Yonaha Maehama Beach
A breathtaking stretch of powdery white sand and surreal turquoise waters, often hailed as Japan's most beautiful beach.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pristine conditions
Yonaha Maehama Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pristine conditions
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking stretch of powdery white sand and surreal turquoise waters, often hailed as Japan's most beautiful beach.
"This beach is absolutely stunning — crystal-clear turquoise water, powdery white sand, and peaceful surroundings."
Barefoot Bliss
The sand is incredibly fine and soft, perfect for going barefoot! :athletic_shoe:
Capture the Magic
Bring your camera for stunning photos, especially during sunrise and sunset. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Powdery White Sands
Miles of soft, white sand meet crystal-clear turquoise waters, creating a breathtaking tropical paradise.
Vibrant Turquoise Waters
The surreal, shallow turquoise waters are perfect for wading, swimming, and offer incredible visibility.
Sunset Spectacle
Witness the sky ablaze with color as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the beach in warm hues.
Water Sports Adventures
Rent jet skis, try stand-up paddleboarding, or enjoy a thrilling banana boat ride.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Sun and Sand
Best Time to Visit for Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Barefoot Bliss
The sand is incredibly fine and soft, perfect for going barefoot! :athletic_shoe:
Capture the Magic
Bring your camera for stunning photos, especially during sunrise and sunset. :camerawithflash:
Water Activities Galore
Rentals for SUP, jet skis, and banana boats are available. :water_wave:
Peaceful Paradise
Enjoy the tranquility; it's less crowded than many other famous beaches. :hibiscus:
Tips
from all over the internet
Barefoot Bliss
The sand is incredibly fine and soft, perfect for going barefoot! :athletic_shoe:
Capture the Magic
Bring your camera for stunning photos, especially during sunrise and sunset. :camerawithflash:
Water Activities Galore
Rentals for SUP, jet skis, and banana boats are available. :water_wave:
Peaceful Paradise
Enjoy the tranquility; it's less crowded than many other famous beaches. :hibiscus:
Easy Access
Direct flights make it accessible from major Japanese cities. :airplane:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Yonaha Maehama Beach is overwhelmingly praised as one of Japan's most beautiful beaches, with visitors consistently awestruck by its powdery white sand and surreal turquoise waters, often compared to tropical paradises. Many highlight the shallow, clear sea as perfect for swimming and wading, and the stunning sunsets are a major draw. While generally peaceful, some note that water sports rentals can add to the activity level.
"I think this is the best beach in this island! Often hailed as one of Japan’s most beautiful beaches, it boasts over 7 kilometers of powdery white sand and turquoise waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. We did 2 days here because it was amazing! Can spot also many fishes!"
TancReady
"There is only 8 places in this world which have this kind of pristine-torquoise waters: the Bahamas, Maldives, Palawan (the Philippines), Bora Bora, Zanzibar, Whitsundays Island (Australia), Turk and Caicos and, of course, Miyako-jima, Japan. And it is exactly Yonaha Maehama Beach that has this surreal waters. So beautiful. You can literally walk 100 meters into the middle of the sea and water level is still only at your ankle. Combining with the bridge on the left side, it really makes Yonaha Maehama Beach a true paradise on earth. And among the 8 places that offer pristine turquoise water, I dare to say that Miyako-jima and Yonaha Maehama in particular is the most peaceful and accessible one, as there are direct flights from big Japanese cities and the Airbus A321/Boeing 737 can easily land in the Miyako airport."
Quang Hải Trương
"It is a beautiful beach with amazing sand and even a bathroom. Additionally there are many services that offer banana boats and jet skis. I would recommend visiting here eapecially barefoot."
Daniel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Yonaha Maehama Beach is located on Miyako Island in Okinawa Prefecture. You can reach Miyako Island via direct flights from major Japanese cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka to Miyako Airport (MMY). From the airport, it's a short taxi or bus ride to the beach. Renting a car is also a popular option for exploring the island.
Yes, there are parking facilities available near the beach, though they can get busy during peak season. Arriving earlier in the day can help secure a spot.
Public buses do service the area around Yonaha Maehama Beach, but schedules can be infrequent. Taxis are readily available from Miyako Airport and major towns.
Many visitors find renting a car or scooter to be the most convenient way to explore Miyako Island and its various attractions, including Yonaha Maehama Beach.
Yes, direct flights are available from several major Japanese cities, making Miyako Island and Yonaha Maehama Beach quite accessible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Yonaha Maehama Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy its beauty freely.
The beach is accessible 24/7, but facilities like restrooms and water sports rentals have specific operating hours, typically during daylight.
For general beach access, no booking is required. However, if you plan to rent equipment for water sports or book tours, it's advisable to check availability in advance, especially during peak season.
Generally, there are no major restrictions, but it's always good practice to respect the natural environment and follow any posted guidelines.
While the beach itself is accessible, it's not recommended to visit at night due to lack of lighting and potential safety concerns. The best experience is during daylight hours.
🎫 🏝️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and walking along the expansive shoreline. Water sports like stand-up paddleboarding, jet skiing, and banana boat rides are also popular. Snorkeling is also possible due to the clear waters. 
Yes, the waters are generally calm and shallow, making them ideal for swimming. However, always be aware of currents and conditions.
Yes, there are restrooms and changing facilities available at the beach, which is a convenient amenity for visitors.
While some water sports outposts might offer rentals, it's not guaranteed. It's a good idea to bring your own if you plan to spend extended time relaxing on the sand.
Absolutely! The shallow, clear waters are perfect for children to play in, and the soft sand is great for building sandcastles.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. The 'golden hour' before sunset is particularly stunning, with the sky and water bathed in warm, beautiful colors.
The contrast of the white sand, turquoise water, and the distant bridge (Araba Bridge) creates a picturesque scene. The expansive shoreline itself is a great subject.
Drone photography is popular here, offering incredible aerial views of the beach and surrounding landscape. Ensure you are aware of and comply with any local drone regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the beach and ocean. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water and sky.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be mindful of other visitors' privacy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There are restrooms and changing facilities available, making day trips more convenient. While water sports rentals are present, the natural beauty of the beach itself provides ample entertainment. Consider bringing beach toys and snacks to enhance the family experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The beach's west-facing orientation makes it a prime spot for capturing breathtaking sunsets, with the sky often erupting in a spectacular display of colors. Drone photography is highly recommended to capture the vastness and unique perspective of this beautiful coastline.
Early mornings offer soft, diffused light and fewer people, while the golden hour before sunset provides warm, dramatic lighting. Don't forget a wide-angle lens to encompass the expansive scenery. 🌊 Water Sports Lovers
For a thrill, jet ski rentals and banana boat rides are available, promising fun for groups. The clear, shallow waters also make it an excellent spot for snorkeling, where you can observe various fish swimming around your feet.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Miyako's Turquoise Waters
The shallow depth means you can walk quite a distance from the shore before the water reaches waist-level, offering a unique perspective and a sense of vastness. This surreal quality is a major draw for visitors seeking a slice of paradise. The vibrant blue hues are particularly captivating under the bright Okinawan sun, creating a postcard-perfect scene at every turn.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the clear waters are also teeming with marine life, making it a great spot for casual snorkeling right off the shore. The combination of pristine water, soft sand, and gentle waves creates an idyllic environment for relaxation and water-based activities.
Experiencing Yonaha Maehama Beach: From Sunrise to Sunset
As the day progresses, the beach becomes a hub for water sports enthusiasts. Rentals for jet skis, stand-up paddleboards (SUP), and banana boats are readily available, adding an element of adventure to your visit. The wide expanse of the beach also makes it suitable for beach volleyball.
However, many visitors highlight sunset as the absolute must-see event. The beach faces west, offering unobstructed views of the sun dipping below the horizon. The sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant oranges, pinks, and purples, reflecting beautifully on the wet sand and calm waters. This magical display makes Yonaha Maehama Beach a truly unforgettable destination.
Miyako Island's Crown Jewel: Accessibility and Recognition
Despite its world-class status, Miyako Island and Yonaha Maehama Beach have managed to retain a sense of tranquility, avoiding mass tourism. This is partly due to its accessibility. Direct flights from major Japanese cities make it easier to reach than many other remote island destinations. The island's airport is capable of handling larger aircraft, further facilitating travel.
This balance between accessibility and a less-crowded atmosphere makes Yonaha Maehama Beach a unique gem. It offers the beauty of a tropical paradise without the overwhelming crowds often found at similar destinations, making it an ideal escape for those seeking both natural splendor and peace.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit