tourism・experience・eat 2023.12.21

‘Sesoko Island’ Relaxing island time on a small remote island boasting crystal clear waters

#sea#driving#snorkel#diving#Northern-area

Writer

三好優実

A web editor and writer from Kagawa Prefecture. Sometimes public relations. Since 2014, he has moved to Okinawa (where he would like to live forever if possible). He is the author of the book ``Kagawa Prefecture Aru Aru''.
https://note.com/yumi03

Photographer

小橋川恵里奈

A photographer from Okinawa Prefecture. He moved to Tokyo in 2006 to study under Tomohiko Tagawa, and became independent in 2008.
He mainly shoots magazines, advertisements, portraits, etc.

List of articles

A small remote island with untouched nature

Sesoko Island is a remote island that can be reached by car from Motobu Town in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa. You can reach it by crossing the Sesoko Ohashi Bridge, which has a total length of 762 meters. It is a small island with a circumference of about 8 kilometers and a population of about 800 people. The appeal of this island is the ease of being able to go around it in 10 minutes by car, the untouched nature, and above all, the beautiful sea. We also recommend stopping by on your way to the Yanbaru Forest, which is registered as a World Natural Heritage Site, or the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, a popular tourist spot. Ryukyu pine, Fukugi, and banyan trees that are typical of Okinawa grow on the island, so if you want to take it easy, you can rent a bicycle and enjoy touring around the island.

Sesoko Beach is a classic beach that you must visit.

Sesoko Beach, located right next to the Hilton Okinawa Sesoko Resort, is a beach that you must visit if you come to Sesoko Island. Sesoko Beach boasts one of the most transparent waters in Okinawa, where the sea is beautiful. The contrast between the white sandy beach and the emerald green sea is a beauty that will be burned into your memory. Sunset time is also beautiful, so be sure to visit during that time. The beach house, coin lockers, showers, and changing rooms are well-equipped, so you can enjoy safely. During the swimming season, you can enjoy marine activities such as banana boats, water jets, and diving, so it is recommended for those who want to enjoy swimming in the beautiful sea.

In the forest near Sesoko Beach, there is also the popular cafe “fuu cafe” where you can enjoy dishes made with plenty of Okinawan ingredients. After enjoying playing in the sea, why not try some Okinawan ingredients while being surrounded by the negative ions of the forest?

Beach hopping is also recommended.

If you’re going on a beach trip, be sure to enjoy Anchi Beach as well. Although it is a small beach, the clarity of the sea and the beauty of the gradation are outstanding. Due to the extremely high transparency, you can see many fish even in shallow waters. You can also snorkel, so you can easily enjoy fishing with a snorkel and underwater goggles, making it safe even with small children.

In addition, a covered barbecue facility is open only in summer at Anchihama. Reservations are required, but all the equipment and ingredients will be prepared by local staff, so you can enjoy a barbecue while looking out at the ocean without bringing anything. You can also try morning yoga on the beach, so we recommend staying at a hotel on Sesoko Island and having fun. Also, if you want to enjoy a local beach, Koibito Beach is recommended. Although it has a romantic name, it is not a developed beach, so there is no parking lot or showers. This is the perfect spot for those who want to relax and spend time on the island on a beach known only to those in the know.

The recommended way to spend your time is to enjoy the beach and island gourmet food.

Anyway, the sea on Sesoko Island is beautiful and boasts some of the clearest waters on Okinawa’s main island. Gazing at the natural scenery to your heart’s content and enjoying swimming in the sea are luxurious ways to spend your time on a remote island. Enjoy to your heart’s content and enjoy marine activities.

When you drive while enjoying the beautiful ocean, your favorite music, sweets, and coffee are essential. If you’re looking forward to your drive, you should definitely stop by the Apple Cafe. This is a spot where you can enjoy exquisite sweets made by a French pastry chef. Colorful macarons made with Okinawan ingredients are perfect as souvenirs or snacks to snack on while traveling. Once you get the macarons, the next thing you need is a delicious cup of coffee. At Yanbaru Roast Coffee, you can enjoy freshly roasted coffee for takeout. They also sell beans, so they make great souvenirs. Satisfy your soul by exploring the island with delicious food in hand.