21℃
-
20℃
20℃
-
20℃
20℃
-
20℃
JALの”期間限定”割引クーポン
3月16日(日)23:59まで！
最大33,000円割引に！
(数量限定お早めに！)
- お土産を買う前にチェック！「沖縄でしか買えないお土産」特集！
- おすすめ【人気リゾートホテル特集】旅行前にこちらをチェック！
- 「ここは行っとけ！」おすすめ沖縄観光スポット45選！名所から穴場まで！
Sesoko Island is a remote island that can be easily visited by car from the main island of Okinawa. It is conveniently accessible by car, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours from Naha Airport.
This island, with its beautiful sea and abundant nature, is a popular tourist destination. In this issue, we will introduce you to some of the sights and spectacular scenery that you can enjoy on Sesoko Island, as well as activities that the whole family can enjoy together.
Basic Information on Sesoko Island
Sesoko Island is a small island with a circumference of about 8 km and an area of 2.99 km², located in the East China Sea about 600 meters west of Motobu Peninsula on Okinawa’s main island.
It takes about two hours by car from Naha Airport and is connected to the main island by the 762-meter-long Sesoko Ohashi Bridge, making it an easy round trip by car.
Main Sightseeing Spots
Sesoko Island has many tourist attractions that attract visitors.
sandy beach
Located just across the Sesoko Ohashi Bridge, ” Anti Beach” is a natural beach loved by both locals and tourists. The contrast between the crystal clear sea and white sand is beautiful, making it a spectacular spot that is sure to be a hit on Instagram!
The shallow waters provide a safe environment for children to play. Children and adults alike can enjoy swimming in the sea while peering into the coral reefs and colorful tropical fish swimming in the water.
There are also toilets, shower facilities, and a beach house where you can enjoy refreshments. Parking is available, but it is wise to visit early in the tourist season.
Activities
An activity that adds to the charm of the Anti-Beach is the ” Clear Kayak Tour.
From the bottom of the transparent kayak, you can experience as if you are walking on the sea, and feel the underwater creatures up close and personal.
Okinawa, Motobu, Sesoko Island] Clear Kayak Exploration Tour 60min.
Adult 5,500 yen ～ (tax included)
Okinawa Marine Studio
Let’s go to Sesoko Island Anti-hama, which boasts one of the cleanest beaches on the main island of Okinawa, and take a kayak with a transparent bottom to see coral reefs and sharks at a leisurely pace!
Anti-hama beach is 30 seconds away from the beach and has a lot of corals.
A guide will be with you, so you don’t have to worry.
Let’s enjoy the sea of Sesoko together!
Also very popular are the Marine Packages that include several activities such as banana boating and snorkeling. If you have time, try out the various activities and enjoy the sea of Sesoko Island to the fullest!
Sesoko Island, Okinawa] 4K camera (GoPro) shooting free gift♪ Held in the sea where sea turtles live! Snorkeling by Banana Boat
Adult per person 8,000 yen 7,000 yen ～ (tax included)
12% OFF!
OceanStyle
Clear water and beautiful white beach!
The event will be held at Sesoko Beach on the back side of the island.
The beach is so popular that it is used for filming dramas, commercials, and gravure shoots because of its white sandy beach and great location overlooking Iejima and Mizuna Island in front of you! Take pictures with your friends and family and show off your photos on SNS!
Okinawa, Motobu, Sesoko Island] BBQ included! E course (3 kinds of marine products: banana boat, tube, jet)
Adults 8,500 yen ～ (tax included)
Okinawa Marine Studio
This is a super deal plan to enjoy 3 types of marine activities: banana boat, towing tube, and jet ski. This is our recommended activity for families and groups of friends to have fun and get to know each other. The BBQ under the blue ocean and blue sky is exceptional! This plan includes BBQ.
Okinawa, Motobu, Sesoko Island】Full 60-minute SUP Experience Course
Adults 6,000 yen ～ (tax included)
Okinawa Marine Studio (Okinawa Marine Studio)
A full 60-minute SUP experience on the rich nature of Sesoko Island’s Anti-Beach!
This is the menu to enjoy the feeling of walking on the beautiful ocean.
There is a briefing by friendly staff in advance, so beginners are also welcome!
Sesoko Beach (Kunri Beach)
Sesoko Beach is one of the most popular and beautiful beaches on Sesoko Island.
The sight of the white sand stretching for about 800 meters and the clear ocean is a sight to behold.
The scenery is so photogenic that you can’t help but want to point your camera at it.
The beach is equipped with a parking lot, changing rooms, and shower facilities, and a lifeguard is on duty to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
A visit to Sesoko Beach is also recommended for families, as safety is taken into consideration.
If you visit Sesoko Beach, you should definitely try parasailing.
The spectacular view of Sesoko Island from above is as beautiful as a painting. In addition, there are a variety of marine activities for families to enjoy, such as banana boating and snorkeling.
A special plan that combines parasailing, banana boat, and snorkeling activities is also available, allowing you to enjoy thrills and relaxation all at once. Bring the whole family and create wonderful summer memories!
Okinawa, Sesoko Island】 Parasail Course [Parasailing & Banana Boat 10 min. set
Adult 9,500 yen ～ (tax included)
Sesoko Beach Marine Club (SesokoBeachMarineClub)
The big sky of Okinawa is only for you…. Feel the wind on your skin and enjoy the panoramic view of Sesoko Island and Mizuna Island. You will be impressed by the sensation of flying in the sky and the crystal clear ocean! It is a great deal if you make it a set with banana boat… ♪
Sesoko Island, Okinawa] Parasailing Experience *9:00-16:00* [1 hour
Adult 8,000 yen ～ (tax included)
Okinawa Marine Studio
You will be impressed by the feeling of flying in the sky and the clear blue ocean, with a panoramic view of Sesoko Island and Mizuna Island while feeling a comfortable breeze.
Even those who are not comfortable with heights can enjoy the experience.
Hilton Okinawa Sesoko Resort
Near Sesoko Beach is the Hilton Okinawa Sesoko Resort, Japan’s first Hilton beach resort hotel, which opened in 2020.
Luxury Stay
This resort hotel offers a luxurious stay, and guests have access to a wide range of facilities and services at the resort.
The hotel offers a full range of amenities, including a swimming pool, spa, and restaurant, to ensure a comfortable and pleasant stay.
Beach Access
The beach is directly accessible from the resort, so you can enjoy the beautiful ocean at any time during your stay. In addition, the sunset view from the hotel is spectacular, and the sun setting over the ocean is truly picturesque.
Due to the lack of light pollution from the city, a star-filled night sky can also be viewed in late summer and fall. Stargazing in a quiet environment provides a calming and relaxing experience.
Sesoko Island Sightseeing Features
Sesoko Island is a major attraction for its crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque scenery.
The island’s laid-back atmosphere is perfect for those looking for a relaxing getaway. It is suitable for day trips as well as stay-and-go trips of several days.
Popular tourist spots in the northern part of the main island, such as Churaumi Aquarium and Fukugi Namiki in Bise, are located nearby, making it very convenient to use Sesoko Island as a base for sightseeing.
How to get to Sesoko Island
Sesoko Island is easily accessible by car from the main island of Okinawa, making it a very easy place to visit. Below are detailed instructions on how to get to Sesoko Island.
Crossing the Sesoko Ohashi Bridge
Sesoko Island is connected to the main island of Okinawa by the 762 meter long Sesoko Ohashi Bridge.
By crossing this bridge, you can directly access the island by car. The journey from Naha Airport to Sesoko Island takes about 2 hours by car.
If using a rental car, drive north from Naha Airport on the Okinawa Expressway, get off at the Xuda Interchange, and head toward Motobu Town. On the way, you can also go through tourist spots such as Churaumi Aquarium and Fukugi Namiki in Bise.
Parking and Facilities
Each beach on Sesoko Island is equipped with a parking lot, making it very convenient for tourists visiting by car.
For example, Sesoko Beach and Anti Beach have large parking lots, which can be full during the summer months, so early arrival is recommended.
Parking is available in both paid and free areas, allowing visitors to choose the most convenient location.
Use of public transportation
If you use public transportation, you can take a bus from Naha City to Motobu-cho.
From Naha Bus Terminal, take an express bus bound for Nago Bus Terminal and change at Nago to a bus bound for Motobu.
You can enter the island by taking a cab from the nearest bus stop or by walking across the Sesoko Ohashi Bridge. However, if using public transportation, it is best to check the bus schedule in advance, as buses are infrequent.
Facilities on Sesoko Island
Shower, store, and rental facilities are available on Sesoko Island for the comfort of visitors. Shower facilities are available on the beach for visitors to rinse off after swimming.
A concession stand is open during the summer months, where visitors can purchase snacks and beverages.
Snorkeling equipment, beach parasols, and deck chairs are also available for rent, so visitors can come empty-handed.
History of Sesoko Island
Sesoko Island is a beautiful island located in Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture, with a long history. Below is a detailed introduction to the history of Sesoko Island.
From Ancient Times to the Ryukyu Kingdom Period
The history of Sesoko Island dates back to ancient times. Prehistoric shell mounds and remains from the gusuku period have been discovered on the island, and celadon and dyed ceramics have been excavated from Sesoko Gusuku (Uchi Gusuku). This indicates that Sesoko Island has been inhabited since ancient times.
According to legend, there were seven families that lived around Uchigusuku on Sesoko Island, and when King Shoutoku, the last of the first Shoji royal line of the Ryukyu Kingdom, died in 1469, his descendants settled in Uchigusuku and formed a village on the island. It is also reported that some of them migrated from Gushigawa and Ishikawa (present-day Uruma City) in central Okinawa Island.
Edo period (1603-1868 CE)
During the Edo period (1603-1867), Sesoko Island was a prosperous agricultural area, with sugarcane cultivation in particular being a major industry. The island’s inhabitants engaged in active trade with Motobu Peninsula on the main island of Okinawa.
In “Kikuyo” (1736 article), there is a record that the farmland in the villages of Motobu-makiri was so small that trees were burned down to clear the fields, and that Ishikkaha village was relocated from the main island to Sesoko Island, where there was more land to spare. At this time, Ishikaha Shrine was built.
Meiji Era onward
In the Meiji Era (1890-1912), a wave of modernization swept over Sesoko Island, and in 1890, the Sesoko Simple Elementary School was established on the island, which was later separated as the Sesoko Elementary School.
As education was enhanced, the island’s inhabitants acquired the knowledge and skills to cope with the new era.
During and after the war
During the October 10, 1944 air raid, the submarine carrier Xungei, which was anchored in the waters between Sesoko Island and Sakihonbu on the main island of Okinawa, was sunk by American forces.
As a result of this air raid, a house and a school were destroyed by fire, and one islander was killed. The following year, on April 22, 1945, American troops landed on Sesoko Island, and many islanders were killed in the Battle of Okinawa.
After the war, the residents of Sesoko Island worked hard to rebuild. During the war, water shortages became a serious problem, but in 1964 (Showa 39), groundwater was successfully pumped up using boring equipment, and in 1982 (Showa 57), undersea water was successfully pumped from the main island of Okinawa.
This has greatly improved the living environment on the island.
Opening of the Sesoko Ohashi Bridge and Modern Times
In 1985, the 762-meter-long Sesoko Ohashi Bridge was completed, connecting Sesoko Island to the main island of Okinawa. With the opening of this bridge, Sesoko Island became very easily accessible from the main island, attracting many tourists.
As tourism grows, the Hilton Okinawa Sesoko Resort, Japan’s first Hilton beach resort hotel, will open in 2020, attracting even more tourists.
summary
Sesoko Island is an attractive tourist destination with beautiful nature and easy access. The clear waters and white sand beaches, abundant marine activities, and spectacular viewpoints make it well worth a visit.
Have a great time on Sesoko Island, which is easily accessible from the main island of Okinawa and can be enjoyed as a day trip or as a staycation.
Climate and Clothing by Month
Okinawa Travel Guide! A thorough guide to travel costs and staycation techniques by time of year
If you want to enjoy Okinawa, get discount tickets online!
special feature article
Roadside Stations and Direct Selling Stations Special Feature!
Michi no Eki (Roadside Stations) and direct sales shops in Okinawa are very popular tourist attractions. Each has its own unique characteristics, making them 200% worth visiting! Please visit them!
Special feature on beaches on the main island of Okinawa!
The main island of Okinawa has many wonderful beaches that can only be found in the tropics. We will introduce each of them in an easy-to-understand manner, from the very secluded to the well-serviced executive beaches.
Typhoon Okinawa
We have compiled a list of points to keep in mind when a typhoon approaches so that you can respond without panic before or during your trip. We hope you will find it useful.
