Nature
Nakagusuku Bay
Nakagusuku Bay is a bay on the southern coast of Okinawa Island on the Pacific Ocean in Japan. The bay covers 220 square kilometres (85 sq mi) and ranges between 10 metres (33 ft) to 15 metres (49 ft) deep. The bay is surrounded by the municipalities of Uruma, Kitanakagusuku, Nakagusuku, Nishihara, Yonabaru, Nanjō, all in Okinawa Prefecture. In 1852, while visiting the Ryukyu Kingdom, Commodore Matthew Perry mapped Okinawa and labeled Nakagusuku Bay as "Perry's Bay". During the final months of World War II, the bay became a United States Navy forward base and was nicknamed "Buckner Bay".
Nakagusuku Bay
Nakagusuku Bay is a wide, shallow bay on Okinawa Island's Pacific coast, bordered by several municipalities including Uruma, Nishihara, and Yonabaru. It's a place to experience Okinawa's coastal landscape rather than a single sight to check off: the shoreline mixes fishing ports, quiet beaches, and views out toward Kudaka Island. History buffs may recognize it as "Perry's Bay," mapped by Commodore Matthew Perry in 1852, and later as "Buckner Bay," a major US Navy base in the closing months of World War II.
Getting there
The bay stretches along a long section of coastline rather than sitting at one fixed point, so travel time depends on which part you're headed to. From central Naha, expect roughly 30–45 minutes by car or taxi to reach the western or southern shoreline areas. There's no single train or bus route that serves the whole bay, so a rental car gives the most flexibility for exploring specific spots along it.
How much time to allow
An hour or two is enough for a scenic stop or a short walk along the shore. If you're combining it with driving between other sights in southern Okinawa, the bay mostly serves as a backdrop along the way rather than a destination requiring a dedicated block of time.
When to go
Mornings or late afternoons tend to give calmer water and softer light for photos. Summer brings strong sun and humidity typical of Okinawa, so early or late in the day is more comfortable for time outdoors. The bay itself doesn't draw large crowds, since it's more of a coastal backdrop than a single attraction.
Combine it with
The bay's southern shore is close to several sights worth pairing on the same trip: Kudaka Island (8.4km) and the sacred site of Sefa-utaki (8.7km) are both nearby, as is Nakagusuku Castle (9.9km) for Ryukyu-era ruins, and the Sakima Art Museum (11.9km) for a change of pace inland.
Sources: open data from Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap · Updated August 5, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
