Kubashima-no-hama, also known as Shirumichu Beach, is a beach on Hamahiga Island, a small island in Uruma City in the central part of Okinawa’s main island.
It is an island, but a bridge connects it to the mainland, so you can simply drive there.
This is a natural beach known for beautifully clear water and white sand.
Kuba Island sits just offshore, close enough to walk across to at low tide.
Hamahiga Island is also known in Okinawa as an island where the gods live, and legend has it that the two deities Amamichu (male) and Shirumichu (female), along with others, are enshrined here.
*Looking into “Shirumichu Beach”, it appears to be called Kaneku Beach as well, so if you know the correct name, a comment would be very welcome
Ratings for Kubashima-no-hama (Shirumichu Beach)
*Ratings are the subjective assessment of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, compared with other beaches in Okinawa Prefecture.
Shirumichu Beach at a glance
| Swimming season | None in particular |
| Hours | None in particular |
| Swimming fee | Free |
| Jellyfish net | None |
| Lifeguard | None |
| Showers | Yes (paid) |
| Lockers | None |
| Swim gear rental | None |
| Activities | None |
| Shop | Yes (there is a cafe nearby) |
| Restroom | Yes |
| Official website | None |
Shirumichu Beach has no lifeguard and no jellyfish net, so do take real care if you go in for a swim.
Snorkeling is possible, but there is no rental service, so you will need to bring your own gear.
Highlights
The commanding view of Kuba Island
The water is lovely and the view is superb.
More than that, the island in the photo above is Kuba Island, where a great many archaeological remains have reportedly been found on what is a very small island.
Source: https://okimu.jp/userfiles/files/page/museum/issue/report/7-2.pdf
Clear water
The water is wonderfully clear and very beautiful.
The sand, of course, is white and fine.
A few people snorkeling and swimming
There were a handful of people in for a swim or a snorkel.
There is no lifeguard and no jellyfish net, so do take real care if you go in for a swim.
Shirumichu Park
Shirumichu Park has places to sit and a restroom.
A cafe and showers nearby
As you can see in the photo above, there is a cafe, showers and vending machines close by.
Access & Parking
| Access | About 75 minutes by car from Naha Airport |
| Address | Katsuren Higa, Uruma City |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | Yes |
Shirumichu Beach has a car park.
See the map below for details.
What’s nearby Shirumichu Beach
Hamahiga Beach
Hamahiga Beach is man-made, but it is known for blue water and lovely sand.
A few people were swimming on the beach, and others were having a BBQ.
It is never especially busy, so it suits anyone who wants a slow afternoon by the sea.
Muruku Beach
Muruku Beach is known for beautifully clear water and fine white sand.
If marine activities are what you are after, Muruku Beach is the better choice.
There is a booking desk for them on site as well.
Activities in Uruma City
Uruma City offers all kinds 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?
The tomb of Amamichu and the Shirumichu shrine
In the Ryukyuan creation myth there are legends of the deities Amamichu and Shirumichu.
The tomb of Amamichu and the Shirumichu shrine are both close by.
Hotel Hamahigashima Resort
Hotel Hamahigashima Resort is a lovely place to stay with ocean views.
Muruku Beach is within walking distance, and there is an outdoor pool looking out to sea.
A rental car is the way to go in Okinawa
A rental car is by far the best way to get around the main island of Okinawa.
Shuri Castle in Naha, the beautiful beaches up north, American Village in Chatan and the rest are scattered all over the island, so having a car lets you explore at your own pace. Buses are infrequent and rarely run to time, so whether or not you have a car makes a real difference to the trip.
Popular seasons book up quickly, so reserve early once your dates are set.
In summary
Shirumichu Beach is small, but it is a place where the natural world comes through strongly.
Perhaps because the Shirumichu shrine is close by, there is something quietly mysterious about it too.
When you visit Hamahiga Island, do stop at Shirumichu Beach while you are seeing the Shirumichu shrine.
Thank you for reading to the end.
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