All islands
Japan·Ryukyu Islands, South Japan
Okinawa
Japan’s tropical Ryukyu islands
BeachesSnorkelingCulture
OverviewAt a glance
Far south of the mainland, Okinawa is Japan with a tropical soul — coral seas, white sand and its own Ryukyu kingdom heritage, cuisine and music. The gateway to the Kerama Islands and some of Asia’s clearest waters.
- Best season
- April – June & October – November
- Getting there
- Naha Airport (OKA) — direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka & Taipei
- Known for
- Coral reefs & Ryukyu culture
Signature beachesShores
Emerald Beach
The popular white beach inside Motobu’s Ocean Expo Park
Kerama Islands
A snorkel and dive paradise famous for “Kerama blue”
Sunayama Beach
A stunning bay under Miyako’s arched rock
Things to doTo do
Shurijo Castle
Step into the vermilion palaces of the Ryukyu kingdom
Coral snorkeling
Swim with turtles in the clear Kerama waters
Ryukyu cuisine
Try sea grapes, bitter-melon stir-fry and Ishigaki beef
Good to knowTips
- 1Boats or domestic flights between outer islands — leave buffer time
- 2Typhoons are common in summer and autumn — check the forecast
- 3A rental car is the most flexible; Japan drives on the left
Next island
Phu Quoc