Okinawa Travel Guide

Quick Facts: Okinawa, Japan

Destination Overview

Why Visit Okinawa?

Okinawa delivers reef-bright waters, sugar-white beaches, and a living Ryukyuan culture that sets it apart from mainland Japan. Spend mornings with sea turtles off the Kerama Islands, then wander castle ruins with ocean panoramas by afternoon. Food is bold and comforting, from pork belly simmered in soy to purple sweet potato pastries. Whether you base in Naha for city buzz or escape to Onna, Motobu, or Ishigaki, the rhythm slows and the air tastes of salt and jasmine.

Best Time to Visit Okinawa

• Spring – Late March to May brings warm water for snorkeling, hibiscus in bloom, and comfortable 22-26°C days. Expect Golden Week crowds around late April to early May.
• Summer – June to September is hot and humid with 28-32°C days. Rainy season peaks in June, typhoons possible July to September. Beaches buzz with festivals and long daylight.
• Autumn – October to November is prime. Clear skies, warm seas near 25-27°C, fewer crowds. Great for dives, road trips, and castle walks.
• Winter – December to February is mild, 17-20°C, with some wind. Good for cultural sites, whale watching off Zamami, and value hotel rates. Swimming requires a wetsuit for comfort.

Travel Difficulty & Ideal Duration

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate, easier with a rental car outside Naha.

Recommended: 4 to 6 days on the main island, or 7 to 10 days if including Miyako or Yaeyama islands.

Essential Travel Information

Visa & Entry

Many nationalities receive 90 days visa-free entry to Japan for tourism. Always verify current rules before travel with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: MOFA Visa Exemption List and the general Japan Visa Page. Your passport must be valid for the duration of stay. Fingerprints and a photo are taken on arrival.

Money & Realistic Daily Costs

• Budget: ¥8,000 – ¥12,000 per day, hostel or basic hotel, buses, casual eats, free beaches.
• Mid-range: ¥18,000 – ¥30,000 per day, comfortable hotels, occasional taxis, top sights and boat trips.
• Luxury: ¥40,000+ per day, resorts, guided dives, private transfers, refined dining.

Language & Communication

English signage is common in Naha and major attractions. Download offline Japanese in Google Translate. An eSIM or SIM works well. Wi-Fi is widespread in hotels and cafés.

Getting There & Around

Air, Rail, Bus: Fly into Naha Airport for the main island, or Ishigaki and Miyako for outlying archipelagos. In Naha, the Yui Rail monorail links the airport with Kokusai-dori and Shuri. Outside Naha, buses connect towns, but a rental car unlocks beaches and castles efficiently.

Local transport: Use Yui Rail and buses with the OKICA IC card. Yui Rail runs roughly 6:00-23:30, 1-day pass about ¥800. Ferries connect Tomari Port to the Kerama Islands, and Ishigaki Port to Taketomi, Iriomote, and others.

Top Things to Do in Okinawa

Must-See Landmarks & Cultural Sites

• Shurijo Castle Park
  Address: 1-2 Shuri Kinjo-cho, Naha 903-0815
  Admission and timing: Paid zones typically open 8:30-18:00 winter, to 20:00 summer, last entry 30-60 minutes prior. Closed the first Wed and Thu of July. Check updates while reconstruction continues.
  Best visiting time: Morning before tour buses, or evening for city views.
  Ryukyu Kingdom’s political heart. Walk vermilion gates and stone walls and learn how the site is being rebuilt after the 2019 fire. Official overview.
• Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
  Address: 424 Ishikawa, Motobu, Kunigami-gun 905-0206
  Admission and timing: Off-season approx 8:30-18:30, peak up to 20:30-21:00 on select summer dates. Last entry 60 minutes before closing. Adults from about ¥1,880.
  Best visiting time: Arrive at opening for quieter tanks and Dolphin Theater seats.
  One of Japan’s most beloved aquariums with massive Kuroshio Sea tank and outdoor sea life pools. Hours.
• Sefa Utaki
  Admission and timing: Roughly 9:00-18:00 summer, 9:00-17:30 winter, last entry 30 minutes before close. Admission about ¥300. Closed a few days on the lunar calendar for rituals.
  Best visiting time: Early morning for quiet paths and birdsong.
  The Ryukyu Kingdom’s most sacred site of prayer on a wooded promontory in Nanjo, with coastal vistas and limestone arches. Visitor information.
• Himeyuri Peace Museum
  Address: 671-1 Ihara, Itoman 901-0344
  Admission and timing: 9:00-17:25, last entry 17:00, open daily. Small fee.
  Best visiting time: Mid-morning, allow 60-90 minutes.
  A sobering memorial to student nurses in the Battle of Okinawa, with diaries and testimonies that stay with you. Official site.
• Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum and Park
  Admission and timing: Museum open daily with modest fee, park free. Hours vary by season.
  Best visiting time: Late afternoon for quiet reflection and sea light on the Cornerstone of Peace.
  Cliff-top lawns and a powerful museum telling civilian stories of the 1945 battle. Official site.
• Nakagusuku Castle Ruins
  Admission and timing: Typically 8:30-18:00, small fee.
  Best visiting time: Late afternoon light on curving stonework.
  Sweeping views from UNESCO-listed gusuku ruins attributed to Lord Gosamaru’s era. Visitor guide.
• Katsuren Castle Ruins
  Admission and timing: Open area year-round, museum nearby, free entry to ruins.
  Best visiting time: Morning for cooler climb and crisp coastal views.
  Seat of 15th-century Lord Amawari, a wind-washed ridge of coral limestone with epic ocean horizons. Overview.
• Zakimi Castle Ruins
  Admission and timing: Ruins open at all hours, free. Small local museum nearby with separate fee.
  Best visiting time: Sunset over Yomitan fields and the East China Sea.
  Elegant archways and fine masonry, part of the UNESCO gusuku ensemble. Details.
• Okinawa World – Gyokusendo Cave
  Address: 1336 Tamagusuku Maekawa, Nanjo 901-0616
  Admission and timing: Theme park with cave access, typically from morning to late afternoon. Allow 3-5 hours. Tickets vary by zones.
  Best visiting time: Mid-day shelter from heat, then watch Eisa dance shows.
  A 300,000-year-old limestone cave with shimmering stalactites, craft village, and performances. Official site.
• Cape Manzamo
  Admission and timing: Small walkway fee, daylight hours, shops nearby.
  Best visiting time: Sunset for the classic elephant trunk rock silhouette.
  Rugged cliff ledges above emerald water on Onna’s resort coast. Area info.

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

• Sonohyan-utaki Ishimon – Sacred stone gate near Shurijo with quiet mossy stones. Combine with castle visit.
• Cape Maeda Blue Cave – Shore entry snorkeling and dives when seas are calm. Go early and rent a float vest.
• Fukugi Tree Road, Bise – Shaded lanes by traditional homes near the aquarium, photogenic in soft light.
• Itoman Fish Center – Market plates of sashimi and grilled tuna collar at picnic tables.
• Kouri Island backroads – Drive past sugarcane and coral walls to tiny coves. Climb Kouri Ocean Tower for views.
• Tsuboya Pottery District – Kilns and galleries behind Kokusai-dori, great for shisa souvenirs.
• Kin Town taco rice crawl – Compare King Tacos and local shops near Camp Hansen where the dish was born.

Unique Experiences You Can’t Miss

• Day trip to Zamami or Tokashiki in the Kerama Islands, snorkeling set rental from ¥1,500, boat fares from about ¥2,000-¥6,000 round trip depending on vessel and route. Book 1-2 weeks ahead in summer.
• Night kayaking in mangroves near Gesashi or on Ishigaki, 1.5-2 hours, from ¥6,000 per person, calm-water glow and starry skies.
• Awamori tasting at a craft distillery or bar in Naha, tasting flights from ¥1,000, learn about aging in kame jars.
• Sanshin live music at a local izakaya, table charge often ¥300-¥500, songs invite clapping and kachāshī dancing.
• Glassblowing workshop in Itoman or Onna, 30-60 minutes, from ¥2,500, pick up your piece the next day.
• Whale watching off the Keramas January to March, 3 hours, from ¥6,000, mornings usually calmer.

Best Photo Spots

• Shurijo Castle park walls at golden hour, city and sea layered behind vermilion gates.
• Kouri Bridge from the lookout before crossing, turquoise gradients below.
• Cape Zanpa lighthouse path at sunset with surf spray and silhouetted cliffs.
• Churaumi’s outdoor Sea Turtle Pool for top-down shots of gliding shells.
• Bise Fukugi lanes with dappled light and coral walls after rain.
• Maeda Blue Cave mornings when the water glows electric cobalt.
• Nakagusuku Castle’s archways framing the coast on clear winter days.

Where to Stay in Okinawa

Best Areas or Neighborhoods

• Naha – Kokusai-dori and Shuri – Car-free dining, markets, monorail access, museums. Great for first-timers and food lovers. Parking is limited.
• Onna Coast – Resort strip with beaches, snorkeling at Maeda, close to Cape Manzamo. Ideal for couples and families seeking a pool plus easy beach time.
• Motobu – Bise – For Churaumi Aquarium, quieter beaches, and tree-lined lanes. Best with a rental car.
• Yomitan – Local vibe, craft studios, Zakimi Castle, broad coastline. Good value villas and guesthouses.
• Ishigaki City – Island-hopping hub for Taketomi and Iriomote, food scene and markets around the ferry terminal.

What & Where to Eat in Okinawa

Must-Try Dishes

• Okinawa Soba – Wheat noodles in pork-bonito broth topped with pork belly or ribs. Try at Shuri Soba near Shuri. Typical bowl ¥700-¥1,000.
• Taco Rice – Ground beef, cheese, lettuce, salsa over rice, a Kin Town icon. A hearty plate ¥700-¥1,000.
• Rafute – Soy-braised pork belly, glossy and tender. Set meals ¥1,200-¥1,800.
• Goya Champuru – Bitter melon stir-fry with tofu and egg. Plates ¥700-¥1,000.
• Island Seafood – Tuna collar, gurukun fish, sea grapes. Market plates ¥800-¥2,000.
• Beni-imo Sweets – Purple sweet potato tarts and soft serve. Treats ¥300-¥600.
• Blue Seal Ice Cream – Local flavors like shikuwasa lime and salt chinsuko. Single scoop ¥350-¥500.

Restaurants & Cafés

• Budget Eats – Shuri Soba – 1-7 Shuri Akata-cho, Naha • ¥700-¥1,000 • 11:30-14:30, closed Thu and Sun.
• Budget Eats – King Tacos Kin Main Branch – 4244-4 Kin, Kin Town • taco rice legend • about ¥700-¥1,000.
• Mid-Range – Cafe Yabusachi – 646-1 Hyakuna, Nanjo • sea-view café with vegan and gluten-free options • lunch sets ¥1,200-¥2,000.
• Mid-Range – Uraniwa, Onna – 256 Aza-Tomijiri, Onna • island cuisine in a garden setting • ¥3,000-¥4,000.
• Classic – Jack’s Steak House – 1-7-3 Nishi, Naha • historic steak spot • mains ¥1,500-¥3,000.
• Sweets – Blue Seal Café Kokusai-dori – multiple flavors unique to Okinawa • cones and floats ¥350-¥700.
• Market Meals – Makishi Public Market – 2-10-1 Matsuo, Naha • buy seafood downstairs, eat cooked upstairs • plates ¥800-¥2,000.

Street Food & Dietary Tips

• Look for sata andagi donuts and island fruit sorbets around Kokusai-dori and Churaumi.
• Vegetarian and vegan options are expanding. Cafés like Yabusachi note allergens and plant-based swaps.
• Tap water is safe, but many prefer bottled in summer. Ice is generally fine at cafés and restaurants.
• Carry cash for market stalls and remote islands where cards may not be accepted.
• Gluten-sensitive travelers should confirm wheat in soba noodles. Many shops can serve rice in place of noodles.

Local Culture & Etiquette

• Norms – Greet with a smile and soft tone. Remove shoes when entering traditional homes. In sacred sites like utaki, keep voices down and avoid blocking prayer areas.
• Do’s & Don’ts – Do rinse sand before boarding buses or entering shops. Do not touch coral or stand on reefs. Observe posted rules at beaches and caves.
• Tipping – Not customary. A simple “arigatou” or “nifee debiru” is appreciated.
• Festivals & Events – Summer Eisa dances, Naha Great Tug-of-War in autumn, island-specific harvest rituals. Check local calendars near your dates.

Practical Tips & Safety

• Health & Safety – Watch for strong sun and heat. Carry reef-safe sunscreen, hat, and water. Emergency number is 119 for fire or ambulance, 110 for police. Major hospitals in Naha and regional clinics serve visitors.
• What to Pack – Light layers, swim gear, reef shoes, compact umbrella, and a light jacket for winter evenings. Waterproof phone pouch for boat trips.
• Money Saving – Use Yui Rail day passes in Naha. Visit free coastal parks and castle ruins. Weekdays outside school holidays offer better hotel rates.
• Emergency Phrases – Help: “Tasukete.” Hospital: “Byouin.” I am lost: “Mayoimashita.” Thank you: “Arigatou.” In Okinawan, “Nifee debiru.”

Okinawa Itineraries

3-Day Express Itinerary

1. Day 1 – Naha old town, Tsuboya Pottery Street, Makishi Market lunch, Yui Rail to Shurijo Castle, sunset at Shuri walls, dinner on Kokusai-dori.
2. Day 2 – Drive or bus to Onna, snorkel at Cape Maeda, Cape Manzamo lookout, café stop in Yomitan, sunset at Cape Zanpa lighthouse, island cuisine dinner.
3. Day 3 – Motobu and Bise lanes, morning at Churaumi Aquarium, Sea Turtle and Manatee Pools, late lunch by the coast, return via Kouri Bridge viewpoints.

7-Day Comprehensive Itinerary

1. Day 1 – Arrive Naha, Yui Rail to hotel, evening food crawl on Kokusai-dori.
2. Day 2 – Shurijo Castle, Sefa Utaki, sea-view lunch at Nanjo, Gyokusendo Cave at Okinawa World.
3. Day 3 – Kerama Islands day trip, snorkeling or beach day on Zamami or Tokashiki, back to Naha.
4. Day 4 – Transfer to Onna or Motobu. Beach time, Cape Manzamo, dinner at a local izakaya.
5. Day 5 – Churaumi Aquarium early, Bise Fukugi stroll, Kouri Island loop and Ocean Tower stop.
6. Day 6 – Castle day: Nakagusuku and Katsuren ruins, café stop, sunset at Cape Zanpa.
7. Day 7 – Peace Memorial Park and Himeyuri Museum, last-minute shopping, fly out.

Off the Beaten Path Route

Base 2 nights in Yomitan for craft studios and uncrowded coves, then loop north through Nago’s lesser-known beaches to the forested Yanbaru region. Add a kayak in Gesashi Bay’s mangroves and a village lunch. On the return, stop at abandoned sugar roads near Kin for sunset fields.

Frequently Asked Questions

Don’t Miss

• Glide over “Kerama Blue” reefs on a calm morning, then eat taco rice with sea breeze in your hair.
• Arrive at Shurijo early, trace Ryukyuan stoneways, and watch artisans craft shisa in Tsuboya.
• Drive Kouri Bridge for turquoise views, pause for shaved ice, and chase a coral-sketched sunset at Cape Zanpa.
• Follow the cave lights through Gyokusendo, then dance to sanshin rhythms at a friendly izakaya.
• Spend a quiet hour at the Peace Memorial, reading names as waves roll beneath the cliffs.

Your Okinawa Story Starts Here

Picture island mornings where the sea is a sheet of blue glass and afternoons that drift between castle walls and café terraces. Okinawa rewards unhurried travelers. Pick your base, book that ferry, and mark a sunrise for the beach. Line up one museum, one market, and one sunset, then let the rest be discovery. Your dates, your playlist of waves and sanshin, your first taste of soba after a swim. Start planning now and let the islands set your pace.

Useful Links / Official Sources

• VISIT OKINAWA JAPAN – Official Travel Guide
• Yui Rail – Maps, Timetables, Fares
• OKICA IC Card – How it works
• Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium – Hours
• Sefa Utaki – Visitor Information
• Himeyuri Peace Museum – Hours and Access
• Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum
• Okinawa World – Gyokusendo Cave
• Zamami Ferries – Timetables and Tickets
• Tokashiki Ferry – Online Booking
• Yaeyama Kanko Ferry – Ishigaki Routes
• Japan MOFA – Visa Exemption
• Okinawa Climate and Seasons