If you are visiting in Miyakojima, Marine activities are also must-try. On my second day, I visited Aragusuku Beach to try snorkeling. When we arrived, it was cloudy but starting swimming, hopefully it became lovely sunny!
Anyway, if you read this part, you’d like to add Aragusuku Beach to your itinerary!
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Contents
1. About Aragusuku Beach
Aragusuku Beach, also known as Shinjo Beach, is a true hidden gem on the eastern side of Miyakojima. It’s about a 30-minute drive from the heart of Miyako City, making it easily accessible by car or scooter. This beach is famous for its crystal-clear water and gentle waves, making it a perfect place for a day trip if you’re staying in the city center.
The drive itself is beautiful, with sugarcane fields and panoramic ocean views along the way. Once you arrive, you’ll find a charming, local beach atmosphere that feels more relaxed compared to some of the more famous spots like Yonaha Maehama.
One of the best things about Aragusuku Beach is how beginner-friendly it is. The beach is protected by a natural reef that creates a huge, calm lagoon. Even during high tide, the waves remain gentle, so you can float and swim without worrying too much about strong currents.
What really sets Aragusuku apart is its reputation for marine activities. It’s not just about sunbathing and relaxing on the shore; this beach is one of the best places on the island for snorkeling. Local rental shops offer all the gear you need, and the water is so clear that you’ll feel like you’re swimming in an aquarium.
The beach itself is lined with small, family-run cafes and rental shops. These spots have a laid-back, island vibe, and you can easily rent snorkeling gear, beach umbrellas, or even just grab a cool drink to sip on as you watch the ocean. The cafes usually open around 10 AM and close around sunset, so you can really spend the whole day here without having to leave.
Aragusuku Beach has become popular with both locals and tourists looking for a more low-key beach day that’s still full of adventure. It’s not as busy as other beaches, so you can always find a quiet corner to lay out your towel and relax.
2. What Do You Have to Bring
Before heading out for a full day at Aragusuku Beach, it’s good to be prepared! One option is to buy your own snorkeling gear ahead of time—mask, snorkel, and fins—especially if you’re planning to explore a few beaches during your trip. But if you don’t want to pack bulky gear, you can always rent it on-site from the friendly rental shops lining the beach.
The essentials are pretty straightforward: bring your swimsuit, towel, and beach sandals or flip-flops. The sand is soft in most places, but there are some rocky areas near the reef, so water shoes can be handy if you want to explore further.
A rash guard or swim shirt is also a great idea, since the Okinawan sun is strong—even if you’re in the water, you can get sunburned fast. Don’t forget to pack plenty of reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the beautiful coral reefs.
Other helpful things to bring: a hat, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. The small cafes on the beach are perfect for grabbing drinks or snacks, but it’s always good to have your own water and some light snacks to keep you going.
3. Let’s Do Marine Activities!
This is the heart of the experience and where all the memories are made. I spent most of my day swimming, snorkeling, and just floating around at Aragusuku Beach, and it’s an experience I’ll never forget.
The beach has two distinct areas: on the right side, the water gets deeper fairly quickly, and there’s a stunning coral reef that starts not too far from the shore. It’s the perfect spot for snorkeling, and I was blown away by how many tropical fish I could see. Brightly colored parrotfish, butterflyfish, and even some clownfish (yes, like Nemo!) were darting in and out of the coral. It was like swimming through a giant, living painting.
On the left side of the beach, the water is shallower and there are more patches of seaweed. This is the area where you’re most likely to spot sea turtles! I was lucky enough to swim alongside a graceful sea turtle for a few minutes, and it was one of the most magical moments of the trip. It’s so peaceful to watch them glide through the water—it really makes you slow down and appreciate how special this place is.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swim a bit further out beyond the shallow lagoon. The coral gardens here are even more impressive. Huge clusters of coral formations create little underwater valleys, and schools of fish swirl around you in every color of the rainbow. I felt like I was in a scene straight out of a nature documentary.
I’ll be honest—after so much swimming, I definitely felt how out of shape I was! My arms and legs were tired, but I didn’t even care because the ocean was just so beautiful. There’s something about the clarity of the water in Miyakojima, the way the sun sparkles on the surface, and the gentle sound of the waves that makes you forget all about time.
I ended up taking breaks throughout the day, hanging out under the palm trees with a cold drink from one of the beach cafes. I’d just sit there, looking out at the turquoise water, feeling the sea breeze on my face. Then I’d head back in for another round of snorkeling. The cycle of swimming, resting, and swimming again was so relaxing—it felt like the perfect way to spend the day.
Honestly, I didn’t even realize how fast the time was passing. I was so caught up in the beauty of the beach and the excitement of seeing sea turtles and colorful fish that before I knew it, the sun was already starting to set. It was one of those perfect days that I know I’ll remember for a long time.
4. Conclusion
Totally, this beach was awesome!!!
I visited there last the end of April but it was good time to swim! In my case, Snorkeling became my second hobby!
Also, Miyakojima has another snorkeling spots so next year, I’d love to visit again!!!
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