Okinawa

Okinawa is Japan's subtropical south. It was once the independent Ryukyu Kingdom, and its food, music and architecture still differ from the rest of Japan. On the main island you can walk Naha's Kokusai-dori, visit Shuri Castle and see whale sharks at the Churaumi Aquarium. Miyako and the Yaeyama Islands are quieter, with white-sand beaches, Ishigaki's Kabira Bay, Taketomi's red-tiled lanes and clear water for diving.

Top places

Shuri Castle

Kokusai-dori

Makishi Public Market

Churaumi Aquarium

Cape Manzamo

American Village

Kouri Ohashi Bridge

Nakagusuku Castle Ruins

Higashi-Hennazaki Cape

Miyako Shrine

Hotels

Hyatt Regency Naha, Okinawa

5-Star

Vessel Hotel Campana Okinawa

4-Star

Loisir Hotel Naha

4-Star

Hotel JAL City Naha

3-Star

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Naha-Kokusaidori

4-Star

Hotel Monterey La Soeur Naha

3-Star

Mercure Okinawa Naha

4-Star

Richmond Hotel Naha Kumoji

3-Star

Nest Hotel Naha Kumoji

3-Star

Estinate Hotel Naha

3-Star

Restaurants

6 SIX

Tabelog Award 2026 Bronze

Jack's Steak House

Tabelog Hyakumeiten 2024 · Steak/Teppanyaki

O's House

Tabelog Hyakumeiten 2025 · Steak/Teppanyaki

Corner's Grill

Tabelog Hyakumeiten 2025 · Steak/Teppanyaki

Mararunga Teppanyaki

Tabelog Hyakumeiten 2025 · Steak/Teppanyaki

Steak & Seafood Sisuco Grill

Tabelog Hyakumeiten 2025 · Steak/Teppanyaki

Manmi

Tabelog Hyakumeiten 2025 · Yakiniku

Charlie Tacos

Tabelog Hyakumeiten 2026 · Asian/Ethnic

Shimabuta Ryukyugyu San Bettei

Tabelog Hyakumeiten 2024 · Sukiyaki/Shabu-shabu

Agu Shabu-shabu Kamimae

Tabelog Hyakumeiten 2024 · Sukiyaki/Shabu-shabu

Things to do

Churaumi Aquarium Ticket

See whale sharks and manta rays in the giant Kuroshio Sea tank at Motobu's aquarium.

Okinawa FunPASS (Value Series)

Pick 2–4 attractions or food items in-app, e.g. Shuri Castle; valid 5 days from first use.

Kerama Islands Snorkeling Day Trip

Kerama snorkeling day trip from Naha to see sea turtles and coral, with lunch on board.

Blue Cave Snorkeling & Diving Experience

Snorkel or dive Cape Maeda's Blue Cave and coral reefs, with unlimited photos.

Churaumi & American Village Day Tour

Naha day tour with Churaumi and Manzamo tickets, plus Kouri Island and American Village.

Kouri Ocean Tower Ticket

Kouri Island tower with an observation deck 82 m above the sea, overlooking Kouri Bridge.

Okinawa World & Gyokusendo Cave Ticket

Gyokusendo, one of Japan's largest caves; one option adds a Ryukyu craft workshop.

DMM Kariyushi Aquarium Ticket

New-style entertainment aquarium in Tomigusuku, a 20-minute drive from Naha Airport.

Kimono & Yukata Rental in Naha

Pick from 500 kimono and yukata designs in Naha, with accessories and simple hair styling.

DINO Dinosaur Park Ticket

Walk a Yanbaru subtropical forest in Nago among more than 80 dinosaur models.

Getting there

Okinawa Private Car Charter

Private car on your own route, Chinese- or Japanese-speaking driver, 5, 8 or 10 hours.

Yui Rail 1-Day Pass

Unlimited one-day rides on Naha's Yui Rail monorail with a digital-only pass.

Naha Airport Limousine Bus

Shared bus from Naha Airport to resort hotels in Ginowan, Chatan, Yomitan, Onna and Nago.

Okinawa Tourist Bus Pass

Unlimited main-island route bus rides for 1 or 3 days; collect the pass at Naha Airport.

Naha E-Bike Rental

Rent an electric-assist bike in Naha for 4 hours or up to 9 hours.

Churaumi Aquarium Express Bus

Round-trip No. 117 express bus from Naha Airport or downtown Naha to Churaumi Aquarium.

Miyako Island Private Car Charter

Miyako private car with driver on your own route, e.g. Sunayama Beach and Irabu Bridge.

Naha Sightseeing Bus (North/South Route)

Self-guided day bus from Naha with audio guide to northern or southern Okinawa highlights.