OKINAWA

Last updated, [March 2026]

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The lush Okinawan Islands make up the southernmost part of the archipelago, or group of islands, that is Japan.

Known for its unique and rich history, natural beauty, as a diver’s paradise, and to some Americans, as a US Base.

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THINGS TO KNOW

BEFORE YOU GO

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DID YOU KNOW?

• Okinawa is an island chain. The main/largest island in Okinawa is called Okinawa Hōnto
• Similarly to Hawaii, in relation to the USA. Okinawa did not become a part of Japan until the late 1800s. And is still known for its previous, Ryukyu, people and culture.
• Okinawans have their own culture and dialects

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THE

RYUKYU KINGDOM

Before it’s takeover, the Okinawa region was The Ryukyu Kingdom.

Interested in learning more about the Ryukyu people of today? Check out this page.

It was a wealth of knowledge.

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BEST TIME TO VISIT

APRIL and MAY

For the best things to do. any time of year. We recommend checking out this extremely helpful page.

WHY?

Heavy rains, typhoons, and extreme heat can reign during the other months.

It is worth noting that, even at its coldest, the water around the southernmost islands of Okinawa remains warm.

Near the Northern, Okinawa Honto, the water is cold in the winter. Though, wetsuits are readily available to rent.

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WHERE TO STAY

IN OKINAWA

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CITIES

OKINAWA

Classic, central location.

ONNA

Centrally located on the island. Where hotels and coral beaches line the west area of the island.

MOTOBU

Looks like a great place for country clubs and kids.

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ACCOMMODATIONS

BOUGIE

HOTEL ON THE BEACH

MID

HOTELS AND RENTALS

BUDGET

HOSTELS

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GETTING THERE

FOR OKINAWA HONTO, FLY INTO

OKINAWA NAHA AIRPORT

OKA

FOR SOUTHERNMOST OKINAWA, FLY INTO

ISHIGAKI AIRPORT

ISG

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GETTING AROUND

OKINAWA

WALK LOCAL

BUSSES AVAILABLE

FERRY

GET A LOCAL GUIDE

RENT A CAR

To rent a car in Okinawa, you will need to plan ahead, and get an international drivers license.

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Without further ado…

THE

CAN’T

MISS LIST

for

OKINAWA

JAPAN

CAVES

Take a seat inside the entrance of a stalactite covered cave for lunch at The Valley of Gangala.

Blue water sea caves, underwater scuba caves, stalagtite tour caves, take your pick! Okinawa has many caverns to explore!

CHERRY BLOSSOMS

January – February

Kick off the season down south with multiple blossom festivals to choose from, if you’re there at the right time!

CHURAUMI AQUARIUM

If you’re looking for an aquarium to visit in Japan, this is the one. One of the largest aquariums in the world and considered by some, to be Japan’s best.

It also has food trucks just outside the exit and you can walk down to the beautiful Emerald beach, as well!

(If you don’t have time and need to choose between this, and its next-door Tropical Dream Center, we recommend the Tropical Dream Center, below)

OKINAWA

TROPICAL DREAM CENTER

A HIDDEN GEM!

Swoon your way through picturesque winding paths of lush, tropical plants, flowers, palm trees, and lotus pools.

Also, great for children and kids at heart as they have a scavenger hunt, small sections of fish and insects, koi ponds, a butterfly room, restaurants, and more!

OKINAWA

PEACE MEMORIAL PARK

An incredibly moving Memorial Park containing a museum, peace hall, art, The Cornerstone of Peace, The Flame of Peace, and more.

It is expected that you compose yourself quietly and respectfully at all times within the Memorial Park and do not disturb others.

This is to honor the approximate 250,000 souls memorialized here.

ROAD TRIPS

Rent a car and make your own way around the island!

While, you do need an international driver’s license to drive in Japan, Okinawa is surely one of the easiest places to do so.

roads are relatively wide and the tolls are easy enough to understand.

SCUBA/SNORKEL

World-renowned snorkeling off the beach, by excursion, and by island-hopping.

Take a ferry to one of the nearby islands, like the easily accessible Zamami, Aka, or Tokashiki Islands from Naha Port.

Or travel further south by plane to the stunning Island of Ishigaki.

SEFA UTAKI

Connect with the culture and feel the power of this ancient, sacred outdoor shrine.

Once a sacred place allowing only women and those very few selected and welcomed by them.

Sefa Utaki is now welcome to tourists who wish to get a further peek into the ancient culture of these women throughout time.

WHALE WATCHING

If you’re staying near Okinawa Hōnto, whale watching season is from

January-March

THE EX

WORLD EXPO

SITE

If you’re walking from Churaumi Aquarium to The Tropical Dream Center, you’ll be walking through the flower beds, sculptures, and remade villages now within one of the old host sites of The World Expo.

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OKINAWA DAY TRIPS

KERAMA ISLANDS

ROAD TRIP THE ISLAND

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FOOD

Foods popular or native to Okinawa.

CATCH OF THE DAY

COFFEE

TROPICAL FRUITS

OKINAWA CURRY

OKINAWA SEA GRAPES

PINEAPPLE

SALT (Masu)

SEAFOOD

SHAVE ICE

SHELLFISH

SPAM

TACO/TACO RICE

OKINAWAN COURSED MEAL

TROPICAL FRUITS

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Don’t forget

to stay hydrated and

drink plenty of

WATER

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TRAVEL TIPS

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Rent a car to pick up and drop off at the airport, and drive up the coast.

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Instead of Pineapple Land. Try Fruits Land with butterflies, birds, and animals!

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We currently do not advise buying any Passes for attractions. They usually do not pay off.

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TRAVEL TREATS

RENT JETSKIS

SCUBA DIVE

SNORKEL EXCURSION

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SOUVENIRS

Local, Okinawa treasures to send home.

BROWN SUGAR

BLOWN GLASS

CERAMICS

POSTCARDS

RYUKYU ARTS

SEASHELLS

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