Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost prefecture, is a breathtaking archipelago of 160 islands known for its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and unique Ryukyu culture. Unlike mainland Japan, Okinawa offers a slower pace of life, blending traditional Ryukyu heritage, WWII history, and world-class diving spots.
Okinawa blends history, nature, and beach relaxation like no other part of Japan. Whether exploring Shuri Castle, diving in Ishigaki, or relaxing on Zamami, it’s a tropical paradise with deep cultural roots.
What you need to travel to Okinawa
Hotels & Flight Tickets
Hotels in Okinawa:
Trip.com | Expedia
Discounted Air Tickets:
Trip.com | Expedia
Transportation from OKA Airport to Okinawa
Here’s a detailed guide for getting from Naha Airport (OKA) to Okinawa’s downtown (Naha City Center), including all transportation options with key details:
Okinawa Monorail (Yui Rail)
Route: Naha Airport → Makishi Station (downtown)
Travel Time: 15 minutes
Cost: ¥330 (to Makishi Station)
Operating Hours: 06:00 – 23:30
Best for: Travelers staying near Kokusai Street or the Shuri areas
How to Board: Follow signs to “Monorail” from Arrivals (2F)
Purchase tickets at machines (English available) or use an IC card (Suica/Pasmo accepted)
Pro Tip: Purchase a Yui Rail 1-Day Pass if planning multiple monorail trips.
Airport Limousine Bus
Main Routes:
Airport → Naha City (¥260, 20 mins)
Airport → Omoromachi (¥300, 25 mins)
Operating Hours: 06:40 – 22:30
Best for: Those with heavy luggage or hotel drop-offs
Key Stops:
Naha Bus Terminal (central transfer point)
Major hotels (Daiwa Roynet, Loisir, etc.)
Taxi
To Kokusai Street: ¥1,500-2,000 (15 mins)
To Shuri Area: ¥2,000-2,500 (20 mins)
24-hour availability
Best for: Late arrivals or groups
Pro Tips:
Taxi stands at both the Domestic and International terminals
Uber is available but limited (regular taxis are more common)
Rental Car
Rental Counters: All major companies (Times, Orix, Nippon) at the airport
Drive Time to Downtown: 15-20 minutes
Parking Tip: Most hotels charge ¥1,000-1,500/night
Scenic Route Option: Take Route 58 along the coast for ocean views
Best for: Travelers planning to explore beyond Naha
Cape Manzamo 万座毛
This spectacular clifftop formation in Onna Village has captivated visitors for centuries with its natural elephant-trunk-shaped rock arch and panoramic East China Sea vistas.
The name “Manzamo” (meaning “10,000-person field”) comes from a Ryukyu king’s legendary remark that the grassy plateau could seat an entire army. The site’s true magic reveals itself at sunset when the fading light paints the coral cliffs in golden hues and spotlights the turquoise waters below.
A well-maintained walking path circles the cape, offering multiple vantage points to admire the rugged coastline and, in winter, migrating humpback whales offshore. Nearby, luxury resorts blend seamlessly with the landscape, making Cape Manzamo an ideal stop on Okinawa’s western coastal drive.
Address: Onna, Kunigami, Okinawa
Opening Hours: Always open (Best at sunset)
How to Get There: Bus: From Naha, take Route 120 (1.5 hours).
Shuri Castle 首里城
Shuri Castle stands as the most significant historical site in Okinawa, serving as the political and cultural center of the Ryukyu Kingdom for over 400 years. Unlike Japan’s samurai castles, Shuri Castle’s architecture reflects a unique blend of Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian influences, evident in its vibrant vermilion structures and dragon-adorned pillars.
The castle was meticulously reconstructed in 1992 after being destroyed in World War II, only to suffer another devastating fire in 2019. Despite this, the site remains a powerful symbol of Okinawan resilience.
You can explore the stone-paved courtyards, restored gates like the iconic Shureimon (depicted on the ¥2,000 bill), and the partially reconstructed Seiden (main hall).
Address: 1-2 Shurikinjocho, Naha, Okinawa
Opening Hours: 08:30 – 18:00
How to Get There: Monorail (Yui Rail): Take the line to Shuri Station, then 15-minute walk.
Bus: Routes 7, 8, or 14 stop near the castle.
Churaumi Aquarium 美ら海水族館
Churaumi Aquarium, located within the Ocean Expo Park, is renowned for housing one of the world’s largest aquarium tanks—the breathtaking Kuroshio Sea tank. This massive 7,500-ton aquarium replicates the Kuroshio Current’s ecosystem, featuring graceful whale sharks (the aquarium’s star attractions), enormous manta rays, and schools of tropical fish.
Churaumi’s open-air design makes it exceptional, allowing natural sunlight to illuminate the exhibits, creating an incredibly realistic underwater environment.
The aquarium offers intimate encounters with Okinawa’s diverse marine life. The Coral Sea exhibit showcases vibrant coral propagation projects, while the Deep Sea section reveals bizarre deep-ocean creatures found in Okinawa’s trenches.
The aquarium’s conservation efforts, particularly its successful breeding of whale sharks in captivity, make it a must-visit for marine enthusiasts.
Address: 424 Ishikawa, Motobu, Okinawa
Opening Hours: 08:30 – 18:30 (Mar–Sep) / 08:30 – 17:30 (Oct–Feb)
How to Get There: Bus: From Naha, take the Yanbaru Express Bus (2.5 hours).
Kokusai Dori 国際通り
Stretching 1.6 kilometers through central Naha, Kokusai Dori (International Street) pulsates with Okinawan energy day and night. Born from post-WWII black markets, this bustling avenue has evolved into a vibrant showcase of Okinawan culture, cuisine, and commerce.
The street’s covered arcades protect visitors from rain and sun as they explore endless shops selling traditional Bingata textiles, hand-blown glassware, and the ubiquitous shisha lion-dog figurines.
As night falls, the street transforms into a neon-lit entertainment district, with live houses featuring sanshin (Okinawan three-stringed lute) performances and izakayas serving local awamori liquor.
Address: Matsuo, Naha, Okinawa
How to Get There: Monorail: Get off at Makishi Station.
Okinawa World おきなわワールド
This expansive cultural complex offers an immersive journey through Okinawa’s natural and human history. The star attraction is the Gyokusendo Cave, a 5-kilometer-long limestone cavern system filled with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal-clear underground pools. The 850-meter illuminated walking path reveals otherworldly formations with names like “Dragon’s Pillar” and “Silver Frost Falls.”
Above ground, the Kingdom Village recreates a traditional Ryukyu settlement with thatched-roof houses where artisans demonstrate Bingata dyeing, pottery-making, and sanshin craftsmanship.
The park’s Habu Museum showcases Okinawa’s infamous venomous snakes in safe exhibits, while the adjacent Habu Show features daring handlers demonstrating extraction techniques used in traditional medicine.
Address: 1336 Tamagusuku, Nanjo, Okinawa
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 18:00
How to Get There: Bus: From Naha, take Route 83 (50 mins).
Ishigaki Island 石垣島
Ishigaki serves as the cultural and transportation hub for Okinawa’s remote Yaeyama archipelago, offering a perfect blend of convenience and natural beauty.
The island’s jewel is Kabira Bay, whose milky-blue waters and crescent-shaped white sand beach are protected as a marine park. Swimming is prohibited to preserve the ecosystem, but glass-bottom boat tours reveal vibrant coral gardens.
Adventure seekers head to Mount Nosoko for its jungle hiking trail leading to a panoramic viewpoint, or to Miyara River for kayaking through mangrove forests teeming with crabs and herons. Ishigaki’s most extraordinary marine encounter happens at Manta Scramble, where snorkelers can observe graceful manta rays gliding through cleaning stations.
How to Get There: Flight: 1 hour from Naha.
Zamami Island 座間味島
Part of the Kerama Islands National Park, Zamami offers the quintessential Okinawan island experience: powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back vibe.
Furuzamami Beach consistently ranks among Japan’s best, with its 700-meter stretch of soft sand sloping gently into a coral-filled lagoon perfect for snorkeling with sea turtles.
Hikers can trek to Mount Takatsuki for breathtaking views of the Kerama archipelago, while whale watchers visit between January and March to spot humpback whales breaching offshore. Unlike more developed islands, Zamami maintains strict environmental protections, ensuring its marine ecosystems remain pristine for future generations.
How to Get There: Ferry: 50 mins from Tomari Port.
Nakijin Castle Ruins 今帰仁城跡
These atmospheric ruins on Okinawa’s northern Motobu Peninsula represent a different chapter in Ryukyu history. Built in the 13th century, Nakijin Castle served as the stronghold of the Hokuzan Kingdom before the Ryukyu unification.
While smaller than Shuri, the castle’s hilltop position overlooking the East China Sea and its remarkably preserved stone walls create a mystical ambiance.
The site becomes particularly magical during January-February when hundreds of cherry trees bloom early, creating a pink canopy over the ancient stones. Unlike crowded mainland hanami spots, Nakijin offers a tranquil setting to appreciate the flowers.
Address: 5101 Imadomari, Nakijin, Okinawa
How to Get There: Bus: From Naha, take Yanbaru Express Bus (Route 111/117) (~2 hours).
Kerama Islands 慶良間諸島
This national park archipelago southwest of Okinawa Island comprises over 20 islands, with Tokashiki, Zamami, and Aka being the most accessible. The Keramas are renowned for their “Kerama Blue” waters, an exceptionally vivid shade of turquoise created by the interplay of white sand and coral reefs.
Divers flock here for world-class visibility (often exceeding 50 meters) and encounters with manta rays, sea turtles, and spectacular coral formations. The islands also serve as a humpback whale nursery from winter to spring. Strict environmental protections ensure the marine ecosystem remains pristine, making the Keramas Okinawa’s ultimate escape for nature lovers.
How to Get There: Ferry: 1 hour from Naha.
Free diving/Snorkeling/O+A Certification/Mermaid diving for 1 hour
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