It takes about 1 hour and 41 minutes by car from Naha Airport. It is a diving mecca located in Nakijin, the northern part of the Okinawa main island. The name “upsigai” is rather strange, but it is a dialect word used by the locals. The clarity of the sea is high, and it is a famous diving spot.
Point 1: What kind of place is Nakijin Village where “Upsi Gai” is located?
Upsi Gai, a popular beach for divers, is located in Nakijin Village in the northern part of Okinawa’s main island.
The name “Nakijin” is well-known and many people have heard of it, but not many people have been there.
This is because it is located in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa and it takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
Nakijin Village has many small and unique hotels and vacation rentals rather than large hotels, so it is a place for repeat visitors and for those who like to stay in Okinawa.
In the long and wide village of Nakijin, each village has its beach, with names like Upsigai, Silvama, Kaneshibama, and Sadabama, which sound like foreign words.
All of them have beautiful white beaches that are visited by film crews for TV dramas and commercials.
Point 2: What kind of beach is “Upsi Gai”?
Upsigai” is located in a village called Sakiyama in Nakijin Village in the northern part of Okinawa’s main island.
You may feel a little uneasy as you walk along a dirt road overgrown with tropical plants until you reach the beach.
Nowadays, it is not easy to find unpaved roads not only in urban areas but also in local cities.
When you finally get to the beach, you will see a natural beach with rough rocks and pumice stones.
Since this is not an official beach, there are no rentals or activities. However, it is famous not only among locals but also among divers for its interesting topography, beautiful coral, and scenic beauty, and some divers go out of their way to come here, attracted by the clarity of the water, which is comparable to that of remote islands.
Many people also enjoy snorkeling because of the shallow waters and beautiful scenery where the water changes from emerald green to blue.
The beach is also a “photographer’s beach” due to the beauty of the scenery, as wedding photos are taken on the beach and film crews from commercials and TV dramas visit the beach.
Point 3: What are the best places to visit near “Upsi Guy”?
Photo: “Nakijin Soba” Yushi Tofu Soba Set
Now, let us introduce some recommended spots near “Upsi Gai”.
I am not sure if it can be called a nearby tourist attraction, but “Churaumi Aquarium,” one of Okinawa’s representative tourist spots, is located 45 minutes away by car, and “Nakijin Castle Ruins,” which preserves the architectural beauty of the beautiful stone walls of the Ryukyu Dynasty, is located 12 minutes away by car.
Both of these places are so standard tourist attractions that it is easy to skip them, but they are worth seeing with your own eyes at least once.
As for gourmet food, “Nakijin Soba” is the best place to eat.
Located 9 minutes away by car, the restaurant is well known for its firm Okinawa soba served in an old private house-style house.
While you can order a single dish, we recommend the “Yushi Tofu Soba” which comes as a set with jushi and dessert. The set price is reasonable at 880 yen, but it is very satisfying and generous.
