Sakimotobu Beach is a beach in Motobu Town, in the north of Okinawa’s main island.
This beach is known for a large rock called Gorilla Chop.
It is also a well-known snorkeling and diving spot — people were out snorkeling when we visited.
The swimming facilities are well kept, with restrooms and shower rooms on site.
There is no safety net and no lifeguard, so take real care when swimming, snorkeling, or diving.
Ratings for Sakimotobu Beach
*Ratings are the subjective assessment of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, compared with other beaches in Okinawa Prefecture.
Sakimotobu Beach at a Glance
| Swimming season | None in particular |
| Opening hours | Sakimotobu Green Space management building 9:00–16:00 |
| Swimming fee | Free |
| Safety net | No |
| Lifeguard | No |
| Showers | Yes |
| Lockers | Yes |
| Rentals | No |
| Activities | No |
| Shop | No (vending machines are available) |
| Restroom | Yes |
| Official website | No |
Sakimotobu Beach has no safety net and no lifeguard.
Take real care when swimming, snorkeling, or diving.
The Highlights
Gorilla Chop
The large rock known as Gorilla Chop is hard to gauge from photos, but it is genuinely big.
The origin of the name is not documented, though the most likely explanation is that the upper part of the rock looks like a gorilla delivering a chop.
We took the photo early in the morning so it does not look its best; in daylight it looks like this.
Genuinely beautiful.
The weather really does make a considerable difference to how it looks.
A Well-Known Snorkeling and Diving Spot
Plenty of people snorkel and dive at Sakimotobu Beach.
There is a great deal of coral both in the shallows and further out, with many fish living around it.
Snorkeling, diving, SUP, and other activities can be booked on Viator or GetYourGuide.
If any of that appeals, take a look at what is available.
Clear Water
The water is exceptionally clear and genuinely beautiful.
We were shooting at 5:30 in the morning, so it was too dark to get a good photo.
In daylight it looks like the image above.
Beautiful Sand
There are stones here and there on the sand, so sandals or similar footwear are worth wearing.
Tetrapods
The tetrapods lined up at Sakimotobu Beach make for a striking sight.
They run out toward the open sea for roughly 300 meters.
Well-Kept Facilities
The facilities are in good order, with restrooms and shower rooms available.
The shower rooms are open from 9:00 to 15:30.
Pleasant Places to Rest
Several rest areas are in place as well.
Points to Note
There is a sign listing the rules for using the site, so please follow them.
Access & Parking
| Access | About 100 minutes by car from Naha Airport |
| Address | 5232 Sakimotobu, Motobu Town, Kunigami District, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | Yes |
Sakimotobu Beach has two free parking lots.
One holds about 5 cars and the other about 70.
[Parking lot 1]
[Parking lot 2]
The lot that holds about 70 cars looks like this.
This lot is free as well.
There is a closing time, so check before you go. (Parking hours: 9:00 – 16:00)
Around Sakimotobu Beach
Activities
Motobu Town offers a range of marine activities.
You can book diving, snorkeling, SUP and more.
If you would like to enjoy diving or snorkeling, why not see what is available on Viator or GetYourGuide?
Hotel Orion Motobu Resort & Spa
Hotel Orion Motobu Resort & Spa stands directly opposite Emerald Beach, within walking distance of both the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and the Bise Fukugi Tree Lane — a genuinely good location.
Every room is oceanfront with a balcony, and the view from it takes in Ie Island.
Inside there is a large bath fed by a natural hot spring drawn from 1,500 meters underground, along with a pool and restaurants. It is also an official hotel of JUNGLIA OKINAWA.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
The Churaumi Aquarium needs little introduction, and large numbers of visitors and locals come here every year.
From the vast main tank where whale sharks and manta rays swim — one of the largest in the world — to the many creatures native to Okinawa, there is a great deal to see.
A rental car is the way to see Okinawa
For getting around Okinawa’s main island, a rental car is by far the best option.
Shuri Castle in Naha, the beautiful beaches of the north, American Village in Chatan — the sights are scattered across the island, and with a car you can take them in at your own pace. Local buses are infrequent and rarely run to time, so having a car makes a real difference to the trip.
Cars fill up quickly in the peak season, so we recommend booking early once your travel dates are set. One important note for overseas visitors: to drive in Japan you must obtain an International Driving Permit (Geneva Convention) in your home country before you depart, and remember that traffic in Japan drives on the left.
Summary
This guide has covered Sakimotobu Beach.
This beach is known for a large rock called Gorilla Chop.
It is popular as a snorkeling and diving spot too, and beginners can enjoy both here.
Bookings can be made on Viator or GetYourGuide, so take a look if that appeals.
I hope this guide has been of some use.
Thank you for reading to the end.
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