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 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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Tomari

Tomari is well-liked for its waterfront and shopping. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Kokusai-dori Shopping Street 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 Shopping Street.

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 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(36 area reviews)

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

Mihama
Laguna Garden Hotel

Laguna Garden Hotel

4 out of 5
4-1-1 Mashiki, Ginowan, Okinawa-ken
The price is ¥20,063 per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
¥20,063
¥24,276 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Friendly"

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2025

Laguna Garden Hotel
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 ¥25,331 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
¥25,331
¥31,516 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
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! (1,006 reviews)
"3 night stay with family. Great location for exploring the island if you have a car to get around. Hotel has lots to offer with stores etc. staff are lovely. Lots of families with small kids. The hotel itself is dated but comfortable."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

Rizzan Sea Park Hotel Tancha Bay
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 ¥26,444 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
¥26,444
¥29,088 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Onna. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Kariyushi Beach and Manza Beach are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,017 reviews)
"We had a great time and everything was perfect for us!"

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Okinawa Kariyushi Beach Resort Ocean Spa
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