Lists of the world’s most beautiful islands often omit one unexpectedly stunning contender – the Japanese island of Okinawa. Situated about 640km southwest of Japan’s Kyushu Island, and closer to Taipei than Tokyo, this gorgeous island is frequently overlooked. Consequently it remains a well-kept secret from the tourist herd.

Set within an archipelago, Okinawa Island is the largest of the Ryukyu Islands, stretching for 112km and just 11km wide. Defining the border between the East China Sea and the Philippine Sea, the main island  has volcanic mountainous limestone terrain. The surrounding flotilla of 159 neighbouring islands and islets are mostly flat and consist of coralline and sand. Add a subtropical climate and you have all the makings of a beautiful beach paradise.

Okinawa’s Star Sand Beaches:

Okinawa boasts dozens of magnificent beaches, all with sugar-white sand sloping gently down to the shallow azure waters. Look carefully and you may see star-shaped grains of sand that are unique to this Indo Pacific region. The five-pointed star-shaped sand is actually the fossil of marine protozoa that once lived in the ocean. Not surprisingly, there are plenty of romantic local legends surrounding their existence, such as them being the offspring of the Southern Cross and the North Star!

Some of the best beaches to see these star sand crystals are at Hoshizuna, a quiet beach on the southwest tip of the island. The aptly named Star Sand Beach is a fascinating place to scoop up a unique souvenir of your Okinawa vacation.

Snorkelling and Diving in Okinawa:

Okinawa is one of the world’s best diving destinations with warm, calm water and high visibility (at least 15 metres) making it possible to appreciate the diversity of marine life. You’ll meet manta rays, sea turtles and shoals of vibrantly coloured fish in this pristine paradise. Specialist scuba diving trips offer the chance to swim with whale sharks or go diving to hidden undersea caves.

Many beaches offer snorkelling equipment for those who want to snorkel right off the sandy beach. Head to the majestic reefs just offshore at Zamami or paddle in the shallow turquoise waters on Zampa, Okinawa’s main beach, and marvel at the fish darting in the gentle waves. This beach is particularly popular with families with its calm waters, roped off swimming area and anchored rafts for swimming out to. There’s beach volleyball, banana boat rides and water tricycles to keep youngsters entertained.

The best areas for diving are around the emerald waters of the neighbouring Kereama Islands, an easy day trip on a dive charter. Diving is in the lifeblood of the Okinawa islands – as many of the original pearl divers hailed from Okinawa.

Other top beaches in Okinawa include Moon Beach on the offshore island of Tokashiki, just a ferry ride from Naha, Okinawa’s capital city. Go for the day or stay a little longer – the rock formations and white sandy beaches are legendary.

Emerald Beach has stunning clear water and is close to the Churaumi Aquarium in north Okinawa. This is the beach for those who like to have all the amenities to hand – beach umbrellas, lounge chairs, snack bars, changing rooms, watersports equipment rentals…the works.  Further south on Okinawa, one of the most accessible beaches is the glittering white sand at Tropical Beach, just off National Route 58 and close to Naha.

While you’re there…

You may visit Okinawa for the beaches and diving, but it has plenty more fascinating things to see and do. The UNESCO-listed Shurijo Castle provides a potted history of the Ryukyu Islands while the Peace Memorial Park is a reminder of the brutal battle that took place here in World War 2.

Okinawa’s cuisine is legendary and focuses on locally sourced seafood and crops. Devised out of necessity, being so isolated, the islanders’ healthy diet is legendary. From goya to umibudo (seaweed) it is credited with being the cause of longevity in the locals, who are among the longest living people in the world.

Due to Okinawa’s location, cherry blossom season comes early to the island, around the end of January. It provides a beautiful setting for picnics and spawns many festivals and events. In late summer, visitors may be treated to the Eisa Drum Dance, a ceremonial attraction which draws many additional visitors to Okinawa.

Finally, if you can tear yourself away from Okinawa’s idyllic beaches, head inland on a guided jungle trek. You’ll be surprised at what you’ll see.