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Okinawa Travel Guide
Things To See
Go to the beaches
Some of the best beaches in Japan are found in Okinawa, so checking them out is a top
priority if visiting this part of the country. The fine sand beaches are fringed with palm
trees and offer a variety of activities, including diving, snorkelling and other water sports.
See the Churaumi Aquarium
Considered by many to be the best aquarium in Japan, the Churaumi Aquarium in
Okinawa Honto is a popular attraction that houses a diverse collection of marine life,
including manta rays, whale sharks, bull sharks, tiger sharks, manatees and sea turtles.
Go to the War Memorials
Churaumi Aquarium – ©JNTO
Okinawa Honto saw one of the bloodiest fights towards the conclusion of World War II,
with around 200,000 people killed, and it is now where a Peace Memorial Park in honour
of the victims stands. The complex consists of many monuments, museums and statues
that remember the fallen and commemorate the tragedy.
Visit the different castles on the islands
During the reign of the Ryukyu Kingdom in Okinawa, several castles were constructed
across the region. Today, one of them still stands (the Shuri Castle in Naha) while many
others have been mostly destroyed (Nakagusuku Castle Ruins, Zakimi Castle Ruins,
Katsuren Castle Ruins, Nakijin Castle Ruins). All of these are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Sunayama beach in Miyakojima
Explore Okinawa World
To learn about the culture of Okinawa, visit Okinawa World, a theme park known for its large natural cave, which is about 5 kilometres long and
features stalagmite and stalactite formations; a snake museum, which has displays of numerous snakes and a snake show; and a craft village,
which offers hands-on workshops on dyeing, pottery, weaving, paper making and other activities.
Where To Explore
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Kumejima – A small island in the Okinawa Shoto group, Kumejima provides great spots for diving and snorkelling. Its most notable
attraction is the 7-kilometre long sand bar known as Hatenohama Beach, which has fine, sparkling white sand.
Miyako Islands – With thriving coral reefs, Miyako Islands offers a variety of top notch snorkelling and diving spots and has many rental
shops and facilities available for different water activities. It is also a good spot for relaxing while watching beautiful sunsets.
Yayaema Islands – With many pristine, white sand beaches, Yayaema Islands is a famous destination for swimming, sunbathing, diving
and snorkelling. In addition, it has the well-preserved Ryukyu Village, which provides a good insight to the local culture and traditional
lifestyle.
Getting Around
There are several ferry and boat services that link the many islands of Okinawa, and there are also buses and rental cars available for travelling
within the main island.
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