Looking for the best beaches in Okinawa? You’ll find them right here!
Okinawa, Japan, is such a beautiful and underrated destination. I love the relaxed vibe, the abundance of healthy lunch cafes, and of course, the incredible beaches.
No matter if it’s your first time on Okinawa, or if you’ve already been here several times, Okinawa truly is a destination where you can keep on exploring hidden spots.
This guide covers my favorite 7 beaches in Okinawa that will totally surprise you, plus practical info on where to stay, things to do, what to expect, and more. Let’s dive in! (Water splash sound 🌊🤿)
Quick tip: If you have limited time in Okinawa, this is one of the best snorkeling tours that departs from Naha (where the airport is) and takes you to several islands. You don't need to bring anything, not even food, just a swimsuit!
Why Beaches in Okinawa Are The Best
I never expected the beaches in Okinawa to be so beautiful when I went there for the first time:
- Water is super clear
- The water temperature is just perfect
- Beaches are clean
- There are odd-shaped rocks everywhere, which really add to the beach’s exotic feel
- The larger beaches have excellent facilities.
- And most beaches are like a little hidden place that feels like you’re just stranded on a deserted island
Quick Beach Comparison
| Beach | Best For | Facilities |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Senaha Beach | Remote island feel, adventure, photography | None |
| 2. Nirai Beach | Resort experience, Families | Full Free Parking, vending machines, sunbeds, shower. |
| 3. Kanai Beach | Kanai Beach | None (but close to hotel) |
| 4. Emerald Beach | Families | Parking |
| 5. Kouri Beach | Families | Shower, parking, stores |
| 6. Tokei Hama Beach | Remote island feel, adventure, photography | None, small parking |
| 7. Yagaji Beach | Families | BBQ Camping, Only ¥500-1,000 April-October |
7 Best Beaches in Okinawa
Here are the 7 best beaches that are honestly way better than you might expect. I’d even pick these over many beaches in Thailand!
1. Senaha Beach
The first one, Senaha Beach, is one of those places that feels like your own private discovery. There is a staircase that goes right down into the water, and it makes for incredible photos. But the whole beach is just beautiful.
Location: Senaha Beach, Yomitan Village, 60 minutes from Naha Airport
Parking: Free parking lot (maybe 10-15 spaces)
Facilities: None
Swimming situation: Nice sand beach, barely any rocks, water becomes deeper after 20 meters.
Best Place to Stay Near This Beach: Chulax Okinawa / Blue Steak Wonder
The water is so clear that you can see fish swimming around your feet and see little hermit crabs walking around, so cute!
What’s even more mind-blowing is the hidden ‘cave’ at the end of the beach. It’s the most incredible place. It’s only 50 meters over a few rocks, and you’ll see a hidden spot where you’ll feel like you’re stranded on a tropical island, away from civilization (oh man, I want to go back).
What I love about this beach is how quiet it is. Most tourists don’t know about it, so you can truly relax. The rocky areas create some natural pools, which were fun for our son to play in.
Every time I go, there are maybe 1 or 2 other people there. (maybe three on a “busy” day!)
But there are no facilities here. No lifeguards, no showers, no restrooms. It’s completely natural and part of the ‘stranded ashore vibe’, but you need to plan accordingly. Pack everything you need, apply enough sunscreen, or stay in the shade of the rocks. And there is plenty of shade under the rocks at this beach!
Where to Stay Near Senaha Beach
Here are the best options to stay close to beautiful Senaha Beach:
Chulax Okinawa – Designer Condominium Hotel
This is such an incredible place to stay. You wouldn’t think so from the outside, but it’s such a lovely, refreshing style from the inside. It’s right across the street from where you can walk straight to Senaha beach. It’s quite an affordable option for staying.
This hotel scores 9.0 on Booking.com and is closest to the beach.
Blue Steak Wonder
This one is right across the Chulax Designer Hotel. It’s also just a one-minute walk to the beach, and the accommodations are modern and clean. The building has huge windows with ocean views, a bit better than Chulax, and it scores a 9.4 on Booking.com, but it’s also a bit more expensive.
The road from both places to the beach entrance is wide and spacious.
Senaha Hotels Map
Here are all available hotels within walking distance of Senaha Beach.
Activities near Senaha Beach
About a 5-minute drive from Senaha beach, there’s the Blue Cave, a beautiful spot for snorkeling. Book a snorkeling trip there with a private guide for the best experience:
2. Nirai Beach
Nirai Beach is one of the best beaches in Okinawa for families. It’s attached to Hotel Nikko Alivila, but you don’t need to be a guest to use it! I’ve been here multiple times, and it’s always just perfect. The Ministry of Environment in Japan gave it its top AA rating for water quality years ago, and sea turtles come here to lay eggs, which says it all about how clean it is.
Location: Yomitan Village, 70 minutes from Naha Airport
Parking: Free parking at Hotel Nikko Alivila
Facilities: Full (showers, restrooms, lockers, lifeguards)
Hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (April-October)
Best Place to Stay Near This Beach: Hotel Nikko Alivila
The beach is about 400 meters long, with perfect white sand that you would see on a postcard from Jamaica. You can walk up the stairs to a viewing point and see another beach, Kanai Beach, with a beautiful church. A wedding took place, and I’ve never seen a more beautiful spot for a wedding.
Everything you need is here: showers, restrooms, lockers, and lifeguards. There’s also a stand where you can book activities such as waterscooters, banana boats, or snorkeling gear.
Two tips: bring water shoes because there are some rocky parts, and parking is free, which is always nice.
Rental Prices:
- Beach chair: ¥1,000 per day
- Beach umbrella: ¥1,500 per day
- Beach chair + umbrella set: ¥2,000 per day
Nearby Food Options:
- Nirai Beach Cafe (on-site): ¥800-1,500 meals, cold drinks, shaved ice
- Alivila Hotel restaurants: Multiple options, ¥2,000-5,000 per person
- Cape Zanpa area restaurants: 10-minute drive, fresh seafood
Where to Stay Near Nirai Beach
Hotel Nikko Alivila
Price Range: ¥25,000-45,000 per night
If you want to stay right on the beach, this is it. The hotel sits directly above Nirai Beach, so you can literally walk out in your swimsuit and be on the sand in two minutes. I stayed here on my second Okinawa trip, and it’s worth the money.
The rooms are spacious, with balconies overlooking the ocean. Hotel Nikko has a Spanish design that feels more like a Mediterranean resort than a Japanese one! Multiple restaurants, a spa, and a pool, if you somehow get tired of the beach, which I highly doubt you will!
Hotel guests get discounted rates on the VIP area and water sports, and access to beach equipment. Breakfast is great, they have both Japanese and Western food.
Nirai Beach Hotels Map
Here are all available hotels within walking distance of Nirai Beach.
3. Kanai Beach
This incredible beach is right next to Nirai Beach, just a short walk along the coast (about 400 meters, 5-7 minutes walking). But while Nirai gets all the tourists, hardly anyone comes here, as you can see! It’s the same beautiful water, same white sand, just way quieter.
Location: Next to Nirai Beach, Yomitan Village
Parking: Use Nirai Beach parking (free)
Facilities: None
Best Place to Stay Closest to This Beach: Nikko Alivila hotel
The name comes from the nearby archaeological site, where they found ancient shell mounds, evidence of people living here thousands of years ago. Today it’s just a beautiful beach where you can snorkel in crystal clear water without seeing any other people, ok maybe 2 or 3.
Warning: You might find shells in the shape of a cone. So called Cone Snails live in those shells and are highly poisonous. Please don't pick those up!
Where to Stay Near Kanai Beach
Hotel Nikko Alivila
The same hotel as Nirai Beach works perfectly here since they’re right next to each other. You can walk to both beaches easily (Kanai is actually slightly closer to the hotel).
This gives you options: use Nirai Beach when you want facilities and activities, then go to Kanai when you want peace and quiet. Best of both worlds.
4. Kokuei Emerald Beach
This beach is inside Ocean Expo Park, the same place as the famous Churaumi Aquarium. It’s the only beach in Japan that sits inside a lagoon, which means the water is very calm and safe. The color is beautiful, this bright emerald green that looks fake in photos, but it’s actually real.
Location: Ocean Expo Park, Motobu, Northern Okinawa (90 minutes from Naha Airport)
Parking: Ocean Expo Park parking is ¥500
Facilities: Full (showers, restrooms, lockers, lifeguards, rentals)
Hours: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm (April-September), Closed October-March
Best Place to Stay Near This Beach: Orion Motobu Resort & Spa / ADAN Resort Yuhina
They divided the beach into three sections: one for swimming and playing, one for relaxing under umbrellas, and one just for walking and enjoying the view. Smart design. It can handle 3,000 people, but never feels crowded because of how they laid it out.
This is the best family beach in all of Okinawa. The water is shallow and protected, lifeguards are everywhere, clean facilities, and you can rent everything you need.
The downside: it's only open during limited hours, usually from 8:30 am to around 5:30 pm, and they close for the season in October. But if you're already visiting the aquarium, you'd be crazy not to spend a few hours here.
The beach is right next to the aquarium, so it’s a great place for a day trip. We visited the aquarium, and I always go to these places with a mix of feelings. It’s sad and beautiful at the same time. Especially the whale shark, which has been living in captivity for over 30 years, was impressive to see, but it’s also sad to see how it can only swim in circles.
On a positive note, the aquarium is very focused on education and learning about the ocean rather than being purely entertainment.
Rental Prices:
- Beach umbrella: ¥500 per day
- Beach chair: Free (first-come, first-served)
Combining with Aquarium Visit:
- Do beach first so you don’t get sunburned too fast (9 am-12 pm), then aquarium when it’s too hot outside (12 pm-5 pm)
- The walk from the aquarium to the beach takes about 8 minutes
Nearby Food Options:
- Ocean Blue (park cafe): ~¥800-1,500, casual meals
- Multiple food trucks in park: ~¥500-1,000
- Restaurant Inoh (seafood): ~¥1,500-3,000, 5-minute drive
- Convenience stores: 10-minute drive to Lawson or Family Mart
Where to Stay Near Emerald Beach
Hotel Orion Motobu Resort & Spa
Price Range: ¥20,000-40,000 per night
This hotel is incredibly close to both Emerald Beach and the Aquarium. It’s the largest and most popular hotel in the area. There’s an onsen on the top floor where you can relax while looking at the ocean, which is pretty cool.
ADAN RESORT Yuhina
A smaller and more cozy option is Adan Resort Yuhina. Really beautiful interior with colorful lamps and a short walk from Emerald beach
5. Kouri Beach – Kouri Island
Location: Kouri Beach – Kouri Island
Parking: ¥200-300 (multiple lots, closer = more expensive)
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, equipment rentals
Best Place to Stay on Kouri Island: LOISIR Terrace & Villas
This is the main beach right after you cross the bridge to Kouri Island. It’s the most popular spot on the island, so it can get crowded on weekends or holidays. It’s not the most beautiful remote beach on Okinawa, but the location is great, and there are a lot of facilities like restaurants and showers.
The water is shallow and calm, great for families. There are beach equipment rentals available, and there are some restaurants nearby. Parking costs ¥200 to ¥300.
Rental Prices:
- Beach umbrella: ~¥1,000 per day
- Beach chair: ~¥500 per day
Nearby Food:
- Kouri Shrimp Wagon: Famous garlic shrimp
- L Lota: Italian-style restaurant with ocean views
- Kouri Island Gelato: Fresh fruit gelato
6. Tokei Hama Beach – Kouri Island
This beach is on the northern side of Kouri Island, about a 5-minute drive from Kouri Beach. Way fewer people come here. There are these weird rock formations called potholes, basically big round holes carved into the limestone rocks by thousands of years of waves.
Location: Tokei Hama Beach on Kouri Island
Parking: Free but small lot (10-15 spaces)
Facilities: None
The snorkeling here is excellent, but the water can be a bit rough at times, although it’s very clear, and you’ll see tons of colorful fish right near the shore. It’s one of my favorite snorkel spots in Okinawa.
No facilities here either. No lifeguards, no services, nothing. But that’s part of why it stays so beautiful and uncrowded. Just bring water shoes because the rocks and coral can be sharp, although it’s not too bad.
Snorkeling Tips for Tokei:
- The best coral and fish are 10-20 meters from shore on the left side (facing the water)
- Bring bread crumbs, and you’ll be surrounded by tropical fish
- Water shoes are essential—the entry points are rocky
- Visibility is best on calm days with no wind
Where to Stay on Kouri Island
Coldio Smart Resort Price Range: ¥35,000-60,000 per night
Both Kouri Beach and Tokei Hama Beach are on the tiny Kouri Island. Coldio Smart Resort is the best hotel on the Island. It’s a boutique resort with only a handful of rooms, so it feels a bit exclusive. The design is minimal and modern with lots of natural materials. The breakfast room is epic with a fantastic view. The Villas are next-level with private pools and a view of the Kouri Bridge.
Each villa has a private terrace with ocean views. The location is perfect: it’s right next to an amazing Japanese restaurant with a super-friendly owner, it’s close enough to walk to Kouri Beach (15 minutes, alltho a bit downhill), and it’s an easy drive to Tokei Beach (5 minutes).
And the pool is really good, with heated water, plenty of space to relax, and not crowded at all.
There are also more budget-friendly rooms instead of the villa, which is where we stayed. These rooms have playrooms for kids with rubber tiles, a climbing wall, and more.
Kouri Island Hotels Map
Here are all the available hotels on Kouri Island
7. Yagaji Beach
Yagaji Beach is completely different from the other beaches on this list. It’s set up as a campground with a big grassy area right next to the beach. The beach is more about camping and BBQ vibes than white sand and swimming.
Location: Yagaji Island, between the mainland and Kouri Island (100 minutes from Naha Airport)
Parking: Free (included in admission)
Facilities: Camping facilities, showers, restrooms, BBQ areas
Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (swimming season April-October)
Official Camping website: Yagaji Beach
But here’s what makes it cool: at low tide, a sandbar appears, and you can walk out to a small island. It’s like a temporary path appears in the ocean. I walked about 150 meters out to explore these mushroom-shaped rock formations. Really fun little adventure.
Best Time of Day: Check the tide schedules (available at the entrance) and plan your sandbar walk for 1-2 hours before low tide. The walk to the small islands is safest and most interesting during this time. For stargazing, the beach is really cool from 8 pm onwards when it’s fully dark.
Tips For Beach Day
Here are my tips to make your beach trips go more smoothly:
When to Go
Personally, I think October is the best month:
- The weather is warm (still quite hot actually in the middle of the day!)
- Beaches are quiet
- Prices are lower. I guess this is what they call shoulder season, and Okinawa is one of those destinations that’s really worth it to wait for shoulder season!
December through February is too cold for swimming, at least it is for me. Water temperature drops to 20-22°C (68-72°F).
April and March can be nice too. You might catch the cherry blossoms, and the weather starts warming up. Water is still cool (22-24°C / 72-75°F) but manageable.
Month Average Water Temperature (°C)Average Water Temperature (°F)
| Month | Water Temperature °C | Water Temperature °F |
|---|---|---|
| January | 22 | 71 |
| February | 22 | 71 |
| March | 23 | 73 |
| April | 24 | 74 |
| May | 25 | 77 |
| June | 26 | 81 |
| July | 29 | 84 |
| August | 29 | 84 |
| September28 | 28 | 83 |
| October | 27 | 81 |
| November | 25 | 78 |
| December | 22 | 71 |
Getting Around
Rent a car! Just do it. These beaches are spread out across the island, public transport is limited, and having a car gives you the ultimate freedom to visit all the remote places when and how you want. Read more about renting a car in Okinawa in my full guide.
What to Bring
Water shoes – Essential. Most beaches have coral and rocks. You can buy them at sports stores near Naha Airport or larger shopping centers.
Reef-safe sunscreen – The coral here is already stressed; don’t make it worse with harmful chemicals. Look for these brands:
- Stream2Sea (available at dive shops)
- Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen
- Raw Elements
- Avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate
Where to buy in Okinawa:
- Diving shops near beaches (best selection of reef-safe brands)
- Don Quijote (discount store, limited reef-safe options)
- Pharmacies (ask for coral-friendly sunscreen)
Snorkel gear – If you have your own, bring it!
Where to buy/rent snorkel gear:
- Sports Depo (Naha): Full sets ¥3,000-8,000 to buy
- Beach rental shops: ¥1,000-1,500 per day
- Hotel Nikko Alivila shop: ¥1,500 per day
- Amazon Japan: Delivers to hotels as well! They can help you at the front desk.
Waterproof bag – For your phone and wallet. Trust me on this one. Dry bags (¥1,000-2,000) are available at any outdoor shop or convenience store.
Beach tent or umbrella – The sun here is quite intense. I got sunburned within 15 minutes. You can buy pop-up beach tents at:
- Don Quijote: ¥2,000-5,000
- Nitori (furniture store): ¥3,000-6,000
- 100 Yen shops: Basic umbrellas ¥500-1,000
Or rent at beaches with facilities, like Nirai Beach (¥1,000-1,500 per day).
Plenty of water – Stay hydrated. Vending machines aren’t available at remote beaches. Buy cases of water at convenience stores. My cards didn’t work at the vending machines. I had to download an app and still didn’t get it working. Bring some cash so you can buy drinks and snacks.
Helpful Extras
- Waterproof camera or GoPro (or use a waterproof phone case)
- Portable charger (don’t leave it in the sun)
- T-shirt for sun protection
- Beach towels (hotels provide them, but bring extra for remote beaches)
- Cooler for drinks and snacks
- First aid kit with bandages and antiseptic
- Ziplock bags for keeping things dry
- Sunglasses and a hat
Safety Tips
The ocean is beautiful, but it can be dangerous. Beaches without lifeguards mean you’re completely on your own. And the sun will be much stronger than you might think…
Swimming Safety
- Never swim alone at unguarded beaches like Senaha, Kanai, or Tokei Beach
- Always tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back
- Watch for rip currents – if caught, swim parallel to shore, not against the current
- Check weather forecasts – don’t swim if storms or high waves are predicted
- Stay within your skill level – even good swimmers can get in trouble in unfamiliar waters
Jellyfish
Jellyfish are around from May to October. Most popular beaches have nets (Nirai Beach, Emerald Beach), but wild beaches like Senaha don’t.
I always do a quick look around to see if there are any jellyfish before getting in the water, but so far I’ve never seen one at these beaches.
If the wind is blowing toward the shore, there’s a slightly bigger chance of jellyfish, so keep that in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these beaches suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, especially Emerald Beach and Nirai Beach. The water is very shallow near shore, lifeguards are present, and you can enjoy the beach without swimming. Even at Senaha Beach, the natural tide pools are shallow enough to just sit in the water.
Which beach has the clearest water?
Kanai Beach and Tokei Beach have the clearest water in my experience, especially for snorkeling. But honestly, all of these beaches have incredibly clear water compared to most places in the world. It also depends on the weather, currents, and the wind, of course.
Are there sharks around Okinawa beaches?
Shark attacks are extremely rare in Okinawa. While sharks exist in the waters, they rarely come close to shore. In my multiple visits and conversations with locals, I’ve never heard of anyone encountering a shark at these beaches.
The only place in Okinawa that has a lot of sharks is the aquarium 😉
Cone snails are much more dangerous.
How about bringing my own food and drinks to the Okinawa beaches?
Yes! Beaches with no facilities (Senaha, Kanai, Tokei) require you to bring everything. Even at beaches with cafes (Nirai, Emerald), you’re allowed to bring your own food.
What should I do with my valuables while swimming?
Japan is a super safe country but it;s always smart to b careful with your belongings. Here are some tips: Use paid lockers at Nirai Beach and Emerald Beach. Bring waterproof pouches that you can wear while swimming. At remote beaches, consider hiding valuables in your locked car. (but never leave a battery pack in the car)
What’s the best beach for young children (under 5)?
Nirai Beach. We went here with our son and loved this place. Especially because of the “VIP” area (it’s a holiday after all, right). It costs just a bit more than renting the regular chairs, but you’re in the shade under the trees, and on the grass, plus you get a small hammock for kids, so it was perfect for our son.
Tip: I noticed there were some mosquitoes in October, so bring family-friendly mosquito repellent or a mosquito net for kids to play or sleep under.
Final Thoughts & Tips
These beaches are my personal favorites in Okinawa. Each one has a different vibe: Senaha for a lot of island vibe, Nirai for a full resort beach experience, Kanai for quiet swimming, Emerald for families, Kouri Island for easy, relaxing relaxation with all the facilities, and Yagaji for camping under the stars.
What I like so much about the beaches in Okinawa isn’t just the quiet and non-touristy vibe and clear water, but it’s also the surroundings, like the odd rock formations, watching hermit crabs, or walking the sandbar at Yagaji.
And because there are so many small and big beaches to explore, it’s really a place that you can visit multiple times.
Hotel breakfast buffets are sometimes a bit expensive but worth it. Most restaurants are along the road in Okinawa, and you’ll need a car or taxi to get there. So, if you’re eating breakfast elsewhere, you’ll lose a lot of time. Breakfast at the hotel is just a real time-saver.
Enjoy Okinawa and feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Check out my full itinerary for 3, 5, and 7 days.
