19 Fun Things to Do in Okinawa: Places to Go, Local Food & Sightseeing Tips

What makes Okinawa special? A treasure trove of Japan’s top beach resorts

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Located in Japan’s southernmost region, Okinawa consists of about 160 islands. The Okinawan Main Island boasts world-renowned attractions like Shuri Castle and Churaumi Aquarium, while outer islands such as Miyako, with its pristine beaches, and Ishigaki, famous for manta ray diving, offer unique experiences.

Okinawa was once the Ryukyu Kingdom, independent of Japan. The area developed a distinct culture through active trade with China and Southeast Asia. Today, landmarks like the UNESCO-recognized Shuri Castle and traditional red-tiled houses preserve the rich heritage of this vibrant kingdom, offering visitors a glimpse into its historical splendor.

Okinawa’s beaches and natural beauty are unmatched, drawing divers and snorkelers to crystal-clear waters teeming with tropical fish and coral reefs. The Kerama Islands and Manzamo are particularly famous for marine activities.

Don’t miss Okinawa’s unique food culture, featuring dishes like goya champuru, rafute, and Okinawa soba. Pair these with Awamori, the island’s traditional liquor. For fresh seafood and local flavors, visit Naha’s Kokusai-dori Street or Makishi Public Market.

Okinawa’s weather and what to wear: Tips for a comfortable trip

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Located in Japan’s southernmost region, Okinawa enjoys a warm climate year-round, making seasonal clothing choices key to a comfortable trip.

In spring, average temperatures range from 20–25°C (68–77°F), offering mild and pleasant weather. A light long-sleeve shirt is sufficient during the day, but evenings can feel cooler, so pack a cardigan or lightweight jacket for added comfort.

Summer in Okinawa brings temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F) with high humidity. Opt for breathable T-shirts and shorts, and be sure to pack sun protection essentials like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Autumn mirrors spring’s pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 20–25°C (68–77°F). However, typhoon season peaks from October to November, so rain gear is a must. Light long sleeves or cardigans are recommended for this season.

Winter in Okinawa is mild compared to mainland Japan, with average temperatures between 15–20°C (59–68°F). Chilly mornings and evenings call for a sweater or lightweight coat. This season also offers fewer crowds, making it ideal for relaxed sightseeing.

About Okinawa Island

Okinawa Island, the largest of the Okinawa Islands, is a premier tourism destination in Japan renowned for its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and unique subtropical climate.

Beaches and Marine Life
Okinawa boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Japan, with soft white sand and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The island is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, making it a paradise for underwater exploration and whale watching. Popular beach destinations include the American Village area and Churaumi Aquarium, home to whale sharks and diverse sea creatures.

Natural Wonders
Beyond its beaches, Okinawa Island boasts lush subtropical forests and mangrove jungles in areas like Yanbaru, a designated World Natural Heritage site. The island’s diverse landscapes, from rocky coastlines to waterfalls and rivers, provide ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and other outdoor adventures.

Cultural Attractions
As the former capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Okinawa Island is steeped in history and culture distinct from mainland Japan. Visitors can explore the reconstructed Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the ruins of the Tamagusuku area to learn about the Ryukyuan monarchy. The island is also the birthplace of Okinawan karate and offers opportunities to experience traditional performing arts and cuisine like Goya Chanpuru and Awamori liquor.

Getting There
Naha Airport on Okinawa Island serves as the main gateway, with frequent flights from major Japanese cities like Tokyo and Osaka, as well as international connections from Asia. Once on the island, visitors can explore via rental car, public transportation, or even bicycles and scooters in some areas.

Beaches and Marine Life

1. Okuma Beach

Okuma Beach boasts a nearly one-kilometer stretch of smooth white sand, sparkling waters, and colorful beach cottages, presenting a picture-perfect scene.

Okuma is popular for its wide selection of marine sports and leisure activities, making it the perfect place to kick your vacation into high gear. Surrounded by pristine coral reefs with high visibility, it is also known as one of the world’s best windsurfing spots.

2. Emerald Beach

Emerald Beach, true to its name, has been recognized as one of the 55 Best Beaches in Japan by the Ministry of the Environment.

During the summer, the area hosts numerous local festivals, parties, and fireworks. However, visitors can enjoy swimming in its peaceful, clean waters, relaxing in the shade, and watching the sunset over neighboring Ie Island at any time of the year.

3. 21st Century Forest Park

This may be an artificial bay, but you can have some real fun here at the three different beach sections that play host to year-round activities, like beach volleyball and barbeques.

Located inside a large park that houses a baseball stadium, you can catch the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters at their annual baseball spring training camp. Summertime is prime time for swimming in the warm waters.

4. Busena Beach

Busena Cape boasts a luxury resort, a marine park with an underwater observatory, and a beach with a pier offering marine activities, such as glass-bottom boats.

Whether you are staying at the Busena Terrace Hotel as a guest or just a day tripper, everyone will enjoy the resort atmosphere. The cape’s Bankoku Shinryokan Hall once hosted the 2000 Kyushu-Okinawa G-8 Summit at its world-class MICE facility.

5. Moon Beach

Named after its perfect semicircular shape, Moon Beach is situated in the popular resort area of Onna Village. Although it is part of a hotel, it is open to the public.

Visitors can choose from various marine leisure programs, and the most adventurous ones can even enjoy a picnic cruise to an uninhabited island.

6. Blue Cave

One of the most famous attractions on the island, the Blue Cave attracts divers, kayakers, and snorkelers who all want to witness the stunning sapphire colors hidden inside.

Located just off Cape Maeda in Onna Village, you can observe schools of fish, such as Bigscale Soldierfish and the local favorite Ryukyu Sweepers.

7. Hatenohama (Kume Island)

Just offshore Kume Island and surrounded by untouched reefs is one of Japan’s largest shoals—a sandy bank almost seven kilometers from east to west.

The shoal is divided into three sections for tourist access, and visitors can easily enter the water to view lush corals and schools of colorful tropical fish.

Aquariums in Okinawa

Cultural Attractions

8. Seifa Utaki

Although many sacred places, or “utaki,” are found all over Okinawa, Seifa Utaki, tucked away in the rural southeast of the island, is the most revered.

In this sacred place, no artificial structures were built. Instead, wood and bare rock were used as gifts from nature. Only women were allowed to enter and pray, including the Ryukyu King, who had to dress as a woman to enter. Nowadays, people visit Seifa Utaki to worship and experience the serene and peaceful atmosphere of the forest.

9. Fish Market Tomari Iyumachi

This fish market on the outskirts of Naha sells the freshest catch from the Okinawa Fishing Cooperative and specializes in local tuna.

There is even a processing plant that visitors can view through a glass window. The daily landing averages 20 tons, and this can rise to 50 tons on a good catch, with about 70% being tuna. People come here for the freshest tuna sashimi, directly from the source, at amazing prices. Additionally, Mozoku, the popular Okinawan seaweed, is also available for purchase here.

10. Itoman Fishing Cooperative Osakana Center

Walk with an empty stomach and a big appetite when you head to Itoman’s Osakana Center, just south of Naha Airport.

This fish market sells seafood auctioned that morning at the Itoman Fishing Port, as well as dishes for takeaway or eating in. Sushi, sashimi, raw oysters, cod milt, shrimp, and tuna are just some of the items served up to hungry customers, for as little as 100 yen.

Food & Drink

11. Okinawa Soba

With tens of thousands of servings eaten every day, it is no exaggeration to say that Okinawa soba is soul food for the people of Okinawa.

The term ‘soba’ typically refers to buckwheat noodles, but Okinawa soba is made with noodles that are 100% flour, containing no buckwheat. Consequently, the color, thickness, and crimp of the noodles differ depending on the region.

The soup is prepared using a blend of pork bone and bonito stock, seasoned with salt. Toppings for the dish include pork ribs, soki (boneless pork ribs), and stir-fried vegetables.

12. Awamori

Loved by locals and made only in Okinawa, Awamori is a true flavor of the islands. In the long, hot summers, Okinawans enjoy a cold glass of awamori on ice, and it complements a number of local dishes.

Made by adding water and yeast to rice malt made with kurokoji mold and steamed rice (mostly from Thailand), the mixture is left to ferment and develop its rich flavor. Awamori, more than three years old, is called ‘koshu,’ and the longer it is stored, the deeper the flavor.

13. Champuru

In the Okinawan dialect, ‘champuru’ means to mix and combine, and the name is aptly applied to these dishes, which mainly consist of stir-fried vegetables but also ingredients such as pork and shima tofu (island tofu).

There are many different kinds of champuru, from the classic Okinawa goya (bitter melon) champuru, to tofu champuru and somen noodle champuru.

Shopping in Naha

14. Naha Kokusai-dori Shopping Street

It’s always crowded, always local, and always fun – Kokusai-dori, or International Street, is a 1.6km strip in the heart of the city known as the “miracle mile.”

Full of souvenir shops selling unique Okinawan goods, izakaya with local food, and places to experience the Ryukyu culture, this street is a great place to stroll around and shop. It becomes a pedestrian zone on Sundays, with street performers, play areas, and traditional Eisa dances.

15. Fukushuen Garden

This beautiful Chinese garden is a green oasis in downtown Naha and a symbol of Okinawa’s close ties with China.

A bamboo-lined walking path goes around a large pond with a towering waterfall in the middle (hint: there is a hidden path behind the waterfall!). Classical stone pagodas and pavilions offer great photo opportunities, and kids love to buy tiny boxes of fish food for the hungry koi.

16. Tsuboya Yachimun Street

Okinawa pottery or ‘yachimun’ has a history of more than 400 years and is known for its high quality and distinctive style.

In Naha, tourists flock to Tsuboya, the quaint cobble-stoned street, the birthplace of ‘tsuboya-yaki’ pottery. Yomitan in the central part of the island is another mecca of yachimun, and the ruins of the oldest kiln on the island are found there.

Annual pottery festivals have become popular, with the Yomitan event held the third weekend of October and the Tsuboya event held in November. Both draw locals and visitors alike, keen to own a beautiful handmade work of art.

Events & Festivals

17. The Naha Haari (Early May)

Dragon boat racing, or ‘Haari,’ is a popular annual event held across Okinawa.

The biggest race is the Naha Haari, which is held every May and attracts more than 200,000 visitors. Smaller races use boats called ‘sabani,’ which can hold up to 12 people. However, the Naha race uses large, elaborately decorated boats called ‘haryusen,’ which can accommodate up to 42 people, including gong beaters, helmsmen, and flag bearers.

The event creates an atmosphere of excitement with the sound of drums as the port is transformed into a festival venue. Visitors can enjoy live performances, food vendors, games, and evening fireworks. Additionally, there is also a chance for visitors to board one of the dragon boats!

18. The 10,000 Eisa Dancers Parade (Early August)

On the first Sunday of every August, Kokusai-dori Street transforms into a festival zone with the parade of 10,000 Eisa Dancers.

One of the biggest events in Naha, this spectacle is not to be missed, with the sound of drums filling the streets, beautiful costumes, and traditional dances. Youth groups from all over Okinawa come to show off their skills, keeping this tradition alive.

19. Naha Great Tug-of-War (July-October)

Tug-of-war events are held all over Okinawa from July to October, and the Naha Great Tug-of-War is one of the biggest.

It started around 1450 and was then reintroduced in 1971 as part of the 50th-anniversary celebration of Naha City; the event is an opportunity to show Okinawan pride and wishes for family harmony, good business, fertility, health, happiness, and peace.

In 1995, the Naha Great Tug-of-War was certified by the Guinness World Records for having 270,000 attendees, 15,000 participants, and the largest rope made of rice straw, 200 meters long and weighing 43 tons.

10 Recommended Popular Naha Hotels

We’ve selected ten hotels around Naha that are all excellently situated and have great reviews on Booking.com.

Naha Airport is the aerial gateway to Okinawa

Things to keep in mind when visiting Okinawa

To make the most of your visit to Okinawa, it’s important to consider a few key factors, such as the intense sunlight, hot and humid climate, and distinct traffic conditions. Being prepared will ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

1. Stay protected from UV rays

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Okinawa’s strong sunlight makes UV protection essential. Wear hats and sunglasses, and opt for UV-blocking clothing when outdoors. Apply sunscreen frequently, especially at the beach or pool, using waterproof types for better coverage.

2. Don’t forget to book a rental car

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In Okinawa, the primary public transport is the monorail in Naha City, but exploring the island fully often requires a rental car. Be mindful of Okinawa’s unique driving conditions, such as one-way streets, unexpected animal crossings, and slippery roads during rain. When booking a rental car, don’t skip adding insurance for a worry-free trip!

3. Be prepared for emergencies

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It’s estimated that 1 in 25 visitors to Japan experience illness or injury during their trip, with medical expenses ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of yen for even a short hospital stay. In remote locations like Okinawa, securing travel insurance is essential to cover unexpected emergencies.

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If you’re worried about getting travel insurance when you don’t speak Japanese, the JAPAN TRAVEL INSURANCE – TOKIO OMOTENASHI POLICY is a great option.

This insurance covers injury or illness. They’ll introduce you to the best medical facilities and directly pay medical and prescription costs to hospitals and pharmacies. They also offer phone interpretation services in English, Chinese, and Korean, and provide extensive support, including arrangements for emergency travel to your home country if needed.

Plans are affordable, starting at 1,620 yen for 3 days and 6,470 yen for 21 days. Coverage includes up to 10 million yen for medical expenses within Japan and emergency transport to your home country if needed, ensuring peace of mind during your trip.

In Okinawa, you can access a dedicated phone consultation service for sudden illnesses or injuries. By scanning the QR code on the bottom right of the card, you can access the service online for free (Wi-Fi connection required). The service provides assistance for various concerns, such as finding a hospital for fever or abdominal pain or deciding whether to seek medical care after a minor injury at the beach.

Plan ahead for your Okinawa trip!

To fully enjoy Okinawa’s stunning nature and unique culture, proper preparation is essential. Protect yourself against unexpected issues or health concerns by securing comprehensive travel insurance. Don’t forget to take note of the contact details for local medical facilities and tourist support centers in advance for added peace of mind. With thorough planning, you can experience the best of Okinawa worry-free!