Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview
Okinawa was the independent Ryukyu Kingdom until it was annexed by Japan in 1879, and its music, food, architecture and language differ noticeably from mainland Japan. The main island has the capital Naha, resorts along the west coast and the Motobu Peninsula in the north. Further-flung island groups — the Kerama, Miyako and Yaeyama (Ishigaki, Iriomote, Taketomi) islands — offer some of Japan's clearest water.
The Battle of Okinawa in 1945 was one of the bloodiest of the Pacific War; the Peace Memorial Park in Itoman is a moving place to learn about it.
Neighbourhoods & areas
Naha & Kokusai-dori
The capital's main street of souvenir shops and restaurants, plus Makishi Public Market and the Tsuboya pottery district.
Chatan & American Village
Seaside shopping and dining area with sunset views, near US military bases.
Onna & west coast
Resort hotels, Cape Manzamo and calm beaches.
Motobu Peninsula
Churaumi Aquarium, Kouri Island's bridge and Nakijin Castle ruins.
Ishigaki & Yaeyama
Hub island for ferries to Taketomi's traditional village and the jungles of Iriomote.
Miyako Islands
Known for exceptionally clear water and long bridges between islands.
Top sights & experiences
Shuri Castle
Former royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The main hall burned in 2019 and is being rebuilt; the grounds and some buildings are open and you can see reconstruction in progress.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Huge Kuroshio Sea tank with whale sharks and manta rays.
Kerama Islands
National park islands about 35–50 minutes from Naha by high-speed ferry — great for snorkelling and, in winter, whale watching.
Okinawa Peace Memorial Park
Memorials and museum on the site of the battle's final days in southern Okinawa.
Gusuku sites
Castle ruins such as Nakijin, Katsuren and Zakimi, part of a UNESCO listing with Shuri.
Sefa-utaki
Sacred Ryukyu worship site in the south.
What to eat
Okinawa soba
Thick wheat noodles in a pork-and-bonito broth, topped with pork belly or spare ribs.
Goya champuru
Stir-fry of bitter melon, tofu, egg and pork.
Rafute
Pork belly simmered in awamori, soy and brown sugar.
Taco rice
Taco fillings over rice — a post-war fusion dish.
Awamori & Orion beer
The local distilled spirit and the island's own beer brand.
Where to stay by budget
Budget
Guesthouses and hostels around Naha and on the outer islands.
Mid-range
Business hotels in Naha; mid-range beach hotels along the west coast.
Luxury
Beach resorts in Onna, Nago and on Ishigaki and Miyako.
Rough nightly ranges: hostels and capsule hotels often run a few thousand yen per person; business hotels commonly ¥8,000–¥20,000 per room; upscale hotels and ryokan can be far higher, especially in peak seasons. See our accommodation guide.
Getting there
Naha Airport (OKA) has frequent flights from Tokyo (around 2.5–3 hours), Osaka, Fukuoka and other cities, plus some international routes. Low-cost carriers often run sales. Outer islands like Ishigaki and Miyako have their own airports with direct flights from the mainland and Naha.
Getting around
Naha has the Yui Rail monorail from the airport to Shuri. Beyond Naha, public buses exist but are slow; most visitors rent a car to explore. Traffic in and around Naha can be heavy at rush hour. On outer islands, rental cars, scooters, bicycles and tour buses are common.
Day trips & side trips
Tokashiki & Zamami (Kerama Islands)
Day trips or overnight stays by ferry from Tomari Port.
Kouri Island
Drive across the long bridge for turquoise views.
Taketomi Island
Short ferry from Ishigaki; red-tiled houses and sand streets.
Best time to visit
Okinawa is warm year-round. The rainy season usually comes earlier than on the mainland (around May to June), and typhoon season runs roughly from summer into autumn, peaking around August–September — buy travel insurance and keep plans flexible. Swimming season is typically from around April to October. Winter is mild but can be windy; whale watching runs roughly January to March. Cherry blossoms (deep pink kanhizakura) bloom as early as late January.
Local tips
- Sun protection is essential, and use reef-safe practices: don't touch or stand on coral.
- Follow beach safety flags; some beaches have netted swimming areas during jellyfish season.
- Book rental cars early for summer and holidays.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: