Okinawa

Okinawa is Japan’s hidden gem. Far south of the main islands, this province has a unique culture and geography that sets it apart. With stunning blue water and chill ocean vibes, it’s hard to remember you’re in Japan.

Info FAQ Travel Diaries

NOTE: This page is dedicated entirely to Okinawa Island in Japan. Click here more articles and information about the mainland!

All Articles

Okinawa Island

Other Islands

Okinawa Travel Info

Language

Being in Japan, the main language of Okinawa is of course, Japanese. However, due to the large U.S. military presence on the island, there is a much higher rate of English. It is common to see signage and receive services in English, especially near the many bases. Additionally, Okinawa is a hotspot for Asian travelers, so Chinese and Korean are also commonly available at the largest resorts and tourist hot spots. Compared to the rest of Japan, Okinawa is somewhat of a linguistic melting pot.

Demographics

Okinawa has a little over one million people and feels very different from mainland Japan. Most residents are Ryukyu and Japanese, with a culture that blends both backgrounds. The region has a mix of Buddhist and Shinto traditions along with local spiritual practices that are still part of daily life. Many families have deep roots on the islands and the pace of life is slower than in major cities. This creates a community vibe that feels warm and distinct from the rest of the country.

Weather

Okinawa has warm weather for most of the year and feels more tropical than the rest of Japan. Winters stay mild and comfortable, which makes the islands popular even in cooler months. Summers are hot and humid with a rainy stretch that usually arrives before the busiest travel season. Typhoons can roll through later in the year and bring short bursts of strong wind and heavy rain. Overall the climate is relaxed and sunny and it gives the islands a slow and easy atmosphere.

Public Transit

Japan is known for its world class public transit. However, Okinawa is a rare but understandable exception. There is only one train in the entire island chain, a single monorail in Naha, the capital of Okinawa. Most islands have busses, but they are notable for being slower and less consistent than on the mainland. Most people in Okinawa have a car, or live on an island small enough to not need one.

Okinawa FAQ

It may surprise you to know that Okinawa is a very large island, and it takes hours to drive between cities. Naha is the largest city on the island, and while there are certainly some notable attractions, it’s not a common place to stay. Chatan is by far the most popular city, with the American village and many military bases nearby. However, most of the resorts and some popular destinations are on the Motobu peninsula. This destination is on the far northwest corner and is home to the famous Chaurumi Aquarium and Pineapple Park. For the most authentic stay, we recommend staying in Naha, Uruma, or Nago for a real sense of daily okinawan city life. If you want a resort or beach stay, the Motobu peninsula is for you.

Japan is one of, if not the safest country in the world. Violent and petty crime are both extremely low, there for solo/female travelers have absolutely nothing to fear. Unlike the rest of Japan, there are some concerns around behavior of soldiers from the military bases. Incidents are very uncommon, but have sparked protest from the in the past. That being said, if you’re planning a vacation specifically for ease of mind around safety, you can’t do much better than Okinawa.

The U.S. military presence in Okinawa is widespread. With hundreds of bases, camps, and small facilities dotted around the main island. Seeing military drills with fighter planes and helicopters is a regular occurrence, and many of the foreigners are not tourists, but military personnel. Citizens are not allowed to visit the bases, making it controversial among locals that so much of the island is taken up by a foreign presence and off limits to locals.

While Okinawa is much warmer than the rest of Japan, it does see noticeable seasons. Sitting just outside the tropics, the island sees increased rainfall from June to September during rainy season. Summer heat is blistering with highs of 95F and feels-like temperature often exceeding 110F This makes mid summer the most uncomfortable time to visit, however it is still the most popular time for tourist. Therefore, the shoulder seasons are highly preferable, with more mild weather and less crowds. Be aware that Okinawa does get winter weather with mild temps and high wind, causing beaches to close from October to March. If you want to swim and snorkel, visiting in the winter is not possible.

The main island of Okinawa has enough adventure to last you years. However, visiting a small island in the chain is common, since they are more remote and often have the best nature. If you are very short on time, we recommend a day trip to the Kerama islands just off the coast of Naha. These are some of the most beautiful waters in the country, and can easily be visited for a day. If you have a few days, the two most popular options are Miyako and Ishigaki. They are both small islands with lots to offer. Ishigaki is more popular for toursists, and has a large nature preserve meaning some of the best snorkeling in the world. Miyako is a more livable island, with many stunning capes and beaches. The vibes in Miyako are more laid back, so if you’re just wanting a getaway, we recommend it. Both are amazing options and quite different from Okinawa, so we highly recommend you visit one if you can.

Renting a car in Okinawa is highly advised. While the Naha area does have a single monorail line, most of the island is off limits without a car. Busses in Okinawa are slower and less frequent than in mainland Japan, and while there are long distance busses for tourists to the major spots on the island, these add a lot of time and hassle to your itinerary. If you plan on going anywhere remote or away from the largest attractions, we suggest you get a car. If you go to any smaller islands like Miyako or Ishigaki, having a car is mandatory, as these islands have no public transit.

Travel Diaries

Japan's Secret Side 🇯🇵 | MIYAKOJIMA
Japan’s Ultimate Paradise Okinawa | Churaumi Aquarium, Cape Hedo, Ta-Taki Waterfall, Cape Manzamo
Japan's SECRET Paradise | Kerama Islands Day Trip