Welcome to okinawa.com! If you’re planning your first trip to Okinawa, this page gives you the essentials in about five minutes, with links to our in-depth guides when you’re ready for more. Think of it as your starter kit.
Where Is Okinawa?
Okinawa is Japan’s southernmost prefecture, a long chain of subtropical islands between Kyushu and Taiwan. Naha, the capital, is roughly 1,500 km (930 mi) from Tokyo. The prefecture is made up of many islands, grouped into a few main areas:
- Okinawa Main Island, home to Naha, most of the population, and the main airport.
- The Kerama Islands, a short ferry ride west of Naha, famous for clear water and sea turtles.
- The Miyako Islands, known for long white beaches and bridges between islands.
- The Yaeyama Islands, including Ishigaki, Taketomi, and the jungle island of Iriomote.
Explore each area in our Destinations section.
Okinawa Is Japan, But Different
For centuries, Okinawa was the independent Ryukyu Kingdom, trading across East and Southeast Asia. It became part of Japan in 1879, was under US administration after World War II, and returned to Japan in 1972. That history gives Okinawa its own language, religion, music, food, and a relaxed island pace locals call uchinaa time.
Dive deeper in Culture & History, including our guides to Ryukyuan religion and the Battle of Okinawa.
When to Go
Okinawa is warm all year, with an average annual temperature in Naha of about 23°C (73°F). Key things to know:
- Best overall: April, late June to early July, and October.
- Rainy season: roughly mid-May to late June.
- Typhoon season: roughly June to October, peaking in August and September.
- Busiest times: Golden Week (late April to early May), the summer holidays, and Obon.
Read the full best time to visit Okinawa guide.
Getting There and Around
Almost everyone flies into Naha Airport, with frequent flights from mainland Japan and direct flights from several Asian cities. See getting to Okinawa.
In Naha, the Yui Rail monorail and taxis are all you need. To explore beyond the city, most visitors rent a car, so get the correct international driving permit before you leave home. Ferries and short flights connect the outer islands. Everything is explained in getting around Okinawa.
Where to Stay
For a first trip, many people split their stay between Naha, for food, shopping, and easy transport, and a beach area such as Chatan, the Onna resort coast, or an outer island. Compare areas in where to stay in Okinawa, and plan your spending with budget and costs.
What to Do
- Beaches: from Naha day trips to the Kerama Islands and Miyako. See the best beaches in Okinawa.
- Snorkeling and diving: coral reefs, the Blue Cave, and manta rays. See snorkeling and diving.
- Castles and history: Shuri Castle and the UNESCO-listed gusuku. See castles and historic sites.
- Nature: the Yanbaru forest, waterfalls, and mangroves. See hiking and nature.
- Festivals: Eisa, dragon boat races, and the Naha Great Tug-of-War. See festivals and events.
- Music: sanshin, min’yo, and Eisa. See music and performing arts.
Find more ideas in Things to Do, and look out for our upcoming Food & Drink and Itineraries guides.
Five Things to Know Before You Go
- Respect the sea. Swim at managed beaches, watch for habu jellyfish in summer, and wear reef shoes.
- Respect sacred places. Utaki and memorials are places of prayer and mourning. Keep your voice down and don’t touch offerings.
- Carry some cash. Cards are widely accepted, but small diners and island businesses may prefer yen.
- Don’t tip. It isn’t expected anywhere in Japan.
- Learn two words. Haisai means hello, and nifee debiru means thank you in the Okinawan language.
Got more questions? Our Okinawa travel FAQ answers 30 of the most common, and Plan Your Trip brings all our planning guides together.