Okinawa Travel Guide
Japan's Subtropical Archipelago · 160 Islands
🏙 Main Island
Okinawa's capital Naha is home to Shuri Castle — the restored UNESCO palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The Yui Rail connects Naha's top sights. Kokusai Dori buzzes with awamori bars and Eisa drum performances at night. The Blue Cave at Maeda Point is one of Japan's most celebrated snorkelling sites.
🐢 Kerama Islands
Just 35km west of Naha, the Kerama Islands have some of the clearest water on Earth — Kerama Blue is the term locals use for their impossible-looking turquoise seas. Zamami and Tokashiki host the largest loggerhead sea turtle nesting sites in Japan. Humpback whales visit from January to March.
🌅 Miyako-jima
Miyako-jima is famous for Yonaha Maehama Beach — consistently ranked Japan's best beach for its powdery white sand and shallow azure water. The underwater Irabu diving sites attract sea turtles and manta rays year-round. The Ikema and Kurima islands connect by bridge with minimal traffic.
🦈 Ishigaki
Ishigaki is the gateway to Japan's southernmost islands. Kabira Bay's coral-green water is protected — swimming is forbidden to preserve the black pearl farms, but glass-bottom boat tours reveal the reef below. Manta ray encounters at Manta Scramble dive site run all year, making Ishigaki Japan's manta capital.
🌿 Iriomote
Iriomote is 90% jungle — a UNESCO World Heritage island with no traffic lights and more wildlife than anywhere in Japan. The Iriomote wildcat, found nowhere else on Earth, roams the mangrove forests. Kayaking the Urauchi River through primeval jungle to Mariyudo Falls is the island's signature experience.
⭐ Yaeyama Isles
The Yaeyama group includes Taketomi — a living Ryukyu village of coral-walled lanes and buffalo carts unchanged for centuries. Yonaguni, Japan's westernmost island, hosts the mysterious Yonaguni Underwater Monument and winter hammerhead sharks. Hateruma offers Japan's best stargazing and the southernmost point of the country.
Updated 2026 · japan.gg/okinawa