Emerald Beach is a beautiful seaside destination within Ocean Expo Park on the northwestern coast of Okinawa Island. Located close to popular attractions such as the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, it is an ideal place to stop and enjoy the sea while exploring the northern part of the island.
The beach faces west and is known for its broad expanse of white sand and brilliant emerald-green water. It has also been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Beaches for Swimming, recognizing its attractive scenery and bathing environment.
Emerald Beach has been carefully designed in a distinctive Y-shaped layout extending into the sea. The beach is divided into three areas: Play Beach, Rest Beach, and View Beach.
Each area has its own character, allowing visitors to enjoy the coastline from different perspectives. Whether you want to play in the water, relax on the sand, or simply admire the scenery, the three sections provide a variety of ways to experience the beach.
The sea at Emerald Beach is famous for its vivid emerald-green color. Water-quality testing conducted by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment has given the beach the highest rating of AA.
The combination of clear water, bright white sand, and the tropical Okinawan climate creates an especially attractive setting for a relaxing day by the sea.
Emerald Beach is well maintained and carefully managed, making it a comfortable destination for families. Jellyfish-protection nets are installed during the swimming season, providing an additional measure of protection for swimmers.
The beach also has a dedicated beach house, making it easier to spend several hours here without having to leave the area. With its well-maintained facilities and gentle tropical scenery, Emerald Beach is suitable for visitors of different ages.
One of Emerald Beach’s greatest advantages is its location inside Ocean Expo Park. Visitors can easily combine a beach visit with sightseeing at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and the other attractions within the park.
This makes the beach particularly convenient for travelers who want to experience both Okinawa’s famous marine attractions and its beautiful coastline in a single day.
A little farther west is an area known as Kame-no-Hama, where sea turtle release events are held every summer.
These events provide an opportunity to see young sea turtles being released toward the ocean while learning more about the marine environment and Okinawa’s coastal ecosystem.
With its spacious sandy shore, brilliant emerald-green water, excellent water quality, and convenient facilities, Emerald Beach offers an easy and enjoyable way to experience Okinawa’s tropical coastline.
Its location within Ocean Expo Park makes it especially convenient for travelers visiting the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and other attractions around Motobu. After exploring the park, spending time on the sand and looking out across the western sea is a wonderful way to slow down and enjoy the natural beauty of northern Okinawa.
Swimming period
April 1 - April 30 8:30-18:30
May 1 - August 31, 8:30 - 19:00
September 1 - September 15: 8:30 - 18:30
September 16 - September 31, 8:30 - 18:00
Free swimming