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
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
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
Halekulani Okinawa
Halekulani Okinawa
5 out of 5
1967-1 Nakama, Onna, Okinawa Prefecture
The price is NT$13,779 per night from Mar 24 to Mar 25
NT$13,779
NT$15,157 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 24 - Mar 25
Stay at this 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 clean rooms in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,610 reviews)
"The hotel was the best ever I stayed, Kids club staffs were very kind and my kid loves the place. We will definitely come back!"

Reviewed on 2025/2/7

Halekulani Okinawa
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 NT$2,905 per night from Apr 16 to Apr 17
NT$2,905
NT$3,515 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 16 - Apr 17
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)
"The view from the balcony is awesome, the breakfast one of the best of all the hotels ever visited (incl. outside Japan). The lunch ticket was an amazing treat as one can skip breakfast and eat a really good buffet meal there. Pool is huge. Beach good. Nearby Michi-no-Eki for small shopping convenient. ..."

Reviewed on 2025/3/15

Rizzan Sea Park Hotel Tancha Bay
Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island Okinawa
Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island Okinawa
4.5 out of 5
1108 Serakaki Onnason, Onna, Okinawa
The price is NT$5,281 per night from Apr 7 to Apr 8
NT$5,281
NT$6,827 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 7 - Apr 8
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)
"The staff was absolutely outstanding exactly what you would expect at a grand Hyatt hotel. The indoor pool was wonderful so was the spa. It's a beautiful island getaway perfect for relaxation. Exactly what I needed."

Reviewed on 2025/3/11

Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island Okinawa
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! (230 reviews)
"Spotlessly clean room, clean bathtub, love the room amenities such as the in-room washer dryer and microwave oven!"

Reviewed on 2025/1/9

BEB5 Okinawa Seragaki by Hoshino Resorts
Allstay Chibana
Allstay Chibana
3 out of 5
2-18-21-1 Chibana, Okinawa, Okinawa Prefecture
Stay at this 3-star condo in Okinawa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions American Village and Okinawa Arena are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (78 reviews)
"Great place and great location to Kadena AB"

Reviewed on 2025/2/1

Allstay Chibana
Mr.KINJO in front of Manza Beach
Mr.KINJO in front of Manza Beach
3 out of 5
2505-1, Serakaki, Onna, Okinawa
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Onna. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Manza Beach and Cape Manza are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (109 reviews)
"i love this location there was a training cultural area on the back were you could see locals perform practice and train, next to it a very nice restaurant, walkable beach."

Reviewed on 2024/8/8

Mr.KINJO in front of Manza Beach
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