Hyakuna Beach
百名ビーチ26°08′ N 127°48′ EBeach
Hyakuna Beach is a natural, unmanaged beach with shallow water in Tamagusuku, Nanjo, and Ryukyu myth holds it sacred as the shore where Amamikiyo first landed.
Photo Hyougushi · Flickr · CC BY-SA 2.0
Nanjo describes Hyakuna as the south's typical natural beach, with white sand and shallow water that make easy swimming, and people come for swims and beach parties. It is also where the creator goddess Amamikiyo is said to have first come ashore from across the sea. Yaharazukasa, a limestone marker in the sea at the north end, is said to be the spot where she set foot, and Hamagawa-utaki on the cliff above is a stop on the Agari-umaai royal pilgrimage.
Swim and picnic quietly here, keep clear of the prayer sites and leave the stones as you find them. The Ukinju-Hainju springs, said to be where rice was first grown in Ryukyu, sit a short walk inland.
Before you swim
- Habu-kurage box jellyfish appear from May to October; Okinawa nets many swimming beaches from June to October against them, and vinegar poured on a sting before removing tentacles is the standard first aid.
- There are no nets or lifeguards.
- Prayer sites line this shore, including Yaharazukasa in the water and Hamagawa-utaki behind the sand; leave offerings and stones untouched.
December to March
The beach faces south, sheltered from the winter north wind. Swimming is unmanaged at any time of year, so winter is for walking the shore to Yaharazukasa at low tide.
Our ratings
- Swimming
- Snorkelling
- Sunset
- Quiet
- Families
- Scenery
Worth knowing
- Yaharazukasa disappears under the water at high tide; come at low tide to see the whole marker.
- Cafe Yabusachi on the slope above looks straight down onto the beach.
FAQ
Quick answers about Hyakuna Beachよくある質問
Can you swim at Hyakuna Beach?
Yes, at your own risk. Hyakuna Beach is a natural beach with shallow water and no nets or lifeguards, and Nanjo lists it for free swimming.
Is Hyakuna Beach a sacred site?
Yes. Hyakuna Beach is where Ryukyu myth says Amamikiyo first landed, and the Yaharazukasa marker and Hamagawa-utaki prayer site stand on this shore. Visitors should keep clear of them.
Is Hyakuna Beach worth visiting in winter?
The beach faces south, sheltered from the winter north wind. Swimming is unmanaged at any time of year, so winter is for walking the shore to Yaharazukasa at low tide.
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