Okinawa Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Okinawa Island
Okinawa showing a bridge, interior views and caving
Okinawa showing island views
Busena Marine Park which includes a sandy beach
Nago showing food

Recharge on stunning white beaches, walk around historic castles and visit one of the world’s largest aquariums on this tropical island in the south of Japan.

Okinawa is a rare tropical paradise that mixes a beach-going culture with a preservation of the past. Try exciting watersport, tan on white-sand beaches, watch whale sharks gliding in an aquarium or visit a castle that once protected the archipelago’s rulers.

Okinawa is the main island of the Okinawa Prefecture, an archipelago of 160 islands south of mainland Japan. Its main access point is Naha, a busy urban sprawl that also serves as the region’s capital. Find shopping, food and crowds along Kokusai-Dori, Naha’s main street. While here, taste Okinawan soba, a soup-noodle dish famous to the area.

Not far from town, the hilltop Shuri Castle reminds visitors of the island’s ancient history. Take a short drive south from Naha to the Peace Memorial Park, where monuments pay tribute to the quarter of a million American and Japanese civilians and soldiers who died here in World War II. It was one of the Pacific’s most fierce battles.

To the north, the Ocean Expo Park gives visitors the chance to learn about the archipelago’s marine life. See whale sharks cruising alongside tropical fish at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, home to one of the world’s biggest fish tanks. Nearby attractions such as a re-creation of a 17th-century Okinawan village and a botanical garden boasting more than 2,000 orchids make northern Okinawa a satisfying daytrip destination.

The island features miles of popular and less-crowded beaches that are a great to visit throughout summer. The best swimming months are between April and October. Scuba dive amongst rock formations at Mission Beach or enjoy views from the lighthouse at Cape Zanpa.

Not far from the coast, walk to the Hiji Waterfall or traverse stunning pineapple fields in Nago Pineapple Park. Follow subterranean streams of photograph stalactites at Gyokusendo Cave.

Fly into Reach Okinawa’s Naha Airport from Japan or China. Get around the city by bus. Alternatively, rent a car (or moped) to travel further afield. Tours can be booked through Naha’s travel agencies.

Where to stay in Okinawa Island

Okinawa featuring rainforest and a cascade

Naha City Centre

4/5(18 area reviews)

The parks and historical sites are just a few things visitors like about Naha City Centre. Kokusai-dori Shopping Street and Tomari Port are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Miebashi Station or Kenchomae Station to get around the larger area.

Naha City Centre
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Biimata

Travellers like the shopping in Biimata, and Nago Pineapple Park is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Biimata
Tsuboya Pottery Museum showing a small town or village and street scenes

Makishi

You might enjoy the shopping while in Makishi. Kokusai-dori Shopping Street is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Makishi Station or Miebashi Station to see more of the city.

Makishi
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Tomari

The waterfront and shopping are just a few features travellers like about Tomari. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Kokusai-dori Shopping Street and Tomari Port are a few top places to visit.

Tomari
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Kumoji

Kumoji is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Kokusai-dori Shopping Street and Palette Kumoji, and you can get around town on the metro at Kenchomae Station.

Kumoji
Mihama American Village featuring shopping

Mihama

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Mihama, American Village and Sunset Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Mihama
Okinawa Kariyushi Beach Resort Ocean Spa
Okinawa Kariyushi Beach Resort Ocean Spa
4 out of 5
2591-1 Yashibaru Kunigami-gun, Onna, Okinawa-ken
The price is NZ$142 per night from 16 July to 17 July
NZ$142
16 July - 17 July
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Onna. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Manza Beach and Kariyushi Beach are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Very nice !"

Reviewed on 4 Jul. 2025

Okinawa Kariyushi Beach Resort Ocean Spa
Rizzan Sea Park Hotel Tancha Bay
Rizzan Sea Park Hotel Tancha Bay
4 out of 5
1496 Tancha, Kunigami, Onna, Okinawa-ken
The price is NZ$227 per night from 8 July to 9 July
NZ$227
8 July - 9 July
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Onna. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"It’s nice, a little outdated. The shops and restaurants are convenient. Good resort for families."

Reviewed on 3 Jul. 2025

Rizzan Sea Park Hotel Tancha Bay
ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort by IHG
ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort by IHG
4.5 out of 5
2260 Seragaki Aza, Onna-son, Onna, Okinawa-ken
The price is NZ$447 per night from 8 July to 9 July
NZ$447
8 July - 9 July
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Onna. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"The property was beautiful. It was a one stop do all. I wish i could have done some scuba diving. They have their own dive center. The snorkeling was fantastic."

Reviewed on 1 Jul. 2025

ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
BEB5 Okinawa Seragaki by Hoshino Resorts
BEB5 Okinawa Seragaki by Hoshino Resorts
3.5 out of 5
1860-4 Serakaki Onnason, Onna, Okinawa
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Onna. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (276 reviews)
"Excellent services and location"

Reviewed on 25 Jun. 2025

BEB5 Okinawa Seragaki by Hoshino Resorts
Comfort Plus
Comfort Plus
3 out of 5
95-1 Kuwae, Nakatani, Chatan, Okinawa
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Chatan. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (126 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 13 Jun. 2025

Comfort Plus
Allstay Goya
Allstay Goya
3 out of 5
1-18-11 Goya, Okinawa, Okinawa
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Okinawa. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room washers/dryers, and climate control. Popular attractions American Village and Okinawa Arena ...
8/10 Very Good! (107 reviews)
Good hotel if you want to cook
"The hotel has parking for more/night but there is another parking around the corner for less/night Rooms have a nice kitchenette so food is not a problem if you want to cook. Comfort bed and washer/dryers in room and free to use."

Reviewed on 16 Feb. 2025

Allstay Goya
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Okinawa Island