· JP

Okinawa

Okinawa, Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa: Where Ancient History Meets Azure Waters Escape to Okinawa, a chain of subtropical islands strung like pearls in the East China Sea. More than just a beach destination, Okinawa offers a vibrant tapestry of uniqu…

#Island#Tropical#Beaches#Culture#Historical Sites

1/8

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Okinawa.

Top Hotels in Okinawa

Top Flights to Okinawa

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Okinawa.

Tours

Shurijo Castle

Explore the historic Shurijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the unique Ryukyu culture and architecture.

Cape Manzamo

Visit the breathtaking Cape Manzamo, known for its stunning ocean views and unique rock formations.

Shopping

Kokusai Street Shopping

Explore Kokusai Street, Okinawa's shopping hub, featuring a vast array of shops selling local crafts, souvenirs, and street food.

Outdoor

Snorkeling at Blue Cave

Experience the thrill of snorkeling in the Blue Cave, known for its luminous blue waters and vibrant marine life.

Ishigaki Island Hiking

Embark on a hiking adventure on Ishigaki Island, a paradise for nature lovers with lush trails and scenic views.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Okinawa.

Currency

¥ | JPY | Japanese Yen

Population

0.1 million

Average weather

Okinawa

Jan

19°14°

Feb

19°14°

Mar

21°16°

Apr

24°19°

May

26°22°

Jun

29°25°

Jul

31°26°

Aug

31°26°

Sep

30°25°

Oct

27°23°

Nov

24°20°

Dec

21°16°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Okinawa.

What people love

Okinawa, located in Japan, is a popular travel destination with many advantages. Some of the pros of traveling to Okinawa include:

Beautiful Beaches: Okinawa is known for its stunning beaches with crystal clear waters and white sandy shores. Visitors can enjoy relaxing by the beach, swimming, snorkeling, and diving in the vibrant marine life.
Rich Culture: Okinawa has a unique culture influenced by its history and location. Visitors can explore traditional Ryukyuan architecture, sample local cuisine, and attend cultural performances such as Eisa dance and Sanshin music.
Historical Sites: Okinawa has a rich history, with many historical sites and landmarks to explore. Visitors can visit Shurijo Castle, Nakagusuku Castle, and the Peace Memorial Park to learn about Okinawa's past.
Outdoor Activities: Okinawa offers a wide range of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can go hiking in the lush jungles, explore mangrove forests, and even try water sports like kayaking and parasailing.
Unique Wildlife: Okinawa is home to diverse wildlife, including the famous Okinawan dugong. Visitors can visit the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium to see a variety of marine life, including whale sharks.
Relaxing Atmosphere: Okinawa is known for its laid-back and relaxing atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for those looking to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Overall, traveling to Okinawa offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, history, and outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for all types of travelers.

What to know

Traveling to Okinawa, Japan, like any destination, has its cons. Here are some potential drawbacks to consider:

High Cost: Okinawa can be relatively expensive compared to other parts of Japan. Accommodation, transportation, and activities may be pricier in Okinawa due to its popularity as a tourist destination.
Language Barrier: While many people in the tourism industry in Okinawa may speak some English, the overall level of English proficiency may not be as high as in major cities like Tokyo or Osaka. Communication could be a challenge, especially when trying to navigate rural areas.
Weather: Okinawa is prone to typhoons during certain times of the year, particularly in the summer and early autumn. Typhoons can disrupt travel plans and activities, so it's essential to check the weather forecast before your trip.
Crowds: Okinawa is a popular destination, especially during peak tourist seasons. This means that popular attractions and beaches can get crowded, detracting from the overall experience.
Limited Public Transportation: While Okinawa has some public transportation options like buses and monorails, they may not be as extensive or convenient as in other parts of Japan. Renting a car may be necessary to explore the island fully.
Cultural Sensitivity: As a unique region with its own distinct culture, it's essential for visitors to be respectful and mindful of local customs and traditions. Failing to do so could lead to misunderstandings or unintentional disrespect.

Please note that these cons may vary depending on personal preferences and travel styles. It's always a good idea to research and plan ahead to mitigate any potential challenges during your trip to Okinawa.

Okinawa, located in the Ryukyu Islands of Japan, has a rich and complex history shaped by its unique geographical position and cultural influences from both Japan and neighboring Asian regions. Here is a detailed history of Okinawa:

Ancient and Medieval Periods

Prehistoric Okinawa: The earliest human presence in Okinawa dates back to the Paleolithic era, around 30,000 years ago, as evidenced by archaeological findings. The Jomon and Yayoi periods saw the development of a distinct Ryukyu culture.
Gusuku Period (12th-15th centuries): This period saw the construction of gusuku (castles or fortresses), which served as centers of power for regional chieftains. Notable gusuku include Shuri Castle and Nakijin Castle. The Ryukyu Kingdom emerged as a centralized power around the 14th century.

Ryukyu Kingdom (1429-1879)

Establishment of the Ryukyu Kingdom: In 1429, King Sho Hashi unified Okinawa Island and established the Ryukyu Kingdom. The kingdom prospered through maritime trade with China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia.
Chinese Influence: The Ryukyu Kingdom became a tributary state of China, adopting many aspects of Chinese culture, including Confucianism and the Chinese writing system.
Satsuma Domain: In 1609, the Satsuma Domain from southern Japan invaded the Ryukyu Kingdom, which became a vassal state. Despite this, the kingdom maintained a degree of autonomy and continued its tributary relations with China.

Meiji Era and World War II (1879-1945)

Annexation by Japan: In 1879, the Meiji government formally annexed the Ryukyu Kingdom, incorporating it into Japan as Okinawa Prefecture. This marked the end of the Ryukyu Kingdom and the beginning of Okinawa's integration into Japan.
World War II: Okinawa was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of World War II. The Battle of Okinawa, from April to June 1945, resulted in a high number of casualties among both military personnel and civilians, with significant destruction on the island.

Post-War and Modern Period (1945-present)

U.S. Occupation: After World War II, Okinawa remained under U.S. administration until 1972, when it was returned to Japan. During this period, the U.S. established numerous military bases on the island, which remain to this day.
Reversion to Japan: In 1972, Okinawa was officially returned to Japan, marking a new era of development and economic progress. However, the presence of U.S. military bases continues to be a point of contention for many residents.

Significant Historical Figures

Sho Hashi: The first king of the unified Ryukyu Kingdom, credited with consolidating power in Okinawa and establishing the kingdom's long era of prosperity.
Sho Tai: The last king of the Ryukyu Kingdom, who was deposed when Okinawa was annexed by Japan in 1879.

Important Landmarks

Shuri Castle: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shuri Castle was the royal residence of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Though it was destroyed during World War II, it has been reconstructed and remains a symbol of Okinawa's cultural heritage.
Himeyuri Monument: A memorial dedicated to the Himeyuri student nurses who perished during the Battle of Okinawa.
Peace Memorial Park: Located in Itoman, this park commemorates the victims of the Battle of Okinawa and promotes peace and reconciliation.

Okinawa's history is marked by its strategic location, which has made it a cultural crossroads and a site of conflict. Today, it is known for its unique cultural identity, beautiful landscapes, and historical significance.