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JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » Okinawa travel guide: Visiting the Japanese southwest islands

Okinawa travel guide: Visiting the Japanese southwest islands

April 26, 2019

Okinawa Prefecture consists of more than 150 distinct islands, all of which lie 400 miles from mainland Japan . This sets Okinawa apart as a world unto itself.

In Okinawa, you can explore deserted beaches , swim with sea turtles, or snorkel in crystal clear waters. One hundred and eleven of Okinawa’s islands are uninhabited, pristine and untouched , making them prime real estate for adventure. Okinawa is home to rare creatures, such as the Iriomote wild cat, and cuisine unique and different from the rest of Japan .

Whether you’ll be reclining in an all-inclusive resort, or whether backpacking through campgrounds and hostels is more your style, Okinawa offers something for every traveler on every sort of budget . Dive in to this travel guide and discover the many ways in which the islands are calling you.

Brief history of Okinawa

Okinawa is a region rich in history. For centuries, the islands’ diverse people – who may have originated in China, other parts of Asia, or Australia – were united under the Ryukyu Kingdom . By the 15th century, this kingdom had become an economic power. The islands were later invaded by a clan from the Japanese mainland, and officially became part of Japan during the 1800s .

During World War II , Okinawa was invaded by allied forces. The civilian population was decimated, as was the island’s infrastructure and cultural relics. This battle became known as tetsu no ame , or “typhoon of steel.” Echoes of this hardship are present throughout the prefecture. Yet, like a polished precious stone, Okinawa shines brightly despite these historically recent hardships.

How to get to Okinawa

Most travelers to Okinawa do so by air . Okinawa’s primary airport of Naha is located on Okinawa Main Island, or Okinawa Honto.

A flight from Tokyo to Okinawa takes approximately between 3 and  2 and a half hours , departing from   Narita Airport . You can fly from Tokyo to Okinawa from about $220 USD.

Traveling from Osaka to Okinawa , via Kansai International Airport , takes about 2 hours . The flight to Naha from Osaka may cost you about $110 USD.

Alternatively, ferries depart for Okinawa from Kagoshima three to four times weekly. The boat trip takes about 26 hours , with prices ranging from ¥15,000 (about $130.00 USD) for fare with no sleeping accommodations, to ¥37,000 (about $330.00 USD) for first class service with bedding.

Peak seasons for travel to Okinawa are during holidays such as Golden Week (late April to early May) and during the month of August. Tickets during these peak seasons sell out quickly and are more expensive than at other times. Special airfare passes are available to foreigners taking domestic flights in Japan such as Japan Explorer Pass . These may reduce round-trip airfare to Okinawa to $115.00 US, or even less.

Getting around Okinawa

Okinawa is an archipelago formed by several islands:

• Okinawa Island (aka Okinawa Hontō) the main island
• Iheya-Izena Islands : Iheya and Izena islands
• Sesoko Island.
• Yokatsu Islands : Yabuchi, Henza, Miyagi, Ikei, Hamahiga, Tsuken, Ukibara, Minamiukibara and Kudaka islands.
• Kume Island.
• Kerama Islands : Tokashiki, Zamami, Aka and Geruma islands.
• Aguni Islands : Aguni and Tonaki islands.

Unlike the main islands of the Japanese archipelago, in Okinawa there are not as many transportation options or as convenient as the Shinkansen or other trains, so getting around in Okinawa will be somewhat more complicated. We recommend, to explore Okinawa several days, rent a car (remember that in Japan you drive on the left side of the road).

In any case, if you arrive to Okinawa from Naha Airport, you can get to Naha City using the Yui Rail , a monorail that will take you directly from the airport to the city.

You will also find other means of transportation such as taxis and buses , and there is also the possibility of renting motorcycles and bicycles .

Things to do in Okinawa

Packed with beaches and tropical forests , what is there not to do in Okinawa? Hiking, snorkeling, and scuba diving make the short list, but Okinawa has even more to offer.

If Okinawa’s diverse wildlife isn’t enough for you, you can visit the Churaumi Aquarium , considered the best aquarium in Japan and one of the best in the world . A highlight is the Kuroshio Tank, one of the largest fish tanks in the world , which houses the massive whale shark – the largest extant fish in the world. You’ll also enjoy hands-on starfish exhibits; dolphin, sea turtle, and manatee shows; large-scale coral reef exhibits; displays of deep-sea bioluminescent fish; and more.

A favorite historical site is the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum and Park , where you can honor the memory of those lost in the Battle of Okinawa. The sobering museum chronicles what led up to the battle, the battle itself, and the subsequent reconstruction.

The Shuri Castle , located in Naha, was built during the 14th century. It was used as a residence by the royal family of Ryukyu Kingdome becoming the political, economic and cultral heart of the Ryukyu Islands for 450 years. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout its history, most recently during World War II. In 1992 it was reconstructed for the last time in its original site.

Best time to visit Okinawa

Okinawa’s subtropical weather and climate make it a pleasant place to visit year-round . Even during the winter months, daytime temperatures rarely dip below 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit). During the summer months of July to October, temperatures may reach 32 degrees Celsius (nearly 90 degrees Fahrenheit), with water temperatures peaking at 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit).

Warm ocean currents facilitate some of the most diverse coral reef ecosystems in the world . The islands are divided into three major groups – the Okinawa Shoto which surround the Main Island , the Miyako Retto Islands , and the Yaeyama Retto Islands .

If you need an escape, the sands and shores of Okinawa are waiting for you. Book your JR Pass and start planning your next international adventure, today.

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I am very interested in Japan and Okinawa. I love noodles noodles noodles. I also like the customs of politeness and cleanliness! I have been to Japan once before, but it was years ago! Now I am finding myself doing all sorts of research on it! That is all “for what it is worth”! Thank you!

Well happy to read this one

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Two-rides Ticket

Two-rides ticket that is convenient as well as money saving. You can use it as a round-trip ticket or two single rides for one person, or two single rides between two people.

• * No child fare.
• * Please note that this ticket cannot reserve seats.
• * You can get on board if vacant seats are available on the day.  Cannot get on board when the bus is full.

Available Section

Please get on board directly from the bus stop and show the ticket to the driver. * Cannot get on board when the bus is full.

Unlimited Ride Pass

"Okinawa Airport Shuttle Unlimited Ride Pass" is a ticket that allows you to use the Okinawa Airport Shuttle freely during the period of your purchased travel days. You can use it as many times as you can with fixed fare! It is the best ticket for people who want to travel all over Okinawa.

Prices will change from November 1, 2022. Click here for details

• * You can get on board if vacant seats are available on the day.
• * The bus is not available for rides within Naha city section or within Kinenkoen/Hotel Orion Motobu Resort & Spa section.

Attention (Please read the following)

• * Shuttle Bus is not available for boarding/disembarking only within Naha City area or the route between Hanasaki Marche and Bise Fukugi Tree Road.
• * Please show the ticket to a crew member when getting on board.
• * You can ride "Okinawa Airport Shuttle" operated by Okinawa Airport Shuttle LLP unlimited times during the validity period.
• * You can get on board if vacant seats are available on the day (the bus cannot be reserved in advance).
• * The services may be suspended due to unexpected circumstances including natural disasters. We will not bear additional costs due to changes in your route, such as alternative transportation costs or accommodation charges.
• * Depending on the road conditions, changes may occur to the departure and arrival time of the bus.
• * Use of this ticket is limited to those living outside Okinawa prefecture who are visiting Okinawa for short-term stay for sightseeing purpose only. When purchasing this ticket, we may ask you to show your passport (or documents of your “short-term stay” that is proven by the country) or documents that prove your residency outside Okinawa Prefecture, return tickets, etc.
• * The ticket cannot be reissued in the event of lost or stolen. Additionally, we willl not refund, reissue or extend the validity period.
• * The ticket can be used only within its validity period. It is not valid to use after the validity period.
• * The ticket cannot be used with other discount coupons.
• * In addition to the above terms and conditions, when using this ticket, the regulations of each passenger transportation company and the related laws established in Japan will apply.

Ticket Sales Desk

Naha city (okinawa, japan).

• ❶ Naha Airport Visitor Information Desk Center (Domestic / International Terminal) Open Hour 9:00-18:00 Domestic https://otic.okinawa/domestic/ International https://otic.okinawa/international/
• ❷ Okinawa Tourism Information Center (Naha Bus Terminal 2F) Open Hour 9:00-18:00 https://otic.okinawa/center/
• ❸ H.I.S. LeaLea Lounge OKINAWA (nearest bus stop: Kencho Kitaguchi) https://smp.his-j.com/okinawa/kokunai/lounge/

Map of Ticket Sales Desk Tickets can be purchased at sales desk near each bus stop.

Boarding bus stop oas01 / naha ap. domestic terminal.

Boarding bus stop OAS02 / Naha AP. International Terminal

Boarding bus stop OAS03 / Kencho Kitaguchi (Okinawa Prefectural Government Office)

Disembarking bus stop OAS04 / Asahibashi Sta. Naha Bus Terminal  

Gina Bear's Blog

Solo Female Travel | Latina Traveler

The Ultimate Okinawa Travel Guide

This ultimate Okinawa Travel Guide has been YEARS in the making. If you’re tired of seeing other travel bloggers “claim” they have the ultimate guide after spending a week on the island, (my eyes roll really far back into my head) then this guide is for you. So let’s cut right to the chase. “Why should you trust me?”

I lived on Okinawa for three years, speak Japanese, and immersed myself deep into the culture by taking karate and sanshin (Okinawa snake skin three stringed banjo) lessons. I DEFINITELY have a local’s perspective on what can make your Okinawa travel incredible. Get ready for the inside scoop because this guide has the best things to do on Okinawa, what to see in Okinawa, and must go places in Okinawa.

Table of Contents

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• How To Survive Summer in Okinawa
• The Ultimate Tokashiki Guide

Get Travel Insurance 

A common question I get is what do I need to travel to Japan? One thing I always recommend is travel insurance. Life throws curveballs. Flights get canceled. You get sick. There’s a family emergency.  I highly recommend using World Nomads Travel Insurance which you can book here.   With the World Nomads Travel Insurance, you can expect:

• Trip Cancelation  – This benefit helps you recover non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs when you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason, including for an unexpected sickness that keeps you from traveling.
• Emergency Medical  – If you get sick with COVID-19 or another illness, you can get diagnostic tests to confirm your case and other emergency medical benefits.
• Medical Evacuation  – If you’re in an inadequate medical facility, our plans have benefits that can arrange a transfer to a hospital capable of treating your medical needs.
• Trip Interuption  – This section helps you get reimbursed for a one-way, economy-class ticket home and any pre-paid, unused portions of your trip for a covered reason.
• Trip Delay  – If your travels are delayed at least six hours by a covered event, you could get 
• reimbursed for meals, hotels and other basic expenses .

If this plan isn’t for you then you can check out the different  travel insurance plans World Nomads offers here .

How To Stay Connected in Japan

Japan is super stingy when it comes to their wifi and sharing internet. They’ve gotten a little bit better since I’ve lived there, but not much. I recommend  you book an e-sim card and download it directly to your phone. If you don’t have that capability, you can order a 4G wifi box ahead of time and pick it up at any airport you designate in Japan.

How To Get to Okinawa

Most tourists land at Narita or Haneda Airport when they arrive in Japan. So you may be wondering how to go to Okinawa from Tokyo or how to go to Okinawa?

How To Get To Okinawa From Tokyo

Japan’s Okinawa island is just a two and half hour plane ride from Tokyo. By plane is the best way to travel to Okinawa. It’s actually closer to Taiwan than it is to mainland Japan.

How To Get Around Okinawa

Most flights go directly into Naha which is the international airport. Okinawa is not public transportation friendly. You will need to rent a car for your Okinawa travel. If you’re only planning on staying in Naha as an Okinawa tourist, then disregard this. Naha has a monorail that will take you as far as Urasoe. For more information on the Yui Rail and where it takes you, check out the website here .

If you want to go to other stunning beach locations around the island, then I highly suggest you make renting a car a priority. You will need a valid driver’s license and an IDP in order to rent a car in Okinawa . Alternatively, if you’re a YOLO kind of person or you forgot to get your IDP, you can get the Okinawa Bus Pass to cart you around wherever you need to go.

Okinawa Things To Do

This is going to be a quick glance of the top things to do in Okinawa. As you go further into the guide, I have broken down the island into different sections and tourist attractions in Okinawa I recommend. Hands down these are the top 10 things to do in Okinawa Japan.

What To See in Okinawa

When you travel in Okinawa there are a few must not miss things. Some Okinawa places to visit are:

Okinawa Peace Memorial Park

American village.

• Tokashiki Island
• Zamami Island
• Churaumi Aquarium

Things To Do in Okinawa

These things should definitely be on your Okinawa to do list.

• Go beach hopping
• Eat Blue Seal ice cream
• Try goya stir fry
• Visit an outer island
• Visit Shuri Castle

Okinawa FAQ

I lived in Okinawa for three years. My wealth of knowledge is golden. I wasn’t in the military, I speak the language, have local friends, and lived out in actual Japanese society. So my friends, never fear because Gina Bear knows how to make the best of a trip to Japan’s island paradise.

1. What is the best month to visit Okinawa?/ Best time to visit Okinawa Japan?

The best months to visit Okinawa is August through October. This is so you can avoid the intense summer heat. However, September is peak typhoon season.

2. Is Okinawa humid?

Okinawa has a subtropical climate, so yes it is very humid. Sometimes the humidity is so strong, it will feel like you’re swimming through the air and all you want to do is hide in the actual AC unit or go to the beach and dunk yourself profusely. And I’m talking the most unattractive swass during Okinawa in summer.

3. Is Okinawa worth visiting?

The simple answer is… Yes, you ding dong. Visit Okinawa! This beautiful island in the middle of the sea is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever lived in my life. Okinawa is so worth the damn visit and if you don’t go, I hope you suffer from FOMO for the rest of your life.

4. What is Okinawa known for? / What is Okinawa famous for?

If the Karate Kid starring Ralph Macchio and Noriyuki “Pat” Morita, then good job, you get a gold star. While the character of Mr. Miyagi does come from Okinawa, the majority of the film was made in Hawaii. Whomp. Whomp.

In my honest opinion, Okinawa is best known for two things — Okinawa time and the Okinawa diet. The traditional diet there is so high in yummy vitamins and nutrients, the people in Okinawa are known to have the longest life spans in the world.

5. What is Okinawa time?

Now when I talk about Okinawa time… I mean everything is done slowly and whenever people feel like it. In other words, this shit can drive you crazy. If I were you, I’d avoid public transport at all costs and just rent a car while you’re there.

6. Is Okinawa different from the rest of Japan?

Okinawa is also known for other things such as their stunning beaches, mix of Japanese, Chinese, and Korean culture, as well as their own unique culture. Before it became part of Japan, Okinawa was known as the Ryukyu Kingdom and had its own culture, language and traditions.

7. How far is Okinawa from Tokyo?

Would you believe me if I told you Okinawa is closer to Taiwan that it is to mainland Japan? A flight from Tokyo to Okinawa will be hour 3.5 hours.

8. How many days do you need in Okinawa?

Whatchu talking about days, fool? Nah, you need at least two to three weeks to really uncover the stunning beauty and nature Okinawa has to offer to the world.

9. Does it get cold in Okinawa, Japan?

You may think being closer to the equator guarantees warmer weather, but my friend, that is sooooo not the case. In the winter months, it can drop down to 50 Fahrenheit or 15 Celsius. Winter in Okinawa starts in November and ends around the end of February when the temperatures start increasing to 70 Fahrenheit or 21 Celsius in March.

And yes, many were the days I froze my butt off because the humidity makes everything so much colder.

10. Where is Okinawa? / Where is Okinawa located?

Okinawa is located in the Pacific Ocean. It’s located about 300 miles off the coast of mainland Japan.

11. What to do in Okinawa? / What is there to do in Okinawa Japan?

The best thing to do in Okinawa is go to the beaches. The subtropical weather is perfect for enjoying them. I also recommend going snorkeling and participating in the local culture by painting a shisa or coral dyeing .

12. What is the best season to visit Okinawa? / Best time to travel to Okinawa?

The best season to travel Okinawa is autumn, winter, or spring. Summer in Okinawa is very hot and humid. Unless you’re used to that kind of weather I don’t recommend going.

What To Pack For Okinawa

Japan is super STRICT when it comes to luggage restrictions and regulations. So if you’re coming from the US… This is terrible news for you. I highly recommend packing as light as possible so that way when you buy all of your favorite Japanese products, there will be room in your suitcase. My favorite  travel suitcase brand is Béis . I’m obsessed with their weekender bag, carryon, and checked luggage.  Use my code for $15 off your first order and 150 points toward your new account .

Travel essentials for what to pack to Okinawa:

• Unlocked phone  –  You can book a sim card here.  Alternatively, if you don’t have an unlocked phone,  you can also use this portable wifi router .
• Toothpaste  – Japanese toothpaste sucks PERIODT. Bring your own from home.
• Important documents  – Bring any important medical documents in case something happens. 
• Passport  – This should be a given, but please don’t forget it. Make a copy of your passport and hide it in your suitcase and leave one on your fridge at home.
• Credit/Debit Cards  – Big shopping malls and most restaurants take credit cards now.
• Cash – Japan is still primarily a cash is king society.
• Medication  – Don’t forget your important medicine because I guarantee it will be a nightmare for you to navigate the hospital and then go to a pharmacy to try and get it.

I also recommend downloading the Lonely Planet Japan Guide , Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands , and Okinawa Travel Guide 2024 .

Okinawa Travel Budget

How much money do I need to travel in Okinawa? This is a simple Okinawa travel expenses break down. It honestly depends on you, what you like, and what you’re into. In this Okinawa tourist guide, I will be covering the basics like car rental, accommodation, food and tourist activities.

As one of the poorest prefectures in Okinawa, it is considerably cheaper than mainland Japan. But remember, Okinawa is still Japan and it can get quite pricey. One week expenses in Okinawa will go as follows:

• Car Rental – $250
• Accommodation – $320 – $630
• Food – $182
• Special activities – $300

Where To Stay in Okinawa

Most people who visit Okinawa tend to stay in the Naha area. While staying in Naha is great because you can easily get to the outer islands, there are so many other great places to be.

• Aqua Citta (Naha) – This upscale hotel offers pristine views of the city from its rooftop pool and Tomari Port. Aqua Citta is 15 minutes away from Naha Airport.
• Hotel Nikko Alivila (Yomitan) – With its enormous pool, beautiful private beach, stunning views and exceptional service, this is a place I highly recommend. While I lived in Okinawa, many year end parties were hosted here and I had incredible experiences every time.
• ANA Intercontinental Manza Beach (Onna Village) – This place is literally like it’s own little city and is so convenient, you don’t even have to leave the property. Guests can utilize a mini-golf course, shops, rental bicycles, canoes, and jet skis. There’s even on-site gym, hot tub, and sauna.
• Mr. Kinjo (Naha) – Conveninetly located outside Asahibashi Station, the location is great and breakfast is included in your stay.
• Ocean View Araha (Chatan) – Set in Chatan, 2.5 km from Sunset Beach and 2.8 km from Mihama American Village, Ocean View Araha offers garden views and free WiFi.
• Hotel Sunset Zanpa (Yomitan) – Set in Yomitan, Hotel Sunset ZANPA provides accommodation with private balconies. The property is situated 5 km from Zakimi Gusuku Castle, 2.5 km from Murasakimura and 2.1 km from Cape Zanpa. The property is non-smoking and is located 1.6 km from Zanpa Beach.
• Guest House Umikaji (Naha) – This two star guest house is attractively located in the Naha City Centre district of Naha, and set 2 km from Yachimun Street.
• La’ Gent Hotel (Chatan) – Set 1.2 km from Sunset Beach, La’gent Hotel Okinawa Chatan / Hotel and Hostel offers rooms with air conditioning in Chatan. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is situated less than 1 km from Mihama American Village.
• Holiday House Ryuky-an (Yomitan) – Located just a 12-minute drive from Cape Maeda, famous for its beautiful scenery, clear waters and snorkelling, Holiday House Ryukyu-an offers a self-catering holiday home with free WiFi access.

What To Eat in Okinawa

One of the reasons Okinawans live so long is because of their diet. It’s rich in fish, rice and veggies (especially goya). In my opinion, the Okinawa diet is one of the most healthy in the world.

If you’re looking for something that is off the beaten path and a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the unique cuisine of Okinawa, then I highly suggest taking a traditional cooking class . With this class, you will get a choice of making goya chanpuru or Okinawa soba (two very staple dishes). Before you cook, you’ll also get a tour of the Naha Food Market and see what’s really up.

P.S. Slowly but surely there is also a vegan and vegetarian scene that has been popping up!

• Okinawa Soba – This dish is buckwheat noodles with pork belly, scallion, fish cake, and boneless pork ribs.
• Beni Imo Taruto – Purple potato tart is one of my all time favorite sweets in Okinawa. They originated in Yomitan.
• Goya Champuru – This dish is made with goya (bitter melon), tofu, egg, and pork belly. It’s a popular dish and a classic one you need to try.
• Okinawan Sea Grapes – My first thought was.. Ew gross, but they’re actually quite nice. The taste is slightly salty with an ocean freshness to it and it is especially nice on a hot day.
• Yaki Niku – This is Japanese style barbecue and something that should definitely be on your must eat list. You get raw cuts of different meats and cook it yourself on the table. I took all my siblings to Japanese barbecue and its something we still enjoy doing together.

Southern Okinawa

While visiting Okinawa, you’ll definitely be starting in Naha. There’s tons of Okinawa tourist attractions (despite what most ill researched and cranky travelers might have said). Everything I recommend are things I personally have done and loved. The ocean in Okinawa is probably the most beautiful ocean you’ll ever see in your life. I recommend going on a Okinawa Glass Bottom Boat Tour from Tomari Port.

Shuri Castle

The Shuri Castle was once known as the Rykyu Kingdom and home to the royalty. Sadly, in 2019 a devastating fire burned down Shuri Castle . To my knowledge, the castle is still be reconstructed. The grounds are just as beautiful though and I still recommend going. You can even rent a kimono or yukata to make the experience 10x better and the photos even more awesome.

Address: 1 Chome-2 Shurikinjocho, Naha, Okinawa 903-0815, Japan Hours: 8am – 8:30pm Phone: +81 98-886-2020

Kokusai Dori

Kokusai Dori is the main touristy strip in Naha. This is where you start your vacation in Okinawa Japan. Here you’ll find hundreds of trinkets and baubles from stores selling Okinawa themed merchandise. Anything and everything Okinawa culture related is on this street. For cool things to do in Okinawa, I suggest you go karting like Super Mario on the main strip.

Okinawa Whale Watching

If you want to watch the humpback whales, the best time of year in Okinawa is from December through April. While whale watching in Okinawa, you can watch them teach their young how to survive in the open waters. It is a majestic experience. You can book your whale watching tour here .

Shuri Ryusen Coral Dyeing

Shuri Ryusen Coral Dyeing has undoubtedly been one of my favorite experiences ever in Okinawa. Instead of throwing away dead coral, Okinawans found a way to repurpose it and make art out of tragedy. Here you take special dyes in a pouch and press it over coral to make imprints. I think this is a great souvenir for your vacation in Okinawa.

Address: 1 Chome-54 Shuriyamagawachō, Naha-shi, Okinawa-ken 903-0825, Japan

Paint Your Own Shisa

One of the best things to do in Okinawa, Japan is to partake in the local culture. Did you know the shisa dog was given to the Ryukyu King to protect him during hard times? Shisa come in male and female pairs. They are used to keep good vibes in your home and keep out all negative vibes. You’ll find them all over Okinawa island and you can paint your own shisa as a great momento .

Address: COI Naha Building 1F, 2 Chome-3-15 Kume, Naha, Okinawa Hours: 8:30am – 6:30pm

Shikinaen Garden

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Shikinaen Garden is one of the most stunning gardens in Okinawa. With Chinese and unique Ryukyuan influences, I highly recommend this garden. Shikinaen was once a residence and private escape of the royalty where they went to relax and unwind. It’s one of the best things to see in Okinawa if you love nature and gardens.

Address: 421-7 Maaji, Naha, Okinawa 902-0072, Japan Hours: 9am – 5:30pm Phone: +81 98-855-5936

This is a memorial dedicated to the people who died in the Battle of Okinawa during World War II. Our history books tell us one third of Okinawa’s population was lost during this bitter and gruesome battle. If you’re sightseeing Okinawa, this is a must visit activity. Here you’ll learn about the history and sign a petition to end all wars. P.S. Bring some tissues because you’ll see some seriously sad sights in Okinawa.

Address: 614-1 Mabuni, Itoman, Okinawa 901-0333, Japan Hours: 9am – 5pm Phone: +81 98-997-3844

Ryukyu Glass Making

Many people don’t know a very unique style of Ryukyu glass making was born in Okinawa. The glass has many bubbles because it is said to emulate the beautiful ocean. I myself have done this experience and made jewelry. To be honest, it is one of my most cherished possessions. Ryukyu glass making is one of the most unique things to do at Okinawa.

Address: 169 Fukuji, Itoman City, Okinawa 901-0345 Japan Hours: 9:30am – 3:30pm Phone: +81 98-997-4784

Try an ATV Experience

Do you have a need for adventure? Yeah me too. I like going really fast on scooters, ATVs, and golf carts. With this ATV experience in Itoman, you’ll feel like the bad ass you really are. They have a marked trail and its even safe enough to bring kids if you have them.

Address: 1018 Mabuni, Itoman, Okinawa 901-0333, Japan Hours: 9am – 6pm

Central Okinawa

The midlands are my favorite place to play in Okinawa. I lived there and I still know it like the back of my hand today. I honestly think it’s one of the best parts of the island to be on because you have access to the north and south.

American Village is my old stomping grounds and one of my favorite places to visit in Okinawa. Since it is located across the street from the Kadena Air Base, you’ll find many delicious restaurants to choose from. It’s a popular tourist spot in Okinawa Japan. There’s also a huge SEGA arcade to keep you entertained, close proximity to the Aeon Department store, Sunset Beach, and Araha Beach.

As you know, Okinawa is famous for beni imo which is purple potato. Make sure you stop at the Blue Seal flagship store so you can get the ice cream which is to DIE FOR. You can also get your troll on at the Blue Seal ice cream balcony while you overlook the Ferris Wheel. Urban legend in the area has it that if you ride it with someone you’re dating you’ll break up… And to be honest, it happened to me with a guy I was dating, so I’m inclined to believe it.

Address: 15-69 Mihama, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0115, Japan

This is one of my absolute favorite shopping destinations in Asia. Why? Since the American military bases are all in close proximity to this mall there are many foreign shops I enjoy like Forever 21, H&M, and American Eagle. The Rycom Mall is one of the best Okinawa Japan attractions because there’s so many shopping choices. I you’re a bigger gal or compadre, I recommend hanging out at the Rycom Mall .

Address: Kitanakagusuku, Nakagami District, Okinawa 901-2300, Japan Hours: 10am – 10pm Phone: +81 98-930-0425

If you truly want to experience Okinawa like a local then you have to visit Yomitan Village. It gets overlooked, but its home to a UNESCO World Heritage site, gorgeous beaches, and home of the purple potato tart. For me, my old village is the creme de la creme of Okinawa sightseeing.

Eat at Ocean’s Pizza

This is one of the better places on the island to eat pizza. The quality is amazing (because Japan) and their lunch buffet is to die for. You can order the lunch special pizza buffet with an amazing view. Now that’s what I call eating an Italian pie in style.

Address: 915 Takashiho, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0323, Japan Hours: 11am – 9pm Phone Number: +81 98-958-7711

Eat at Dechibica

This is one of the most famous vegan eats on the island. The owners Kiwa and Taku San are seriously wonderfully people. I shamelessly ate at this restaurant once or twice a week and they are truly food artists. They grow their own ingredients or they are sourced locally for optimal freshness.

Address: 904-0314 Okinawa, Nakagami District, 中頭郡 読谷村古堅 古堅648-1-101. Furugen 648-1 Yomitan Hours: 11am – 3pm Phone: +81 98-957-0111

Go To Zakimi Castle

UNESCO designates World Heritage Sites for a reason. It’s because they’re fucking cool. Zakimi Castle was built in the 1400s by the Chuzan Kingdom which ruled over central Okinawa Honto. The castle served as a safeguard against rebels in the north, after the Chuzan Kingdom defeated the Hokuzan Kingdom in the north and eventually united the island into the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Address: 708-6 Zakimi, 読谷村 Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0301, Japan Hours: 24/7 Phone: +81 98-958-3141

Yomitan Pottery Village

Designated as a national treasure of Japan, the Yomitan Pottery Village showcases the unique artistry of Okinawa. There are over 45 practicing artists, some of which are national treasures themselves. Prices of the pottery start at $10 and up. The Yomitan Pottery village was one of the most interesting things to see in Okinawa Japan because of all the culture and art.

Address: 2653-1 Zakimi, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0301, Japan Hours: 9am – 6pm Phone: +81 98-958-4468

Zanpa Beach

This beach is especially stunning when the sun shines. It is free to all residents and tourists who want to enjoy a clean and well-maintained beach in Yomitan. I frequented this beach after work and let me tell you, it’s not crowded at all. Every trip to Okinawa needs to include a beautiful beach or five.

Address: 1933 Uza, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0328, Japan Phone: +81 98-958-3833

Swim With Whale Sharks

I totally wish I would have known about swimming with whale sharks before I left Yomitan. If you’re a licensed diver, you can swim with these gentle and beautiful giants in the open ocean. What kind of Okinawa guide would this be if there wasn’t a little adventure?

Address: 33 Toya, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture 904-0305, Japan (Ginowan Marina) Hours: 8:30am & 1pm

Stay At Hotel Nikko Alivila

Hotel Nikko Alivila is one of the most stunning hotels on the island and while I was working as a high school teacher in Okinawa, there were many a school end of the year parties hosted there. If you’re looking to splurge it’s got luxury, spacious guest rooms and beautiful views of Nirai Beach.

You can get lovely massages and walk around European inspired gardens.

Address: 904-0327 Okinawa, Nakagami District, Yomitan, 字儀間６００ Phone: +81 98-982-9111

Video Guide To Yomitan

While I lived on Okinawa, I started my YouTube channel. Because I loved Yomitan so much, I decided to make a video dedicated to the beauty and wonderful things to do in my old hometown.

Onna Village

Did you know Onna means woman in Japanese? Situated right above Yomitan, this is more of a resort village. There’s tons of beaches and incredible places to stay to really enjoy your time in Okinawa.

Ryukyu Mura

The Ryukyu Mura is an Okinawa must visit. This is a theme park with a recreated traditional Okinawan village. A wide range of traditional dances and cultural experiences are held inside Ryukyu Mura . You can eat popular Okinawan dishes and purchase a wide range of souvenirs.

Address: 1130 Yamada, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0416, Japan Hours: 9am – 6pm Phone: +81 98-965-1234

Onna Village Blue Cave

How much of a risk taker are you? I used to be terrified of swimming in the open ocean because I didn’t know what crazy critters lived there. The Blue Cave at Maeda Point was once a hidden gem when I lived there, but now it’s more accessible to the public. Snorkeling (or scuba diving) at the Onna Village Blue Cave is seriously one of the most spectacular things I’ve ever done in my life.

The way it glows and shines like a precious gem is incredible. You’ll be able to see all the stunning coral and exotic fish swimming as well.

Address: Maeganeku, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0414, Japan Hours: 7am – 5pm Phone: +81 98-964-4135

Ikei Island

There are many gorgeous islands in Okinawa. Ikei is one of my favorite and has an incredible beach. You have to pay 700 yen to enter but it is so worth it. They have showers, pristine waters, and floats you can hang out on. It’s one of the best places to visit in Okinawa for exclusive beaches.

Address: 904-2421 Okinawa, Uruma, Yonashiroikei, ４０５ Phone: +81 98-977-8464

Northern Okinawa

Northern Okinawa is much more rural so if you’re really into nature, then the north is definitely a place you want to hang out.

Visit Okinawa World

If you’re looking for a way to really immerse yourself in Okinawa’s unique culture, then you should visit Okinawa World . This interactive museum gives you access to the Nanto Brewery, a culture museum, and cave. It’s definitely worth a visit!

Address: 901-0616 Okinawa, Nanjo, 玉城前川1336 Hours: 9am – 6pm Phone: +81 98-949-7421

Visit Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

The famous Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is one of the top attractions in Okinawa Japan. I can guarantee you’ve seen it on social media before and have been amazed. They save the best for last and the whale shark exhibit is awe inspiring. It’s also the first aquarium to successfully breed a baby whale shark in captivity.

Address: 424 Azaishikawa, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0206, Japan Hours: 8:30am – 7pm

Nago Pineapple Park

At Nago Pineapple Park you’ll have enough fun for the entire family. This is am amusement park that showcases everything pineapple. At the park, you’ll also be able to drink special alcoholic wine made solely from pineapple.

Address: 1195 Biimata, Nago, Okinawa 905-0005, Japan Hours: 9am – 6pm

Pizza in the Sky

When I tell you this pizza joint is famous, I mean it. Because of the high quality ingredients used and their brick oven way of cooking, expect to wait over an hour to be seated on the weekends. Also, if you couldn’t tell from the name, the restaurant is on top of a mountain making the views and pizza totally worth it.

Address: 1153-2 Yamazato, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0219, Japan Hours: 11:30am – 7pm Phone: +81 980-47-5537

Captain Kangaroo

This is another famous burger place on the island. In fact, it is so well-known that it’s sold out before 1pm. Their burgers are huge and it’s insanely popular with foreigners and Japanese alike.

Address: 183 Umusa, Nago, Okinawa 905-0006, Japan Hours: 11am – 7:30pm Phone: +81 980-54-3698

Tanagagumui (Aha) Falls

If the name doesn’t sound Japanese, it’s because it’s not. As one of Okinawa’s hidden treasures (buried way the hell up north), you would be missing out by not jumping off the waterfall, swinging off the rope swing, or hiking nearby. It’s still one of the best kept secrets and a lot of people don’t know it exists.

Also, there are no lifeguards or any rescue personell there. If you go cliff jumping or swimming, then you do so at your own risk. That being said, there is a rope swing and it’s incredibly refreshing to jump in after the hike up there.

Address: Aha, Kunigami, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-1504, Japan

Kouri Island

Kouri Island is so small you can probably drive around the entire thing in thirty minutes. It’s got great scenery and beautiful beaches. In addition, it also also famous for the heart rocks. Many couples go to take photos there. The stars are especially stunning at night. Kouri Island is near Nago. You can also book a cruising tour of Haneji Island which also has amazing snorkeling.

Address: Kouri Nakijin, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0406

Okinawa Outer Islands

Do you enjoy beach bum life? Are you into Storybook blue oceans, sparkling fish, and a sun tan? Okinawa has loads of outer islands like Tokashiki, Zamami, Ishigaki, Miyako, Aka and Geruma. Only an hour away by ferry from Tomari Pot in Naha, you can visit your tropical paradise any time.

Tokashiki is and forever will be my most favorite outer island on Okinawa. I have so many good memories on this island that have added to the experience. Not only is it beautiful, but you can also see sea turtles too. If you’d like to know more about getting around, the dos and don’t and everything in between, check out my Ultimate Tokashiki Guide or book a hassle free one day tour here .

Kerama Islands

The Kerama Islands are a great day trip and are located 40km from Naha. They are well-known for their pristine white sand beaches, wonderful snorkeling and diving, as well as crystal blue waters ideal for swimming. Going to these amazing islands is such a treat and I recommend a full day island snorkeling at the Kerama islands .

Or if you’re a licensed diver, I heard the Keramas is one of the best diving spots on Okinawa. You can get a diving tour of the Keramas at a discount here .

Zamami is one of the bigger islands of the Keramas and off the coast of Naha. Tokashiki is its neighbor. You can rent a scooter and easily get around on the island. This island is more hilly so I really don’t recommend renting a bike. Bring your snorkel gear because there are so many beaches with no people and lots of curious sea creatures. Zamami is a great day trip but if you want to spend a longer time exploring you can book a stay at Oceana Portvillage or at Zamamia Guest House .

Aka and Geruma

Aka and Geruma are islands attached to Zamami via bridges. They have cute island folklore about two dog lovers. One of the dogs used to swim back and forth from the islands each day to be with his mate. I also love these islands because they are so untouched by tourism. You can easily rent a bike and have these islands all to yourself.

Ishigaki is the second largest island in the chain of islands that comprises of Okinawa. You actually need to take a flight down to Ishigaki and cannot travel there by ferry. Luckily, it’s only an hour by plane to get there. As the second biggest island, there is a lot to do there like explore the smaller islands and immerse yourself in the traditional Ryukyuan Island culture. Since this is the next biggest island, you must rent a car to get around Ishigaki . Here are some of my recommended activities:

• Night Cruise with Stargazing at Ishigaki Island
• Ishigaki Instagrammble Photo Tour
• Iriomote and Yubu Island Day Tour

Taketomi Island

The first time I went to Taketomi Island, I got as sick as a dog with a high fever and then a typhoon rolled in ruining the trip. The second time I went… It was a magical and fantastic trip. I can’t recommend going here enough. Taketomi island is what inspired one of the most famous Okinawan songs you’ll hear time and time again. I really recommend taking this eco-friendly Taketomi and Phantom Island tour here .

Buy Black Pearls at Kabira Bay

Did you know Ishigaki Island is one of the biggest producers of black pearls in the world? They were thought of as so rare and beautiful the Ryukyu Royalty wore them in their crowns and jewelry. Black pearls are expensive, but they are a wonderful Okinawa souvenir. I own a black pearl necklace and it is one of my most cherished possessions. It has sentimental value since I lived in Okinawa and I always said I left part of my heart in the ocean… So I took a part of the ocean with me. I bought my Okinawan black pearl at Ryukyu Pearl and I highly recommend them .

These black pearl farms are located at Kabira Bay so you can see the pearl farmers at work. It’s also a great place to go for an ocean tour. There’s a really cool Kabira Bay and Phantom Island Tour you can take and then come back and go shopping after.

Miyako is much more rural compared to Ishigaki. It has many amazing beaches, but there’s not much to sightsee for on the island. If you just wanna laze around and go to the beach, then Miyako is definitely more your vibe.

In Conclusion

I hope you all really enjoyed this ultimate Okinawa travel guide. I really put my heart and soul into it as Okinawa is super stunning and gorgeous. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever lived in my life and I want you all to experience an Okinawa trip like a local. It truly is a hidden gem unaffected by mass tourism. With its natural beauty, stunning beaches, and unique culture, I guarantee you will fall in love after traveling to Okinawa.

This post contains affiliate links which means at no additional cost to you, I make a small commission to help keep Gina Bear’s Blog running. Thanks for your support!

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3 Comments on The Ultimate Okinawa Travel Guide

Aha Falls is also the bomb and also buried up north. Rebekha used to organize trips up there aaaaall the time

Yeah! I love Aha Falls! I hope to go back again soon! 😀

Great post, very informative! Thanks for sharing this helpful info.

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• *1: The “Plus” pass’ monorail ticket is treated as a one day pass.
• *2: We define children as the ages from 6 to under 12. For children under 5, one may travel for　free per passenger over the age of 6 years. However, the second child must pay a children’s fare.
• *Does not include buses that pass the highway such as limousine buses, line No. 111 and No.117, and regular sightseeing buses.
• *Not available to residents of Okinawa

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Okinawa Travel Guide

The southernmost prefecture of Japan, Okinawa is made up of three groups of islands: Okinawa Shoto includes the main Okinawa Island, also known as Okinawa Honto; Miyako Islands comprises Miyako Island itself and the small islands around it; and Yaeyama Islands, which consists of Ishigaki Island and some nearby isles. It is a popular destination for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling and other water activities, and its capital city is Naha, which is found on the main island of Okinawa Honto.

The best time to go to Tokyo depends on what you want to see and do. All year round, the city has tons of sights to see and activities to take part in.

• During the summer (June – August), temperatures can go above 30 degrees and the days are quite hot and humid. It is advised to apply sunblock, wear a hat, and use a sunshade or umbrella.
• In autumn (September – November), the days are still warm, but expect typhoons coming in one after the other, particularly towards the end of August until the end of September.
• In spring (March – May), the weather is sunny and pleasant, with temperatures in the low 20s. However, in May, rainy days may become frequent, so always take an umbrella.
• In the winter months (December – February), temperatures fall between 15 and 20 degrees, so have a sweater or jacket ready.

Sea, shore, seascape.

Shuri Castle

Things To See

Go to the beaches

Some of the best beaches in Japan are found in Okinawa, so checking them out is a top priority if visiting this part of the country. The fine sand beaches are fringed with palm trees and offer a variety of activities, including diving, snorkeling and other water sports.

See the Churaumi Aquarium

Considered by many to be the best aquarium in Japan, the Churaumi Aqurium in Okinawa Honto is a popular attraction that houses a diverse collection of marine life, including manta rays, whale sharks, bull sharks, tiger sharks, manatees and sea turtles.

Go to the War Memorials

Okinawa Honto saw one of the bloodiest fights towards the conclusion of World War II, with around 200,000 people killed, and it is now where a Peace Memorial Park in honour of the victims stands. The complex consists of many monuments, museums and statues that remember the fallen and commemorate the tragedy.

Visit the different castles on the islands

During the reign of the Ryukyu Kingdom in Okinawa, several castles were constructed across the region. Today, one of them still stands (the Shuri Castle in Naha) while many others have been mostly destroyed (Nakagusuku Castle Ruins, Zakimi Castle Ruins, Katsuren Castle Ruins, Nakijin Castle Ruins). All of these are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Explore Okinawa World

To learn about the culture of Okinawa, visit Okinawa World, a theme park known for its large natural cave, which is about 5 kilometres long and features stalagmite and stalactite formations; a snake museum, which has displays of numerous snakes and a snake show; and a craft village, which offers hands-on workshops on dyeing, pottery, weaving, paper making and other activities.

Where To Explore

• Kumejima – A small island in the Okinawa Shoto group, Kumejima provides great spots for diving and snorkeling. Its most notable attraction is the 7-kilometre long sand bar known as Hatenohama Beach, which has fine, sparkling white sand.
• Miyako Islands – With thriving coral reefs, Miyako Islands offers a variety of top notch snorkeling and diving spots and has many rental shops and facilities available for different water activities. It is also a good spot for relaxing while watching beautiful sunsets.
• Yayaema Islands – With many pristine, white sand beaches, Yayaema Islands is a famous destination for swimming, sunbathing, diving and snorkeling. In addition, it has the well-preserved Ryukyu Village, which provides a good insight to the local culture and traditional lifestyle.

Churaumi Aquarium – ©JNTO

Sunayama beach in Miyakojima

Getting Around

There are several ferry and boat services that link the many islands of Okinawa, and there are also buses and rental cars available for travelling within the main island.

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Okinawa Prefecture

Okinawa (���ꌧ, Okinawa-ken) is Japan's southernmost prefecture , consisting of a few dozen, small islands in the southern half of the Nansei Shoto, the island chain which stretches over about one thousand kilometers from Kyushu to Taiwan.

Okinawa Prefecture can be divided into three major island groups, the Okinawa Islands (Okinawa Shoto) around Okinawa Island (Okinawa Honto), the Miyako Islands (Miyako Retto) around Miyako Island and the Yaeyama Islands (Yaeyama Retto) around Ishigaki Island .

Okinawa's climate is subtropical, with temperatures barely falling below 15 degrees in winter. The seas surrounding Okinawa's islands offer beautiful coral reefs and abundant marine wildlife. Consequently, snorkeling and scuba diving are among Okinawa's top attractions.

The islands making up Okinawa Prefecture, are also known as the Ryukyu Islands, named after the native culture, which is distinctly different from that of the rest of Japan in terms of language, cuisine, arts, etc.

An independent kingdom and tributary state to China for several centuries, the Ryukyu Islands came under control of the Satsuma feudal fief (today's Kagoshima Prefecture ) in the 17th century, and were made a Japanese prefecture in 1879, accompanied by efforts to assimilate the native population. But despite these past efforts, the Ryukyuan culture survived and is now Okinawa's other main attraction.

Towards the end of World War Two , Okinawa became the stage of one of the war's bloodiest battles, when American troops invaded the islands. Okinawa remained under US administration until 1972, while several thousands of US military members remain stationed on the spacious and controversial US military bases on Okinawa Main Island today.

Top destinations in Okinawa

Yaeyama Islands •••

Kerama Islands ••

Okinawa Island ••

Miyako Island ••

Kume Island •

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Okinawa 101—All the information you need for a first-time trip to the islands

Visiting the islands of Okinawa for the first time is an exciting experience. Fully prepare for your trip by browsing the useful information below. From where to find free Wi-Fi and tax-free shopping to important information on natural disasters, all the essentials are covered here.

Essential Information

Health & insurance, tourist information, staying safe.

Visa & Immigration

Check whether you need a visa to travel to Japan and always travel on a valid passport with sufficient time remaining before the expiry date. While traveling in Okinawa, keep your passport with you at all times as you may be asked to present it for identification. If you lose your passport, file a report with the police, and contact the appropriate embassy.

Currency & Currency Exchange

The currency in Japan is the Japanese yen (¥). Credit cards and contactless payment methods are generally widely accepted in urban areas, but many small shops and businesses in rural areas and on small islands will only accept cash. You can exchange currency at the airport, at certain ATMs, and exchange bureaus around the islands. If you are bringing cash with you, note that amounts exceeding 1 million Japanese yen need to be declared at customs.

Free Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations, at some tourist facilities, and in some urban areas. Check with your accommodation at the time of reservation regarding Wi-Fi availability. Okinawa Prefecture operates the free Wi-Fi service Be.Okinawa Free Wi-Fi. See the user guide for instructions and check the area map for locations.

SIM Card & Mobile Router

For uninterrupted access to the internet, consider renting a mobile router or purchasing a SIM card. At the arrival lobby of Naha Airport International Terminal, you can purchase a SIM card or rent a mobile router.

Voltage & Plugs

When bringing electronic devices that require plugging in, make sure they are compatible with Japanese voltage specifications and electrical sockets. Japanese plugs are A type. The voltage is 100V, and the frequency is 60Hz.

Manners & Customs

Okinawa is a welcoming and relaxed destination free from taxing social etiquette. Following a simple code of respect for the people you meet and places you visit is all you need for a pleasant and enjoyable Okinawa experience.

Illness & Injury

If you fall ill or receive an injury and require urgent medical attention, go immediately to hospital or call 119 for an ambulance. For non-emergency illnesses and injuries, call the Be.Okinawa Medical Interpretation Contact Center. Hotline staff can advise you on where to get medical treatment and can refer you to clinics that offer services in foreign languages.

Be.Okinawa Medical Interpretation Contact Center: 0570-050-235 Languages available: English, Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese), Korean, Portuguese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Spanish, Indonesia, Thai, Nepali, French, Russian, Burmese, Hindi, Mongol, Persian, Taiwanese (total of 18 languages)

Travel Insurance

Purchasing travel insurance that provides sufficient coverage and services can give you peace of mind in the event of an unexpected injury or illness during your trip. Hospital visits and emergency services can be very costly, so insurance is a wise precaution. See the Japan National Tourism Organization’s Guide for when you are feeling ill for more information on travel insurance and what to do in the event of an injury or illness.

For All Visitors

Okinawa welcomes all. Get the information you want, know where to get support if you need it, and find out about the wide array of services offered across the islands. Okinawa welcomes everybody to enjoy the rich beauty of its diverse islands.

Contact Center

Email or call the OKINAWA Multilingual Contact Center for tourist information, interpretation services, and assistance during your visit to Okinawa. Calls can be handled in five different languages including English.

Tourist Information Centers

At “The Gateway to the Sky”, Naha Airport Arrival Lobby, and “The Gateway to the Land”, Yui rail Asahibashi Station/Naha Bus Terminal, there are Tourist Information Centers . The Staff who speak not only Japanese but also English and Chinese among other languages are there to help and guide you during your visit to Okinawa. The visitor center offers a variety of services such as, sales of bus passes, discount tickets for tourist facilities, SIM cards, baggage delivery and regular sightseeing tour bus reservations. As payment methods, Cash, credit cards (Touch payment), and QR cord payment (Alipay, WeChat Pay, Union Pay) are accepted. The Tourist Information Centers also provide Okinawa tourist maps and brochures. So feel free to drop by.

Dietary Requirements

Okinawa has a rich and diverse food culture with options to accommodate all visitors. There are a growing number of vegetarian restaurants and Halal-, vegetarian-, and vegan-friendly options across the islands. Some chain restaurants may display allergen information on their menus, but in most cases you will need to check directly with restaurant staff. Restaurants are increasingly able to cater to special dietary requirements, but in some cases may require advance reservations and notice. The materials below feature a point-to-communicate allergen chart and information on Halal and vegetarian options in Okinawa. For more information or help finding suitable dining options, visit the Barrier-Free OKINAWA website.

Useful Apps

There are many handy apps available to make traveling in Japan and Okinawa easy. Browse the Japan National Tourism Organization’s list to discover navigation, sightseeing, and accommodation apps among others.

Tax-Free Shopping

Visitors to Okinawa are eligible for tax exemption on many consumer goods. Most major retail outlets offer tax-free shopping and have service counters where you can get more information on eligibility and procedures. The Japan Shopping website has a database of tax-free shops across the islands.

Duty-Free Shopping

International travelers to Okinawa can purchase goods without having to pay duty at DFS inside the departures lounge at Naha Airport and at T Galleria Okinawa in downtown Naha. More information is available on the DFS / T GALLERIA website.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Certain items cannot be brought into Japan or are restricted and subject to inspections. There are also regulations on certain items being transported within Okinawa or taken outside of Okinawa. These regulations mainly apply to animal products, produce, and plants and seedlings. Popular fruits and vegetables such as mangoes, papayas, goya (bitter gourd), and watermelons are not restricted.

Emergency Services

In the event of an emergency, call the appropriate emergency service and do not worry about communication. All emergency calls are recorded and can be traced.

#110—Call the police to report an accident or crime. #119—Call an ambulance or fire engine in case of a medical emergency or fire. #118—Call the coast guard to report an accident or injury in the sea.

Typhoons are tropical cyclones and cause heavy rain, strong winds, and large waves. They typically affect Okinawa between June and September. It is important to check the weather before and during your trip, and to avoid going out during a typhoon.

Earthquakes

Japan is a country prone to natural disasters including earthquakes and tsunamis. In the event of an earthquake, the most important thing is to stay calm, find a safe space, and crouch with your arms above your head to protect from falling objects. Once the earthquake subsides, check the latest disaster prevention information to see if there is a risk of a tsunami. If a tsunami warning is issued, make your way to high ground immediately. There are several apps and online resources that provide information on what to do in the event of a natural disaster.

Enjoying Okinawa Safely

Okinawa has beautiful reefs, inviting waters, lush forests, and plenty of sunshine. The nature and the climate are markedly different from the mainland, and visitors should take extra care to avoid sunburn, heat stroke, and encounters with venomous animals.

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• Published on : 13/02/2020
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Traditional houses on the island of Taketomi

The Shureimon Gate, another local symbol, is distinguished by its Chinese influences.

The jungle of Iriomote is protected, as it's the home of several unique animal species.

The beaches of the Miyako Islands

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The palace of the Ryukyu kings is an Okinawa symbol.

Plongée dans les eaux d'Okinawa

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What is there to do and see in Okinawa?

Far from the bustle of Japanese cities, on the shores of the pacific ocean with its many shades of blue, in the middle of a beautiful natural setting and a rich and unique culture: a trip to the Okinawa islands is a magical interlude in the tropical Japanese waters. Discover Okinawa.

The history of Okinawa: from the Kingdom of Ryûkyû to life after the Second World War

Okinawa was firstly and for many years called the  Ryukyu Islands . These  consisted of independent islands that did not belong to Japan  and had their own individual cultures and dialects.

After centuries of battles between the various local lords, the  islands were unified in 1429 and became the Ryukyu Kingdom . It was prosperous thanks to the commercial and cultural relations it maintained with China. The Ryukyu Islands were also important due to their strategic positions for maritime traffic between Japan, China and Luzon (which is now part of the Philippines). They also maintained relations with the kingdom of Siam (now Thailand). Regular visits from envoys of the Chinese empire helped to ensure that the kingdom of Ryukyu was home to a unique culture where a wide range of shows and entertainment multiplied.

This  period of prosperity came to an end in 1606  when the kingdom of Ryukyu was placed under the control of the region of Satsuma (now Kagoshima, on the island of Kyushu). In 1875, during the Meiji Era (1868-1912), the Ryukyu Kingdom was abolished,  imperial Japan annexed the islands and Okinawa became one of Japan's prefectures .

A little under half a century later, violent combat took place on the  islands between Japanese and Allied forces during the Second World War  and the local civilian population suffered greatly. At the  end of 1945, it was the turn of the United States to take control of Okinawa , and it was only returned to Japanese control on 15 May 1972. There are still important American military bases on the main island (Okinawa honto).

The tropics in Japan: Paradise islands and subtropical climate

The Okinawa islands extends for approximately 400km from north to south, for 1,000km from east to west and covers  2,281km2 of land . It is surrounded by the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean and contains  160 islands, of which only 49 are inhabited . The population is around 1.44 million (as of May 2018), with the majority being based on the main island, Okinawa honto.

Okinawa enjoys a  subtropical climate  and does not have a cold season. With an average temperature of 17℃, January is the coldest month and July is the hottest with an average of around 29 ℃. It is in Okinawa that the  first cherry trees blossom , the kanhizakura , a variety specific to the region.

Okinawa receives a lot of rain between May and June, the rainy season. It is also located in the typhoon zone, with typhoons generally occurring from June to September-October.

Discover Okinawa's traditional culture

Due to their history, the islands of the former kingdom of Ryukyu have a rich and unique culture. Despite the disappearance of the kingdom of Ryukyu and the annexation of the area by Japan, the  typical traditional arts of Okinawa , created in most cases to entertain envoys from the imperial court of China who were received by the kingdom, have not disappeared and  have been handed down from generation to generation . Among these are:

• The Kumiodori dance . Listed by UNESCO as an element of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010. This is a display of dancing that dates from the 18th century and is based on the legends of Ryukyu including elements of classical Japanese theatre ( noh  and kyogen). Dancing, singing, traditional Ryukyu music and tales (told in local dialects) make up this form of entertainment.
• The Ryukyu dances . These are divided into two categories: Zo-udui, which evokes the daily life of islanders and is performed by modern dancers, and ethnic dances, which are more ancient. Before the Meiji Era, only men were allowed to participate in these dances.
• Ryukyu classical music . This dates from the period of the kingdom of Ryukyu and it features in Kumiodori and Ryukyu dancing displays. The main instrument is the  sanshin  (literally meaning "three strings"), a stringed instrument designed to be plucked, which is typical of Okinawa. It is accompanied by the harp and Japanese flutes, drums and the Chinese violin (erhu).
• Folk songs . These are also accompanied by the sanshin and accompany the  eisa folk dance , a very popular dance.

The rich and varied traditional Okinawan crafts

• Bashofu : Okinawa is known for is artisanal weaving using thread produced from fibrous plants called bashofu (from the name of the type of banana plant, basho, that supplies these fibers). This ancestral craft has been designated as an important piece of Japan's intangible cultural heritage.
• Bingata : a cloth decorated using a stencil. The patterns are taken from Ryukyu culture and the landscapes of the islands.
• Okinawan pottery : the traditional pottery of Okinawa developed thanks to exchanges with China and Korea. The Tsuboya-yaki style is typical of the Ryukyu islands. The village of Yomitan is famous for its production of pottery.
• Ryukyu glassware : It was during the Meiji Era when Japan annexed the islands that glass production began. The colored glass so typical of Okinawa dates from after the Second World War when local artisans collected the fruit juice and Coca-Cola bottles thrown away by American soldiers to make glassware.

Okinawan cuisine

Is it said that the Okinawa diet promotes a long life expectancy? Rich in vitamins, Okinawa cuisine is varied and delicious, featuring plenty of seafood.

It consists of a clever mixture of several influences, as shown by its best-known dish champuru , made using fried vegetables. Okinawa resembles its cuisine, halfway between Japan and Ryukyu culture.

• To read also: Culinary specialties of Okinawa

The different islands of the Okinawa archipelago

The widely scattered islands of the archipelago constitute a genuine natural treasure and include  several sites listed by UNESCO . It is divided into three separate archipelagos: the Okinawa Islands (Okinawa Shoto) and some twenty islands and islets located around Okinawa Honto, the main island. Further south are the islands of Miyako and Yaeyama.

Okinawa, the little Hawaii

With a surface area of 1,206km2, the main island of Okinawa,  honto , is the fifth biggest island in Japan. It has 476 kilometers of coastline.  Its capital, Naha , is the political and economic hub of the prefecture. The main attractions are also located on the island and in Naha. Historical sites, such as the  Shuri Castle ,  the ruins of Nagagusuku Castle and the former HQ of the Imperial Japanese Navy.

The American presence is still strongly felt around the base in the  American village.  All of the leisure activities worthy of a little Hawaii can be found there, including cocktails.

Murasaki-mura beach, near Yomitan

Japan Experience

Eisa in Okinawa

Flickr, Cliff Kimura

Okinawan Ryukyu Glass

Note :  Shuri Castle , a jewel of the Ryukyu Kingdom, was largely destroyed by a severe fire during the night of 30 to 31 October 2019. The park surrounding it has been partially reopened, but we recommend that you check before heading to the site.

Visiting Okinawa by car is a real pleasure  and allows you to explore the island thoroughly. Far from the Americanised capital, you can admire the countryside, explore a small deserted beach, try the local specialties in a tavern and meet some of the Okinawans who are so friendly and cheerful…

And for a full guide to the sights and activities on the island of Okinawa, visit our pages:

• Sights in Southern Okinawa
• Sights in Northern Okinawa
• Sights in Central Okinawa

Miyako, the white sand beaches

The eight small Miyako islands at the center of the Okinawa islands are famous for their white sand and turquoise waters. These are genuine Pacific beaches with their coral reefs. You can go scuba diving or free diving and there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the sunshine. The beaches of  Maehama and Yoshino  are considered to be among the finest in Japan.

The largest of the islands in this archipelago, Miyako-jima, is well-known for being home to a community of female shamans who oversee funerals and certain religious festivals.

Yaeyama, untamed beauty and Ryukyu culture

The most distant islands make up the Yaeyama group, which will be of interest to nature lovers and those interested in traditional culture. The biggest of these islands is that of Ishigaki-jima. The island of Iriomote, which is fully protected, is famous throughout Japan for its jungle and its wild cats. Similarly, the island of Taketomi has the best-preserved traditional villages in Okinawa. Visits take place in carts pulled by water buffalo.

Yonaha Maehama beach, Miyakojima

The huge bridge connecting Ikema to Miyako-jima

Shirahama beach

iriomotejima wordpress

Urauchi River, Iriomote

How to travel to Okinawa?

The most convenient way to get to Okinawa is by air. This is particularly true with the airline JAL, which offers several routes to and within the archipelago, at reduced prices with its JAL Japan Explorer Pass. Through the various airlines, three to eight direct flights a day serve Naha airport from Japan's main cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka...). Expect a flight time of between 2h00 and 2h30. Low-cost airlines also offer flights.

Direct flights connect the islands of Miyako and Ishigaki with Tokyo and Osaka (3h00 to 3h30 flight time).

You can get around the islands by bus or bicycle, or rent a car on the main island. 

Ferries link the smaller islands in a group, but air travel is preferred between Okinawa, Miyako and Yaeyama. Allow around 30 minutes for the flight between these islands.

The Okinawa Monorail in Naha

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The JAL Japan Explorer Pass, the perfect way to travel to Okinawa

JAL (Japan Airlines) has introduced a pass for travelers taking several flights within Japan, a situation that is ideally suited to a trip to Okinawa (round-trip to the archipelago, and any domestic flights between the various Okinawa islands). By booking your flights with the pass, you benefit from a reduced price on the total number of flights. JAL also offers all the comforts of a national airline, with a new, more comfortable economy class and free WiFi on board. Find out more about the  JAL Japan Explorer Pass  here!

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Cultural Escape to Okinawa island Excursions

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• Included : 3* Hotels, Guided activities, Car rental, Beaches

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Mention Okinawa (沖縄) to a mainland Japanese and you’ll likely receive a wistful sigh in return. Perpetually warm weather, clear seas bursting with fish, fantastic food, gentle people, unspoilt beaches and jungle…the list could go on. More than one hundred subtropical islands, collectively known as the Ryūkyū Shotō, stretch over 700km of ocean from Kyūshū southwest to Yonaguni-jima, almost within sight of Taiwan, and provide one of Japan’s favourite getaways. Getting here may be a little costly, but Okinawa’s lush vegetation, vision-of-paradise beaches and superb coral reefs can charm the most jaded traveller – if you’ve had your fill of shrines and temples and want to check out some of Japan’s best beaches and dive sites or simply fancy a spot of winter sun, then Okinawa is well worth a visit.

Brief history of Okinawa

Diving in okinawa, the kerama islands, the miyako islands, okinawa-honto, the yaeyama islands.

The largest island in the group, Okinawa-Hontō, usually referred to simply as Okinawa, is the region’s transport hub and home to its prefectural capital, Naha. It’s also the most heavily populated and developed of the Ryūkyū chain, thanks largely to the controversial presence of American military bases. Okinawa-Hontō boasts a number of historical sights, many of them associated with the Battle of Okinawa at the end of the Pacific War. But the island has more to offer than battle sites, particularly in its northern region, where the old way of life still survives among the isolated villages.

To see the best of the region, you’ll have to hop on a plane or ferry and explore the dozens of outer islands away from Okinawa-Hontō, many of them uninhabited. Even quite close to Naha, you’ll find gorgeous beaches and fantastic dive spots around the Kerama islands, just 30km off Okinawa-Hontō. Divers and beach connoisseurs will want to visit Miyako-jima and Ishigaki-jima, way down the Ryūkyū chain. If you’re looking for an idyllic retreat, Taketomi-jima can’t be beaten, while the adventurous will want to explore Iriomote-jima, coated in thick groves of mangrove and steamy rainforest, and home to the elusive Iriomote lynx.

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It’s on these outer islands that you’ll also find the strongest evidence of the much-vaunted Ryūkyū culture, born of contact with Taiwan and China, as well as the rest of Japan. The most obvious expressions of this culture are found in the islands’ cuisine and in a vibrant use of colour and bold tropical patterns, while the Chinese influence is clearly visible in the region’s architecture, traditional dress and the martial art of karate – the Ryūkyū warriors’ preferred mode of protection. Ancient religious beliefs are kept alive by shamen (called yuta) and, in central Okinawa-Hontō, there are sumo bouts between bulls. There’s also a Ryūkyū dialect, with dozens of variations between the different islands, unique musical instruments, and a distinctive musical style that has reached an international audience through bands such as Nēnēs, Diamantes and Champloose. If you’re lucky, you’ll stumble on a local festival, such as giant rope tug-of-war contests or dragon-boat races, while the biggest annual event is the Eisā festival (fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month), when everyone downs tools and dances to the incessant rhythms of drums, flutes and the three-stringed sanshin.

Besides Hokkaidō, Okinawa contains Japan’s largest areas of unspoilt natural environment and its greatest biodiversity. Much of this wealth of wildlife is underwater, spawned by the warm Kuroshio Current that sweeps up the east coast and allows coral reefs to flourish. But there are a number of endemic species on land, too, including turtles, a crested eagle and the noguchigera (Pryer’s woodpecker), in addition to Iriomote’s wild cat, the yamaneko. A less welcome local resident is the highly venomous habu snake. It measures around 2m in length, is dark green with a yellow head, and usually lurks in dense vegetation or on roadsides, though rarely ventures into urban areas. As long as you’re careful – especially during spring and autumn – you should have no problems; if you are bitten, make for the nearest hospital, where they should have antiveni.

With its subtropical climate, Okinawa stays warm throughout the year. Average annual temperatures are around 23°C, with a winter average of 17°C and a minimum of 10°C. Winter lasts from December to February, while the hot, humid summer starts in April and continues into September. Temperatures at this time hover around 34°C and the sun can be pretty intense, though the sea breezes help. The best time to visit is in spring or autumn (roughly March to early May and late Sept to Dec). The rainy season lasts from early May to early June, while typhoons can be a problem in July and August, and occasionally into October.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Japan, created by local experts

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Discover the allure of Japan on our small group tour (max 16 guests). Unveil Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, and Okayama through guided explorations. Immerse in tea ceremonies and relish in the captivating beauty of these iconic destinations. Regular departures ensure an unforgettable journey.

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Small Group Tour: Secrets of Japan

Embark on an exceptional small-group tour, available monthly, unveiling Tokyo, Hakone, Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, and beyond. Uncover Japan's hidden gems, from serene shrines to bustling cities, and immerse in enchanting forests.

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Small Group Tour: Highlights of Japan

Exciting small-group tour with monthly departures. Immerse in Japanese culture, challenge a pro in a sumo suit, wander Arashiyama's bamboo groves in Kyoto, and relish a kaiseki feast with Maiko entertainment - all included in this fascinating small group tour.

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In the fifteenth century, the islands that now make up Okinawa were united for the first time into the Ryūkyū kingdom, governed from Shuri Castle in present-day Naha. This period is seen as the golden era of Ryūkyū culture. Trade with China, the rest of Japan and other Southeast Asian countries flourished, while the traditionally non-militarized kingdom maintained its independence by paying tribute to China. But then, in 1609, the Shimazu clan of Kagoshima (southern Kyūshū) invaded. The Ryūkyū kings became vassals to the Shimazu, who imposed punitive taxes and ruled with an iron hand for the next two hundred years, using the islands as a gateway for trade with China when such contact was theoretically outlawed by the Togukawa Shogunate. When the Japanese feudal system was abolished in the 1870s, the islands were simply annexed to the mainland as Okinawa Prefecture. Against much local opposition, the Meiji government established a military base and tried to eradicate local culture by forcing people to speak Japanese and swear allegiance to the emperor, forbidding schools to teach Ryūkyū history.

By the early twentieth century, Okinawa had been fairly successfully absorbed into Japan and became a key pawn in Japan’s last line of defence during the Pacific War. Following the battle of Iwō-jima in March 1945, the American fleet advanced on Okinawa and, after an extensive preliminary bombardment, referred to locally as a “typhoon of steel”, the Americans invaded on April 1, 1945. It took nearly three months of bitter fighting before General Ushijima, the Japanese commander, committed suicide and the island surrendered. The Battle of Okinawa left 12,500 American troops dead (plus 37,000 injured) and an estimated 250,000 on the Japanese side, nearly half of whom were local civilians.

It’s estimated that one third of the population of Okinawa died in the war, many in mass suicides that preceded the surrender, and others from disease and starvation. But the islanders’ subsequent anger has been directed at the Japanese government rather than America. Most people feel that Okinawa was sacrificed to save the mainland – this was the only major battle fought on Japanese soil – and that they were misled by Japanese assurances that they were luring the American fleet into a trap. Compounding this was the behaviour of Japanese troops, who are accused of denying locals shelter and medical treatment, and ultimately of abandoning them to the Americans.

By comparison, the American invaders were a welcome relief, despite the islanders’ worst fears. They brought in much-needed food supplies – Spam was an instant hit in this pork-loving country, and a precursor of the processed luncheon meat found in pork champurū – and gradually helped restore the local economy. This wasn’t wholly altruistic, of course, since Okinawa was ideally placed for monitoring events in Southeast Asia. As the 1950s Korean War merged into the Vietnam War, so the American bases became a permanent feature of the Okinawa landscape.

In fact, Okinawa remained under American jurisdiction until 1972, when local protests led to the restoration of Japanese sovereignty. Since then, the two governments have colluded to maintain an American military presence on the island despite growing opposition, which reached a peak when three American servicemen were found guilty of raping a 12-year-old schoolgirl in 1995.

Okinawa has since borne witness to some curious political shifts. In 2007, local elections brought Aiko Shimajiri to power; interestingly, his focus was on the local economy rather than military issues. These were, however, to come to the fore in national elections two years down the line, with Yukio Hatayama elected Prime Minister on a pledge to remove, rather than relocate, the Futenma air base – his failure to do so saw him step down in disgrace less than a year later.

With scores of dive sites around Okinawa-Hontō – and many more around the outer islands – one of the best reasons for visiting Okinawa is to go diving. There are plenty of dive shops, but only at a few will you find instructors who speak English. PADI courses are available on Okinawa-Hontō from Maeda Misaki Divers House and the American-run Reef Encounters. Once you have your certificate the islands are yours for the taking. To rent equipment, you should know the metric readings of your height, weight and shoe size.

There are great diving opportunities every way you turn on the islands, but the following sites are particularly notable.

Zamami-jima

Fantastic hard corals, more reef fish than you could count in a week and lots of big fan corals. Head to Zamami-jima, a particularly laidback spot from which to organize a dive with the instructors at Joy Joy.

Miyako-jima

There are over fifty different dive spots to choose from around Miyako-jima, with cave dives being particularly popular: start off by hooking up with Good Fellas Club.

Ishigaki-jima

Dotted around the Yaeyamas are 360 species of corals and sea anemones, including the rare blue coral reefs off Shiraho-no-umi on Ishigaki-jima. Among the thousand-odd species of fish you can expect to swim with are barracuda, butterfly fish, redfin fusiliers, spadefish and manta rays in the waters between Iriomote-jima and Kohama-jima.

Iriomote-jima

There’s easily accessible coral in the waters surrounding this enchanting island. Both youth hostels can put you in touch with local diving operations.

Yonaguni-jima

For the ultimate dive experience consider lugging your gear out here to see sea turtles and hammerhead sharks, and to explore the enigmatic rocks that some claim are the remains of a sunken civilization.

The KERAMA ISLANDS (慶良間諸島) are the closest group to Naha, lying some 30km offshore. A knot of three large, inhabited islands and numerous pinpricks of sand and coral, the Keramas offer some of the most beautiful and unspoilt beaches in Okinawa and superb diving among the offshore reefs. Zamami-jima (座間味島) is a sleepy place home to mere hundreds of people, yet has recently become hugely popular with international tourists thanks to the recent boom in winter whale-watching, as well as the demise of ferries heading from Naha to Miyako and the Yaeyamas – many travellers are now choosing the Keramas over costly flights south.

Dogs and dolphins

Zamami-jima has sourced much of its fame from the animal kingdom. The millions of fish enjoyed by divers (and diners at local restaurants) are an obvious draw, but dogs and whales have also made their mark. Historically, whaling was an important part of the local economy, but in the 1960s the whales disappeared and the industry died. Then, towards the end of the last century, the humpbacks started coming back to their winter breeding grounds – which the locals have been quick to exploit, though this time for tourism rather than hunting. In addition, most young Japanese associate the Keramas with the cutesy 1988 film I Want to See Marilyn. Based on a true story, it tells of a romance between two dogs on neighbouring islands: Shiro on Aka-jima, and Marilyn some 3km away on Zamami. They met when Shiro travelled to Zamami in his owner’s boat, but the passion was such that he started swimming over every day to rendezvous with Marilyn on Zamami’s Ama beach – or so the story goes. So enduring is this story that the pup’s supposed route is often featured on local maps.

One has to feel sorry for the MIYAKO ISLANDS. Centred around Miyako-jima (宮古島), this small cluster boasts some of the best beaches in all Japan, but these are graced by precious few international visitors. Long overshadowed by Zamami-jima and the Yaeyama group, its appeal took another knock with the closure of ferry services to Naha and Ishigaki, making Miyako an expensive add-on to an Okinawan tour. However, it remains a time-out favourite with mainland Japanese, some of whom stay for weeks or months on end, chalking off beach after beach and dive after dive.

The flat, triangular-shaped island of Miyako-jima is roughly 35km from tip to tip – its most immediately notable aspect is field after field of sugar cane. HIRARA (平良), the main town, lies on the island’s northwest coast, from where roads fan out through the fields.

Once the centre of the Ryūkyū kingdom, Okinawa-Hontō (沖縄本島), or Okinawa Main Island, is a strangely ambivalent place. Locals are fiercely proud of their Ryūkyū heritage, and yet the competing cultures of Japan and America are far more prevalent. To some extent, the island still feels like occupied territory, especially central Okinawa-Hontō, where the American bases and the nearby “American” towns, with their drive-ins and shopping malls, have become a bizarre tourist attraction for mainland Japanese, who come to soak up a bit of American culture.

Fascinating though all this is, it doesn’t make Okinawa-Hontō the most obvious holiday destination. However, if you’re drawn by the more appealing outer islands, the chances are you’ll spend some time on the main island waiting for plane or ferry connections. Okinawa-Hontō’s chief city and the former Ryūkyū capital is Naha, whose prime attraction is its reconstructed castle, Shuri-jō, the ruins of which were awarded World Heritage status in 2001. There are also some interesting market streets and a pottery village to explore, and you’ll want to take advantage of its banks – not to mention excellent bars and restaurants – before heading off to remoter regions.

Southern Okinawa-Hontō saw the worst fighting in 1945, and the scrubby hills are littered with war memorials, particularly around Mabuni Hill, where the final battles took place. North of Naha, the island’s central district has little to recommend it, but beyond Kadena the buildings start to thin out. Here you’ll find one of the better “Ryūkyū culture villages”, Ryūkyū-mura, and the island’s best beaches. The largest settlement in northern Okinawa-Hontō, Nago is an appealing town that provides a base for visiting the stunning Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and exploring the scenic coastline and mountainous tip of the island, culminating in the dramatic cape of Hedo Misaki.

The American question

Twenty percent of Okinawa-Hontō and a small number of outer islands are covered by American military bases, employing 27,000 American military personnel. This in itself has fuelled local anger, but what rankles most is that Okinawa makes up less than one percent of the Japanese landmass, yet contains 75 percent of the country’s American bases. The issue is, however, far from black-and-white for the islanders, since the bases provide thousands of jobs and contribute vast sums to the local economy – rather important, given that Okinawa remains the poorest of Japan’s prefectures. In addition, many younger Okinawans relish the peculiar hybrid cultural atmosphere that the large number of foreigners brings to the islands.

Opinion to the bases, both local and national, has yo-yoed in the past couple of decades. A 1995 poll revealed a majority of Okinawans in favour of a continued American presence, but with a more even distribution throughout Japan. At that time, only twenty percent of the population wanted a complete withdrawal, but by 1996 the figure had increased to a convincing ninety percent – partially the result of an unfortunate but highly significant incident between the two polls, in which a twelve-year-old schoolgirl was raped by three American servicemen. Mass protests against American military presence were the inevitable result.

Manoeuvrings since then have been largely political in nature, and focused on Futenma, a large US Marine Corps air base just northeast of Naha. In 1996, the American and Japanese governments announced a joint plan to relocate the base to Henoko, a bay to the north of Okinawa-Hontō. This led to protests from the environmental lobby, aghast that the move would demolish precious coral reef in Henoko, as well as having an injurious effect on the bay’s sea life. eighty-three percent of Okinawans voted against the plan in a referendum. In 2005, the two governments agreed to move the relocation site to Camp Schwab, an existing Marine Corps base, though this will have similar environmental ramifications. In 2009, Yukio Hatoyama was elected Prime Minister on a campaign promise to move the base outside Japan entirely as the first step in a systematic removal of the American military presence. However, torn between Okinawa and Washington, Hatoyama reneged on his promise, and resigned just eight months after taking office. Regardless of what happens with Futenma, the American issue is likely to rumble on for some time.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (沖縄美ら海水族館) is a spectacular facility showcasing the marine life of the Kuroshio Current. The main tank holds 7500 tonnes of water and is home to several whale sharks – the largest sharks in the world – as well as shoals of manta ray and many other fish; the cinema-scope view will hold you entranced. Most explanations are in English and there’s an informative section on sharks that dispels many myths about these extraordinary creatures.

Getting to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Arriving by bus, most services stop near Nago’s central crossing before terminating at the bus terminal on the main highway to the west of town. However, some stop on the seafront, notably the Express Bus from Naha Airport, via Naha Bus Terminal (hourly; 2hr; ¥2000), which ends up outside Nago’s Lego-block City Hall, roughly 500m west of the central crossroads. You’ll find the tourist information office (Mon–Fri 8.30am–5.30pm, Sat & Sun 10am–5pm) in Nago City Hall, which has English-language maps and pamphlets on the area. The Ryūkyū Bank, just north of the central junction, can exchange dollar and sterling cash and travellers’ cheques, and there’s a small post office with an ATM a couple of blocks to the west.

Okinawa Prefecture Peace Memorial Museum

The final battle for Okinawa took place on Mabuni Hill (摩文仁の丘), on the island’s southeast coast. The site is now occupied by a cemetery and grassy park containing monuments (known as the “Cornerstone of Peace”) to the more than 200,000 troops – both Japanese and American – and civilians who died on the islands during the war. A distinctive white tower crowns the Peace Memorial Hall (平和記念堂), which contains a 12m-high lacquered Buddha and small museum. You’ll learn more (though not the full story) if you visit the Okinawa Prefecture Peace Memorial Museum (沖縄県立平和記念資料館), which has full English translations throughout. This interesting museum, planned under the anti-establishment regime of Governor Ōta, but completed by the more conservative Governor Inamine, doesn’t shirk the uncomfortable fact that Japanese soldiers ruthlessly killed Okinawan civilians. Generally, however, the whole build-up to the war is treated in the usual euphemistic way, and the exhibition ends on an upbeat note with displays on the postwar history of Okinawa to the present day.

Okinawan souvenirs

Those in search of local crafts will find beautiful bingata textiles the most appealing. Originally reserved for court ladies, bingata fabrics are hand-dyed with natural pigments from hibiscus flowers and various vegetables, in simple but striking patterns. Also worth searching out are the fine jōfu cloths of Miyako-jima and the Yaeyama Islands, once gifted in tribute to the local monarchs. Ceramics are thought to have been introduced to the region from Spain and Portugal in the fifteenth century, but Ryūkyū potters concentrated on roof tiles and fairly rustic utensils. Nowadays, they churn out thousands of sake flasks and shiisā – the ferocious lion figures that glare down at you from every rooftop. The exquisite local lacquerware has a long history in the islands, too, having been introduced over five hundred years ago from China, but the glassware you’ll find is much more recent: it’s said production took off in the postwar years when Okinawans set about recycling the drinks bottles of the occupying US forces.

Star-sand beaches to pad along, waterfalls tumbling down emerald mountains, and not a soldier in sight…it’s no wonder that even Okinawans go misty-eyed when talking about the YAEYAMA ISLANDS (八重山諸島). Japan finally fizzles out at this far-flung spray of semi-tropical islets, 430km south of Okinawa-Hontō and almost 3000km from northern Hokkaidō, and those lucky enough to make it this far are in for quite a finale. The bad news is that the Yaeyamas are no longer accessible by ferry, meaning that you’ll have to take a flight from Naha or the mainland – but it’s worth it, especially if you’re into diving, hiking, kayaking or meeting “alternative” Japanese.

Most flights arrive at Ishigaki-jima, the most populous Yaeyama island by far. Travellers tend to base themselves here for convenience, but while Ishigaki has its charms, you’d be mad to come this far and not go that little bit further – a fifteen-minute ferry-ride away is tiny Taketomi-jima, essentially a freeze-frame of traditional Ryūkyū life, while a little further away is Iriomote-jima, almost entirely cloaked with jungle and about as wild as Japan gets. Even more remote are Hateruma-jima, to the south, and Yonaguni-jima, stuck out on its own between Ishigaki and Taiwan.

Diving on Iriomote

Iriomote is a divers’ paradise, with the Manta Way between the island’s eastern coast and Kohama-jima being particularly famous for its shoals of manta rays; you’re most likely to see them between April and June. The youth hostels and all minshuku can put you in touch with the island’s several dive operations (for more on diving). Snorkelling is particularly good at Hoshizuna Beach (星砂の浜), around 4km northwest of Funaura, where you’ll also find a campsite, a decent restaurant and snorkelling gear for rent – all of which makes it popular. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, head to Funauki (船浮), reached by three ferries a day from Shirahama (白浜), at the far west end of the coastal road; the beach here, a short trek through the jungle, is one of the most beautiful in all of Japan.

Brooding darkly some 20km west of Ishigaki, Iriomote-jima (西表島) is an extraordinarily wild place for Japan. Rising sharply out of the ocean, some ninety percent of its uncharted, mountainous interior is covered with dense subtropical rainforest, much of it protected as the Iriomote National Park. Yaeyama rumour would have it that Iriomote often – or even perpetually – plays host to disaffected Japanese, living rough in the jungle. A more substantiated inhabitant, though equally elusive, is one of the world’s rarest species, the yamaneko or Iriomote lynx, a nocturnal, cat-like animal. The island and its surrounding waters are also home to a splendid array of flora and coral reefs shimmering with tropical fish. There are also plenty of opportunities for snorkelling, diving, kayaking and hiking through the rainforest.

Although it’s Okinawa’s second-largest island, fewer than two thousand people live here, most of them along barely developed strips on the north and south coasts. Ferries from Ishigaki sail to two ports on the island: ŌHARA (大原) in the south and UEHARA (上原) in the north. The latter is the better place to head for since it’s closer to Iriomote’s main scenic attractions and offers the widest range of accommodation.

Yaeyama life revolves around Ishigaki-jima (石垣島), the islands’ main transport hub and population centre. Most travellers base themselves here, making use of the excellent accommodation and dining options to be found in ISHIGAKI (石垣), the only Yaeyama settlement large enough to warrant description as a town. The rest of the island is a predominantly rural and mountainous landscape, fringed with rocky peninsulas, stunning beaches and easily accessible reefs, while its interior is scored with the gorgeous walls of hand-stacked stone which gave Ishigaki its name.

Taketomi-jima

Just before six o’clock each evening, the tiny island of Taketomi-jima (竹富島) undergoes a profound, magical transformation. This is the time of the last ferry back to Ishigaki-jima – after that, you’re marooned, but there are few better places to be stuck. Just over 1km wide and home to fewer than three hundred people, the island’s population swells during the day with folk eager to see its traditional houses, ride on buffalo-drawn carts and search lovely sandy beaches for the famous minuscule star-shaped shells. When the day-trippers are safely back in Ishigaki, those who have chosen to stay on will have Taketomi almost to themselves – it’s possible to walk its dirt paths at night for hours on end without seeing a single soul.

There’s only one village on Taketomi – also called Taketomi (竹富) – and it’s a beauty. Practically all its houses are built in traditional bungalow style with low-slung terracotta-tiled roofs, crowned with bug-eyed shiisā. Surrounding them are rocky walls, draped with hibiscus and bougainvillea: these are the ishigaki that gave a certain neighbouring island its name, yet these days they’re far more prevalent on Taketomi.

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Travel Guide

Places to visit in okinawa ... without your japan rail pass.

Welcome to Okinawa

Okinawa is Japan’s southernmost area and consists of several smaller islands. Okinawa prefecture can be divided into 3 island groups: Okinawa Shoto, Okinawa Honto and Miyako Retto. The prefecture is sometimes also called the Ryukyu Islands and comes from an older, local culture and name.

Your Japan Rail Pass is of no use on Okinawa, but it can still be a nice addition to your trip! We got you covered with plenty to visit.

JAPANS PARADISE

Okinawa is known for its white beaches, crystal clear waters and gorgeous coral reefs.  The area has a subtropical climate, which makes it warm all year round – unlike the rest of Japan.  The main island consists of hundreds of beautiful beaches with numerous activities and world-class resorts.

WHEN TO VISIT OKINAWA

The best time of year to visit Okinawa for those who want to avoid tourists is late March – October. Okinawa can of course be visited all year round, but some beaches are closed to the public due to the weather. The advantage of visiting in March – April is the amount of people. There are significantly fewer tourists and less stress at the beginning of the year but with full access to all beaches. However, the water temperature can be slightly lower (20-23 degrees), which may suit some tourists.

Mid-May to mid-June is classified as the area’s rainy season. This usually doesn’t bother people who visit Okinawa for snorkeling and diving. The high season starts in July along with the rest of Japan and offers a wonderful stay for those who can handle the heat. Unfortunately, prices for accommodation and flights are significantly higher during this period of the year. It is not unusual for temperatures above 30 degrees daily.

Hurricane season is unfortunately from July to October, and annually Okinawa is hit by 5-8 hurricanes which can lead to canceled flights and ferries due to high tides, strong winds and high waves.

September to October is a good time of year to visit Okinawa. Summer is long in Japan and the weather is generally good and the water temperature close to 25 degrees.

Miyako Island is an island, 300 KM southwest of the main island. The island is best known for its wonderful beaches and coral reefs that surround the island. A very popular destination among divers.

Yonaha Maehama beach has won awards as “Japan’s finest beach” on several occasions. A large number of resorts are located along this wonderful beach.

Note that the island is far south of the main island of Okinawa and requires transportation by air. The flight between mainland Okinawa and the island of Miyako-jima takes about 55 minutes and usually costs around SEK 1,000-1,500 round trip.

Gyokusendo cave  or  Gyoku Sendo  is a naturally created museum of the past 300,000 years for the public to visit. Expect blue and crystal clear water along with limestone shaped like spears hanging from the ceiling.

Gyokusendo is the largest of many caves on Okinawa, but also ends up as the second largest cave system in all of Japan after Akiyoshido. Unfortunately, the public only has access to 1 of the 5 kilometer long lime tunnels.

The best thing about Okinawa is said to be underwater! The coral reef in Okinawa consists of around 200 different types of coral and is home to lots of colorful and beautiful animals. This attracts thousands of divers and tourists from all over the world every year. 

The water temperature fluctuates between 21-30 degrees and is the only place in Japan where you can dive and snorkel all year round. In addition to all the fish, the reef is also home to animals such as manta rays, hammerhead sharks, humpback whales and four kinds of turtles.

The area also offers diving tours out to Kouri-jima for exploration of the sunken ship USS Emmons, caves and underwater ruins.

Shuri Castle also called Shuri-jō or Shurigusuku was an Okinawan castle in the Shuri area and was mostly destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. The temple was recreated and restored in 1992 using historical descriptions, notes, memories and found photographs.

Shuri-jo has been a world heritage site since 2000, but unfortunately managed to be damaged again in 2019 by a fire that started in the area.

CHURAUMI AQUARIUM

The aquarium is the largest in Japan and is located at Ocean Expo Park on the northern part of the main island. Ranked as one of Japan’s best aquariums, it has welcomed over 20 million visitors since 2002. 

The main attraction to visit is Kuoshio Sea, a 7,500,000 liter water tank. Home to whale sharks, manta rays and loads of other fish. A perfect visit for a rainy day in Okinawa.

MEMORIAL PARK

Okinawa Peace Memorial Park is a place of remembrance for those who fell victim during World War II.  The Battle of Okinawa during World War II claimed several hundred thousand lives and the devastation was extreme.  The country took a big hit during this war and wants to honor its compatriots and victims with a memorial site in Itoman Ciry (the northern part of the main island of Okinawa).  The area also consists of the Peave Memorial Museum and the Himeyuti Monument.

Manzamo / Cape Manza is a spectacular viewpoint near Onna Village in the northern part of Okinawa’s main island.  Very popular with photographers during sunset and sunrise, so bring your camera!

Kourijima also called Kouri Island is a small island about 1km north of the main island. The island can be visited by car because of the Kouri Bridge, one of the country’s most spectacular bridges because of its view. The island has some of Okinawa’s finest beaches and tropical green waters.

The northern part of the island offers a very popular attraction “the Heart Rock”. Kouri island is easily reached by car or bus from Naha City and takes only one hour. A perfect day trip if you visit Okinawa.

IRIOMOTEJIMA

Iriomote Island is the largest island in the Yaeyama Islands group and consists of 90% virgin jungle.  The entire island is covered with jungle and is classified as a national park.  Popular tourist attractions to do on the island are kayaking, hiking and exploring the island’s pristine nature.  You will find several beaches with crystal clear water and white sand along the coast of the entire island.

ISHIGAKIJIMA

Ishigaki Island belongs to the Yaeyama Island group of islands and is the southernmost part of the Okinawa Islands. The island is the second largest and most popular in its island group. The island is also used as a center point and transport location for travelers going on to Iromote Island and Taketomi Island. 

Like all the other islands in the area, Ishigakijima has a number of wonderful beaches, monuments, rich nature and a number of luxury resorts. Ishigaki is also significantly calmer and more relaxing compared to Okinawa’s main island.

Anything else to know before arrival?

Don’t worry, we got you covered with the most important information below.

What is the name of Okinawa Airport?

Okinawa’s airport is called  Naha Airport (OKA) and its Japanese name is  那覇空港 .

You can easily get to Naha by domestic flight from the mainland and by international flight from, for example, South Korea. A recommended option is to visit  Okinawa  for a couple of days if you are in  South Korea  for longer than 14 days.

Good to know before you arrive.

The hottest months of the year are  July  and  August . The coldest are  December  and  January .

You don’t have to worry about holding on to your valuables or walking around with large amounts of cash. Japanese are a very loyal and well behaved people with very few thieves and the like. Seeing younger children riding the subway home alone from school alone is not an uncommon sight to see in Japan. Of course there are crap boots everywhere, but Japan has very few of them.

What currency do they use in Japan?

Japan uses Japanese Yen – JPY.

We recommend a smaller exchange before the trip at Forex or another currency exchanger to be able to pay for transport from the airport if you have decided to activate your Japan Rail Pass at a later date, for food and drink on site upon arrival and so on.

Safe ATMs for cash withdrawals can be found around the city. You don’t have to worry about walking around with larger amounts of cash as the country is very safe. Of course there are jerks in the country, but Japan has extremely few of them.

7-eleven usually has a very good exchange rate at their machines. When withdrawing larger sums such as thousands of euros, it can differ up to hundreds of euros against what you get at Forex if you exchange before the trip. We therefore recommend only bringing a smaller amount and withdrawing more cash on site.

Do not exchange at the airport. Visit a bank or 7-eleven in town.

Do you tip in Japan?

Tips are not appreciated by the staff and can sometimes be considered disparaging.

If you want to tip, ask the staff beforehand if it is okay. Most likely, you will get a no, as tips are not part of their everyday life.

Looking for another city?

Visit out other travel guides and explore the fantastic country of Japan. We add new destinations weekly and please, feel free to suggest new destinations to the travel guide if you’ve been in Japan before. We appreciate all the suggestions!

Visit our travel guide already, what are you waiting for? 👋

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Okinawa Travel Guide

The southernmost prefecture of Japan, Okinawa is made up of three groups of islands: Okinawa Shoto includes the main Okinawa Island, also known as Okinawa Honto; Miyako Islands comprises Miyako Island itself and the small islands around it; and Yaeyama Islands, which consists of Ishigaki Island and some nearby isles. It is a popular destination for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling and other water activities, and its capital city is Naha, which is found on the main island of Okinawa Honto.

The best time to go to Tokyo depends on what you want to see and do. All year round, the city has tons of sights to see and activities to take part in.

• During the summer (June – August), temperatures can go above 30 degrees and the days are quite hot and humid. It is advised to apply sunblock, wear a hat, and use a sunshade or umbrella.
• In autumn (September – November), the days are still warm, but expect typhoons coming in one after the other, particularly towards the end of August until the end of September.
• In spring (March – May), the weather is sunny and pleasant, with temperatures in the low 20s. However, in May, rainy days may become frequent, so always take an umbrella.
• In the winter months (December – February), temperatures fall between 15 and 20 degrees, so have a sweater or jacket ready.

Sea, shore, seascape.

Shuri Castle

Things To See

Go to the beaches

Some of the best beaches in Japan are found in Okinawa, so checking them out is a top priority if visiting this part of the country. The fine sand beaches are fringed with palm trees and offer a variety of activities, including diving, snorkeling and other water sports.

See the Churaumi Aquarium

Considered by many to be the best aquarium in Japan, the Churaumi Aqurium in Okinawa Honto is a popular attraction that houses a diverse collection of marine life, including manta rays, whale sharks, bull sharks, tiger sharks, manatees and sea turtles.

Go to the War Memorials

Okinawa Honto saw one of the bloodiest fights towards the conclusion of World War II, with around 200,000 people killed, and it is now where a Peace Memorial Park in honour of the victims stands. The complex consists of many monuments, museums and statues that remember the fallen and commemorate the tragedy.

Visit the different castles on the islands

During the reign of the Ryukyu Kingdom in Okinawa, several castles were constructed across the region. Today, one of them still stands (the Shuri Castle in Naha) while many others have been mostly destroyed (Nakagusuku Castle Ruins, Zakimi Castle Ruins, Katsuren Castle Ruins, Nakijin Castle Ruins). All of these are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Explore Okinawa World

To learn about the culture of Okinawa, visit Okinawa World, a theme park known for its large natural cave, which is about 5 kilometres long and features stalagmite and stalactite formations; a snake museum, which has displays of numerous snakes and a snake show; and a craft village, which offers hands-on workshops on dyeing, pottery, weaving, paper making and other activities.

Where To Explore

• Kumejima – A small island in the Okinawa Shoto group, Kumejima provides great spots for diving and snorkeling. Its most notable attraction is the 7-kilometre long sand bar known as Hatenohama Beach, which has fine, sparkling white sand.
• Miyako Islands – With thriving coral reefs, Miyako Islands offers a variety of top notch snorkeling and diving spots and has many rental shops and facilities available for different water activities. It is also a good spot for relaxing while watching beautiful sunsets.
• Yayaema Islands – With many pristine, white sand beaches, Yayaema Islands is a famous destination for swimming, sunbathing, diving and snorkeling. In addition, it has the well-preserved Ryukyu Village, which provides a good insight to the local culture and traditional lifestyle.

Churaumi Aquarium – ©JNTO

Sunayama beach in Miyakojima

Getting Around

There are several ferry and boat services that link the many islands of Okinawa, and there are also buses and rental cars available for travelling within the main island.

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