Okinawa Island Travel Recommendations

Okinawa Island is the largest island in the Okinawa prefecture, located in the southwestern part of Japan. It is known for its warm climate, crystal-clear waters, and rich culture. The island is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and unique cuisine. In this response, we will provide an overview of Okinawa Island, including how to get there from Tokyo, the best season to visit, and Must-see places.

Getting to Okinawa Island from Tokyo

Getting to Okinawa Island from Tokyo is relatively easy, as there are numerous direct flights from Haneda and Narita airports. The flight time is around 2.5 hours, and there are several airlines that operate flights to the island, including Japan Airlines, ANA, and Peach Aviation. Additionally, there are also ferries that run from mainland Japan to Okinawa Island, although the journey takes significantly longer and is less convenient.

The best time to visit Okinawa Island

The best time to visit Okinawa Island is between April and November when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the peak season is during the summer months when the island is busy with tourists. It’s recommended to avoid visiting during the typhoon season, which runs from July to September, as the weather can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Must-see places to visit on Okinawa Island

Shuri Castle

This UNESCO World Heritage Site was the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom and is a symbol of Okinawa’s unique cultural heritage.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

The aquarium is home to one of the largest tanks in the world and is a great place to learn about the marine life of Okinawa.

Kokusai Dori

This bustling street is the heart of Naha City and is lined with shops, restaurants, and souvenir stalls.

Kouri Island

A small island connected to Okinawa Island by a bridge, Kouri Island is known for its beautiful beaches and scenic views.

Cape Manzamo

This scenic spot offers a panoramic view of the East China Sea and is a popular spot for sunset viewing.

Hiji Falls

This stunning waterfall is located in the Yanbaru Forest, which is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Nakagusuku Castle Ruins

This historical site was built in the 14th century and is a great place to learn about Okinawa’s rich history.

Shikinaen Garden

This beautiful garden was once the summer residence of the Ryukyu royal family and is a great place to relax and take in the scenery.

Nago Pineapple Park

This fun and educational park offers visitors the chance to learn about pineapple farming in Okinawa and taste fresh pineapple.

Okuma Beach

This picturesque beach is located on the northern part of the island and is a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling.

Recommended Restaurants in Okinawa Island

Ajimaa Kitchen

Located in the central area of Okinawa Island, Ajimaa Kitchen is a popular restaurant that serves delicious Okinawan cuisine made with locally-sourced ingredients. They offer a variety of dishes such as soki soba (pork rib noodle soup), goya chanpuru (stir-fried bitter melon with tofu and pork), and taco rice.

Ryu-pan

This bakery and café in Naha is known for its delicious bread and pastries. Their specialty is the ryu-pan, a sweet bread roll filled with a variety of ingredients such as chocolate, custard, or red bean paste. They also serve sandwiches, coffee, and tea.

Nakayoshi Shokudo

A casual eatery located in the northern part of Okinawa Island, Nakayoshi Shokudo is known for its delicious and affordable dishes. Their menu includes Okinawan favorites such as rafute (braised pork belly), umibudo (sea grapes), and goya champuru.

Sonda no Eki

This roadside station in the southern part of Okinawa Island features a variety of food stalls and souvenir shops. One of the most popular stalls is the one that serves Okinawan soba, a type of noodle soup that is a must-try when visiting Okinawa. Other stalls offer grilled seafood, tempura, and ice cream.

King Tacos

A local favorite, King Tacos is a fast food chain that specializes in tacos made with Okinawan-style taco rice. Their tacos are filled with ground beef, lettuce, tomato, and cheese, and are served on a bed of rice instead of a tortilla. They also offer burritos, quesadillas, and other Tex-Mex inspired dishes.

Recommended Accommodations in Okinawa Island

The Terrace Club at Busena

This luxurious hotel is located on a hill overlooking the East China Sea, offering stunning ocean views. It features spacious rooms with a private balcony, a large outdoor pool, and a spa. Guests can also enjoy dining at the hotel’s restaurants, which offer a variety of international and local dishes.

The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa

The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa is a luxurious hotel located in the resort area of Onna. The hotel features elegant rooms with a private balcony, an outdoor pool, and a spa. Guests can also enjoy dining at the hotel’s restaurants, which serve a variety of international and local dishes.

Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island Okinawa

This luxurious hotel is located on a private island, offering guests a secluded and tranquil atmosphere. The hotel features spacious rooms with ocean views, a large outdoor pool, and a spa. Guests can also enjoy dining at the hotel’s restaurants, which serve a variety of international and local dishes.

ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort

This luxurious beachfront resort features spacious rooms with ocean views, an outdoor pool, and a spa. Guests can also enjoy dining at the hotel’s restaurants, which offer a variety of international and local dishes. The resort is located in a peaceful and scenic area, making it the perfect place for a relaxing vacation.

Hotel Monterey Okinawa Spa & Resort

This luxurious resort is located in the northern part of Okinawa Island, offering guests stunning views of the East China Sea. The hotel features elegant rooms with a private balcony, an outdoor pool, and a spa. Guests can also enjoy dining at the hotel’s restaurants, which serve a variety of international and local dishes. The resort is also conveniently located near many popular tourist attractions.

The Busena Terrace

This luxurious hotel is located on the coast of Nago Bay, offering guests a beautiful ocean view. The hotel features spacious rooms with a private balcony, an outdoor pool, and a spa. Guests can also enjoy dining at the hotel’s restaurants, which serve a variety of international and local dishes.

Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort

This luxurious resort is located on the coast of Onna, offering guests a stunning ocean view. The resort features spacious rooms with a private balcony, an outdoor pool, and a spa. Guests can also enjoy dining at the resort’s restaurants, which serve a variety of international and local dishes.

The Atta Terrace Club Towers

This luxurious hotel is located in the resort area of Onna, offering guests a peaceful and scenic atmosphere. The hotel features spacious rooms with a private balcony, an outdoor pool, and a spa. Guests can also enjoy dining at the hotel’s restaurants, which serve a variety of international and local dishes.

Hotel Nikko Alivila

This luxurious beachfront resort is located in Yomitan, offering guests a relaxing and tranquil atmosphere. The resort features spacious rooms with ocean views, an outdoor pool, and a spa. Guests can also enjoy dining at the resort’s restaurants, which serve a variety of international and local dishes.

Southern Beach Hotel & Resort Okinawa

This luxurious resort is located on the coast of Itoman, offering guests a stunning ocean view. The resort features spacious rooms with a private balcony, an outdoor pool, and a spa. Guests can also enjoy dining at the resort’s restaurants, which serve a variety of international and local dishes. The resort is also conveniently located near many popular tourist attractions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Okinawa Island is a beautiful and unique destination that offers visitors the chance to experience a different side of Japan. With its warm climate, crystal-clear waters, and rich culture, it’s no wonder that it’s such a popular tourist destination. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or just want to relax on the beach, there’s something for everyone on Okinawa Island.