Maehama Beach

Maehama Beach (与那覇前浜), often called Yonaha-Maehama Beach, stretches for seven kilometers along the southwestern coast of Miyako Island, forming a nearly unbroken ribbon of powdery white sand that contrasts strikingly with the vivid blues of the surrounding sea. Frequently featured among Japan’s most beautiful beaches, Maehama is renowned for its gentle, wave-kissed shoreline and crystal-clear shallows. Its calm waters and gradual slope make it ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and floating effortlessly beneath the subtropical sun. The expansive sands offer plenty of room for beachgoers to spread out, stroll barefoot along the tide line, or lie back and watch the clouds drift overhead. On quieter days, it’s not uncommon to find long stretches of shoreline with barely another person in sight.

As afternoon fades into evening, Maehama takes on a different character as golden light spills across the sea. The wide, west-facing horizon makes it one of the best spots on the island to watch the sun dip below the East China Sea, with the sky often glowing in a gradient of tangerine, pink, and deepening blue. The beach remains largely free from overdevelopment, preserving a peaceful, natural feel while still offering essential amenities such as well-maintained showers, public restrooms, and a small kiosk where visitors can rent umbrellas or pick up cold drinks and beach gear. Its proximity to Kurima Bridge also makes it a convenient starting point for visiting nearby viewpoints or cycling along the island’s scenic coastal routes.