Hamahiga Island’s all natural Muruku Beach is a little known area,

whose untouched nature and sea waves that gently lap at the shore is popular with people “in the know”.

After driving along the Sea road past the Katsuren Peninsula and over the Hamahiga Bridge,

there you will find a landmark straight from Ryukyu Legend, Hamahiga Island.

When you turn left from the island entrance and drive along the ocean side,

eventually a board written “Muruku Beach” will come into view.

After driving carefully to the end of the road,

there you’ll find the entrance to Muruku Beach.

After descending the indescript,

small stairs, a beautiful beach surrounds you.

Hamahiga is a small island, with an area of only 7km.

It’s also the famous resting place of the creator of the Ryukyu Islands,

the Goddess Amamikiyo.

For centuries, the stone on the island has been eroded away and shaped by the sea waves.

The area below is shaded from the bright sun, making it a good place to take a break and cool down.

The beach here has remained largely untouched by human hands,

offering tourists a rare chance to enjoy nature’s original scenery.

Next to the beach lies a gigantic rock, called “Lion Rock” by the local fisherman.

It stands separating two crescent shaped beaches,

so tourists can sit facing their favourite scenery.

Visitors can also participate in marine leisure activities such as snorkeling and bannana boating!

From May through June, Muruku Beach is visited by groups of seaturtles who lay eggs,

and on a good year up to 800 eggs can be found on the beach.

These eggs hatch anywhere from around June to August.

Eggs are only layed occassionally, so you’re lucky if you get to experience this wonder of nature!

The name for this “Island where a Goddess Lays” is taken from the Okinawa words “muru” (Everyone)

and “Kuu” (wanting [people] to come).

Take a break and come to this small hole-in-the-wall beach,

where the soothing nature of Southern Japan awaits you.