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Okinawa is a gaggle of about 160 stunning islands situated within the southern a part of Japan. The archipelago is without doubt one of the hottest vacationer locations in Japan, identified for its tropical local weather, white sandy seashores, colourful coral reefs, and wealthy distinctive tradition. The Okinawan tradition could be very fascinating and is kind of completely different from different elements of Japan. As Okinawa could be very near Taiwan and China, the Japanese, Taiwanese, and Chinese language cultures have all had an enormous affect on Okinawan tradition. There are additionally some historic spots, together with World Conflict II memorial websites which you could go to.
Despite its considerably distant location, Okinawa is visited by a large number of vacationers all yr spherical who come to the realm to discover the attractive nature and blue seas amongst different issues. Okinawa prefecture consists of many islands, a few of that are linked to one another by a bridge, whereas others are accessible solely by airplane or ferry. Every island is completely different in its personal means and you’ll choose your vacation spot based mostly on the placement and completely different traits which may fit your journey the perfect. On this article, we offers you all of the recommendations on the perfect issues to do and the perfect locations to go in Okinawa!
The place is Okinawa?
Okinawa Prefecture is the southernmost a part of Japan, situated within the East China Sea, roughly 1,600 km away from Tokyo. The island group is unfold out over 400 km and out of the 160 islands, 49 are uninhabited. The prefectural capital and largest metropolis is Naha, which is located on the principle island, which additionally occurs to be the biggest island. There are greater than 1.4 million folks dwelling there, and it has the 9th highest inhabitants density in all of Japan.
Finest Time to Go to Okinawa
Okinawa is understood for its subtropical local weather with nice temperatures all yr spherical. Although, we suggest visiting Okinawa within the spring or autumn, when the seashores are open and the temperature isn’t too scorching. It would be best to keep away from the wet season in Okinawa, which often lasts from early Could to early June. As well as, typhoons may be one thing to be involved about in Okinawa in July and August, and even often in September. All issues thought-about, the perfect time to go to Okinawa is from March to early Could or late September to December.
The best way to Get to Okinawa
From Tokyo, there are every day, direct flights that take you to Okinawa in lower than 3 hours. That is positively the quickest and best method to get to Okinawa island for an inexpensive worth – we suggest you guide effectively prematurely. You may as well take home flights to Okinawa from different airports corresponding to Kansai Worldwide Airport in Osaka. As well as, there are every day direct flights to Ishigaki Island, Miyako Island, and Shimoji Island from a number of airports together with Narita and Haneda. Okinawa Airport additionally provides some worldwide connections to East Asia.
The best way to Get Round in Okinawa
When you arrive in Okinawa, you have to to determine what type of transportation you’ll be utilizing to get across the islands. As the general public transportation system in Okinawa just isn’t almost as developed as the larger cities on the mainland of Japan, most individuals hire a automotive to get round the principle island. You will discover many automotive rental retailers round Naha Airport. Make sure that to make a reservation on-line earlier than your go to, as they’re usually totally booked every time there’s a vacation! If you wish to journey to the extra remoted islands, you may take a ferry or a home flight, and hire a automotive or bike nearer to the place you’re staying.
If you happen to don’t have a driver’s license that’s legitimate in Japan, hiring a non-public automotive with a driver is without doubt one of the choices to discover Okinawa. It would make your journey good and clean, and you may make positive to go to all of the spots in your want record.
Okinawa Foremost Island
Shurijo Fort and Naminoue Shrine
The primary island of Okinawa is dwelling to distinctive locations. Naha metropolis is the prefectural capital of Okinawa and boasts many well-known vacationer spots corresponding to Shurijo Fort and Naminoue Shrine. Shurijo Fort was an iconic construction in Okinawa with a protracted historical past. It was as soon as the principle fort for the Ryukyu Kingdom, which ruled the island from the fifteenth to nineteenth century. It stood on a hill overlooking the Naha Port which functioned as a commerce middle on the time. Sadly, an enormous fireplace burned down many of the fort in 2019. Nevertheless, it’s being rebuilt and a few elements can be found for vacationers. The reconstruction of the principle fort will likely be accomplished in 2026.
Kokusai Dori
If you wish to strive some native specialties or get memento items for your loved ones, go to Kokusai Dori, a vigorous avenue filled with nice eating places and retail retailers. Additionally, it may be a number of enjoyable to expertise Okinawa’s distinctive tradition by testing some native festivals which are held yearly. For instance, the Eisa competition is held in the course of the weekend after the Okinawa Obon vacation. Younger folks put on conventional Okinawan garments and dance to conventional drums. Kokusai Dori is a must-visit if you end up in Naha.
Okinawa Peace Memorial Park and Museum
On the finish of World Conflict II, Operation Iceberg happened on Okinawa Island, one of many cruelest battles in the course of the battle. It resulted in an enormous quantity of casualties with just a few hundred thousand deaths and main destruction to the island. Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum (沖縄県平和祈念資料館) is the memorial to the Battle of Okinawa which represents the historical past that everybody ought to learn about. The park is open 24 hrs and is free to enter.
Churaumi Aquarium and JUNGLIA
Churaumi Aquarium is has largest aquarium tank in Japan and the second largest one on the earth. Right here you may see animals dwelling in and/or across the Okinawa sea. “Chura” derives from Okinawa’s dialect which implies stunning whereas “umi” means sea in Japanese. Thus, this aquarium reveals the attractive sea of Okinawa. Animals that may be seen right here embrace whale sharks and manta rays swimming within the large 7,500㎥ water tank.
▶Get Churaumi Aquarium Tickets right here
And near Churaumi Aquarium is JUNGLIA, a model new theme park set to open on Friday July 25, 2025. Taking a Jurassic Park fashion really feel, JUNGLIA is a full theme park filled with rides surrounded by lush, stunning nature. Soar via the sky like a chook or on a scorching air balloon, go on safari to search out dinosaurs and be entertained with reside exhibits and fireworks. Dine in your individual nest with a spectacular view or soak within the serene onsite scorching spring. There’s a lot to do right here for youths and adults so be certain so as to add this to your Okinawa itinerary!
International friends should purchase tickets on-line from Klook, KKday, and Journey.com.
▶Be taught extra about JUNGLIA, take a look at our article beneath!
The Final Information to JUNGLIA: A New Theme Park Opening in Okinawa
Nestled within the lush forests of Nakijin Village, JUNGLIA is ready to turn out to be a must-visit vacation spot for thrill-seekers, nature lovers, and households alike. This information covers every thing it’s essential learn about JUNGLIA, from tickets and sights to eating choices and close by sightseeing spots!
Ishigaki Island
After spending a few days within the metropolis of Naha, fly to Ishigaki Island to have a soothing expertise out within the stunning nature. Ishigaki Island is without doubt one of the hottest distant islands that Okinawa has to supply. It’s the third largest island in Okinawa and is situated about 410 km southwest of Naha.
One of the best ways to get round Ishigaki Island is to hire a automotive and discover!
E-book your rental automotive from right here.
Hit the Seashore
Ishigaki has a few of Okinawa’s and Japan’s finest white sandy seashores that you just don’t need to miss out on. Probably the most common and family-friendly seashores is Sukuji Seashore, which has a number of shallow areas. Yonehara Seashore within the east a part of Kabira Bay has a number of the clearest water on the island.
Marine Sports activities
As Okinawa is made up of islands, there are limitless locations the place you may take pleasure in varied marine sports activities and actions. Ishigaki particularly is nice for this, and you’ll definitely be amazed by the attractive ocean, which is ideal for marine sports activities corresponding to SUP, diving, and snorkeling. It may be a bit robust to do these sorts of issues by yourself, particularly when you don’t have the gear, so we suggest taking a tour with a neighborhood information.
Listed below are a number of the finest excursions that we suggest:
Stargazing
Ishigaki can be nice relating to stargazing, as there may be little or no mild air pollution from residential areas. Luxurious inns can guarantee you’ll have a snug and stress-free stick with wonderful views of the water.
Really helpful tour:
Taketomi Island and Kohama Island
Ishigaki can be near Taketomi Island and Kohama Island. Taketomi is a small island with conventional homes and sandy seashores. In case you are inquisitive about studying extra concerning the historical past of Okinawan tradition, it would be best to go to Taketomi as the unique Ryukyu tradition could be very well-preserved.
Conventional Taketomi
You’ll really feel like you’ve traveled again to historic occasions if you move the normal homes and go to the normal festivals in Taketomi. It is usually a moderately small island, which implies you may transfer across the island by bicycle and even trip on a water buffalo carriage! It additionally has stunning seashores on the west facet of the island.
Kohama Island
Kohama Island is understood for its sugar cane fields, the intense inexperienced sugar cane fields unfold out across the island are a fantastic distinction with the clear blue sea and white sandy seashores! Taketomi Island and Kohama Island are each accessible by ferry from Ishigaki Island and provide a soothing expertise to those that want small, calm islands away from the larger crowds.
Miyakojima
Miyakojima is one other distant island with a number of the finest seashores in all of Japan. It’s located roughly 300 km southwest of Naha and is broadly identified for its stunning seashores and coral reefs. Yonaha Maehama Seashore is a fantastic white sand seaside, stretching about 7 km. Take a soothing stroll alongside the sandy seaside whereas taking within the scenic magnificence and feeling the ocean breeze.
Irabu-Ohashi Bridge
Irabu-Ohashi Bridge, which is 3,540m lengthy, is without doubt one of the longest bridges in Japan. It connects Miyakojima with one other stunning island known as Irabu Island and may be a number of enjoyable to drive over if in case you have a automotive.
Iriomote Island
Iriomote Island is the 2nd largest island among the many Okinawa islands. A lot of the island is undeveloped with greater than 90% of the island being jungle and mangrove forests. Solely about 2,400 folks reside within the coastal elements of the island which is described as one of many treasure bins of nature. Due to its distinctive geographical options, there are a big number of actions and experiences which you could reap the benefits of. Be a part of thrilling excursions which take you to the mangroves filled with wildlife. Choices embrace boat cruises, SUP, and canoeing amongst different issues. In case you are in search of one thing extra thrilling, go trekking via the scenic rivers and gorges or be a part of a highly-recommended jungle cruise.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving can be a sensible choice to discover the attractive sea. You don’t must have a scuba diving license, and an teacher will likely be with you the entire time to help and information you throughout your dive. From Ishigaki Island, Iriomote Island is accessible by taking a ferry that runs solely 4 occasions a day.
Yonaguni Island
Yonaguni Island is situated on the westernmost level of Japan, situated about 110 km away from the Taiwanese coast. It’s well-known for its wonderful scenic spots with the attractive blue ocean within the background. The distinctive, steep rock formations alongside the shoreline symbolize the facility of nature and fascinate guests with a completely completely different expertise from different distant islands. Yonaguni Island can be dwelling to the uncommon Yonaguni small horses, considered one of solely eight current horse breeds native to Japan. You’ll be able to trip them and discover the island and even go for a trip on the sandy seaside! Yonaguni Island is accessible by ferry or airplane from Ishigaki Island.
Kerama Islands
Akajima Island
This tiny island is without doubt one of the Kerama islands, situated south of Okinawa Island. The size of the island is barely 11 km and round 300 folks reside there. To discover it, you may simply stroll round or trip a bicycle when you want that. It is possible for you to to see marine turtles within the sea or sunbathe on the seaside. The ocean surrounding the island is extraordinarily stunning. It solely takes 50 min by ferry to get to the island from the capital of Okinawa, Naha, making it the right day journey!
Nagannu Island
Nagannu is one other island belonging to the considered one of Kerama islands, situated simply 20 minutes away from Naha by high-speed ferry. This island is uninhabited however there are nonetheless some retailers and eating places. Since no one lives there, its pristine and immaculate seashores and sea are strikingly stunning. It has additionally turn out to be a well-known diving spot. If you happen to like exploring the ocean and need to be taught extra concerning the gorgeous tropical paradise that this island holds, we suggest you strive scuba diving.
Whale Watching
From the top of December till early April, you may see humpback whales in Okinawa. Probably the most common locations for whale watching is the Kerama Islands. They’re made up of 36 stunning islands, together with Zamami and Tokashiki islands.
E-book a tour to go to Kerama islands by boat, departing close to the airport.
Kerama Islands Excursions
Hateruma Island
Hateruma Island is the southernmost inhabited island in Japan. About 500 persons are dwelling right here, and one-third of them are engaged in agriculture or farming. With a complete space of 15 km, it boasts stunning nature and you’re positive to have a nice keep. Go to Nishihama Seashore, the place you may see sea turtles swimming within the crystal-clear water, or discover the small island and meet the welcoming native folks. For the perfect stargazing expertise, head to Hateruma Observatory Tower for a powerful view of the celebs. It would positively be one of many highlights of your journey to Japan!
Kume Island
Kume Island is a small distant island, situated about 100 km west of the mainland of Okinawa. From the principle island, it takes three hours to get there by ferry, and half-hour by airplane. The volcanic island is formally designated as a Prefectural Pure Park and is visited by a small variety of vacationers yearly. One of many highlights is Hatenohama Seashore, a big sandbar situated off the coast of Kume Island. It’s comprised of three sandbars and is barely accessible by boat. The 7 km lengthy white seaside provides breathtaking views, particularly when the solar units. Mifuga Rock is one other well-known attraction: an enormous rock formation with a singular form. It has a gap within the middle of it which makes for a singular but scenic view of the ocean.
Senaga Island
Senaga Island is situated south of Naha Airport. It’s linked to Okinawa island by a bridge and accessible by automotive, bike, and bus that depart from the airport. Due to its handy location, many individuals cease by to benefit from the nice views of the ocean on their means again dwelling or proper after they get to Naha. You may as well see large airplanes flying overhead from Naha Airport. Senega Island Umikaji Terrace is a big buying complicated, opened in 2015, with various eating places, cozy cafes, memento retailers, and extra. Many eating places serve particular Okinawan dishes with domestically produced elements. It is a perfect resort island for anybody, irrespective of how outdated or younger.
Kouri Island
Kouri Island is a small, peaceable island, situated about an hour and a half drive from Naha metropolis, and linked to Yagaji Island by a bridge accomplished in 2005. The round island’s predominant vacation spot is Kouri Seashore, a well-liked swimming vacation spot that may get moderately crowded with vacationers in the summertime season. Go to the Kouri Ocean Tower for some breathtaking panoramic views of the island and the ocean at 82 m. There may be additionally a museum that reveals a big assortment of lovely shells collected from everywhere in the world. The island is also referred to as a non secular spot that’s alleged to deliver luck in love.
The mixture of the attractive surroundings, with crystal clear water and white sandy seashores together with a subtropical local weather, makes Okinawa a well-liked vacation spot for everybody. Its distinctive tradition and welcoming environment are different explanation why it is best to go to this wonderful a part of Japan. Go to Okinawa in spring or in autumn to keep away from the wet season, scorching summers, and the occasional hurricane. To benefit from your expertise, we suggest you fly into Naha airport and uncover the islands with a rental automotive from there. We hope you get an opportunity to discover a number of the finest issues to do and locations to go to in Okinawa from our record!
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Comfortable touring!
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