Yagaji Beach is on Yagaji Island, a small island off Nago in the northern part of Okinawa’s main island.
It may be an offshore island, but a bridge links it to the main island, so you can drive straight there.
The draw here is clear water and about 300 m of beautiful sand.
It is also well known as a beach for camping and barbecues, both of which can be booked in advance.
Yagaji Beach Ratings
*Ratings are the subjective assessment of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, compared with other beaches in Okinawa Prefecture.
Yagaji Beach Essentials
| Swimming season | April–October |
| Hours | 8:00–17:00 |
| Facility fee | ■Adults (junior high school age and over) 500 yen each ■Children (age 3 and over) 300 yen each Includes parking and showers *No toiletries are provided in the showers |
| Jellyfish net | Yes |
| Lifeguard | None |
| Showers | Yes |
| Lockers | Yes |
| Swimming gear rental | Yes |
| Marine activities | Yes |
| Shop | Yes |
| Restroom | Yes |
| Official site | Yagaji Beach official site |
Yagaji Beach is open to visitors on payment of the entry fee.
Camping and barbecues are both possible, making it an enjoyable beach for adults and children alike.
Highlights
Camping and glamping
Yagaji Beach is well known as a spot for camping and barbecues.
There were people camping in pitched tents, and others having a barbecue in the shade of the trees.
Glamping can be booked online, so do take a look.
Exceptionally clear water
Yagaji Beach is a lovely spot with wonderfully clear water.
At certain times the shallows spread out, and you can watch small fish in the water.
Beautiful sand
The 300 m or so of sand is lovely too.
The mystical sandbar
At certain times, a “mystical bridge” of sand appears.
On our last visit it was almost there — we could just make out the faint line of it forming.
Kayaks available to rent
Kayaks and other equipment appear to be available for hire as well.
For details, please see the Yagaji Beach official site
Points to note
There are a few rules to follow when using Yagaji Beach.
Please observe them and enjoy your time here.
Access & Parking
| Access | About 80 minutes by car from Naha Airport |
| Address | 143 Yaga, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture |
| Activities | Yes |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | Yes |
Around Yagaji Beach
Kouri Island
Kouri Island is about 10 minutes from Yagaji Beach by car.
It draws large numbers of visitors each year, with plenty of beautiful beaches where you can take in Okinawa’s natural side.
Glamping at Yagaji Beach
Glamping at Yagaji Beach is a popular way to enjoy the outdoors without the fuss, in an open setting right by the sea.
Showers, restrooms and other facilities are well provided for, so even first-timers can stay in comfort.
Barbecues to the sound of the waves and stargazing after dark make for the kind of indulgent overnight stay that only northern Okinawa can offer.
Activities in Nago
Nago offers a wide range of marine activities.
You can book diving, snorkeling, SUP and more.
If diving or snorkeling appeals, why not take a look at what Nago has on offer?
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 article introduced Yagaji Beach.
Yagaji Beach is a lovely stretch of shore where you can camp and barbecue.
It is well equipped for swimming too, so adults and children alike can enjoy a day here.
If you are heading to Nago, do make time for Yagaji Beach.
Thank you for reading to the end.
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