It takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes by car from Naha Airport. This beach is located at the southernmost tip of Hamahika Island, which is the closest to the main island of the four remote islands connected to Uruma City by a bridge. Located behind a saltworks, the beach is reached after passing through a road overgrown with wild plants, and is one of the most spectacular beaches I have ever seen!
Point 1: What is the location of “Takae Beach”?
Takae Beach is located on the southernmost tip of Hamahika Island, the southernmost of the four remote islands connected to Uruma City by a bridge in the Pacific Ocean in central Okinawa.
Hamaigashima is the island of the legend of Silmichu and Amamichu, the founder of Okinawa, and is not a fancy sightseeing spot, but it is a relaxing resort area with trendy old private house restaurants and cafes, and a famous local food, mozuku tempura.
From the main island of Okinawa, you will finally arrive at the entrance of the island after crossing the long “underwater road” and Hamahiga Ohashi Bridge, which offers a spectacular view of the island.
It takes about 8 minutes by car from Hamahiga Ohashi to the beach. Driving through the village on a narrow, rutted road that is only wide enough for one car, you may wonder, “Is this really the right road? But, please continue on toward the “Takaesu Saltworks”.
The beach does not seem to be under the jurisdiction of the saltworks, but you can enter only when the gate is open and the saltworks is open. (Closed Saturdays and Sundays, open 10:00-16:00)
Point 2: What kind of beach is “Takae Beach”?
Takae Beach is a “top class” beach, even for those who have been to many beaches in Okinawa.
Its beauty and private atmosphere are unmatched by any other beach.
It is a beautiful white sand beach with large rocks jutting out of the ocean, surrounded by greenery and moderate shade, which is truly restful to see.
However, this beach becomes deep after about 2 meters, and the tide is fast, so it may not be suitable for swimming.
That is why there are few emerald green areas and many turquoise blue areas.
Even if swimming is difficult, I am sure that many people will return to this beach, which is so impressive because of the hard work that went into it.
Point 3: The saltworks near “Takae Beach” is famous for its unique main feature!
On your way home, be sure to stop by the Takaezu Saltworks, located near Takae Beach.
The saltworks offers free parking for those who want to go to the beach, but there is also parking for guests of the saltworks.
The slightly monstrous-looking Shiisa at the entrance is said to be original.
The salt is 100% seawater salt, made in a private saltworks using the traditional and time-consuming “falling salt field” method. This salt is so valuable that it cannot be mass-produced due to weather conditions.
The salt is sold at the salt factory, and for 1,500 yen, you can try your hand at salt making, which includes an original Yachimun salt pot.
The master who teaches the salt-making process is unique and makes a series of puns, which makes the participants laugh.
The salt made amidst laughter is mild and very tasty.
Enjoyable for children and adults alike, this salt-making experience is one of the rarest methods of salt-making in Okinawa.
