Okinawa

Pristine beaches, colorful coral reefs and subtropical jungle

Discover a diverse island culture of subtropical sunshine, white sand, and mangrove jungles, not to mention the dynasty of the Ryukyu kings

Japan's southernmost prefecture, Okinawa, consists of a series of islands each with its own history as an independent kingdom, with a distinctly subtropical climate and considered to be the birthplace of karate. Discover the ruins and restored castles of the Ryukyu kings, visit magnificent beaches and shorelines featuring an extraordinary variety of coral and underwater life. Come discover whale watching and dragon boat races, rare flora and fauna, and island life that will make you forget the clock by urging you to follow the cycle of the sun.

Getting there.

From mainland Japan, most flights to Okinawa's Naha Airport depart from Tokyo or Osaka. From stopovers in China, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, or Hong Kong, there are direct international flights to Okinawa.

Discover a diverse island culture of subtropical sunshine, white sand, and mangrove jungles, not to mention the dynasty of the Ryukyu kings

Japan's southernmost prefecture, Okinawa, consists of a series of islands each with its own history as an independent kingdom, with a distinctly subtropical climate and considered to be the birthplace of karate. Discover the ruins and restored castles of the Ryukyu kings, visit magnificent beaches and shorelines featuring an extraordinary variety of coral and underwater life. Come discover whale watching and dragon boat races, rare flora and fauna, and island life that will make you forget the clock by urging you to follow the cycle of the sun.

Getting there.

From mainland Japan, most flights to Okinawa's Naha Airport depart from Tokyo or Osaka. From stopovers in China, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, or Hong Kong, there are direct international flights to Okinawa.

Frequent flights are available that connect Tokyo to Naha Airport on the main island of Okinawa on a daily basis, as well as direct flights to Ishigaki Island. Miyako Island is connected with seasonal direct flights. From Naha Airport, flights can be taken to the outlying islands of Miyako, Ishigaki, Yonaguni, and Kume. To get around Okinawa, the best way is to rent a car or, in some areas, a bicycle or scooter. If you prefer to get around by public transportation, there is a monorail that connects Naha Airport, Naha, and the ancient capital of Shuri. The main island is also served by a network of buses and ferries that connect nearby islands.

Don't miss

UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the main island, such as Shuri Castle and the ruins of Tamagusuku

Whale sharks and the fascinating and extraordinary variety of fish at the Churaumi Aquarium in Okinawa

Relaxing on white sand beaches and swimming in the crystal clear ocean waters

Kayaking amid the mangrove jungle on the remote island of Iriomote