The island of Okinawa is the main one in an archipelago of 150 islands in the East China Sea that makes up Okinawa Prefecture. Its tropical climate and gorgeous beaches have long made it a favourite holiday spot, with plenty of shopping, beautiful accommodation, snorkelling, scuba diving, bike riding, nature walks, fishing and even cultural towns to explore.
Things to see in Okinawa
The Churaumi Aquarium, home to whale sharks and manta rays, is one of Okinawa’s biggest drawcards – its Coral Sea tank lets visitors see coral growing in its natural habitat without getting wet, and the aquarium runs the world’s first breeding program for whale sharks.
Shuri Castle is an important historic site, though it’s worth knowing before you visit: the main hall was destroyed in a fire in October 2019 and has been under reconstruction since, with full completion expected in autumn 2026. The castle park remains open in the meantime, and visitors can view the restoration work in progress, along with the striking Shureimon Gate at the park entrance – the structure printed on the 2000 yen note and one of Okinawa’s most photographed spots.
The Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum, commemorating the 1945 Allied invasion, is also on the island and worth visiting for a deeper understanding of Okinawa’s wartime history.
Best places to visit in Okinawa
Okinawa’s main island is surrounded by stunning beaches and coral reefs where snorkellers and divers can spot hundreds of species of fish and marine life. Bring your own gear if you have a preference, though surf shops in the main diving areas rent equipment too. Rare blue coral grows on the reefs around some of the outer islands – to reach them, boats depart from Ishigakijima Port in the south of Okinawa, though only twice a week, so plan ahead. The unspoilt beaches and marine life here are well worth the effort.
Free-to-enter beaches include Manza, Mibaru, Zampa, Sunset and Emerald Beach, all great for swimming and family fun. More exclusive beaches, like Moon Beach and Okuma Beach, are attached to hotels that charge entry fees, but give access to resort facilities and water sports equipment.
Best time to visit
Okinawa’s weather is temperate year-round, but the best time for swimming is between May and October. Temperatures can drop below 20°C during the cooler months.
Where to stay in Okinawa
Okinawa’s main island is only around 112 kilometres long and 11 kilometres wide, so it doesn’t take long to get around – beautiful beaches line the edges, drawing travellers to hotels, hostels and camping sites alike. The main island isn’t heavily populated by ryokans, so if you want to experience this traditional style of accommodation, head to Ishigaki Island instead.
Best places to eat in Okinawa
If you’re cooking at your accommodation or planning a beachside picnic, the Makishi Public Market in central Naha is the best place for fresh fruit, vegetables and meat. Soba noodles are an Okinawan specialty.
Getting to Okinawa
To reach Okinawa, you’ll need to travel by plane or boat, and moving between islands within the archipelago can be time-consuming, so plan ahead. Flights operate daily into Naha Airport and also connect mainland Japan with Ishigaki, Okinawa’s other main tourist island – the flight from Tokyo takes around two and a half hours. There are also direct international flights to and from Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea and mainland China.
There’s no direct ferry between Ishigaki and Okinawa’s main island, so check timetables well in advance if travelling by boat. Cruise ships do call into Ishigaki port, but with only a couple of hours ashore, it’s not the ideal way to properly explore the island.
