Beaches · Okinawa · Japan
The best beaches in and near Okinawa
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: ChiefHira, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Emerald Beach (About 1.5–2 hours north of Naha). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in January–December.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 7
- Swimming season
- January–December
- Warmest sea
- 29°C (84°F)
The beaches
About 1.5–2 hours north of Naha · Families visiting the aquarium
1.Emerald Beach
Three sheltered coves in the Ocean Expo Park next to the aquarium, with calm water and lifeguards in season.
About 50 minutes by fast ferry plus a short bus ride · Snorkelling
2.Furuzamami Beach
A long white-sand beach on Zamami with coral close to shore and good snorkelling.
About 35 minutes by fast ferry plus a short bus ride · Day trips from Naha
3.Aharen Beach
Tokashiki's main beach, a curve of white sand with clear water and rental gear.
About 40 minutes north of Naha · Families and sunsets
4.Araha Beach
A wide, managed city beach with a replica sailing ship, a playground and sunset views.
About 1.5–2 hours north of Naha · Swimming and snorkelling
5.Sesoko Beach
Long white-sand beach on Sesoko island with very clear water, reached by bridge from Motobu.
About 30 minutes north of Naha · Easy access and barbecues
6.Tropical Beach
A managed beach in Ginowan's seaside park, with barbecues and netted swimming.
About 15 minutes' walk from Kokusai-dori · A quick swim without a car
7.Naminoue Beach
Naha's small city beach below Naminoue Shrine, handy for a swim between sightseeing.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 21°C (70°F) | 20°C (68°F) |
| February | 21°C (70°F) | 20°C (68°F) |
| March | 22°C (72°F) | 22°C (72°F) |
| April | 23°C (73°F) | 24°C (75°F) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
| June | 27°C (81°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| July | 29°C (84°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| August | 29°C (84°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| September | 28°C (82°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| October | 27°C (81°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| November | 25°C (77°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
| December | 23°C (73°F) | 22°C (72°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$$ · Best for luxury, beach, couples and families
Onna
Onna's west-facing coastline is lined with Okinawa's large resort hotels, most with their own beach, pools and marine activity desks. Cape Manzamo's elephant-trunk cliff and the Cape Maeda Blue Cave snorkelling site are here, and the drive to the Churaumi Aquarium takes about an hour on the expressway.
- Good
- Beachfront resorts with calm, netted swimming areas; Snorkelling and diving on the doorstep; Central for day trips north and south
- Watch out
- Expensive in summer; Car or resort bus needed to leave the hotel
- Nearby
- Cape Manzamo, Cape Maeda, Manza Beach
Getting to the beaches
- Car — Rental cars are the practical way to explore, with the Okinawa Expressway running from near Naha to Nago.
- Train — The Yui Rail monorail runs from Naha Airport through the city to Shuri and on to Tedako-Uranishi, stopping near Kokusai-dori at Kenchomae and Makishi stations.
- Bus — Highway and express buses connect Naha with the resort coast, Nago and the Motobu Peninsula, and airport limousine buses run to many of the big resort hotels.
- Ferry — High-speed ferries from Naha's Tomari Port reach Tokashiki and Zamami in the Kerama Islands in about 35–50 minutes; short ferries also serve Kudaka, Ie and Minna islands.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in July and October–November. The busiest of those is July, so book early.
Beach safety
Okinawa has low crime. The main risks are the sea and the sun: swim at managed beaches, beware of currents near reef edges, and watch for box jellyfish (habu-kurage) roughly from June to September. Typhoons can halt flights and ferries, and habu snakes live in long grass and forests, so stick to paths after dark. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Okinawa have beaches?
Yes: Emerald Beach, Furuzamami Beach, Aharen Beach, Araha Beach, Sesoko Beach, Tropical Beach and Naminoue Beach.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Okinawa?
Usually January–December, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Okinawa?
Emerald Beach: Three sheltered coves in the Ocean Expo Park next to the aquarium, with calm water and lifeguards in season.