Ou Island Beach in Nanjo City sits on a small island linked to Okinawa by bridge, so you can drive right there. Known for camping, barbecues, rocky shore life and a quiet diving spot.

Mibaru Beach in Nanjo City is a natural beach with very clear water and, together with Hyakuna Beach, two kilometres of sand. Banana boats, glass-bottom boats and full rental gear available.

Tin-no-hama in Sashiki, Nanjo City, is a quiet local beach with clear water and clean sand, right beside Baten Children's Park with its whale playground and shell-shaped restrooms.

Chinaazaki Coast in Chinen, Nanjo City, stretches for about a kilometre, with rock pools full of small fish, sea cucumbers and starfish. Teda Ukka is close by. Access and parking details included.

Shikiya Beach in Chinen, Nanjo City, pairs white sand and blue water with camping facilities run by NEOS Outdoor Park Nanjo. Tent hire, showers and restrooms available, yet rarely crowded.

Ishiki Beach on Kudaka Island, Nanjo City, is where a jar of the five grains is said to have drifted ashore from Nirai Kanai, marking the start of farming in Ryukyu. A sacred site where swimming is not permitted.

Habyaan, at the northern tip of Kudaka Island in Nanjo City, is said to be where Amamikiyo, the creator deity of Ryukyu, came down to earth. A famous power spot - swimming is not permitted.

Kudaka Island in Nanjo City is where Amamikiyo, the creator deity of Ryukyu, is said to have first come ashore. A guide to the ferry, island transport, Ishiki Beach, Habyaan and the island's history.

A full guide to reaching Kudaka Island from Okinawa. Ferry and high-speed boat timetables and fares from Azama Port to Tokujin Port, free parking, bicycle and tuk-tuk hire, plus island rules.