Photo By: Ashley Owen
Region
Kyushu
Island
Ryukyu Islands
Largest City
Naha
Population
1,318,281

Naminoue Beach

Need a quick dip while in Naha? This is the only beach you can swim at while in the main city of Okinawa.

Naminoue Beach isn’t exactly what springs to mind when you think of the pristine beaches of Okinawa. Located in Naha, the prefecture’s largest city, it has one rather distinctive feature that sets it apart: a highway running straight across the sea directly in front of it.

Whilst certainly unusual, this particular quirk doesn’t detract from the beach’s appeal, and it’s a popular spot with both locals and foreign visitors. It’s the only beach within Naha where you can swim, making it ideal for those staying nearby or on a short stopover in the city.

Despite the beach’s proximity to the highway, both the sand and the sea are very clean. The shallow, sheltered waters are suitable for swimmers of all ages and abilities because the current isn’t too strong. You might even spot people snorkelling!

Conveniently located within walking distance of Kokusai Dori, Naha Fukushuen and many of the city’s other attractions, Naminoue Beach is the perfect place to take a break during a busy day of sightseeing. Changing rooms, toilets and paid showers are available, and there are also some small shops right on the seafront.

Perched on a low cliff just above the beach is Naminoue Shrine (known as “the shrine above the waves”). As the primary Shinto shrine in Okinawa, it’s well worth a visit while you’re in the area, particularly during the Nanmin Festival in May.

Admission to the beach is free. From April to October you can rent items such as deck chairs and parasols, as well as enjoy barbecue facilities.

How To Get There

Address

Wakasa Kaigan Dori, 1 Chome Wakasa, Naha-shi, Okinawa-ken 900-0031, Japan

By train

By monorail: The beach is about a 15-minute walk from Asahibashi (旭橋) and Kencho-mae (県庁前) stations.

By car

Roughly a 10-15 minute drive from Naha airport, and paid parking is available.

Where To Stay

Hotel Seaburg Naminoue
  • 1-21-1 Wakasa, Naha-shi, Okinawa, 900-0031 Japan
  • ¥13,300 - ¥51,300
  • 0.0 km
Mcity in Wakasa
  • 1-10-18 Wakasa, Naha-shi, Okinawa, 900-0031 Japan
  • ¥6,750 - ¥23,000
  • 0.3 km
New Normal Hotel in Naminoue
  • 2-9-3 Tsuji, Naha-shi, Okinawa, 900-0037 Japan
  • ¥7,000 - ¥14,400
  • 4.5/5 (29 reviews)
  • 0.3 km
Victoria Hotel
  • 2-2-12 Wakasa, Naha-shi, Okinawa, 900-0031 Japan
  • ¥4,313 - ¥19,115
  • 4/5 (125 reviews)
  • 0.3 km
APA Hotel Naha Airport Wakasa
  • 1-33-8 Matsuyama, Naha-shi, Okinawa, 900-0032 Japan
  • ¥6,400 - ¥30,600
  • 4.33/5 (71 reviews)
  • 0.4 km

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