Okinawa is sometimes known as the “Hawaii of Japan,” though I’ve never much agreed. The former has much better beaches than the latter (whiter sand; clearer—and warmer—water) and is significantly cheaper as well. It’s always seemed insane to me that such huge numbers of Japanese flock to Hawaii when they have Okinawa in their backyard.
I mention this because I’ve noticed that a lot of foreign tourists are on the fence about Okinawa. Is it really worth the hassle of getting there?
Yes, Okinawa is absolutely worth visiting—especially if you’re armed with my Okinawa travel guide. Over the next short while, I’ll be sharing advice on where to stay in Okinawa, how to divide your time in the archipelago, the best time to visit the islands and so much more.
Where to Base Yourself in Okinawa
The question of where to stay in Okinawa isn’t simply about which area of Okinawa’s main island to stay in, though this is one important decision. Some travelers will prefer a city hotel such as Tokyu Stay Okinawa Naha. Others (namely, those who plan to rent a car) will leverage their mobility and choose a scenic accommodation, be it the boutique-style Maribu Beach House, or a resort in the vein of Kaafu Resort Fukachu Condo Hotel.
Of course, I encourage you to visit all Okinawa’s different “lobes.” For example, you can fly from Naha to Ishigaki and base yourself here for a few days, be that at Hotel East China Sea (or another in-town hotel) or the more remote Fusaki Beach Resort. Likewise, Miyakojima is another island that’s worth visiting, be it at a simple accommodation like Miyakojima Hotel or the higher-end Blue Ocean Hotel & Resort.
What to Do in Okinawa
Start—but don’t end—on the main island
The main island of Okinawa is a fabulous place to begin your trip. After you land, ride the Yui Monorail to your hotel in Naha City. Walk along cosmopolitan Kokusai-dori Street and eat local specialties like taco rice, or visit more scenic attractions like Shuri Castle and the coastal Naminoue Shrine. Whatever you do, however, make sure not to end your trip here!
Day-trip to Tokashiki and/or Ie
One of my favorite things to do in Okinawa is take day trips, and many are easily doable from the main island. The easiest is probably to take a short ferry from Motobu Port (near Churaumi Aquarium) to Ie, a small but gorgeous island home to the Mt. Gusuku hiking trail and fabulous GI Beach. Alternatively, the journey to Tokashiki island is further—and it’s larger, so exploring it generally requires a rental car.
Travel onward to Ishigaki
This Okinawa guide is about the archipelago as a whole, rather than just the main island. And so, unless your time is extremely limited, I’m going to recommend flying elsewhere. My first suggestion? Head to Ishigaki, which is both a fabulous destination in and of itself (Kabira Bay might just be the best beach, anywhere in Japan), but also the gateway to rural Taketomi and the broader Yaeyama Islands.
(Or Miyakojima)
Another spot to add to your Okinawa itinerary? Miyakojima island, which is actually a few islands, connected by the bridges that have become iconic to this part of the prefecture. You’ll need a car here, but I promise it’s worth the time and expense, whether you’re enjoying views from Irabu and Kurima islands, or driving all the way southeastward to Cape Higashi-Hennazaki.
Plan on coming back
As you can probably deduce based on all these Okinawa things to do, it’s a big place! It has taken me many trips over the course of nearly a decade to put this guide together—and I’m still not done. Now obviously, if you have a month in Japan (or longer) to play with and can devote a substantial fraction of that to Okinawa, that’s one thing. If not, however, then you should expect to new a few bites at the apple…er, pineapple before you eat it all.
When is the Best Time to Visit Okinawa?
The first time I visited Okinawa many years ago, it was late January—and I felt like I’d made a catastrophic mistake. In spite of having been told (by the official tourism board!) to expect pleasant (if slightly cooler) weather, I experienced 48 hours in the islands defined by grey skies, constant rain and temperatures close to freezing. It was so miserable that I wondered whether I would ever even attempt to come back.
The good news? I did come back the following September, and conditions were wonderful in every respect. The better news? I’ve now been back for many other trips, and can make an even clearer judgment call on when you should—and shouldn’t—bother visiting Okinawa:
- January-March: I’d avoid this period all together, as legitimately wintry conditions are very possible in Okinawa in February, even if they aren’t likely.
- April-June: My trip to Okinawa in May (well, Ishigaki if we’re being technical) was one of my favorites: Totally clear and sunny, but so hot it might as well have been summer already.
- July-September: On paper, this is the best time to visit Okinawa, with hot weather, inviting seas and lush, tropical foliage. However, it also presents the highest incidence of typhoons.
- October-December: Genuine shoulder months, with Okinawa in November having as much potential to be sunny and dry as October in October has for seeing a late-season typhoon.
Other FAQ About Planning an Okinawa Itinerary
How long do I need in Okinawa?
The question of how many days in Okinawa relates directly to how extensively you plan to explore the archipelago. If you only plan to stay on and around the main island, 2-3 days can be sufficient. However, if you want to add Ishigaki and/or Miyakojima to the mix, you’ll need a minimum of a week in the archipelago.
How do I get around in Okinawa?
On individual islands within Okinawa, a rental car is indispensable to getting around. Traveling between distant groups of islands (so, from Okinawa/Naha to Ishigaki or Miyakojima), you realistically need to fly; ferries can span short distances such as Ishigaki to Taketomi or from Okinawa to Ie or Tokashiki.
Is March a good time to visit Okinawa?
Okinawa in March can be sunny and relatively warm, or it can be cold, rainy and miserable. I generally recommend visiting Okinawa between late April and early November if you can, in order to avoid the possibility of wintry gloom entirely.
The Bottom Line
I hope you’ve found my Okinawa travel guide helpful. First and foremost, because I cover the entire prefecture—so, islands like Ishigaki and Miyakojima—rather than just the main island and Naha. Secondly, because I offer specific and candid advice on existential matters, such as where to base yourself and the best time of year to visit Okinawa. Likewise, I’ve balanced my effusive praise of the archipelago with a couple of personal horror stories, which I tell not to scare you, but to emphasize how important it is to be mindful as you plan your trip. I know what happens if you aren’t! Leverage my decade-plus of travel experience, in Okinawa and in Japan’s 46 other prefectures, when you commission a custom Japan itinerary.
