Okinawa Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, See & Eat in Japan’s Tropical Paradise

Welcome, fellow explorers! I’m your local guide to Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost prefecture and a dazzling mix of tropical beauty, vibrant culture, deep history, and outdoor adventure.

If you're looking for a different side of Japan—sun-soaked beaches, coral reefs, ancient traditions, and a slower pace of life—Okinawa is where you’ll find it. Located over 1,500 km from Tokyo, this island chain feels more like Hawaii or Southeast Asia than the Japan you may expect. And that’s exactly why it’s so special.
 

🌍 What Is Okinawa?

Okinawa Prefecture is a group of over 150 islands, part of the Ryukyu Islands, stretching between Kyushu and Taiwan. The main island, Okinawa Hontō, is home to the capital city Naha, while smaller islands like Ishigaki, Miyako, and Taketomi offer more remote experiences.

Historically, Okinawa was part of the independent Ryukyu Kingdom until it was annexed by Japan in 1879. The region retains its distinct culture, language, cuisine, and spiritual beliefs, making it one of the most unique places to visit in Japan.

📍 Where Is Okinawa?

📌 Region: Southern Japan
📌 Main Island: Okinawa Hontō
📌 Other Islands: Ishigaki, Miyako, Kerama, Iriomote, Taketomi, Zamami

Flight from Tokyo: Approx. 2.5 hours
Flight from Osaka: Approx. 2 hours

✈️ How to Get There

🛫 From Tokyo (Haneda or Narita): Frequent direct flights to Naha (OKA)

🛫 From Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya: Domestic airlines operate regularly

🚢 Ferries are available to some islands but are time-consuming

🛥️ Inter-island travel is mostly by high-speed boat or short flights

🌟 Top Attractions in Okinawa

1. 🏯 Shurijo Castle (Shuri Castle) – Naha

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this was the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom

Rebuilt multiple times (most recently after a fire in 2019)

The bright vermillion buildings and dragon motifs offer a glimpse into Okinawan royal history

2. 🐠 Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

One of the world’s largest aquariums

Home to whale sharks, manta rays, and native marine life of the Kuroshio Sea

Located in the Ocean Expo Park, which also has a tropical garden and dolphin show

3. 🏖️ Emerald Beach & Cape Manzamo

Emerald Beach: Ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on soft white sand

Cape Manzamo: Iconic cliffside view over turquoise seas—a photographer’s dream

4. ⛩️ Okinawa World & Gyokusendo Cave

Cultural theme park showcasing Okinawan crafts, dance, and traditions

Explore Gyokusendo Cave, a massive underground limestone cave with crystal formations

Try local glassblowing or traditional Eisa dancing

5. 🕊️ Peace Memorial Park

A sobering site commemorating the Battle of Okinawa (1945)

Includes the Cornerstone of Peace and Okinawa Prefectural Peace Museum

A place of remembrance and reflection

6. 🏝️ Kerama Islands – Zamami, Tokashiki

Quick ferry ride from Naha

Clear waters, coral reefs, and perfect snorkeling/diving conditions

Ideal for day trips or overnight island hopping

🍜 Okinawan Food: A Taste of the Islands

Okinawan cuisine is unique and healthier than mainland Japanese food. Influenced by Chinese, Southeast Asian, and American tastes, it’s deliciously different.

Must-Try Dishes:

Goya Champuru: Stir-fry with bitter melon, tofu, and pork

Okinawa Soba: Thick wheat noodles in pork broth, topped with stewed pork belly

Rafute: Braised pork belly in soy and awamori (Okinawan liquor)

Taco Rice: Tex-Mex fusion with ground beef, cheese, and salsa over rice

Sata Andagi: Okinawan deep-fried doughnuts

Purple Sweet Potato (Beni-imo): Found in ice cream, tarts, and chips

🍹 What to Drink

Awamori: Okinawa’s signature distilled liquor, stronger than sake

Orion Beer: Locally brewed and crisp—great with soba

Sanpincha: Jasmine tea, served chilled in most restaurants

🧜 Best Activities in Okinawa

🤿 Snorkeling & Diving

Explore coral reefs teeming with tropical fish

Blue Cave (Cape Maeda) is a favorite spot for beginners

Zamami & Ishigaki offer world-class diving, including manta ray encounters

🛶 Kayaking & SUP

Paddle through mangroves in Iriomote Island

Enjoy the calm waters around Miyako or Hamahiga

🥾 Hiking & Nature Trails

Yanbaru Forest: Home to rare birds, waterfalls, and jungle landscapes

Hike Mount Omoto in Ishigaki—the highest peak in Okinawa

🏄 Beaches to Explore

Kondoi Beach (Taketomi Island) – Wide white-sand beach with shallow waters

Yonaha Maehama Beach (Miyako Island) – Often ranked Japan’s best beach

Furuzamami Beach (Zamami Island) – Vibrant coral reef just offshore

🏨 Where to Stay in Okinawa

🏙️ Main Island (Okinawa Hontō)

Naha: City base, convenient for shops, culture, nightlife

Onna-son: Beach resorts and family-friendly hotels

Chatan (American Village): Youthful, fun area with nightlife and seaside attractions

🏝️ Island Options

Ishigaki: Ideal for nature, diving, and local culture

Miyako: Luxurious beach resorts, stunning sunsets

Zamami & Tokashiki: Quiet island stays with guesthouses and beach access

📅 Best Time to Visit Okinawa

🌞 Peak Season: May to October

Hot, sunny, beach-perfect weather

June–July has occasional typhoons but fewer crowds

🌤️ Off-Peak: November to March

Cooler but mild, especially for exploring and cultural sites

Fewer tourists, cheaper accommodation

Cherry blossom season starts early in Okinawa—January to February

🎎 Local Culture & Traditions

Ryukyu Dance and Music: Performed with traditional sanshin (three-stringed instrument)

Shisa Statues: Guardian lion-dogs seen on rooftops and entrances

Okinawan Festivals:

Eisa Festival (August): Drumming, dancing, and fireworks

Hari Dragon Boat Races (May–June): Traditional races to pray for a good harvest

🛍️ What to Buy in Okinawa

Bingata Textiles: Brightly dyed fabrics with traditional patterns

Ryukyu Glassware: Handblown, colorful glass unique to Okinawa

Awamori: Aged in ceramic jars, makes a great gift

Chinsuko Cookies: Okinawan shortbread, often flavored with salt or sweet potato

🧳 Tips for Visiting Okinawa

☀️ Wear sunscreen—the sun is strong year-round

🏖️ Respect the coral reefs—do not step on or take pieces home

🛵 Rent a car on Okinawa Hontō or Ishigaki for flexibility

💬 Some locals speak Okinawan dialects, but Japanese and English are understood in tourist areas

💡 Be prepared for island time—things move slower than Tokyo

🧘 Final Thoughts

Okinawa is where you can slow down, disconnect, and discover a unique cultural treasure within Japan. Whether you're snorkeling over coral reefs, walking through the ruins of the Ryukyu Kingdom, or enjoying a sunset with Orion Beer in hand, the spirit of Okinawa—"uchinaanchu" (Okinawan people)—welcomes you with open arms.

This is Japan’s tropical soul—laid-back, colorful, deeply historical, and incredibly beautiful. Make Okinawa part of your journey, and you might just discover your favorite corner of the country.