Nishibama Beach, Aka Island, Kerama Islands, Okinawa, Japan, Asia

Getty Images/Robert Harding World Imagery

Nishibama Beach

Top choice in Okinawa & the Southwest Islands


Lovely beaches fringe every side of the island, but for sheer postcard-perfect beauty, it's hard to beat the 1km stretch of white sand on the northeast coast known as Nishibama Beach. It can be crowded in summer; if you want privacy, there are quieter beaches on the other sides of the island.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Okinawa & the Southwest Islands attractions

1. Furuzamami Beach

2.11 MILES

Approximately 1km southeast from the port (over the hill) is this stunning 700m stretch of white sand, fronted by clear, shallow water and a bit of coral…

2. Fukushū-en

24.09 MILES

Garden fans should take a stroll through peaceful, Chinese-style Fukushū-en. All materials were brought from Fuzhou, Naha's sister city in China,…

4. Daichi Makishi Kōsetsu Ichiba

24.86 MILES

In Naha, a great place to sample everyday Okinawan eats is at one of the 2nd-floor eateries in this covered food market just off Ichibahon-dōri, about…

6. Tsuboya Pottery Museum

25 MILES

The excellent Tsuboya Pottery Museum houses some fine examples of traditional Okinawan pottery. Here you can also inspect potters' wheels and arayachi …

7. Tsuboya Pottery Street

25.07 MILES

One of the best parts of Naha is this neighbourhood, a centre of ceramic production from 1682, when Ryūkyū kilns were consolidated here by royal decree…