Sonmin no Hama is a beach in Nakijin Village, on the northern part of Okinawa’s main island.
Clear water and beautiful sand are what define it.
Because it is a man-made beach the water stays shallow and the waves are calm, so swimming here is relatively safe.
Even in the summer season it is not especially busy — almost everyone was a local family, and there were hardly any tourists.
It is a beach that families take to.
Ratings for Sonmin no Hama
*Ratings are the subjective assessment of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, compared with other beaches in Okinawa Prefecture.
Sonmin no Hama at a Glance
| Swimming season | None in particular |
| Opening hours | April–October: 11:00–19:00 November–March: 11:00–18:00 |
| Contact | Sports Park Management Office 098-056-5955 |
| Swimming fee | Free |
| Safety net | Yes (may vary by season) |
| Lifeguard | No |
| Showers | Yes |
| Lockers | No |
| Equipment rental | No |
| Activities | No |
| Shop | No |
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Official website | No |
Sonmin no Hama has a safety net, and lifeguards were on duty.
The Highlights
Beautiful Sand
The sand runs on for about 500 meters and is genuinely lovely, with people resting on it and others swimming.
It is a beautiful beach.
Clear Water
The water is clear and beautiful.
Because the shallows extend a long way, the waves are relatively calm as well.
Gazebos and Other Places to Rest
There are gazebos, so you can take a proper break in the shade.
The Breakwater Is Attractive Too
There is a breakwater, which does give the place a slightly man-made feel, but the stones are neatly stacked and it looks good.
Restrooms and Showers Are in Place
Restrooms and showers are both available.
Points to Note
There is a sign setting out the rules for using Sonmin no Hama, so please follow them during your visit.
A charming turtle was there to mark the location.
Access and Parking
| Access | About 100 minutes by car from Naha Airport |
| Address | Nakasone, Nakijin Village, Okinawa |
| Parking | Available (free) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
Parking is free.
There are two parking areas — one on the Sonmin no Hama side and one on the sports park side.
The photo below shows the parking on the Sonmin no Hama side.
Note the closing time for the parking area on the Sonmin no Hama side.
- Closing time, April–October: 19:00
- Closing time, November–March: 18:00
The photo below shows the parking on the sports park side.
Either works, but the Sonmin no Hama side is closer to the beach, so that is the one we would suggest.
Around Sonmin no Hama
Kouri Island
Kouri Island has a great many beautiful beaches and is well known as a place to visit.
The three spots below in particular are well worth your time when you are in Nakijin Village.
- Kouri Ohashi Bridge
- Kouri Island
- Tinu Beach (Heart Rock)
Kouri Island is about 15 minutes by car from Sonmin no Hama.
Recommended Activities in Nakijin Village
Nakijin Village has a range of marine activities on offer.
Diving, snorkeling, SUP, and more can all be booked.
If you would like to enjoy diving or snorkeling, why not see what is available on Viator or GetYourGuide?
Nagahama Beach Resort KANON
Nagahama Beach Resort KANON is a luxury resort where every room has an ocean view.
Each room is built around natural wood, giving it a genuinely relaxing feel.
JUNGLIA OKINAWA
JUNGLIA OKINAWA is a theme park in Nakijin Village that opened on July 25, 2025.
The site covers roughly 60 hectares, with attractions built around the wild nature of Yanbaru and a spa looking out over a remarkable view.
It is about an hour and a half by car from Naha Airport, which makes it easy to work into a day of beach-hopping in Nakijin Village.
If you want more than just the sea on your trip, it is well worth a visit.
In Closing
This guide has covered Sonmin no Hama.
Sonmin no Hama is a quiet local find, used mostly by families from the area.
Clear water and beautiful sand define it, and it is a genuinely lovely beach.
It suits anyone looking for a beach without crowds, or travelling with children.
When you visit Nakijin Village, why not make time for it?
I hope this guide has been of some use.
Thank you for reading to the end.
Comments