand, or rather its huge amount. The name of the beach translates as “mountain of sand”, but the name is a bit exaggerated. To get down to the shoreline, you need to climb up the sand dune that is located just behind the beach. This beach is the perfect place to truly relax and unwind. It's actually very calm and quiet here.
The water off the coast of Miyakojima is enticingly warm and that beautiful turquoise color often found in Okinawa. Miyako Island is one of the most popular diving destinations in the entire world, with over a hundred species of coral, sea turtles, whale sharks, stingrays and countless colorful tropical fish swimming in the crystal clear waters. While snorkeling is the highlight of a holiday at Sunayama Beach, caution is advised. The waves here can be very strong, as can the undercurrents.
And, of course, it is worth mentioning the beautiful sunsets that can be seen on the island. They will undoubtedly add a romantic atmosphere to your holiday.
Aragusuku Beach
Located just a few steps from Yoshino Beach, Aragusuku Beach may be smaller in size but no less popular. Aragusuku Beach is another pearl of Okinawa, famous for its white sand and gently sloping shallow sea that leads to a colorful coral reef. This makes the beach popular with tourists and locals who come here to enjoy the beautiful scenery and safe swimming.
There is a lot of fun snorkeling to be had on Aragusuku. Bushes of coral reefs begin almost at the very shore, and colorful tropical fish swarm around them. During the season, there is a small tent on the beach where you can buy drinks and something to eat. And there is free parking near the beach.
Visit one of the wonderful beaches we told you about today and you will find yourself in a real tropical paradise with its lush vegetation, warm turquoise waters and fine white sand. Okinawa is a real pearl of Japanese beach holidays!
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Beaches of Kamakura
It so happened that there was little time, and there was no way to go anywhere from Tokyo overnight. In this case, any of the beaches in the Kamakura region is an excellent solution, especially since you can explore the city in one day (a fascinating sightseeing tour at this link) and soak up the beach.
You can get there by train very quickly using the Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station. But we advise you to leave the hotel early. The summer morning sun in Japan begins to tickle sleepers as early as half past five, so on weekends trains heading towards the Kamakura coast are jam-packed. Head to Yuigahama, Koshigoe or Zaimokuza beaches. For swimming they are open from 9:00 to 17:00, and the beach season lasts from July 1 to August 31.
Choose a hotel in Kamakura
What will surprise you about the behavior of the Japanese, and the beaches themselves? Often, for local residents, a trip to the sea means a lot of makeup, high heels, long clothes and beautiful hairstyles, because they are just going to take pictures against the backdrop of sea water. You may also be the only person swimming. The Japanese often sit under umbrellas to avoid accidentally sunbathing, play in the sand or eat in restaurants on the shore. An umbrella and sun lounger are available directly on the beach for a fee. A darkly tanned young man with a drill will approach the place you have chosen (choose it away from the water so as not to be pulled into the sea during high tide), drill a hole in the sand, stick an umbrella in it and leave. Enjoy the sea!
