Is Okinawa worth visiting? Yes, if you’re looking to explore a Japan which is a little different! This guide will help you decide and how to explore the best things to do there.

Yes, Okinawa is worth visiting if you want to experience a very different side of Japan. The islands combine beautiful beaches and coral reefs with Ryukyuan history, fascinating wildlife, distinctive food and some of the most important sites associated with the Battle of Okinawa.

However, Okinawa isn’t right for every Japan itinerary. It takes time to reach, distances between attractions can be considerable and a hire car is useful if you want to explore beyond Naha. If you only have a week in Japan, Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka may make more sense. But if you have two weeks or more, or have already visited mainland Japan, Okinawa can add something completely different.

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Is Okinawa Worth Visiting?

Why Okinawa is worth visiting?

• Tropical beaches and coral reefs
• Ryukyuan history and culture
• The Battle of Okinawa sites
• Exceptional wildlife
• Distinctive Okinawan cuisine
• Diving and snorkelling
• Karate
• Whale watching
• A very different side of Japan.

Why might Okinawa not be for you?

• It takes time to reach from mainland Japan
• Attractions are spread over a large area
• A car is useful outside Naha
• Summer can be hot, humid and affected by typhoons
• Some islands require additional flights or ferries.

Where is Okinawa?

Okinawa Island or the Okinawa Islands?

Okinawa can be confusing because the name refers both to Okinawa Prefecture and Okinawa Island. Okinawa Prefecture contains more than 150 islands, stretching across a large area of the southwest of Japan. Naha and most of the attractions covered in this guide are on Okinawa Island, while places such as Ishigaki, Miyakojima and Iriomote require additional travel.

Where is Okinawa – Japan’s Southern Islands?

Geographically, Japan is a long country! It stretches more than 2,500km from Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south. This huge geographical range, along with Japan’s complex history, has created an extremely diverse country. Okinawa feels particularly different from mainland Japan, with a subtropical climate, distinctive Ryukyuan culture, tropical landscapes and a history of its own.

Okinawa at a Glance

Okinawa is very different from mainland Japan, combining a subtropical climate, beautiful beaches and coral reefs with a distinctive Ryukyuan culture and history. It is particularly good for travellers interested in wildlife, food, history, beaches and outdoor activities.

For a first visit, Okinawa Island is the simplest place to concentrate your time, with Naha providing a useful base. If you have more time, the outlying islands such as Ishigaki, Miyakojima and Iriomote offer additional opportunities for beaches, diving and wildlife.

Here are the main things to know before deciding whether Okinawa is worth visiting and how to plan adding it to your Japan itinerary:

So, who should visit Japan’s most southerly islands? Okinawa boasts a subtropical climate and has stunning beaches with excellent scuba diving and surfing. Its position in the Ryukyuan Empire and tragic World War II experiences make it a must for history buffs. Foodies will find cuisine unlike anywhere else in Japan, and nature lovers will find unique endemic species worth making the trip for.

But all this comes with caveats. Reaching the isolated Okinawan islands requires some effort. You’ll get more bang for your buck by focusing on Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka if you have limited time in Japan.

Getting around Okinawa is more complicated than getting around Japan’s major cities. Naha has the Yui Rail and an extensive bus network, while buses and tourist shuttles connect many attractions on the main island. However, a hire car gives you much more flexibility, particularly if you want to explore northern Okinawa or travel beyond the main tourist areas.

How to get to Okinawa

How to get to Okinawa

For most people, the most sensible option is the plane. Flights to Okinawa island’s largest city, Naha, are regular with three airlines, JAL, ANA, and Jetstar, serving the airport from all over Japan. The flight from Tokyo takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

If this doesn’t appeal to you, a daily ferry runs from Kagoshima (Kyushu Island) which calls at several of the smaller Ryukyu Islands. The price is often similar to the flight, but the ferry takes 25 hours.

Ferries run between many of the Ryukyuan islands, with flights running to airports between some of them.

Getting Around Okinawa

Getting around Okinawa is relatively straightforward, but it is very different from travelling around Japan’s major cities. Naha is easy to explore without a car, while travelling around the rest of Okinawa Island takes more planning.

Public Transport in Okinawa

Naha has the Yui Rail, Okinawa’s monorail, which connects Naha Airport with the city centre and areas including Shuri. Buses also operate throughout the island and are useful for reaching many of the main attractions.

However, journey times can be considerably longer than you might expect because attractions are spread across Okinawa Island. Bus services are also less frequent in some rural areas, so check timetables carefully rather than assuming you can simply turn up and catch the next bus.

Hiring a Car

A hire car is probably the most convenient way to explore Okinawa Island, particularly if you want to visit northern Okinawa, beaches, wildlife sites and attractions away from Naha.

Driving is on the left, as elsewhere in Japan, which makes it relatively straightforward for UK visitors. You’ll need the appropriate driving documents, including an International Driving Permit alongside your UK driving licence.

For senior travellers, a car can also reduce the amount of time spent waiting for buses and make it easier to carry luggage between different bases. On the other hand, you don’t need a car if you are mainly staying in Naha or prefer to use organised excursions.

Taxis and Tours

Taxis are useful for shorter journeys, particularly around Naha and resort areas, but relying on them for long-distance sightseeing can become expensive. Organised day tours are another option if you don’t want to drive. They can be particularly useful for reaching attractions that are awkward to access by public transport.

Travelling Between Okinawa’s Islands

If you want to visit islands such as Ishigaki, Miyakojima or Iriomote, you’ll need to plan additional flights or ferry journeys. The distances involved mean that island-hopping can add considerably to your travel time.

For a first visit, I would concentrate on Okinawa Island unless you have at least a week or more. Naha works well without a car, while hiring a car gives you much greater freedom once you head further north. This combination can work particularly well for senior travellers who want to see a lot without relying entirely on public transport.

Best Things to do in Okinawa

Okinawa offers much more than beautiful beaches. The islands have a distinctive history and culture, unusual wildlife, excellent food and a spectacular marine environment, making them very different from mainland Japan. You can spend your time exploring historic sites and museums, relaxing on tropical beaches or getting out into the water.

For history and culture, explore the legacy of the former Ryukyu Kingdom and visit sites connected with Okinawa’s fascinating past. Okinawa History and Culture also includes the island’s important role during the Second World War.

Nature lovers have plenty to discover, from rare endemic species to coral reefs and marine life. Find out more about Wildlife in Okinawa, including some of the unusual animals found nowhere else in Japan.

Of course, Okinawa Beaches and Islands are a major attraction, with white sand, clear water and opportunities to explore smaller islands.

Don’t overlook the food. Food in Okinawa is distinctive, with strong influences from the islands’ Ryukyuan history.

Finally, Outdoor Activities in Okinawa range from snorkelling and diving to whale watching, kayaking,

Okinawa – History and Culture

Navy Underground Headquarters

The Battle of Okinawa was brutal with mass casualties, (some estimates put the number of deaths at a quarter of a million). This includes a huge civilian death toll (between 40 and 150,000).

There are several must-visit sites which deal with the battle. The first of which is the Navy Underground Headquarters. Carved from the rock by hand, this was the site of the last stand of the Japanese military on the islands.

The headquarters are now a museum which leads you through the events of the Battle of Okinawa and what it meant to the Japanese military, but more importantly, to the civilians who suffered so badly.

Okinawa Peace Memorial Park

Located in the south of Okinawa Island, the Peace Memorial Park commemorates those who died during the battle.

The park includes the Cornerstone of Peace, where the names of victims of all nationalities are engraved. Walking through the memorial creates a sobering reminder of the scale of loss experienced during the war.

The surrounding cliffs and coastline also played a major role during the final stages of the battle.

Shuri Castle

Shuri Castle dates from the 15th century but was obliterated during World War II. The Japanese government assigned it the status of National Historic Monument in 1972, and UNESCO made it a World Heritage site in 2000. Disaster struck again in 2019, when the fire gutted the castle, but the refurbishment is almost complete, scheduled to finish in autumn 2026.

The castle is worth visiting for the insights it gives into the refurbishment techniques, and the virtually complete Main Hall (Seiden) and the gates leading to the castle are spectacular.

The other reason for making the effort to climb the castle’s hill is the view over the city of Naha.

Other Okinawan Historical Sites

Gusuku and Youdore Museum and Urasoe Castle ruins – a small museum which focuses on the Ryukyuan culture and showcases artifacts from the royal tombs. The Maeda escarpment (Hacksaw Ridge) is also here.

Nakijin Castle – The ruins of Nakijin Castle are one of the UNESCO grouping of Ryukyu Kingdom castles. The castle dates from the 12th century and is about 90km from Naha.

Karate

Anyone familiar with the Karate Kid film franchise will know Okinawa as the home of Mister Miyagi. Okinawa has a deep history with the martial art, and many consider it the home of the Japanese style of karate. Okinawa even has a Karate Day (October 25th) with massive street demonstrations of the sport.

Food in Okinawa

One of the best things to see (and taste) that make Okinawa worth visiting is its distinctive cuisine.

Okinawan food differs significantly from mainland Japanese cuisine. Influences from China, Southeast Asia, and the United States combine with local island ingredients to create something entirely unique.

Okinawa Soba

Despite the name, Okinawa soba is very different from traditional Japanese soba noodles. The noodles are thick and chewy, usually served in a rich pork-based broth topped with braised pork belly or spare ribs. Comfort food doesn’t come much better than this!

Goya Champuru

This famous stir-fry combines bitter melon, tofu, egg, and pork.

The bitterness of goya can surprise first-time visitors. It’s an acquired taste, but worth the effort.

Taco Rice

A perfect example of Okinawa’s American influence, taco rice combines seasoned minced meat, lettuce, cheese, and salsa over rice. A friend of mine, stationed here with the US Marine Corps, waxed lyrical about this dish before I visited. He wasn’t wrong.

Umi Budo

Known as “sea grapes”, these tiny bubbles of seaweed burst with salty ocean flavour when eaten.

Blue Seal Ice Cream

Although originally a US offering, it’s now an Okinawan institution, Blue Seal offers tropical flavours such as purple sweet potato, mango and shikuwasa citrus.

Awamori

Okinawa’s traditional distilled spirit is stronger than sake and often enjoyed with water or ice.

Walk Through Naha’s Kokusai Street

Kokusai Street is Naha’s main entertainment district, filled with restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and local markets.

It is one of the best places to sample Okinawan cuisine, buy local crafts, and experience modern island culture. Nearby Makishi Public Market is especially popular for fresh seafood and local snacks.

Outdoor Activities in Okinawa

Outdoor and water-based activities play an important part in Okinawan life. The variety and quality of the activities on offer makes Okinawa worth visiting

Diving and Snorkelling

Okinawa is widely considered Japan’s best diving destination.

The coral reefs surrounding the islands support incredible marine biodiversity, including tropical fish, manta rays, and sea turtles.

The Kerama Islands and Ishigaki are especially famous among divers.

Surfing

Several Okinawan beaches offer excellent surfing conditions, particularly during typhoon season when larger swells arrive.

Wildlife in Okinawa

Okinawa is one of the most interesting parts of Japan for wildlife enthusiasts because its isolated islands have allowed many species to evolve independently. Several of its most distinctive animals are endemic to the Ryukyu Islands. As with many of the world’s more isolated island chains, Okinawan wildlife has evolved to a high level of endemism. A very high percentage of certain flora and fauna types exists only on these islands, for example. 64% of terrestrial reptiles and 86% of amphibians.

Birdwatching in the Ryukyu Islands

Three of Japan’s rarest endemics can only be found here, , Okinawa Rail, Okinawa Woodpecker and Okinawa Robin. These species, and the island’s location, draw birdwatchers from all over Japan. Some endemic mammals can also be seen on the islands, including the Amami black rabbit, the Ryukyu long-tailed giant rat, and the endangered Iriomote cat. They are also home to the Ryukyu Scops-Owl (Otus elegans) a rare bird much sought after by birdwatchers and not easily seen.

Whale Watching in Okinawa

The official Okinawa tourism site confirms that humpback whales are seen around Okinawa from roughly January–March and identifies the Kerama Islands as a major whale-watching area.

Watch Turtles lay eggs on Okinawan Beaches

The Okinawan islands are an important turtle nesting location, with green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles returning here to lay eggs during May to August.

There are a number of beaches where turtles can be seen, but given their sensitivity to disturbance, it’s best to book onto an organised trip with experts. Alternatively, try the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium which has an outdoor sea turtle pool specifically set up for turtles to lay their eggs.

Okinawa Beaches and Islands

For many visitors, the beaches are the main reason to visit Okinawa.

The islands are home to some of the clearest water and whitest sand in Japan. This tropical paradise is the exact opposite of most tourists’ idea of Japan. The sea colour is extraordinary, while coral reefs create ideal conditions for snorkelling and diving.

Okinawa’s beaches range from easily accessible resort beaches on the main island to spectacular stretches of sand on smaller islands such as Miyakojima and the Keramas. Here are some of the best.

Emerald Beach

Located within Ocean Expo Park in northern Okinawa Island, Emerald Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the prefecture. Divided into separate swimming and relaxation zones, it is an excellent introduction to Okinawa’s coastline.

Manza Beach

One of Okinawa’s best-known resort beaches, Manza Beach offers stunning views over crystal-clear water and dramatic coastal scenery. The nearby Cape Manzamo cliffs are also worth visiting for panoramic ocean views.

Nirai Beach

Less crowded than some of Okinawa’s resort beaches, Nirai Beach is known for gentle waves and excellent sunset views. It is popular with snorkellers because of its clear water and nearby coral formations.

Yonaha Maehama Beach

Often described as one of Japan’s most beautiful beaches, Yonaha Maehama on Miyakojima Island stretches for several kilometres with powder-soft white sand and vivid blue water.

Aharen Beach

Located in the Kerama Islands, Aharen Beach is famous for its snorkelling opportunities. Sea turtles are frequently spotted nearby, and its coral reefs are stunning.

Is Okinawa Suitable for Senior Travellers?

Okinawa can be an excellent destination for senior travellers, particularly if you enjoy a combination of history, culture, wildlife, food and beautiful scenery. However, it does require a little more planning than a city break in Tokyo or Kyoto.

Naha is the easiest place to base yourself without a car. The city has the Yui Rail, buses, taxis, restaurants and plenty of accommodation, making it relatively straightforward to get around. Outside Naha, distances are greater and public transport is less convenient, so hiring a car or joining organised excursions can make exploring the island much easier.

The heat and humidity are worth considering too. Summer can be particularly hot, while the possibility of typhoons can disrupt flights, ferries and other transport. For older travellers who don’t enjoy extreme heat, spring, autumn and winter can be more comfortable times to visit.

Some attractions also require more walking than you might expect. Beaches, nature trails and historic sites can involve uneven surfaces, steps or long distances, so check accessibility before visiting if mobility is an issue. On the other hand, many of Okinawa’s major attractions are easily accessible and you don’t need to be particularly active to enjoy the destination.

I’d recommend allowing at least four or five days for a first visit to Okinawa Island. This gives you enough time to explore without spending your entire trip travelling between attractions.

For senior travellers, Okinawa’s biggest attraction may be its variety. You can combine cultural sightseeing with relaxed beach days, wildlife experiences and excellent food, rather than following a hectic sightseeing schedule.

How Long do you Need on Okinawa?

When is the Best Time to Visit Okinawa?

The best time to visit depends on your priorities.

Spring

Warm temperatures and relatively low humidity make spring one of the best seasons for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Summer

Perfect for beaches and diving, although humidity and typhoon risk increase significantly.

Autumn

Still warm enough for swimming, but often less crowded than in summer.

Winter

Mild temperatures make winter ideal for sightseeing and whale watching, although the sea may feel too cool for extended swimming.

For older travellers who don’t enjoy extreme heat and humidity, spring, autumn and winter can be considerably more comfortable than the height of summer.

The rainy season runs from around early May to late June, with June generally the wettest month. However, this doesn’t mean it will rain continuously, and there can still be plenty of sunshine between showers. If you want to minimise the risk of prolonged rain, July can be a good option, although it is hot and humid. August and September bring a greater risk of typhoons.

Where to Stay in Okinawa

When you’ve decided if Okinawa is worth visiting, the next step may be to find out the best places to stay. With such a diverse set of attractions, this depends on the interests of the visitor.

Places to stay in Naha

A selection of accommodation options for Naha can be found here.

Places to stay in Onna

A selection of accommodation options for Onna can be found here.

Places to stay in northern Okinawa

A selection of accommodation options for northern Okinawa can be found here.

Places to stay in Ishigaki

A selection of accommodation options for Ishigaki can be found here.

Places to stay in Miyakojima

A selection of accommodation options for Miyakojima can be found here.

One specific suggestion I would make is for birdwatchers. Despite the marketing (Okinawa Rail memorabilia and advertising is everywhere on the island), the Okinawa Rail (Gallirallus okinawae) is an incredibly shy bird and very difficult to see. There is one reliable place. The Ada Garden Hotel in Kunigami has a pond and clearing sitting below the car park. When I stayed here, we saw 2 Okinawa rails crossing the path from cover to cover in the gathering gloom.

Is Okinawa worth Visiting – Final Thoughts

So, is Okinawa worth visiting? Well, it offers a side of Japan that many travellers never expect to find.

The islands combine tropical beaches, fascinating history, and exceptional food into a destination that feels completely distinct from mainland Japan.

Whether you want to snorkel above coral reefs, learn about the Battle of Okinawa, discover the birthplace of karate, or simply relax beside impossibly blue water, Okinawa delivers experiences unlike anywhere else in the country.

Is Okinawa worth visiting? I loved it when I visited, but whether you’ll think it’s worth the effort of travelling to the south of Japan will depend on your interests, your budget and the amount of time you have in the country.

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