A woman on the beach. (Photo by 123RF)
At the beginning of the year, it’s time for cherry blossoms in Okinawa. Then, after the blooms disappear, you know it’s time to hit the beach.
In March, many beaches around Okinawa reopen for swimmers, sandcastle-builders, sunbathers, and picknickers looking for a fun day on the shore. Expect ceremonies or special offers to celebrate this time of year and welcome locals and tourists back to the beach.
While there are many beaches where you can swim year-round, there’s nothing wrong with celebrating the early arrival of the spring. Just be careful that some resort beaches in Okinawa require visitors to cover tattoos.
Get your swimsuit ready and let’s hit the beach!
1 ANA INTERCONTINENTAL MANZA BEACH RESORT
MARCH 15: As a special offer for the day, Ocean Park water obstacles, which can normally cost 5,000 yen, will be available at 1,000 yen per person for visitors from outside and free admission for guests staying at the hotel. Other water activities available include sea kayaking, jet ski bike rides, and more. No restrictions on tattoos.
PARKING FEE: 3,000 yen per vehicle
HOURS: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Ocean Park will be closed after 1 p.m. due to low tide. A ceremony is scheduled at 10 a.m.)
TEL:098-966-1211
GPS COORDINATES: N 26.505998, E127.859180
40-minute drive from Camp Foster.
2 SHERATON OKINAWA SUNMARINA RESORT
MARCH 19: The beach itself is open throughout the year. On March 18, the resort will have a ceremony for water safety. Water activities such as banana boating, snorkeling tours, and zip-lining are available. No restrictions on tattoos. Visitors can utilize the beach and shower for free. Access to the hotel’s pool is limited to the guests staying at the hotel.
PARKING FEE: 600 yen per hour
HOURS: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (subject to change)
TEL: 098-965-2222
GPS COORDINATES: N 26.462128, E 127.811506
A 40-minute drive from Camp Foster.
3 KARIYUSHI BEACH
MARCH 5: To celebrate the beach opening, free access will be given to the first several customers to enjoy activities such as glass boat ride and water land obstacles. This beach is also home to jet-skiing, boat tubing, and more. Tattoos must be covered with a jacket or rash guard.
ADMISSION FEE: 2,000 yen for adults, 1,000 yen for ages 4-12.
PARKING FEE: Free parking is available at Okinawa Kariyushi Beach Resort Ocean Spa.
A free shuttle bus is available between the hotel and the beach.
HOURS: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (subject to change)
TEL: 098-052-4093
GPS COORDINATES: N26.531863, E 127.929991
A one-hour drive from Camp Foster.
4 KANUCHA BEACH
MARCH 30: A resort beach 20 minutes away from Camp Schwab. Guests are required to cover their tattoos with a jacket or rash guard.
ADMISSION FEE: 1,800 yen (adult), 600 yen (child), free admission for hotel guests
PARKING FEE: Included in the admission fee.
HOURS: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
TEL: 0570-018880
GPS COORDINATES: N 26.546329, E 128.077174
5 KIN SUNRISE BEACH
Early APRIL (TBD): This beach near Camp Hasen boasts of 800m long sandy shore. Home to activities such as banana boating and sea kayaking.
*Swimming is prohibited before the beach opening.
PARKING FEE: 500 yen
HOURS: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
*Office will be closed on Mondays with no lifeguards on site. If Monday falls on holiday, the office will be closed the following Tuesday.
GPS Coordinates: N 26.459806, E 127.947202
A 10-minute drive from Camp Hansen.
6 NABEE BEACH
APRIL 1: This beach near Cape Manzamo is home to water activities such as a banana boat, sea kayaking, and more.
ADMISSION FEE: Free
PARKING FEE: Free
Use of shower and locker cost 100 yen (two minutes) and 200 yen respectively.
HOURS: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Subject to change)
TEL: 098-966-8839
GPS COORDINATES: N 26.502060, E 127.857871
A 40-minute drive from Camp Foster.
7 TIGER BEACH
April (TBD): A resort beach of Hotel Monterey in Onna village. Tattoos need to be covered with stickers which can be purchased at a convenience store inside the hotel or by putting on a t-shirt.
ADMISSION FEE: 1,000 yen (inclusive of usage fee for shower and locker)
PARKING FEE: 500 yen
HOURS: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Subject to change)
TEL: 098-993-7108
GPS COORDINATES: N 26.454341, E 127.806077
A 40-minute drive from Camp Foster.
8 EMERALD BEACH
APRIL 1: Adjacent to Expo Park, this beach dazzles visitors with its emerald green and cobalt blue. Shower is available for free. No admission fee is needed.
PARKING FEE: Free
HOURS: 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (subject to change)
TEL: 0980-48-2741
GPS COORDINATES: N 26.699195, E 127.877590
A 90-minute drive from Camp Foster.
9 SESOKO BEACH
MID-APRIL: A popular beach on Sesoko Island. This beach boasts beautiful views of Ie Island and Motobu Peninsula. Use of shower and locker costs 500 yen and 300 yen respectively.
ADMISSION FEE: Free
PARKING FEE: 1,000 yen per day
HOURS: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (subject to change)
TEL: 098-047-2368
GPS COORDINATES: N 26.650026, E 127.856139
A 90-minute drive from Camp Foster.
10 MOON BEACH
APRIL (TBD): A resort beach at a 40-minute drive from Camp Foster. Home to water activities such as a banana boat, flyboard, and more. Tattoos need to be covered.
ADMISSION FEE: 2,000 yen (middle school students and above), 1,000 yen (elementary school students)
PARKING FEE: 1,000 yen
HOURS: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (beach counter. Subject to change)
TEL: 098-965-1020
GPS COORDINATES: N 26.451104, E 127.802283
A 40-minute drive from Camp Foster.
11 TROPICAL BEACH
LATE APRIL: Resort beach near MCAS Futenma. Water activities such as banana boats and boat tubes are available.
PARKING FEE: Free
HOURS: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Subject to change)
TEL: 070-3802-9963 (for water sports)
Email: info@ginowantropicalbeach.jp
GPS COORDINATES: N 26.28148 E 127.731782
A 10-minute drive from MCAS Futenma.
12 ORION ECO CHURA-SUN BEACH
APRIL 5 (subject to change): Located near DMM Kariyushi Aquarium, this resort beach is home to many events and concerts. Water activities such as sea kayaks, banana boats, and water obstacles are available. A 40-minute drive from Camp Foster.
PARKING FEE: - 500 yen
OPEN: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (subject to change)
TEL: 098-850-1139
GPS COORDINATES: N 26.156294, E 127.647378
Close to Naha Air Port and Ashibinaa Okinawa Outlet Mall.
ON-BASE BEACHES
While local beaches are opening, don’t forget about all the great beaches on base offering great choices for your next vacation. Good customer service, comfortable lodging, and recreational tours packed with fun, and adventures are waiting for you there.
1 OKUMA BEACH
This beautiful beach in the north is a great getaway destination. Home to water activities including wakeboarding, water skiing, kneeboarding, Jet skiing, and banana boating. You can also enjoy camping and golfing there.
2 KADENA MARINA
This small beach near the Air Force facility offers a quick getaway destination. Take diving and surfing lessons and embark on a tour for ocean adventures. During winter whale watching boat trips are available there. Plus, don’t forget to grab a bite at Seaside.
3 TORII BEACH
The peaceful waters of Torii Beach will be perfect for kayaking and SUP board riding. Camping and recreation gear are available for rent including a tent, grill, lantern, canopy, and frisbee. There are pavilions and a water slide as well.
4 WHITE BEACH
This naval base in the east can be a good place for relaxation. Cozy campers and cabins are available for rent. Enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, and beach volleyball. There are also basketball courts and softball fields nearby.
