Okinawa Prefecture

Japan's southernmost subtropical islands, combining blue seas, white sand, coral reef diving and unique Ryukyu culture.

Okinawa Prefecture is made up of the Okinawa Islands, Miyako Islands and Yaeyama Islands, among others, in southwestern Japan, and has a subtropical climate. It was historically the Ryukyu Kingdom, and the site of Shuri Castle, traditional dance and food culture are all distinctive. On the main island of Okinawa are the beautiful Churaumi Aquarium, Kokusai-dori and many beaches; Miyako Island is known for its clear waters, Ishigaki and the Yaeyama Islands have coral reefs and mangroves, and Kume Island is quieter. April to October is good for beach activities, though you should watch for typhoons in summer and autumn, while winter is mild with fewer visitors. Naha Airport is the main gateway, with flights connecting to the outlying islands.

Destinations

• Okinawa Main Island
• Ishigaki & Yaeyama Islands
• Miyako Island
• Kumejima
• Yonaguni

Itineraries

• Ryukyu Island Hopping: Main Island, Miyako & Yaeyama – Hop through Naha, Kerama, Northern Main Island, Miyako, and Ishigaki to experience the main island groups of Ryukyu in…
• Yaeyama Islands & Japan's Westernmost Frontier – Using Ishigaki as a base, stay on Taketomi and Iriomote islands, then fly to Yonaguni to see the westernmost cliffs.
• Naha, the South and Kumejima Island – Explore Naha and the south, then fly or take a boat to Kumejima, staying two nights to visit Kanohama Sandbar.
• Classic Okinawa Main Island Self-Drive – Drive from Naha through the main island, connecting Shurijo Castle, southern memorial sites, Churaumi, and Kouri Island.
• Okinawa First Visit from Naha Without a Car – Stay in Naha without renting a car; take the monorail to Shuri and Kokusai-dori, and join a northern bus tour to the aq…
• Relaxing Weekend on Kume Island & Hatenohama – Fly from Naha to Kume Island, explore cliffs and castle ruins around the island, and take a boat to the uninhabited san…
• Naha, the Kerama Islands and the South – Based in Naha, take a boat to the Kerama Islands for snorkeling, then explore the sacred sites of the south and Chatan'…
• Miyako Islands Bridge & Beach Self-Drive – Drive through the northern area, Shimoji/Irabu, Kurima, and the southeast to explore all of Miyako's spectacular bridge…
• Ryukyu Castle Ruins and World Heritage by Car – A self-drive route linking Shuri Castle, Seifa Utaki and the castle ruins of Nakagusuku, Katsuren, Zakimi and Nakijin.
• Okinawa Main Island Family Beach Trip – Three stays in Naha, Chatan and Motobu, with a relaxed pace of aquarium, cave, beach and pineapple park.