Torii Beach. Photos by Aya Ichihashi ()
Thanks to its sub-tropical climate, some beaches in Okinawa are open to visitors all year round. But, that doesn’t mean celebrating beach openings on sub-tropical islands is out of the question. Starting March, mark the official start of beach season with visits to local beaches and events sure to be fun for the whole family. Some are resort-oriented while others offer a quiet environment to enjoy nature. Don’t miss the best spring break beaches that Okinawa has to offer.
ANA Intercontinental Manza Beach Resort: March 3: On the beach opening day, ocean park (water obstacles) is scheduled to be available for free, and food booths are scheduled to be set up on the beach side. Parking fee costs: 1,500 or 2,000 yen depending upon dates Open: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tel: 098-966-1211 Website: www.anaintercontinental-manza.jp/ GPS Coordinates: 26°30’27.9”N 127°51’28.9”E; 40 minute drive from Camp Foster.
Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort: March 17: Water activities such as jet skiing, snorkeling tour, marine boating are available. Parking fee costs: 500 per hour, 2,000 at most Open: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Tel: 098-965-2222 Website: https://sheraton-okinawa.co.jp/en/ GPS Coordinates: N 26.462751, E 127.812365; 40 minute drive from Camp Foster.
Kariyushi Beach: March 23: Water activities such as obstacle courses, parasailing, and boat tube are available. Parking fee costs: Free n open: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tel: 0980-52-4093 Website: http://www.kariyushi-beach.co.jp/ GPS Coordinates: 26°31’55.1”N 127°55’45.9”E; 60 minute drive from Camp Foster
Kanucha Beach: March 31: Water activities such as obstacles courses, parasailing, and flyboard are available. Parking fee costs: Free Admission fee costs: 1,500 yen for adult, 500 yen for children (ages 5-11) Tel: 0980-55-8880 Website: https://www.kanucha.jp/en/ GPS Coordinates: 26°32’47.3”N 128°04’38.1”E ; 20 minute drive from Camp Schwab
Zanpa Beach: April 1: Water activities such as flyboard, banana boat, parasailing are available. 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/en/okinawa/activity/index.html (water activities) GPS Coordinates: 26°26’09.0”N 127°42’57.3”E ;15 minute drive from Torii station.
Sunset Beach: April 13: A beach adjacent to American village. A popular spot for families and couples. Parking fee costs: Free Open: 9 a.m. - 5: 30 p.m. Tel: 098-936-8273 Website: http://www.uminikansya.com/ GPS Coordinates: 26°18’50.4”N 127°45’18.7”E; 10 minute drive from Camp Foster and Kadena Air Base.
Ikei Beach: April 7: A popular beach on Ikei island. Water activities such as fly board, banana boat, and boat tube are available; 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: 26°23’18.1”N 127°59’28.2”E; 30 minute drive from White Beach.
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.-7:30 p.m. Tel: 0980-48-2741 Website: http://oki-park.jp/kaiyohaku/en/inst/75 GPS Coordinates: 26°41’55.6”N 127°52’40.0”E; 90 minute drive from Camp Foster.
Chura-Sun Beach: April 7: Resort beach home to many events and concerts. Water activities such as sea kayak, banana boat, and boat tube are available. Parking fee costs: 500 yen at most Open: 9 a.m. - 6p.m.;Tel 098-850-1139 Website: http://churasun-beach.com/ GPS Coordinates: 26°09’25.2”N 127°38’51.9”E; 40 minute drive from Camp Foster. Close to Naha Air Port.
Tropical Beach: Late April: Resort beach near MCAS Futenma and a good spot to have a beach BBQ party at. Water activities such as boat tube, banana boat and flyboard is available. Parking fee costs: Free n open: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tel: 090-4471-0581 Website: http://www.ginowantropicalbeach.jp/ GPS Coordinates: 26°16’54.3”N 127°43’52.8”E; 10 minute drive from MCAS Futenma.
Uppama Beach: March 30: Beautiful beach on Nakijin peninsula. Water activities such as jet ski, sea kayak and boat tube are available Parking fee costs: 500 yen Tel: 0980-56-2767 (hotel) Website: https://belparaiso.com/activity/ GPS Coordinates: 26°41’30.0”N 127°59’34.9”E; 90 minute drive from Camp Foster.
Sesoko Beach: Mid April: Beach on Motobu peninsula. water activities such as parasailing, banana boat, and jet ski are available. Parking fee costs: 1,000 yen n open: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. n Tel: 0980-47-7000 Website: http://www.sesokobeach.jp/ GPS Coordinates: 26°39’00.8”N 127°51’22.1”E; 90 minute drive from Camp Foster.
