Naminoue beach
Located in the southwestern part of Okinawa, Naminoue Beach is the only beach within Naha city. It sits almost at the center, encircled by residential areas, shops, and restaurants. The cruise terminal is a mere ten-minute stroll away, and the international airport is just 6 kilometers distant. This makes it incredibly convenient for transit tourists arriving in Okinawa, who can relax at Naminoue after sightseeing and rejuvenate on a hot day.
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Beach description
The name of Naminoue Beach is derived from Japanese, meaning "on the crest of a wave." Contrary to what the name suggests, the ocean waters in the Naminoue area are tranquil and serene, thanks to the robust breakwaters. Special nets are in place to shield beachgoers from dangerous marine life, ensuring that swimming at Naminoue is as comfortable and safe as taking a dip in an outdoor pool.
The beach itself is quaint and inviting, with a coastline blanketed by snow-white, soft sand. The azure waters are pristine and transparent. However, the idyllic scene is somewhat marred by a bridge with a motorway that cuts across the view of the ocean. Additionally, the hum of the city can intrude on the peaceful atmosphere. As a result, avid beach enthusiasts often venture to other parts of the island for a more secluded experience, leaving Naminoue primarily to tourists and locals from nearby districts.
Naminoue Beach welcomes visitors from nine in the morning until six in the evening, and during the peak season, it remains open for an additional hour. While there is no charge for admission, amenities such as toilets, showers, and lockers are available for a fee. Charges also apply for renting umbrellas, sun loungers, and folding chairs. For your safety, lifeguards are on duty, and a first aid station is at the ready. Adjacent to the beach, a park offers the perfect spot for a barbecue or to recline on the soft grass under the cool shade of trees.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Okinawa for a beach vacation is during the late spring to early summer period, specifically from late April to early July. This timeframe offers the optimal combination of warm weather, minimal rainfall, and fewer crowds before the peak summer season.
- Late April to May: This period is characterized by the Golden Week holiday in Japan, which can be busy, but the weather is pleasantly warm, and the water temperatures are comfortable for swimming.
- June: Early June is ideal as it precedes the rainy season, providing visitors with sunny days and clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and diving.
- Early July: Visiting just before the school holidays begin allows travelers to enjoy the beaches before they become crowded with domestic tourists.
It's important to avoid the peak typhoon season from August to October, as well as the cooler, less beach-friendly months of December to February. By choosing the recommended visiting window, beachgoers can delight in Okinawa's stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life under the best possible conditions.
Video: Beach Naminoue
Infrastructure
Finding the beach is a breeze, with city bus routes running adjacent to it. Whether you arrive on foot or by bicycle, the Shinto Shrine of Naminoue, perched atop a cliff overlooking the shore, serves as a beacon. Nearby, other local attractions beckon, offering tourists a chance to immerse themselves in the city's culture while still being a stone's throw from the ocean's embrace. For those seeking convenience and proximity, consider staying at a hotel adjacent to the beach.
One particularly enticing accommodation is Wires Hotel Naha, nestled near a park and just a short stroll from the main beach entrance. Guests are treated to spacious and comfortable rooms, each featuring a kitchenette with all the necessary appliances, and a large balcony offering panoramic views of the city and port. The hotel's amenities include laundry services, breakfast, and a selection of drinks from the bar. Complimentary underground parking is provided, and fast wireless internet envelops the entire property.
The hotel's prime location means that an array of shops, cafes, and restaurants are just moments away. Moreover, the port terminal, central market, and duty-free shop are all within a leisurely ten-minute walk.
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Naha is the biggest city of Okinawa and a real catch for curious tourists who prefer to combine a beach holiday with a tour of local attractions. Its pearl is considered to be the ancient castle of Shuri, the residence of the rulers of the island since the time of the existence of the state of Ryukyu.
Next to it is the amazingly beautiful Shikina-en Garden, along the picturesque alleys of which members of the royal family walked many centuries ago. Another colorful park with charming ponds and cascading waterfalls in the Chinese style can be found along the road from the cruise terminal to the main street of Kokusai. It is called Fukushuen, opened as a sign of friendship between Naha and Chinese Fuzhou.
And surely you should look into the Naminoue Temple, towering above the beach of the same name, take pictures with colorful statues of Okinawan lions at the entrance and admire the wonderful panorama that opens from above. And you can see the whole city in a twenty-minute ride from the monorail trailer, which routes from the center to the airport.
Shopping enthusiasts surely appreciate a walk along Kokusai, the main street of the city, where the best shops and restaurants of Naha are concentrated. Here you can buy traditional Japanese souvenirs (ceramics, fabrics, glassware and glazes), taste local delicacies and sweets, as well as visit the famous Makishi Public Market, the largest in Okinawa.
And the most active travelers can be interested in visiting the neighboring islands, taking an exciting boat trip on a high-speed sea boat from the port of Naha.