Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Uruma (うるま市, Uruma-shi; Japanese pronunciation: [ɯ̈́.ɾɯ̈̀.mä̀, ɯ̈̀.ɾɯ̈́.mä́.ɕì]) is a city located in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The modern city of Uruma was established on April 1, 2005, when the cities of Gushikawa and Ishikawa were merged with the towns of Katsuren and Yonashiro (both from Nakagami District). As of 1 October 2020, the city has an estimated population of 125,303 and a population density of 1,500 people per km2. The total area is 86.00 km2.
Within Okinawa Prefecture (Okinawa region), Uruma (うるま市) serves as a city in okinawa prefecture. Travelers exploring Okinawa often combine a stop in Uruma with regional highlights such as Subtropical Ryukyu Kingdom heritage (Shuri Castle in Naha), Churaumi Aquarium (Motobu), Kerama Islands coral reefs, and the turquoise Yaeyama & Miyako islands (Ishigaki, Taketomi, Miyakojima).
| Fact | Details for Uruma (うるま市) |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | うるま市 (Uruma) |
| Administrative Status | City in Okinawa Prefecture |
| Prefecture & Capital | Okinawa Prefecture (Capital: Naha) |
| Region of Japan | Okinawa |
| Population | 114,087 residents |
| Total Area / Density | 86.03 km² · 1,313 people per km² |
| Municipal Incorporation | 2005-04-01 |
| Coordinates | 26.3792°N, 127.8575°E |
Getting to Uruma & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Naha Airport (OKA), Yui Rail Monorail & Ishigaki / Miyako Airports): 2h 40m flight from Tokyo (HND/NRT) or 2h 05m from Osaka (KIX/ITM) to Naha (OKA), plus direct flights to Ishigaki (ISG) and Miyako (MMY).
- Local rail & IC cards: Once in Okinawa Prefecture, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Naha with Uruma. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Okinawa have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Uruma en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Uruma are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major Shinkansen station or airport in Okinawa can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.
What to Eat in Uruma & Okinawa
Uruma shares the culinary traditions of Okinawa Prefecture and the wider Okinawa region. Don't miss these local specialties during your visit:
- Okinawa soba (wheat noodles in pork-kelp broth with tender soki ribs) — a signature specialty across Okinawa Prefecture.
- Goya champuru (bitter melon, tofu, egg & pork stir-fry) — a signature specialty across Okinawa Prefecture.
- Taco rice & Blue Seal ice cream — a signature specialty across Okinawa Prefecture.
- Umi-budo (popping 'sea grapes') — a signature specialty across Okinawa Prefecture.
- Ishigaki wagyu & Sata andagi donuts — a signature specialty across Okinawa Prefecture.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Japanese Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Japanese dietary explanations at restaurants in Uruma.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
March–early May and October–November for warm swimming (24–28°C) with lower humidity; July–September for peak coral snorkeling and diving (watch for brief typhoons).
Regional highlights across Okinawa Prefecture that pair well with a visit to Uruma include: Subtropical Ryukyu Kingdom heritage (Shuri Castle in Naha), Churaumi Aquarium (Motobu), Kerama Islands coral reefs, and the turquoise Yaeyama & Miyako islands (Ishigaki, Taketomi, Miyakojima).
Practical Travel Tips for Uruma
- Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter inside or right outside the main train station in Uruma (or at Naha Airport (OKA), Yui Rail Monorail & Ishigaki / Miyako Airports) for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Uruma accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Uruma (うるま市) located in Japan?
Uruma (うるま市) is a city located in Okinawa Prefecture in the Okinawa region of Japan (coordinates: 26.3792°N, 127.8575°E). It has a population of approximately 114,087 across an area of 86.03 km².
How do I get to Uruma by train?
Most visitors reach Uruma via the main prefectural gateway of Naha Airport (OKA), Yui Rail Monorail & Ishigaki / Miyako Airports. 2h 40m flight from Tokyo (HND/NRT) or 2h 05m from Osaka (KIX/ITM) to Naha (OKA), plus direct flights to Ishigaki (ISG) and Miyako (MMY). From the regional hub, connect by JR local/rapid lines, private commuter railways, or local bus to Uruma. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our Shinkansen Fare Calculator.
What local food is Uruma and Okinawa known for?
In Uruma and across Okinawa Prefecture, top local dishes include Okinawa soba (wheat noodles in pork-kelp broth with tender soki ribs), Goya champuru (bitter melon, tofu, egg & pork stir-fry), Taco rice & Blue Seal ice cream, as well as Umi-budo (popping 'sea grapes') and Ishigaki wagyu & Sata andagi donuts. Look for local ekiben (station bento boxes), morning markets, and family-run shokudo near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Uruma?
March–early May and October–November for warm swimming (24–28°C) with lower humidity; July–September for peak coral snorkeling and diving (watch for brief typhoons). Check our Japan Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: