Visiting Okinawa in Japan: what to see and my tips

If you want to combine Japan with tropical beaches, I think Okinawa is a good choice. Four full days were enough for me to get to know the island. How long you stay depends on whether you also want to see the surrounding islands. Below are the places I visited, plus my tips on getting around and on food. If you’re planning your first trip to Japan, have a look at my Japan guide with a 10-day itinerary too.

Quick factsby Milan Bez Mapy

How many days

My itinerary took four full days at a relaxed pace; allow about a week for the whole island, or two days if it’s just the beach

Where I stayed

In Naha, at the JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Naha, within walking distance of the port and Kokusai-dori

Getting around

Car hire is worth it; public transport is limited and traffic drives on the left

Aka Island

Nishibama was the most beautiful beach I found in Okinawa; book the ferry from Tomari in advance and bring cash

Not worth it

Sefa Utaki, a walk through the woods among rocks that left me cold

Next time I’d

Stay on Aka or Zamami itself and spend longer there

Visiting Okinawa on a trip to Japan? When I first visited Japan in May 2024, it didn’t even cross my mind to think of the country as a beach destination. I suspect most Slovaks are the same.

Picture this: in the south, Japan has tropical islands of its own, and European tourists have hardly discovered them yet. One of the best known is Okinawa. Here’s what I think is worth seeing there.

Visiting Okinawa in Japan: Milan Bez Mapy’s tips on what to see

A short history of Okinawa and its tense relationship with the US

Okinawa has a long and eventful history. It was once home to the independent Ryukyu Kingdom, which grew prosperous through trade with China, Japan and other Asian countries. In 1609 the Japanese Satsuma clan took control of the kingdom, and in 1879 Japan annexed it.

The darkest chapter came with the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, during the Second World War. The island suffered huge losses, both among its civilians and to its infrastructure. After the war, many military bases went up here, American ones among them. To this day they cause tension and debate between local people and the government.

Today the Japanese see Okinawa as a strategically important part of the country. Yet having fighter jets fly over your head every day is perfectly normal here. After a while I got used to it. Our guide told me that whenever she drives somewhere, she has to go round the bases, which makes the journey longer. The Americans can drive straight through them. So there you go.

How to get to Okinawa and how long to stay

The fastest way to Okinawa is with EVA Air, changing in Taipei. What’s more, on its direct route from Vienna to Taiwan the airline flies modern Dreamliners (Boeing 787-9) with the new version of its Premium Economy class. I can’t remember the last time I slept on a plane for more than eight hours straight. On EVA Air I managed it.

EVA has introduced the fourth generation of its Premium Economy seats, with an exceptionally generous seat pitch of 42 inches (about 107 cm). The extras have been upgraded too: a pillow, a blanket, toiletries and, on some flights, a more upmarket amenity kit from HUNTER.

• Tip from Milan Alternatively, you can plan a trip to Japan with Okinawa as the icing on the cake: the flight from Tokyo takes only about two and a half hours. Here’s my list of things to know and watch out for before you visit Japan.

Tip from Milan I’d recommend booking your accommodation as early as you can, because rooms in a good location at a fair price go first. Here you’ll find accommodation offers in the area valid today.

How many days do you need in Okinawa?

So how much time does Okinawa take? The itinerary in this article took me four full days at a fairly relaxed pace. You can pick what appeals to you from the list and build your own plan. To see the whole island, though, about a week is the usual recommendation. If you just want a swim on a tropical island, two full days will do.

Where to stay in Okinawa

I stayed in the capital, Naha. Why? Although it isn’t in the middle of the island, it’s the best base for reaching all the sights I mention in this article.

The hotel was the JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Naha. It’s within walking distance of the port and of the main shopping street, Kokusai-dori, where it all happens.

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Getting around Okinawa and car hire

Once you land, it’s worth hiring a car, because driving is the most comfortable way to get around the island. Public transport is limited and many sights are far apart. A car gives you the freedom to explore beaches, historic sites and lesser-known places at your own pace. The roads are well signposted and parking is usually easy to find, but traffic here drives on the left. Visiting Okinawa can mean a lot of time behind the wheel: the island isn’t small.

Things to do in Okinawa: Milan Bez Mapy’s picks

1. Kokusai-dori
2. Churaumi Aquarium
3. Cape Zanpa lighthouse
4. American Village
5. Shuri Castle and Sefa Utaki
6. Nakijin Castle
7. Kouri Island
8. Aka Island

Kokusai-dori: nightlife, parties and karaoke

Kokusai-dori is Naha’s main boulevard and one of the liveliest places on Okinawa. The street is about 1.6 km long and lined with shops, restaurants and stalls selling local snacks. It’s the ideal place to try Okinawan street food, such as taco rice or sata andagi, the traditional fried doughnuts.

In the evening the street lights up and buzzes with life, and Okinawa’s official tourist guides recommend it too. I ended up here every evening once the day’s programme was over. There are lots of restaurants, souvenir shops and the karaoke bars the Japanese are so fond of. It’s worth trying at least one. If you’re after nightlife and parties, this is the place, with plenty of bars.

Churaumi Aquarium and Jinta the whale shark

The Churaumi Aquarium is in Ocean Expo Park in the north of Okinawa and is one of the largest aquariums in the world. Its biggest tank, the Kuroshio Sea, holds more than 7,500 tonnes of water. In it you can watch whale sharks, manta rays and hundreds of other marine species.

The aquarium is also known for its marine research and for keeping whale sharks in captivity, which makes it one of a kind worldwide. If the weather turns bad, this is the place to head for: it’s one of the best-known aquariums in the world. Jinta is a male whale shark who has lived at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium since March 1995, when he was only 4.6 m long. Today he’s about 9 m long and weighs almost 6 tonnes. In March 2019 he was awarded the world record for the longest time any whale shark has been kept in captivity.

Cape Zanpa lighthouse

The Cape Zanpa lighthouse stands on Okinawa’s west coast and is 31 m tall. It offers panoramic views over the ocean and the rocky coastline around it. The area is part of a nature reserve and is known for its sunsets.

• Tip from Milan A short way from the lighthouse is the Okashigoten Yomitan sweet shop. It sells a huge range of sweets made from purple sweet potato, which Okinawans put into almost anything sweet. They’re well worth trying.

American Village in Okinawa

American Village is a modern entertainment complex in the town of Chatan. Its look is inspired by American architecture, as the US had a strong influence here for a long time. It has the shops, restaurants and cafés you’d expect, plus entertainment, including a cinema, fairground rides and the sunset.

It’s also one of the few places on Okinawa where I managed to get a good coffee. It started out as a leisure area near a former American military base and is now a popular spot for an evening stroll and some shopping.

• Tip from Milan For a great cold brew or flat white, I’d head to Zhyvago Coffee. Their coffee brought me right back to life after a whole day of exploring the island. So much so that our little group then ended up at the nearby Chatan Harbor Brewery. There you can sample Japanese beers to the sound of American fighter jets overhead.

Shuri Castle after the 2019 fire

Shuri Castle was the historic seat of the Ryukyu kings and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was first built in the 14th century, destroyed in the Second World War and later rebuilt.

The castle complex includes royal palaces, gates and traditional Okinawan architecture. The Japanese have been unlucky with it, though: only a few years ago it burned down completely, and reconstruction was under way when I visited. The fire broke out in October 2019, and the restored main hall, the Seiden, opens to the public on 23 November 2026. Entry to the interior is by ticket for a set date and time. It’s best to book one in advance on the official Shurijo Castle Park website. Nearby you’ll also find Tamaudun and the Zuisen Distillery, where they’ll gladly pour you a tasting of awamori, the local rice spirit.

Sefa Utaki, a sacred site

Sefa Utaki is the holiest site of the indigenous Ryukyu religion. Places like this are called utaki: sacred sites connected with nature. It lies in the south of Okinawa and consists of natural rock formations where rituals and prayers were held. UNESCO has listed the complex as part of Okinawa’s cultural heritage, and the sites are still open to visitors who respect the tradition.

Personally, though, I’d say you can safely skip this stop. It was on our programme, but it’s essentially a walk through the woods among rocks. I’m sure the place means a lot to local people, but it left me cold.

Nakijin Castle

Nakijin Castle, a 14th-century castle ruin in the north of Okinawa, took me by surprise. It gave me full-on Slovakia vibes. The castle once served as a defensive fortress and was the seat of regional governors. What survives are the stone walls, the gates and some shrines.

The site is also known for its cherry blossom, which here flowers as early as January, several months earlier than on Japan’s main island.

Kouri Island

Kouri Island is linked to Okinawa’s main island by the Kouri Bridge and is known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise sea. We’d recommend the Nishikiya restaurant, the Moringa Tree café and Tokei Hama beach. Off the north of the island lies the Second World War wreck of the USS Emmons. If you like diving, it’s a historic site worth exploring and photographing.

• Tip from Milan From the island you can carry on further north to Hiji Falls. The trail to the falls, however, has been closed since heavy rain damaged it in autumn 2024. Check whether it has reopened before you go.

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The best beaches in Okinawa

1. Mibaru Beach
2. Ura Maeda Beach
3. Tokei Hama Beach
4. Aka Island and Nishibama Beach

Mibaru Beach is on Okinawa’s south-east coast and is known for its calm atmosphere and lovely white sand. Unlike the busy tourist spots, it’s ideal if you’re after peace, quiet and nature. The shallow water makes it a good choice for families with children too. The beach is surrounded by coral reefs.

Ura Maeda Beach is a small, lesser-known beach that locals often head to. It has clear water and fine sand, ideal for walks and picnics. The surroundings are peaceful, with beautiful sunset views. It’s a great place to escape the tourist crowds and take in the typical Okinawan landscape of palm trees and subtropical plants.

Tokei Hama is known above all for the wreck of the USS Emmons, which was sunk during the Second World War. The wreck is now popular with divers, who come here to explore its history and the fascinating underwater world. The water is crystal clear, so you can see the wreck and the marine life around it in detail.

Aka Island is one of the Kerama Islands and one of the prettiest places in Okinawa. Nishibama Beach is known for its white sand and turquoise water, which draws swimmers, snorkellers and divers.

The island is partly protected and unspoilt, so you’ll find quiet nature, mangroves and coral reefs, but also a snack bar (cash only). Nishibama is one of the most photogenic beaches in the area, which I can personally confirm.

Day trip from Okinawa to Aka or Zamami Island

From Okinawa you get to Aka Island by ferry from Tomari port. The crossing takes about one to one and a half hours, with beautiful views of the Kerama Islands. I’d book ferry tickets in advance, though: once they sell out, the Japanese won’t let a single extra person on board. For me, Nishibama on Aka was hands down the most beautiful beach I saw anywhere in Okinawa.

Underwater you’ll see colourful coral reefs and tropical fish, which makes the beach popular with photographers and anyone who loves the underwater world. For lunch I’d go for a picnic right by the beach or a small local restaurant serving fresh seafood, such as grilled prawns or sashimi. Bring cash, though: visiting Okinawa means paying in cash.

After lunch you can go for a short walk around the island, with lovely views of the ocean, the mangroves and Aka’s quiet interior. The ferry back leaves in the afternoon, so you’ll be back on Okinawa in time for dinner.

• Tip from Milan There are more islands like this, and Zamami is very popular too. If I went to Okinawa again, I’d stay on one of them and spend longer there.

What to eat in Okinawa

When I first visited Japan, I struggled a bit with the local food. Japanese cuisine is, let’s say, very ‘Japanese’, and at first I didn’t like all the sashimi (raw fish), seaweed and rice for breakfast.

Later, though, I got used to it and fell completely in love with it. Okinawa is a little different from mainland Japan. While you’re here, make sure you try some of these dishes and drinks, or all of them.

• Beni imo (purple sweet potato) and the sweets from Okashigoten: the potato goes into little cakes, ice cream and sweet snacks. It has a delicate sweet flavour and a beautiful purple-pink colour.
• Umeshu: sweet Japanese plum wine, delicate and fruity, ideal as an aperitif or with dessert.
• Sake: Japan’s traditional rice wine, drunk warm or cold; milder local varieties are popular on Okinawa too.
• Habushu: an Okinawan spirit with a snake in the bottle; it’s strong stuff and a local curiosity in one.
• Local teas: Okinawa is known for its teas made from sweet potatoes and local herbs; classic matcha isn’t drunk very often here.
• Onigiri and sushi from 7-Eleven: the local convenience stores sell fresh rice balls, sushi, sweets and unusual drinks you won’t find anywhere else in Japan.
• Taco rice: a typical Okinawan dish combining Mexican-style taco meat with rice and vegetables.

Is Okinawa worth visiting? Milan Bez Mapy’s verdict

In a word, yes. Okinawa is a fascinating mix of tropical beaches, a long history and a culture all its own. The island has it all, from lively Kokusai-dori and the world-famous Churaumi Aquarium to quiet beaches such as Nishibama and Mibaru.

Nature, historic sights, good food and day trips to the surrounding islands make Okinawa a destination worth discovering on a trip to Japan. Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation or memorable meals, Okinawa won’t disappoint you. It certainly didn’t disappoint me. Okinawa deserves a place on your Japan itinerary.

Happy travels to Japan!
Milan Bez Mapy

*This article was written in collaboration with EVA Air.