Planning a trip to Okinawa and not sure where to start? This Okinawa travel FAQ answers the questions first-time visitors ask most, with links to our in-depth guides when you want more detail.
We have grouped the questions by topic: planning, getting there and around, money and practicalities, beaches and safety, and culture and etiquette. Jump to the section you need, or read straight through for a quick crash course in Okinawa travel.
Rules and services can change, so for entry requirements and transport schedules, always double-check with official sources before you travel.
Planning Your Trip
When is the best time to visit Okinawa?
For most visitors, April, late June to early July, and October offer the best mix of warm weather and manageable crowds. Avoid Golden Week and mid-August if you want lower prices. See our month-by-month guide.
How many days do I need in Okinawa?
Four to five days covers the Main Island highlights: Naha and Shuri, the southern sacred sites and memorials, the west coast beaches, and the Churaumi Aquarium. With a week or more, add an outer island such as Zamami, Miyako, or Ishigaki. Try to stay at least two nights in each place to avoid spending your holiday packing and unpacking.
When is typhoon season?
Roughly June to October, with August and September usually the most active months. A passing typhoon usually means a day or two of strong wind and rain, with flights, ferries, and some businesses closed. Leave a spare day before international flights, follow your hotel’s advice, and consider travel insurance that covers weather delays.
When is the rainy season?
Typically from around mid-May to the third week of June, about a month earlier than in mainland Japan.
Do I need a visa to visit Okinawa?
Okinawa follows Japan’s national entry rules. Many nationalities can visit visa-free for short stays, but it depends on your passport, so check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan or a Japanese embassy.
Is Okinawa part of Japan?
Yes. Okinawa is Japan’s southernmost prefecture. It was once the independent Ryukyu Kingdom, which is why its culture, food, and traditions feel distinct.
Getting There and Around
How do I get to Okinawa?
Almost everyone flies into Naha Airport. There are frequent flights from mainland Japan and direct flights from several Asian cities. See getting to Okinawa.
Do I need a car in Okinawa?
Not in central Naha, where the Yui Rail monorail, buses, and taxis work well. To explore the rest of the Main Island, Miyako, or Ishigaki, a rental car makes life much easier, as buses are infrequent outside the cities. Many visitors spend a few car-free days in Naha, then rent a car for the rest of the trip. See getting around Okinawa.
Can I drive with my foreign license?
Only with the right paperwork: an International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, or an official Japanese translation if your license is from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan. Bring your original license and passport too.
Which side of the road do they drive on?
The left. Rental cars are right-hand drive.
Can I use Suica in Okinawa?
Yes, Suica and compatible IC cards work on the Yui Rail monorail. The local OKICA card is the safest choice for route buses. The monorail also accepts contactless credit and debit cards.
How do I get to the Kerama Islands?
Take a ferry from Tomari Port in Naha to Zamami, Aka, or Tokashiki. High-speed boats take under an hour to Tokashiki and about 50–70 minutes to Zamami. Book ahead in summer.
Money and Practicalities
What currency is used in Okinawa?
The Japanese yen (JPY). A few businesses near US military bases accept dollars, but almost everywhere else expects yen.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes, at hotels, larger shops, and many restaurants. Small diners, markets, beach facilities, and some outer island businesses may be cash only, so carry some yen.
Where can I withdraw cash?
ATMs at convenience stores and post offices generally accept foreign cards.
Should I tip?
No. Tipping is not customary in Japan, and good service is included.
What plugs and voltage does Okinawa use?
Japan uses Type A plugs (two flat pins) at 100 volts. Many travelers from North America won’t need an adapter; others will.
Will my phone work in Okinawa?
Most modern phones work in Japan. For data, buy an eSIM or local SIM, rent a pocket Wi-Fi, or check your home carrier’s roaming plan. Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafés, and the airport, but coverage can be patchy on beaches and small islands, so download offline maps before you go.
Do people speak English?
English is spoken at major hotels, the airport, and many tourist businesses, but less so in small shops and rural areas. A translation app and a few Japanese phrases help.
Beaches and Safety
Is Okinawa safe for tourists?
Yes. Okinawa, like Japan as a whole, has low crime, and most visitors never have a problem. The main risks are natural: strong sun and heat, currents at unpatrolled beaches, typhoons, and marine life such as jellyfish. Drink plenty of water, swim at managed beaches, and follow local warnings.
Can I swim year-round?
You can, but most beaches are only lifeguarded from about spring to autumn, and the sea is cooler in winter, around 21°C (70°F). Most visitors swim from April to October. See our beach guide.
Are there dangerous jellyfish?
Yes. Habu jellyfish are present in summer, roughly May to October. Swim inside jellyfish nets at managed beaches, wear a rash guard, and carry vinegar for first aid.
Are there snakes in Okinawa?
Yes, including the venomous habu. Bites are uncommon for visitors, but stay on paths in forests and long grass, especially at night, and don’t put your hands into stone walls or bushes.
Can I drink the tap water?
Tap water in Okinawa is treated and generally considered safe to drink, though many visitors prefer bottled water for taste.
Culture and Etiquette
What should I wear?
Light, breathable clothing for most of the year, with a jacket in winter. Cover up a little when visiting sacred sites and memorials, and save swimwear for the beach.
How should I behave at sacred sites?
Speak quietly, stay out of roped-off areas, and don’t touch offerings or take stones or plants. Read our guide to Ryukyuan religion.
What food should I try?
Okinawa soba (thick wheat noodles in a light broth), goya champuru (a stir-fry with bitter melon), rafute (braised pork belly), taco rice, sea grapes (umibudo), and the local spirit awamori, if you drink. Don’t miss Blue Seal ice cream and fresh tropical fruit in summer. The legal drinking age in Japan is 20.
Is Okinawa good for families?
Very. Managed beaches with lifeguards and calm, shallow water, aquariums, parks, and family-friendly resorts make Okinawa one of Japan’s most popular family destinations. Book child seats with your rental car, as they are required for children under 6.
Can I visit the US military bases?
Most bases are not open to the public. Some hold occasional public events, such as festivals, which are announced locally. Areas around bases, like Chatan’s American Village, are popular with visitors.
Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is restricted in many indoor public places and on many streets. Look for designated smoking areas.
Still Have Questions?
Start with our Plan Your Trip section, which covers getting around, where to stay, and budget and costs in detail.