6 Best Sights in Okinawa, Japan

Yonaha Maehama Beach is regarded by many as Japan's best beach, and it lives up to its reputation. White sand stretches for miles on a smooth, shallow shelf extending far into the warm, clear water. In front of the Tokyu Resort there's a section of water that is netted off to protect swimmers from jellyfish, and a lifeguard on duty from 9 to 6. Water-sports equipment rentals, showers, refreshments, toilets, and showers are available at a beach shack. Take on your friends or the locals at beach volleyball—this is an amazing place to play a game. The beach is 25 minutes by taxi, 40 mins by bus from Hirara Port area. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; swimming.

On the southern shore of the island, a swimming pool filled with water from a cold natural spring sits next to a picturesque stretch of sand. Snorkel gear and kayak rentals can be arranged through the pool complex, which includes a refreshment stand. Many of the local dive shops offer snorkeling excursions, or multisport packages that include a visit to the pumpkin-shape rock formation. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (free); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling.

A lovely and often deserted beach on the west side of tiny Kurima Island, Nagamahama Beach can be reached via the bridge just southeast of Yonaha Maehama Beach. This is a fantastic place to spend the day snorkeling and picnicking on the fine white sand. Amenities: parking (free). Best for: snorkeling; solitude; sunrise; swimming; walking; windsurfing.

This small beach lies behind a large sand dune (suna-yama means "sand mountain"), out of which juts a rugged natural stone arch. The snorkeling is good, and the beach is only a few miles by bus north of Hirara. Water sports equipment is available for rent in the summer months. Bathrooms, showers, vending machines, and free parking are a short walk (across the dune) from the beach. In summer arrive early for some quiet time before the crowds arrive. Amenities: parking; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling.

Great swimming and snorkeling are yours at the sparkling Yonehara Beach. Watch out for strong currents during tidal changes and various types of critters that can sting or bite. There are several places to rent masks, fins, and snorkels, including the beach shack next to the main parking area. On the island's northern shore, Yonehara is about an hour from Ishigaki City by bus, or half an hour by car. You'll know you've found the right area when you see the giant multicolor shisas of Yoneko-yaki pottery on Route 79. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

The water here is said to have the highest concentration of colorful fish in all of the Miyako Islands; it's an awesome spot to snorkel. The beach is just north of Cape Higashi-Hennazaki. If Yoshino Beach is packed with busloads of tourists, try Aragusuku Beach a little farther north. Bathrooms, showers, vending machines and parking (¥500) are up on the clifftop; a shuttle bus transports visitors half a kilometer down the winding road to the beach. Amenities: parking (fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; sunrise.