by michael-r-lynch: Cooling Your Heels at Matsuda Beach in Ginoza Okinawa, Japan

Far enough off the beaten path that you never see more than 3 or 4 families at a time, this beach is a charmer. Toilets, showers and a pole with electricity! It’s got a Pacific Ocean breeze and a guy who will give you a ride on his jet-ski for a cold beer; throw in a hot dog and some chips and you’re learning to wakeboard. Swim; fry yourself in the sun, barbecue or hangout in the shade of pine trees. A pavilion provides shelter in case of an unannounced shower. Sea life is so plentiful that children catch seahorses and crabs with their bare hands. There isn’t a store within walking distance; that keeps the timid away and makes it a great place to cool your heels! Just 2 miles north of Kanna Beach on HWY329 road signs point the way to Matsuda Beach; it's so new the Travel Mappers haven't discovered it, yet.