Fun in the sun: List of beaches to enjoy on Okinawa

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
• Website: http://oki-park.jp/kaiyohaku/en/inst/75
• 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
• Website: https://churasun-beach.com/?page_id=44
• 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)
• Website: https://www.belparaiso.com/lang/english
• 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.