Okinawa Island

Travel Guide

Cape Manza which includes general coastal views
Okinawa featuring caving, interior views and caves
Okinawa which includes 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 showing rainforest and a cascade

Naha City Centre

4.5/5(302 area reviews)

The parks and historic sites are just a few things visitors like about Naha City Centre. Kokusai Dori 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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Tomari

Tomari is well-liked for its waterfront and shopping. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Kokusai Dori and Tomari Port are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Tomari
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Biimata

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

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

Makishi

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Makishi is a destination travelers like for its shopping, and you might hop aboard the metro at Makishi Station or Miebashi Station to explore sights like Kokusai Dori.

Makishi
Mihama American Village featuring shopping

Mihama

4.5/5(36 area reviews)

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

Mihama
Okinawa ocean is always bright and clear. Locals say you can see 5 different shades of blue in the ocean on the best days!
#LifeAtExpedia #beach

Kumoji

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

Kumoji
Laguna Garden Hotel
Laguna Garden Hotel
4 out of 5
4-1-1 Mashiki, Ginowan, Okinawa-ken
The price is NT$2,936 per night from May 20 to May 21
NT$2,936
NT$3,553 total
includes taxes & fees
May 20 - May 21
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Ginowan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Beautiful Ocean view and wonderful breakfast buffet"

Reviewed on 2025/4/22

Laguna Garden Hotel
Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island Okinawa
Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island Okinawa
4.5 out of 5
1108 Serakaki Onnason, Onna, Okinawa
The price is NT$3,703 per night from May 22 to May 23
NT$3,703
NT$4,834 total
includes taxes & fees
May 22 - May 23
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Onna. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Overall it was a nice stay. We arrived around 9pm. They had a free transportation between the parking garage and the main entrance. The parking fee was 1000 Japanese yen per night total 3000 yen for the stay. We chose “eco-friendly house keeping”. It saved us 3000 yen. The girl who helped our check-in ..."

Reviewed on 2025/4/15

Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island Okinawa
Hotel Monterey Okinawa Spa & Resort
Hotel Monterey Okinawa Spa & Resort
4.5 out of 5
1550-1 Fuchaku, Onna, Okinawa-ken
The price is NT$17,104 per night from May 4 to May 5
NT$17,104
NT$22,201 total
includes taxes & fees
May 4 - May 5
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Onna. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"The property was fabulous although I have to say the restaurants at the hotel were very overpriced so we found we had to leave most of the time to eat. For $45 per person breakfast charge is a good example of excessive charges. As well, you had to pay for beach chairs if you're at the beach, which ..."

Reviewed on 2025/4/23

Hotel Monterey Okinawa Spa & Resort
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! (246 reviews)
"The room size was amazing. The kitchen was great. The outside view and pool was amazing too. Great place to stay. Definitely recommend!!"

Reviewed on 2025/4/20

BEB5 Okinawa Seragaki by Hoshino Resorts
Luana Uakoko Resort Hotel
Luana Uakoko Resort Hotel
3 out of 5
Kuwae, 1-6-23 Nakagami-Gun, Chatan, Okinawa
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Chatan. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions American Village and Sunset Beach ...
9/10 Wonderful! (299 reviews)
"Very Quiet and decent place. Suitable for couple or family groups."

Reviewed on 2025/4/6

Luana Uakoko Resort Hotel
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 2025/2/16

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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Okinawa Island