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Okinawa

Japan's tropical islands — Naha + Ishigaki + Miyako-jima + world-class diving

Okinawa is Japan's tropical prefecture — 160+ islands, Ryukyu Kingdom culture, subtropical beaches, longest-lived people in the world. Naha is the main hub. Beyond it: Ishigaki + Miyako-jima islands for reef diving + Yaeyama archipelago for adventure.

Airport
Naha (OKA) — direct from Tokyo 2h 30m
Islands
160+ in Ryukyu archipelago
Best season
April-June + October-November
Famous for
Ryukyu Kingdom culture, world diving, longest-lived people

Okinawa highlights

Shuri Castle

Reconstruction of the Ryukyu Kingdom palace — burned 2019, main hall reopening 2026.

Ishigaki + Iriomote islands

Yaeyama archipelago — best diving in Japan. Kabira Bay + Manta Point.

Churaumi Aquarium

One of the world's largest aquariums — 3 whale sharks + 2 manta rays.

Miyako-jima

Powder-white beaches + turquoise water. 45-min flight from Naha.

Kokusai-dori

Naha's main shopping street — Okinawan food, awamori tastings, souvenirs.

Diving with hammerhead sharks (Yonaguni)

Winter (Jan-Mar) — Yonaguni Monument site + hammerhead schools.

Getting there

Naha Airport (OKA) has direct flights from Tokyo (2h 30m), Osaka (2h), Seoul, Taipei + Hong Kong. Onward flights + ferries to outer islands.

Getting around

Yui Rail monorail in Naha. Ferries between islands (some closed in bad weather). Domestic flights to outer islands.

Best time to visit

April-June + October-November. July-September is typhoon + humid. Winter mild but sea cool.

Budget per day

$70-110 backpacker · $150-250 mid-range · $400+ luxury (Halekulani Okinawa)

Airport transfer from Naha Airport (OKA)

Getting out of Okinawa (OKA)

Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.

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Our pick

Driver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.

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Where to stay in Okinawa

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Fly to Naha Airport (OKA)

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Where to stay in Okinawa

Okinawa hotels on Expedia

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Frequently asked about Okinawa

Is Okinawa worth visiting?
Yes for tropical beach + diving + Ryukyu culture (not mainland Japanese). Very different feel from Tokyo/Kyoto.
How many days do I need in Okinawa?
5-7 days — 2 days Naha, 2 days Ishigaki or Miyako-jima, plus travel time between islands.
When is the best time to visit Okinawa?
April-June (spring, dry) + October-November (autumn, calm sea). Avoid July-September (typhoon risk).
Best Okinawa island for beaches?
Miyako-jima for the whitest beaches + easiest access (45 min from Naha). Ishigaki for best diving.