Far from the bustle of Japan’s busy cities, in the southernmost prefecture, lies subtropical Okinawa, a group of more than 160 islands ringed by cerulean waters, white sandy beaches, and lush landscapes. Part of an archipelago nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, the Islands were traditionally known as the Ryukyu Kingdom and independently ruled by kings until they became part of Japan in the late 19th century. Today, they bear the ruins of the monarchy’s many castles and fortresses.
Getting there is an easy hop from Tokyo or Osaka, which is why the remote retreat is a favorite among locals to escape the everyday and relax into bliss. Japan Airlines offers many inexpensive daily flights. Oft referred to as the Japanese Hawaii, discover 7 reasons why Okinawa should be your next vacation destination.
Blissful Beaches
Swaths of pristine sand, glass-like surf, and colorful marine life make Okinawa’s many breathtaking beaches ideal for whiling away your days. Many of the best beaches are a quick ferry or flight away from the main island of Okinawa. One of the most visually stunning is Futamigaura Beach on Izena Island. A 55-minute ferry from the Okinawa Island, Futamigaura Beach features a painterly gradation of blue sea scape and panoramic vistas of Gusuku Mountain, towering rock formations, and Yanaha Island. Secluded Kume Island, an easy 30-minute flight from Okinawa Island, showcases several parcels that feel like your own personal paradise. On the east coast of Kume Island is Hatenohama Beach, a four-mile sandbar accessible only by boat, which is ideal for a day trip. To experience an idyllic, unspoiled coastline head to Ishigaki Island, a one-hour flight from Okinawa Island. The area has five main beaches, including snorkelers’ favorite Yonehara Beach and its calm clear waters and variegated coral reefs. Bordered by thick forests, Kabira Bay on Ishigaki Island has some of the bluest seas in all of Okinawa. Black pearls are cultivated under the depths here and are best seen by way of a glass-bottom boat.
A World Underwater
Thanks to warm crystal waters, diverse sea life, and some 200 different coral species, Okinawa is one of the best diving destinations in the world. Just off the main island, you’ll find the Sunabe Seawall where vibrant stretches of coral bloom along the depths like expanses of flowers. Charters head out daily from Naha City, on Okinawa Island to the Kerama Islands. Here, see-through surf sets the stage for everything from sea turtles to colorful corals and mystical sea caves. An hour north of Naha, Cape Meada is home to spectacular Blue Cave, named for its majestic cobalt glow reflected off the sea floor. More advanced divers will love nearby Manza Dream Hole for its deep cave filled with sweeper fish, garden eels, and fan coral. An hour’s flight from the main island is the Miyako Region, ripe with intricate cave systems and archways to swim through; it’s also a launching point to dive in Yabiji, housing the largest cluster of coral reefs in Japan. To see an underwater wonder, Yonaguni Island, a 90-minute flight from the main island to the westernmost point in Japan, is not to be missed. Divers will marvel at the giant rock formation in the depths known as the “Atlantis of the Pacific”. While scientists believe it was created thousands of years ago, its origin still remains a mystery.
Natural Beauty
The lush, varied landscape affords some of nature’s best bounty, making Okinawa a haven for outdoor activities. In the southern region of Okinawa Island, set amid a dense forest, is the Valley of Gangala, the site of a cave system with staggering rock formations, stalactites, and giant Banyan trees. About 90 minutes from Naha City on the main island is Yanbaru. Canoe through one of Japan’s largest mangrove forests, catching sight of rare animal species like the Yanbaru kuina, (Okinawa rail bird) and the Noguchi-gera (Okinawan woodpecker), which call the evergreen broadleaf forest home. Two hours north of Naha is Okuma Beach where you can hike the trail to dreamy Hiji Otaki Falls. You’ll likely see your fair share of birds, turtles, snakes, and lizards. Traverse the wooden suspension bridge that spans a small tree-clad valley before marveling at the 85-foot falls that tumble into a pool below. For a dose of nature off the beaten path, take an easy hop to Ishigaki Island. From there Iriomote Island is a 40-minute ferry ride away. Nearly shrouded entirely in jungle, the destination is an outdoor lover’s oasis. Hike among the foliage on foot or hike and kayak your way to the awe-inspiring Pinaisaara Waterfall and its 180-foot drop.
Time-Worn Charm
A quick ferry from Ishigaki island is Taketomi Island, known for its traditional townscape that feels untouched by time. Here, you can ride aboard a water buffalo-driven cart along white coral sand streets lined with original limestone walls. Homes bear age-old red-tiled roofs that have remained unchanged through centuries. In Yomatin Village on Okinawa Island about 50 minutes from Naha City, you’ll experience authentic Okinawan crafting heritage. Housed in an historic red tile-roofed building atop a hill is Yomitan-son, a pottery collective with 20 kilns, in which artisans craft beautiful vessels. To truly experience what traditional life was like, head down the hill to Ryukyu Mura, a theme park of sorts recreated to reflect the day-to-day under Ryukyu rule. Dancing, drumming, parades, and concerts happen often, and lessons in old-world crafting techniques such as Bingata dyeing, weaving, and Shisa painting are offered throughout the area.
Historic Sites
Dating back over 450 years to the Ryukyu Kingdom, the main island of Okinawa was the epicenter of ancient civilization and bears much of its remains, which today are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Built in the 1300s, Shuri Castle, located in Naha City, was the most important compound of the Ryukyu Dynasty, serving as home to the royal family and the central government. It’s the only castle that’s been reconstructed. A short walk from the grounds is Tamaudun Mausoleum, where the royal family was buried. Nakagusuku Castle is the most well-preserved of the ruins. Wander among stone citadels and take in the views of Nakagusuku Bay on the hilltop location. In the center of the main island, atop a bluff near Cape Zampa, you can walk along the ramparts of the Zakimu Castle ruins, which served as a fortification against northern enemies. On the southeastern side of the island is one of the most sacred sites in all of Okinawa, Sefa Utaki, a 16th-century religious site where, according to legend, the goddess Amamikyu came to earth to give birth. Situated in a forested hillside by the ocean, the holy space is marked by several triangular rock formations and shrines.
Local Flavor
With its amalgamation of Ryukyu, Chinese, Japanese, Southeast Asian, and American cultures, Okinawa’s cuisine is a diverse melting pot that vastly differs from mainland Japan. Okinawan people are said to have one of the longest life expectancies in the world, and in particular, because of their diet. Traditional dishes include Goya Chanpuru, a stir-fry made with goya, a bitter vitamin C and fiber-rich melon known for its rejuvenating properties. Prepared with a broth of pork, kelp, and bonito flakes, Okinawa soba noodles often feature Soki, a pork spare rib marinated in soy sauce. Once only served to royalty, Rafute is a local pork dish simmered in Awamori, an Okinawan liquor, along with brown sugar and soy sauce. The liquor makes the meat so tender it can be sliced with chopsticks. Speaking of Awamori, the signature rice wine is made from Indica long-grain rice, aged in clay pots, and served over ice. For dessert, Okinawan raw sugar, a mineral-infused brown sugar with a rich molasses flavor, is eaten like candy.
World-Class Resorts
Okinawa offers a variety of hotels from luxury resorts to quaint cottage-style living. On the northern part of the main Island of Okinawa, overlooking the East China Sea, is The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa. The five-star oasis is set amid a championship golf course and features 97 elegant rooms and suites, three restaurants, and a tranquil spa tucked in the Yambaru Forest. Recently opened Halekulani Okinawa, also located on the main island of Okinawa, brings its signature luxury to a cliff-side locale above emerald seas and white sands. The large resort showcases 360 ocean-facing rooms and villas, four restaurants and bars, including Shiroux, French fare prepared by a Michelin-star chef, a spa, and five different swimming pools. On Irabu Island just southwest of the mainland is Iraph Sui, a Luxury Collection Hotel situated on an azure oceanfront parcel. Opened in 2018, the lavish beach retreat has 58 rooms and suites with sea views, fine dining, and a full-service spa. For a more authentic-style experience, Hoshinoya Taketomi Island affords 48 individual resort pavilions that take their cue from the historic red tile-roofed homes the Island is known for. There’s an artisanal restaurant serving traditional cuisine, a large pool, and an elegant spa.
Your perfect journey to paradise awaits. Book your trip to Okinawa today.