Okinawa
Japan's tropical island paradise โ where turquoise seas lap white-sand beaches, coral reefs teem with life, and a unique Ryukyuan culture unlike anywhere else in Japan awaits.
A World Apart from Mainland Japan
Okinawa sits closer to Taiwan than to Tokyo, and this geographic reality has shaped an island culture that is fascinatingly distinct from the Japanese mainland. The Ryukyu Kingdom, which ruled these islands from the 15th to 19th centuries, left behind a rich legacy of unique architecture, music, cuisine, martial arts, and philosophy.
Today, Okinawa is celebrated for its extraordinary longevity โ the island has more centenarians per capita than almost anywhere on Earth. The Okinawan concept of ikigai (reason for being) and the diet rich in tofu, sea vegetables, and sweet potato are credited as key factors. Come for the beaches, stay for the philosophy of a good life.
Okinawa's Most Beautiful Islands
Okinawa Prefecture comprises over 160 islands โ here are the ones you need to know about.
๐ฏ Okinawa Honto
The main island is home to the prefectural capital Naha, the rebuilt Shuri Castle (UNESCO), the American Village beach resort area, and the pristine waters of Manza Beach and Cape Maeda diving spot.
Explore โ๐ Ishigaki & the Yaeyama Islands
The furthest island group, just 270km from Taiwan, is blessed with Japan's finest beaches โ Kabira Bay with its luminous shallow waters, Taketomi Island's traditional coral stone villages, and excellent diving.
Explore โ๐ Miyako Island
Haemida Beach and Sunayama Beach are regularly voted Japan's best beaches, with impossibly clear water in shades of cyan and turquoise. The sunsets here are simply incomparable.
Explore โ๐ฟ Iriomote Island
Over 90% jungle, home to the endangered Iriomote cat, mangrove river kayaking, and waterfalls draped in prehistoric ferns. One of Japan's last true wildernesses.
Explore โ๐๏ธ Taketomi Island
A tiny island frozen in time โ ox-cart tours past traditional coral-stone homes, star-sand beaches, and a population of just 350 people. One of Japan's most charming places.
Explore โ๐คฟ Kerama Islands
The "Kerama Blue" โ the name locals give to the extraordinary clarity and hue of these waters โ is among the best in the world for snorkelling and scuba diving. A 35-minute ferry from Naha.
Explore โThe Unique Culture of Okinawa
๐ฏ Shuri Castle
The UNESCO-listed royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, rebuilt after WWII destruction and again after a 2019 fire, stands in vivid red lacquer above Naha city. A symbol of Okinawan pride and resilience.
๐ต Sanshin Music
Okinawa's three-stringed snake-skin instrument, the sanshin, produces a haunting, beautiful sound that underlies traditional Ryukyuan music and dance. Catch a live performance at any traditional Okinawan restaurant.
๐ฅ Karate's Birthplace
Karate originated in Okinawa, born from the fusion of native Ryukyuan martial arts with Chinese kung fu. Visit the Karate Kaikan centre in Naha to learn about the art's history and watch demonstrations.
๐ Okinawa Soba
A hearty wheat noodle soup topped with slow-braised pork (rafute), fish cake, and pickled ginger โ the island's signature comfort dish. Completely different from mainland ramen.
๐ฅ Awamori Spirit
Okinawa's traditional distilled spirit, made from long-grain indica rice and aged in clay pots, is more closely related to Thai whisky than Japanese sake. Best enjoyed diluted with water and ice (mizuwari).
๐ก Okinawa Travel Tip
Rent a car for any island exploration beyond Naha โ public transport is limited outside the main island's monorail (Yui Rail). Okinawans drive on the left. Island-hop between Ishigaki, Taketomi, and Iriomote using the regular ferry services.