Araha Beach ()
Editor’s Note: Due to the on-going pandemic, beach openings and activities are subject to change. Check ahead of your visit and don’t forget to follow safety guidelines.
When March rolls around in Okinawa, beach season will be right around the corner.
It’s time to go surfside and celebrate the beach openings.
Some are resort-oriented while others offer a quiet environment to enjoy nature. You may say this subtropical island has several beaches open throughout the year. However, who would not want to celebrate the return of beach party fun to the island?
Let’s check out the best spring break beaches that Okinawa has to offer.
1. ANA Intercontinental Manza Beach Resort March 21: A ceremony is scheduled to be held at 10 a.m. Home to water activities such as ocean park (water obstacles), sea kayaking, jet skiing, and more. Water obstacles are scheduled to be available starting this day (no free admission to be offered). This beach is expected to be remain closed until March 7.
Parking fee costs: TBD
Open: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Subject to change)
Tel: 098-966-2212
Website: https://www.anaintercontinental-manza.jp/en/facility-information/Facilities information
GPS Coordinates: N 26.505998, E 127.859180; 40-minute drive from Camp Foster.
2. Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort Open throughout the year. Water activities such as banana boating, snorkeling tour, zip lining are available.
Parking fee costs: 500 yen per hour (1,500 yen at most)
Open: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (- 6 p.m. July through August)
Tel: 098-965-2222 n Website: https://sheraton-okinawa.co.jp/en/
GPS Coordinates: N 26.462274, E 127.811721; 40 minute drive from Camp Foster.
3. Kariyushi Beach March 6: Water Land (obstacle courses) is scheduled to open on the same day. This beach is home to other activities such as parasailing, sea kayaking, jet-skiing, boat tubing and more.
Admission fee costs: 550 yen for 13 years old and above, 330 for ages 4 -12, free admission for 3 years old and below.
Parking fee costs: Free parking available at Okinawa Beach Resort Ocean Spa. Visitors need to inform staff they’re parking for the beach.
Open: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (subject to change)
Tel: 098-052-4093
Website: http://www.kariyushibeach.co.jp/
GPS Coordinates: N 26.531863, E 127.929991; One-hour drive from Camp Foster
4. Kanucha Beach March 28: This beach is home to water activities such as obstacles courses, parasailing, and flyboard. Some activities may be subject to special fees on this day. A Hula show is scheduled around noon as well.
Admission fee costs: 1,650 yen (inclusive of tax), free admission for those who stay at the hotel
Parking fee costs: Included in admission fee
Open: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. n Tel: 0980-55-8880
Website: https://www.kanucha.jp/en/
GPS Coordinates: N 26.546250, E 128.077198; 20-minute drive from Camp Schwab
5. Zanpa Beach April 1: Home to water activities such as banana boat, parasailing, flyboard and more.
Parking fee costs: Free n open: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tel: 098-958-5000 (for info on water activities)
Website: https://www.daiwaresort.jp/global/okinawa/feature/1024857/index.html
GPS Coordinates: N 26.435686, E 127.715952; 15-minute drive from Torii station.
6. Sunset Beach April 9 (Date TBD): A beach adjacent to American village. A popular spot for families and couples. This is also a good place to hold a beachside BBQ party under tent.
Parking fee costs: Free
Open: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Subject to change)
Tel: 098-936-8273
Website: http://www.uminikansya.com/
GPS Coordinates: N 26.314209, E 127.755104; 10-minute drive from Camp Foster and Kadena Air Base.
7. Ikei Beach TBD: A popular beach on Ikei island. Water activities such as flyboard, banana boat, and boat tubing are available. This beach is open as of Feb. 9, but their operation is subject to change.
Admission fee costs: 400 yen for adult (middle school student and above), 300 yen for ages between elementary school student and 5 years. Free for 4 years old and below
Open: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Website: http://www.ikei-beach.com/
GPS Coordinates: N26.388176, E 127.991146; 30-minute drive from White Beach.
8. Emerald Beach April 1: Adjacent to Expo Park, this beach dazzles visitors with its emerald green and cobalt blue.
Parking fee costs: Free
Open: 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Apr. - Spt.), - 5:30 p.m. (Oct.)
Tel: 0980-48-2741
GPS Coordinates: N 26.699269, E 127.878045; 90-minute drive from Camp Foster
9. Oirion Chura-Sun Beach April 3(Date TBD): A resort beach home to many events and concerts. Water activities such as sea kayak, banana boat, and boat tube are available. A beach opening ceremony is scheduled for April 3.
Parking fee costs: - 500 yen
Open: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. (- 7 p.m. for July and Aug.)
Tel: 098-850-1139
GPS Coordinates: N 26.157011, E 127.647582; 40-minute drive from Camp Foster. Close to Naha Air Port
10. Tropical Beach Late April: Resort beach near MCAS Futenma and a good spot to have a beach BBQ party at. Water activities such as banana boat and sea kayak are available.
Parking fee costs: Free
Open: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Subject to change)
Tel: 098-897-2751
Website: http://www.ginowantropicalbeach.jp/
GPS Coordinates: N 26.281481, E 127.731782; 10-minute drive from MCAS Futenma.
11. Uppama Beach TBD: Beautiful beach on Nakijin peninsula. Water activities such as jet ski, sea kayak and boat tube are available.
Facility Usage fee costs: 300 yen
Parking fee costs: 500 yen (subject to change)
Open: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. (subject to change)
Tel: 098-056-2767 (hotel)
GPS Coordinates: N 26.691601, E 127.991937; 90-minute drive from Camp Foster
12. Sesoko Beach Mid-April: A popular beach on Motobu peninsula. This beach boasts of beautiful views of Ie Island and Motobu Peninsula.
Admission fee costs: Free
Parking fee costs: 1,000 yen
Open: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (- 5:30 p.m. for July through Sept.)
Tel: 098-047-7000
Website: http://www.sesokobeach.jp/
GPS Coordinates: N 26.650026, E 127.856139; 90-minute drive from Camp Foster.
