It takes a little over two hours by car from Naha Airport. On the Pacific Ocean side of Kunigami County in the northern part of Okinawa’s main island is a beach called Awa. Although the map only shows the name of the area, this beach is popular among surfers as a point where they can enjoy surfing all day long.
Point 1: What is the location of “Awa”?
Awa, a popular point for surfers, is located on the Pacific Ocean side of the Yanbaru National Park in the northern part of Okinawa’s main island. It will take a little over two hours from Naha Airport.
It also takes nearly 5 hours by bus, taking the Ryukyu Bus, Nago Bus, and Kunigami Village Bus.
The name “Awa” appears on the map as the name of the area, but the location is around the rock called “Ryukyu Sphinx.
It is marked by a uniquely shaped rock that looks like a sphinx on the coast where a seawall has been built.
Surfers go all the way to this point, so naturally, the purpose is not swimming or snorkeling, but surfing only.
Point 2: What kind of beach is “Awa”?
There is no sandy beach at Awa, only a concrete seawall. Local surfers enter the ocean from here and begin surfing.
Looking at the map, the point “Ryukyu Sphinx” is at the end of the bay with a fishing port nearby. The waves are moderately controlled by the breakwater of the nearby Anba fishing port, making it a point where surfers can enjoy surfing consistently throughout the day without having to worry about the tide turning.
Point 3: What is the after-beach fun of “Awa”?
It takes a long time just to access “Awa”. Although some areas in Yanbaru have been developed recently, this “Awa” area is probably an area that 98% of people who come to Okinawa do not access.
Since you have come all the way here, we recommend that you enjoy it together with sightseeing in the northern part of the island.
However, since there are no typical roadside stations or theme parks in this area, we will introduce you to some of the unique ways to enjoy the unexplored areas of Yanbaru.
There are no convenience stores in this area, so first get some food and souvenirs at the Awa Kyodo Store, a 3-minute drive away.
You will find local delicacies such as jushi onigiri and po-tama.
Also worth seeing is the “saxifrage tree” located 4 minutes away by car.
The roots alone can grow to a height of 2 meters, making it a dynamic large tree.
We hope you will make the most of the opportunity to see something unique to Yanbaru in Okinawa!
