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宿泊｜特別プラン[2024] Okinawa's 5 popular beaches
When does the sea in Okinawa open? Thorough explanation of spring sea water temperature, beach information, and recommended hotels! Speaking of Okinawa, it is famous for its highly transparent sea and white sandy beaches, and the season when the sea opens every spring comes. 2024 will be no exception, with various beaches in Okinawa beginning preparations to welcome visitors from late March.
In this article, we will carefully select and introduce five particularly popular beaches in Okinawa. We will not only give you basic information about the opening of the sea in Okinawa, but also the charms of each beach. Furthermore, at the end of the article, we will introduce recommended hotels along popular beaches, so if you are planning a trip to Okinawa, please refer to them.
In this article, we will carefully select and introduce five particularly popular beaches in Okinawa. We will not only give you basic information about the opening of the sea in Okinawa, but also the charms of each beach. Furthermore, at the end of the article, we will introduce recommended hotels along popular beaches, so if you are planning a trip to Okinawa, please refer to them.
When does the sea in Okinawa open? What is the seawater temperature in spring?
Okinawa is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters, and attracts many tourists every year. In particular, spring in Okinawa is a popular time for the beginning of a new season and the opening of the sea. So, specifically, when does the sea in Okinawa start and end? Also, what is the sea water temperature in spring? Below, we will explain these in detail for those who are planning to visit Okinawa.
Okinawa's seas open from late March!
In Okinawa, the timing of the sea opening varies slightly depending on the region, but it is generally said to be from late March at the earliest. Beaches will be open from late March on the main island of Okinawa as well as on the surrounding remote islands, allowing you to enjoy sea bathing and marine sports. In addition, safety prayers and opening events are sometimes held on the beach at the same time as the opening of the sea. On the other hand, the sun in Okinawa is often strong even in spring, so sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential.
What is the seawater temperature in Okinawa in spring?
The average seawater temperature in Okinawa in spring is around 21-24℃. The water temperature begins to rise gradually from late March, and by April you can enjoy swimming more comfortably. In May, the water temperature rises further, and it is not uncommon for days to reach close to 25℃. However, in March and April, it often feels chilly compared to summer, so we recommend wearing a wetsuit. It would be fun to try marine activities such as snorkeling and diving.
Until when can I enter the sea in Okinawa?
Okinawa's sea season begins in late March, but the period you can go into the sea varies by region, with some beaches remaining open until the end of October. The warmest period is from July to September, during which sea water temperatures can rise to around 30°C. However, in autumn, the water temperature gradually begins to drop, and in November it may feel a little chilly when swimming in the sea. Still, Okinawa is one of the few areas where you can enjoy marine sports throughout the year.
Okinawa's seas open from late March!
In Okinawa, the timing of the sea opening varies slightly depending on the region, but it is generally said to be from late March at the earliest. Beaches will be open from late March on the main island of Okinawa as well as on the surrounding remote islands, allowing you to enjoy sea bathing and marine sports. In addition, safety prayers and opening events are sometimes held on the beach at the same time as the opening of the sea. On the other hand, the sun in Okinawa is often strong even in spring, so sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential.
What is the seawater temperature in Okinawa in spring?
The average seawater temperature in Okinawa in spring is around 21-24℃. The water temperature begins to rise gradually from late March, and by April you can enjoy swimming more comfortably. In May, the water temperature rises further, and it is not uncommon for days to reach close to 25℃. However, in March and April, it often feels chilly compared to summer, so we recommend wearing a wetsuit. It would be fun to try marine activities such as snorkeling and diving.
Until when can I enter the sea in Okinawa?
Okinawa's sea season begins in late March, but the period you can go into the sea varies by region, with some beaches remaining open until the end of October. The warmest period is from July to September, during which sea water temperatures can rise to around 30°C. However, in autumn, the water temperature gradually begins to drop, and in November it may feel a little chilly when swimming in the sea. Still, Okinawa is one of the few areas where you can enjoy marine sports throughout the year.
[Latest in 2024] From the main island to the surrounding remote islands! 5 popular beaches in Okinawa
Below, we will carefully select and introduce five popular beaches in Okinawa (+ one extra). We have picked up beaches not only on the main island of Okinawa, but also on surrounding remote islands that can be accessed from the main island, so please take a look.
1. Zanpa Beach
Zanpa Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Yomitan Village, located in the central part of Okinawa's main island, and is visited by many tourists every year.
It is also very popular with families and couples as it has well-equipped swimming facilities and plenty of activities such as banana boating, snorkeling, and wakeboarding.
Zanpa Beach is open for swimming from April 1st every year, and you cannot enter the sea in March.
Access Approximately 60 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Address: 1933 Uza, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture
Activities Yes
Parking available (charges apply)
There is a toilet
Zanpa Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Yomitan Village, located in the central part of Okinawa's main island, and is visited by many tourists every year.
It is also very popular with families and couples as it has well-equipped swimming facilities and plenty of activities such as banana boating, snorkeling, and wakeboarding.
Zanpa Beach is open for swimming from April 1st every year, and you cannot enter the sea in March.
Access Approximately 60 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Address: 1933 Uza, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture
Activities Yes
Parking available (charges apply)
There is a toilet
2. Nirai Beach
Nirai Beach, also located in Yomitan Village, is known for its cobalt blue sea and white sand, which boasts one of the clearest clarity in Okinawa Prefecture, and is popular as a private beach located in front of Hotel Nikko Alivila.
This beach is open for swimming all year round, and you can enjoy Okinawa's beautiful sea even in the spring. However, from winter to March, the water temperature is slightly lower, so we recommend wearing a wetsuit to swim comfortably.
Furthermore, Nirai Beach is also famous as a place where sea turtles lay their eggs, and if you are lucky you may be able to see sea turtles on the beach between May and August.
Access Approximately 60 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Address: 600 Gima, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture
Parking available (free) Paid parking available when full
There is a toilet
Nirai Beach, also located in Yomitan Village, is known for its cobalt blue sea and white sand, which boasts one of the clearest clarity in Okinawa Prefecture, and is popular as a private beach located in front of Hotel Nikko Alivila.
This beach is open for swimming all year round, and you can enjoy Okinawa's beautiful sea even in the spring. However, from winter to March, the water temperature is slightly lower, so we recommend wearing a wetsuit to swim comfortably.
Furthermore, Nirai Beach is also famous as a place where sea turtles lay their eggs, and if you are lucky you may be able to see sea turtles on the beach between May and August.
Access Approximately 60 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Address: 600 Gima, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture
Parking available (free) Paid parking available when full
There is a toilet
3.Mission Beach
"Mission Beach" is located in Onna Village in the central part of the main island of Okinawa, and is an American-style private beach with a view that looks like a scene from a movie.
This beach is a rare natural beach on the main island of Okinawa, and is a hidden spot where you can see the beautiful sand and crystal clear sea. "Mission Beach" is also popular for its good sand quality, and the pure white, smooth sand is comfortable to walk on, and you can enjoy the softness as if you were sinking into it.
It is not open in the winter, and the beach usually opens in late April, but if you are planning on sightseeing in the Nago area, this is a beach you should definitely stop by.
Access Approximately 80 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Address 2005-1 Yasutoso, Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture
Activities Yes
Parking available (charges apply)
There is a toilet
Image source: Management company (TRY Resort Club) official website
"Mission Beach" is located in Onna Village in the central part of the main island of Okinawa, and is an American-style private beach with a view that looks like a scene from a movie.
This beach is a rare natural beach on the main island of Okinawa, and is a hidden spot where you can see the beautiful sand and crystal clear sea. "Mission Beach" is also popular for its good sand quality, and the pure white, smooth sand is comfortable to walk on, and you can enjoy the softness as if you were sinking into it.
It is not open in the winter, and the beach usually opens in late April, but if you are planning on sightseeing in the Nago area, this is a beach you should definitely stop by.
Access Approximately 80 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Address 2005-1 Yasutoso, Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture
Activities Yes
Parking available (charges apply)
There is a toilet
Image source: Management company (TRY Resort Club) official website
4. Kouri Beach
"Kouri Beach" is the only beach on Kouri Island, located in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa. This beach has wide shallow waters and is equipped with a jellyfish net for safety, so even families with small children can play safely.
In addition, Kouri Beach has facilities such as restaurants, shops, a rental shop for marine equipment, showers, and toilets so that you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and other marine activities to the fullest.
These facilities make it possible to spend your day in comfort, but they can get very crowded during the busy summer season. The sea opens around late April every year.
Address Kouri, Nakijin Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture
Parking available (free) Paid parking available when full
There is a toilet
"Kouri Beach" is the only beach on Kouri Island, located in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa. This beach has wide shallow waters and is equipped with a jellyfish net for safety, so even families with small children can play safely.
In addition, Kouri Beach has facilities such as restaurants, shops, a rental shop for marine equipment, showers, and toilets so that you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and other marine activities to the fullest.
These facilities make it possible to spend your day in comfort, but they can get very crowded during the busy summer season. The sea opens around late April every year.
Address Kouri, Nakijin Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture
Parking available (free) Paid parking available when full
There is a toilet
5. Sesoko Beach
"Sesoko Beach" is located on the west coast of Sesoko Island, which can be accessed from the main island by crossing the Sesoko Ohashi Bridge, and is an attractive beach with white sand that stretches for about 700 meters.
"Sesoko Beach" boasts extremely high transparency among Okinawa's main island and surrounding remote islands, and its beauty is top class in Okinawa. You can see Ie Island and Minna Island from the beach, and the beauty of the view attracts visitors.
It is also known as one of the best sunset spots in Okinawa Prefecture, so be sure to visit the beach in the evening.
There are also plenty of marine activities, so be sure to give them a try. The sea opens around mid-April every year.
Access Approximately 90 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Address: 5583-1 Sesoko, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
Activities Yes
Parking available (charges apply)
There is a toilet
Image source: Sesoko Beach official website
"Sesoko Beach" is located on the west coast of Sesoko Island, which can be accessed from the main island by crossing the Sesoko Ohashi Bridge, and is an attractive beach with white sand that stretches for about 700 meters.
"Sesoko Beach" boasts extremely high transparency among Okinawa's main island and surrounding remote islands, and its beauty is top class in Okinawa. You can see Ie Island and Minna Island from the beach, and the beauty of the view attracts visitors.
It is also known as one of the best sunset spots in Okinawa Prefecture, so be sure to visit the beach in the evening.
There are also plenty of marine activities, so be sure to give them a try. The sea opens around mid-April every year.
Access Approximately 90 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Address: 5583-1 Sesoko, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
Activities Yes
Parking available (charges apply)
There is a toilet
Image source: Sesoko Beach official website
[Extra Edition] Enjoy the “heated garden pool” comfortably even in spring!
At Oriental Hotel Okinawa Resort & Spa, you can enjoy a 170m long garden pool, one of the largest in Okinawa Prefecture, a kids pool, and a night pool that is beautifully lit up at night.
The popular garden pool, which opens every March, provides heated water in some areas, making it one of the first places in Okinawa to enjoy swimming even when it's still a little chilly in early spring. The good news is that you can use it even if you are not staying at the hotel, and there is also a restaurant inside the hotel, so couples and families can enjoy it all day long.
Address 1490-1 Kise, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture Kise, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture
TEL 0980-51-1000
Price Adults (13 years and older) 3,000 yen Children (7 years old and older) 1,500 yen
*Free for hotel guests
Business hours: 8:00-22:00 (all year round except January and February)
*Business hours vary depending on the season.
URL https://www.okinawa.oriental-hotels.com/en/
The popular garden pool, which opens every March, provides heated water in some areas, making it one of the first places in Okinawa to enjoy swimming even when it's still a little chilly in early spring. The good news is that you can use it even if you are not staying at the hotel, and there is also a restaurant inside the hotel, so couples and families can enjoy it all day long.
Address 1490-1 Kise, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture Kise, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture
TEL 0980-51-1000
Price Adults (13 years and older) 3,000 yen Children (7 years old and older) 1,500 yen
*Free for hotel guests
Business hours: 8:00-22:00 (all year round except January and February)
*Business hours vary depending on the season.
URL https://www.okinawa.oriental-hotels.com/en/
If you want to stay along the beach, we recommend "Hotel Nikko Alivila"
I want to stay next to a beautiful beach! If you think so, "Hotel Nikko Alivila" is recommended.
Hotel Nikko Alivila is a resort hotel with a pool adjacent to Nirai Beach in Yomitan Village. The spacious rooms, all over 40 square meters, offer a panoramic view of Nirai Beach and the beautiful ocean, allowing you to enjoy the resort feeling to your heart's content.
We also recommend enjoying the moment the sun sets over the horizon while feeling the pleasant sea breeze. You can also soothe your mind and body at a luxurious spa while admiring the beautiful scenery, and enjoy exquisite cuisine at a restaurant that makes use of fresh local Okinawan ingredients. This hotel welcomes you with the warmest hospitality you'll find anywhere, and offers the best out-of-the-ordinary experience. Hotel Nikko Alivila is sure to make your Okinawa trip even more fulfilling.
Click here to reserve your stay
Hotel Nikko Alivila is a resort hotel with a pool adjacent to Nirai Beach in Yomitan Village. The spacious rooms, all over 40 square meters, offer a panoramic view of Nirai Beach and the beautiful ocean, allowing you to enjoy the resort feeling to your heart's content.
We also recommend enjoying the moment the sun sets over the horizon while feeling the pleasant sea breeze. You can also soothe your mind and body at a luxurious spa while admiring the beautiful scenery, and enjoy exquisite cuisine at a restaurant that makes use of fresh local Okinawan ingredients. This hotel welcomes you with the warmest hospitality you'll find anywhere, and offers the best out-of-the-ordinary experience. Hotel Nikko Alivila is sure to make your Okinawa trip even more fulfilling.
Click here to reserve your stay
If you want to enjoy both the beach and sightseeing in Naha, we recommend "Okinawa Harbor View Hotel"
While enjoying the beach, I also want to enjoy sightseeing in Naha and remote islands! If you think so, "Okinawa Harbor View Hotel" is recommended.
Okinawa Harbor View Hotel is conveniently located, approximately 10 minutes by car from Naha Airport. Close to Kokusai Street, it can be used as a base for sightseeing in Okinawa.
The guest rooms cater to a variety of needs, from the high-grade "club floor" where you can enjoy quality time to the "two-bedroom" rooms for families and groups. At the buffet-style breakfast, you can enjoy a wide variety of menus, including the hotel's signature American breakfast.
The open-air garden pool surrounded by greenery is also popular, and you can enjoy the resort feeling while staying in Naha city (opening from April 26th in 2024).
In addition, the port is close and remote islands are easily accessible, expanding the possibilities for your travel plans. At Okinawa Harbor View Hotel, you can enjoy a hotel stay that will free you from your busy daily life and refresh both your mind and body.
Click here to reserve your stay
Okinawa Harbor View Hotel is conveniently located, approximately 10 minutes by car from Naha Airport. Close to Kokusai Street, it can be used as a base for sightseeing in Okinawa.
The guest rooms cater to a variety of needs, from the high-grade "club floor" where you can enjoy quality time to the "two-bedroom" rooms for families and groups. At the buffet-style breakfast, you can enjoy a wide variety of menus, including the hotel's signature American breakfast.
The open-air garden pool surrounded by greenery is also popular, and you can enjoy the resort feeling while staying in Naha city (opening from April 26th in 2024).
In addition, the port is close and remote islands are easily accessible, expanding the possibilities for your travel plans. At Okinawa Harbor View Hotel, you can enjoy a hotel stay that will free you from your busy daily life and refresh both your mind and body.
Click here to reserve your stay