5 Best Sights in Okinawa, Japan

Yonaha Maehama Beach is regarded by many as Japan's best beach, and it lives up to its reputation. White sand stretches for miles on a smooth, shallow shelf extending far into the warm, clear water. In front of the Tokyu Resort there's a section of water that is netted off to protect swimmers from jellyfish, and a lifeguard on duty from 9 to 6. Water-sports equipment rentals, showers, refreshments, toilets, and showers are available at a beach shack. Take on your friends or the locals at beach volleyball—this is an amazing place to play a game. The beach is 25 minutes by taxi, 40 minutes by bus from Hirara Port area. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; swimming.

On the southern shore of the island, a swimming pool filled with water from a cold natural spring sits next to a picturesque stretch of sand. Snorkel gear and kayak rentals can be arranged through the pool complex, which includes a refreshment stand. Many of the local dive shops offer snorkeling excursions or multisport packages that include a visit to the pumpkin-shape rock formation. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (free); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling.

A lovely and often deserted beach on the west side of tiny Kurima Island, Nagamahama Beach can be reached via the bridge just southeast of Yonaha Maehama Beach. This is a fantastic place to spend the day snorkeling and picnicking on the fine white sand. Amenities: parking (free). Best for: snorkeling; solitude; sunrise; swimming; walking; windsurfing.

This "village" is a collection of artist workshops with numerous potters and the Inamine glassware studio. There is an impressive climbing kiln known as the Yuntanza Noborigama, where many artists—including some living national treasures—fired their work. It is free to browse and look for unique souvenirs.

A real hidden gem, Ichiro Kikuta is a wildlife artist and nature guide who lives in the remote village of Ada. His gallery is located inside the Ada Garden Hotel Okinawa and is themed around the plants and animals that surround him in the Yambaru National Park. Kikuta's work varies in scale from delicate watercolors in his notepad to traditional Japanese room dividers with scenes of the forest printed on the washi paper. His gallery is open to the public, but you need to call in advance, as he divides his time between working in his gallery, and exploring the forests.