Summer!
Beach Parties!

When the summer season comes, many Okinawans spend their time on the beach partying with friends, families, coworkers, etc. Since different groups of people get together, different types of beach parties also exist. Some companies hold big beach parties under canopy tents with guests that could number 100 people! Here at these parties, the aroma of BBQ ingredients fill the air while people have fun conversing and mingling with each other.

Another type of beach party is the "Uminchu" party where ocean lovers bring BBQ grills and spend their day in the ocean diving, fishing or swimming. They all come back with super-fresh ingredients and prepare them for the BBQ. The menu of these beach parties varies, but from the grill comes the savory smell of fresh seafood that makes your mouth water.
And lastly is the beach party where friends and families just get together to relax, swim and spend time together on the beach.

The Beaches

There are many, many beaches on Okinawa. These beaches are widely categorized into resort, corporate-operated or municipal-operated beaches. Some come equipped with BBQ facilities and shower stalls. These facilities require reservation and also take BBQ orders (ingredients) for people who are busy to do so. At these facilities, you just need to make reservations and start cooking when you arrive.
Some beaches do not have BBQ equipment available. In this case, beach partiers need to bring their own grills and equipment and find a nice spot to have their party. One thing we shouldn't forget when we have these parties is that these beaches are for everybody to use. Let's be nice to nature by making sure that the use of charcoal is allowed on the beach before the BBQ. Taking trash home and cleaning the BBQ area are also sincere considerations that Mother Nature would appreciate.