About 30 minutes by car from Naha Airport. This beach is located in Nishihara-cho on the Pacific Ocean side, east of Shurijo and Urasoe City, where not many tourists go. It is a beach with a lot of Jimotie people, but it is a hole-in-the-wall beach with good facilities and activities. What kind of beach is it?
Point 1: What is the location of “Nishihara Kirakira Beach”?
Nishihara Kirakira Beach” is only about 30 minutes from Naha Airport, but it is located east of Naha City and south of Nakagusuku Village, which is rarely visited by tourists unless they have something to do.
It is not that difficult to get to, as it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes by bus, although you have to change buses once.
While most tourist attractions in Okinawa are located on the East China Sea side, “Nishihara Kirakira Beach” is on the Pacific Ocean side. Therefore, instead of sunset, sunrise can be seen beautifully at this beach.
The beach opens only from 10:00 a.m., but the sunrise on the Pacific Ocean side is just as wonderful as the sunset on the East China Sea side, so it is definitely worth seeing.
Point 2: What are the facilities and activities at “Nishihara Kirakira Beach”?
Nishihara Kirakira Beach is a very well maintained, man-made beach.
It is considered by locals to be a mecca for beach soccer, and there are many soccer schools in the area.
Adjacent to a park called Nishihara Marine Park, the beach is well equipped with restrooms, changing rooms, and showers. Banana boats, water bikes, marbles, bandwagons, and parasols are available for rent.
Even small children can swim safely in the water.
There are also many covered areas for BBQ (equipment and food are not allowed), and with BBQ set prices starting at 1,600 yen per person, BBQ can be enjoyed inexpensively all year round.
Furthermore, during the swimming season from April to October, a parlor will be open on the beach, so you can enjoy the beach more conveniently!
Point 3: What are the sights and food around “Nishihara Kirakira Beach”?
There are no major tourist attractions in the vicinity of Nishihara Kirakira Beach. However, there is a “SANEI” Nishihara City located 5 minutes away by car, which is a good place to procure souvenirs and local foods.
There is also a “Farmer’s Market” and “Town Plaza Kanehide Yanahara Market” a 3-minute drive away.
A 4-minute drive away is “Okinawa Soba Specialty Restaurant Yonaharaya,” a very reputable Okinawa soba restaurant where you can choose from either rich or light.
The area has many stores that support the lifestyle of locals rather than those for tourists, but you may be able to catch a glimpse of the life of Jimottee back home.
