Just like spring arrives early with cherry blossoms, summer is coming up really soon in Okinawa.
Starting in March, many beaches around the island reopen for swimmers, sandcastle-builders, sunbathers, and picnickers looking for a fun day on the shore. Plus, this year, more beaches are easing up on regulations to make them tattoo-friendly and welcome more beachgoers.
It’s true that there are locations where you can swim all year round. But there’s nothing wrong with celebrating the early arrival of spring or even summer.
Get your swimsuit ready and let’s hit the beach!
Okinawa Beach Map (Map by Stripes Okinawa)
1. ANA INTERCONTINENTAL MANZA BEACH RESORT
MARCH 14: As a special offer for the day, Ocean Park water obstacles, which can normally cost 5,500 yen, will be available at 1,000 yen per person. Other water activities available include sea kayaking, jet ski bike rides, and more. No restrictions on tattoos.
PARKING FEE: 3,000 yen per vehicle (free on March 14)
HOURS: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Ocean Park will be closed between noon and 1 p.m. for maintenance. A ceremony is scheduled at 11 a.m.)
PHONE: 098-966-1211
GPS COORDINATES: N 26.505998, E127.859180
40-minute drive from Camp Foster.
Website
2. SHERATON OKINAWA SUNMARINA
The beach itself is open throughout the year. 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.
PARKING FEE: 600 yen per hour
HOURS: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (subject to change)
PHONE: 098-965-2222
GPS COORDINATES: N 26.462128, E 127.811506
A 40-minute drive from Camp Foster.
Website
3. KARIYUSHI BEACH
MARCH 5: This beach is also home to jet-skiing, boat tubing, and more. No restrictions on tattoos.
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)
PHONE: 098-052-4093
GPS COORDINATES: N26.531863, E 127.929991
A one-hour drive from Camp Foster.
Website
4. KANUCHA BEACH
MARCH 29: A resort beach 20 minutes away from Camp Schwab. This beach is tattoo-friendly, but visitors may be asked to cover their tattoos if others feel uncomfortable.
ADMISSION FEE: 3,000 yen (adult), 1,000 yen (child), free admission for hotel guests
PARKING FEE: Included in the admission fee.
HOURS: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
PHONE: 0570-018880
GPS COORDINATES: N 26.546329, E 128.077174
Website
5. KIN SUNRISE BEACH
APRIL (TBD): This beach near Camp Hansen boasts of 800 m 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.
Website
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)
PHONE: 098-966-8839
GPS COORDINATES: N 26.502060, E 127.857871
A 40-minute drive from Camp Foster.
Website
7. TIGER BEACH
MARCH 20: A resort beach of Hotel Monterey in Onna village. This beach is tattoo-friendly, but visitors may be asked to cover their tattoos if others feel uncomfortable.
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)
PHONE: 098-993-7108
GPS COORDINATES: N 26.454341, E 127.806077
A 40-minute drive from Camp Foster.
Website
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)
PHONE: 0980-48-2741
GPS COORDINATES: N 26.699195, E 127.877590
A 90-minute drive from Camp Foster.
Website
9. SESOKO BEACH
MARCH 7: 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. – 4 p.m. (subject to change)
PHONE: 098-047-2368
GPS COORDINATES: N 26.650026, E 127.856139
A 90-minute drive from Camp Foster.
Website
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: 3,000 yen for ages 12 and above, 2,000 yen for ages 11 and below.
PARKING FEE: 1,000 yen
HOURS: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (beach counter. Subject to change)
PHONE: 098-965-1020
GPS COORDINATES: N 26.451104, E 127.802283
A 40-minute drive from Camp Foster.
Website
11. TROPICAL BEACH
APRIL 18: 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)
PHONE: 070-3802-9963 (for water sports)
Email: tropical.beach.kaihinkouen@gmail.com
GPS COORDINATES: N 26.28148 E 127.731782
A 10-minute drive from MCAS Futenma.
Website
12. ORION ECO CHURA-SUN BEACH
APRIL 4 (TBD): 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)
PHONE: 098-850-1139
GPS COORDINATES: N 26.156294, E 127.647378
Close to Naha Air Port and Ashibinaa Okinawa Outlet Mall.
Website
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.
A. Torii Beach
(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)
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.
B. White Beach
(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)
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.
C. 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.
D. 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.
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