Okinawa Travel Tips

Japan's southernmost prefecture, Okinawa is a chain of islands with its own history as an independent kingdom and a distinctly subtropical climate, as well as the birthplace of karate. Explore the ruins and restored castles of the Ryukyu kings, and visit magnificent beaches and coastlines with an amazing array of coral and undersea life. Come for whale watching and dragon boat races, rare flora and fauna, and an island mindset that makes you forget the clock and follow the sun.


How to Get There
From mainland Japan, most flights to Okinawa's Naha Airport depart from Tokyo or Osaka. If you're coming from China, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan or Hong Kong, there are direct international flights to Okinawa.

There are frequent flights from Tokyo to Naha on Okinawa's main island every day as well as direct flights to the outlying island of Ishigaki. There are also seasonal direct flights to Miyako Island. You can also catch connecting flights to the outlying islands of Miyako, Ishigaki, Yonaguni and Kume from Naha Airport. The best way to get around Okinawa is by rental car, or by bicycle or scooter in some areas. If you prefer public transportation, there is a monorail running from Naha Airport through Naha to the old capital of Shuri. There is also a comprehensive bus service on the main island, and ferry services run between nearby islands.


Trending Attractions in Okinawa

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is part of Ocean Expo Park and is considered one of the biggest and best aquariums in the world. Its tanks are massive enough to hold whale sharks. Located on the coast of Motobu Peninsula, the aquarium was rebuilt in 2002 and is now home to 710 species of marine life.

 

Shuri Castle

When you wander among the majestic buildings that make up Shuri Castle in Okinawa , you might feel as if you have stepped back in time. However, these lovingly restored buildings are only decades old. Nonetheless, they are steeped in history, and many of the castle remains are older than the recent renovations.

 

Kokusai-dori Street

Take a stroll through the heart of Naha and discover Kokusai-dori, a street that stretches 1.6 kilometers through the city center. This bustling street has it all. Whether you're set on sightseeing, shopping, dining, browsing Okinawan crafts, or experiencing island folk music, you'll find it here on Kokusai-dori.

 

Blue Cave & Around

You're never far from the sea in Okinawa , and you won't find a better spot for diving on the islands than the famous Blue Cave. Just an hour drive north of Naha, near the village of Onna, Blue Cave provides the perfect opportunity for a novice diver to experience the magic of marine life.

 

Himeyuri Memorial Tower

One of the tragic tales of WWII took place in Himeyuri, and the Himeyuri Peace Museum and Himeyuri Cenotaph are fitting tributes. An ancient cave twisting miles into the earth which also serves as a sobering reminder of Japan's recent past. There is much to see and think about here.