“Sanitsu Beach” sits in Miyako Island’s Shimoji area, facing Yonaha Bay. It’s a somewhat unusual spot where one of the island’s largest tidal flats appears at low tide.
While clear water and pure-white sand spread out, it isn’t a beach for swimming; it’s beloved for birdwatching, strolling, and as the stage for the summer tradition “Sanitsu Beach Carnival.” As a hidden gem with few tourists, it’s perfect for those who want to quietly feel Miyako Island’s nature.
In this article, we’ll cover the appeal and highlights of Sanitsu Beach, plus nearby details like access and parking.
- Sanitsu Beach Ratings
- Sanitsu Beach Basic Information
- The Highlights of Sanitsu Beach
- One of Miyako Island’s largest! A vast tidal flat that appears at low tide
- A Ramsar site! The precious natural environment of Yonaha Bay
- A birdwatching spot to meet migratory birds and sea creatures
- The venue for the island’s summer tradition, the “Sanitsu Beach Carnival”
- “Sanitsu Beach Fureai Plaza,” marked by a giant Miyako-horse monument
- Access & Parking
- Nearby Information
- Summary
Sanitsu Beach Ratings
Sanitsu Beach Basic Information
| Swimming season | None in particular |
| Hours | None in particular |
| Admission | Free |
| Jellyfish net | None |
| Lifeguard | None |
| Showers | None |
| Lockers | None |
| Rentals | None |
| Activities | None |
| Shop | None |
| Restroom | None |
| Official site | – |
Sanitsu Beach is a hidden beach, without many tourists.
Since it becomes a tidal flat at Yonaha Bay, birdwatching and the like are more recommended than playing at the beach.
The Highlights of Sanitsu Beach
One of Miyako Island’s largest! A vast tidal flat that appears at low tide
The biggest appeal of Sanitsu Beach is a tidal flat that’s among the largest on Miyako Island.
At low tide, a vast expanse of sand — about 700 hectares — appears in Yonaha Bay, opening up a magical scene as if a path had emerged within the sea.
A Ramsar site! The precious natural environment of Yonaha Bay
Yonaha Bay, which Sanitsu Beach faces, was designated a Ramsar Convention wetland in July 2012.
A mangrove forest has formed along the embankment, and it’s known as a precious birdwatching site. It’s one of Miyako Island’s finest natural spots, recognized for its international value.
A birdwatching spot to meet migratory birds and sea creatures
Migratory birds sometimes fly to the Sanitsu Beach tidal flat, and it’s famous as a wild-bird observation spot, too.
Since you can enjoy a walk while observing many wild birds and creatures, it’s popular with families with children. It’s a place nature-observation lovers won’t want to miss.
The venue for the island’s summer tradition, the “Sanitsu Beach Carnival”
Locally, Sanitsu Beach is so associated with the “Sanitsu Beach Carnival” that the two come to mind together — every year around July, various sporting events are held using the tidal flat.
A summer tradition of Miyako Island, the whole island comes alive with a traditional sumo tournament, beach tug-of-war, a beach ground-golf tournament, and more.
“Sanitsu Beach Fureai Plaza,” marked by a giant Miyako-horse monument
“Sanitsu Beach Fureai Plaza,” adjacent to Sanitsu Beach, is a well-kept lawn park marked by a giant Miyako-horse monument, with a walking path, too.
There’s play equipment for children and a sumo ring, beloved as a place of rest for locals. It’s also recommended as a photo spot.
Access & Parking
| Access | About 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Yonaha, Shimoji, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes |
| Restroom | Yes |
At Sanitsu Beach, you can use the parking lot of Sanitsu Beach Fureai Park.
There’s space for about 50 cars. Please check the Google Map below for details.
Nearby Information
Activities on Miyako Island
On Miyako Island, marine sports such as snorkeling, diving, and SUP in the crystal-clear sea are hugely popular.
On some tours you might even be lucky enough to see sea turtles, so be sure to enjoy them!
Miyakojima Tokyu Hotel & Resorts
Miyakojima Tokyu Hotel & Resorts is a long-established hotel that has operated on Miyako Island for more than 30 years.
Yonaha Maehama Beach is only about a one-minute walk away, making this a wonderfully located hotel.
Summary
The biggest appeal of Sanitsu Beach is the vast tidal flat — about 700 hectares — that appears at low tide. Amid the rich nature of Yonaha Bay, a Ramsar-designated site, you can enjoy observing migratory birds and sea creatures.
There are no facilities like showers or a shop and it isn’t suited to swimming, but in return you can fully savor untouched nature and a sense of openness. At the adjacent “Sanitsu Beach Fureai Plaza,” you can even take commemorative photos with the giant Miyako-horse monument.
It’s about 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport — good access — and it’s recommended to combine with Yonaha Maehama Beach or Kurima Island sightseeing. When you visit, check the low-tide time in advance and be sure to experience the magical tidal-flat scenery.
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