33 of the Best Things to Do in Okinawa

Shurijo Castle

Shurijo Castle was originally built in the 14th century as the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom. A distinguishable trait is the gusuku stone walls surrounding the castle, which are made especially captivating by the nightly illuminations. Ryukyu Buyo, a traditional dance style unique to Okinawa, can also be seen at the castle on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, when they offer 3 performances a day.
Shuri Castle Festival is a yearly event that takes place in late October/early November, offering royal processions and candlelight paths.

Nakijin Castle

The Nakijin Cherry Blossom Festival is another annual event in late January/early February that features bright sakura against the gusuku walls of Nakijin Castle Remains, as well as nighttime illuminations

Nakijin Castle

Shurijo Castle Park (Shurijo Castle)

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Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Shurikinjouchou 1-2

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Nakijin Castle Ruins

Okinawa Pref. Kunigamigunnakijinson Imadomari 5101

0980564400

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Kokusai Dori

Known as the main street of Naha City, Kokusai Dori, which literally translates to International Street, has it all. Stop in one of its steak houses or browse through a glassware shop before heading into one of the multitudes of clothing and souvenir stores. The bustling strip stays open until around 11 p.m., so you can grab dinner and wait until the heat dies down to do some more shopping or find another bar to try.

Kokusai Dori

Kokusai Dori

Kokusai-dori Street

Okinawa ken Naha city

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Don Quijote

San-A Naha Main Place is the supermarket that the locals use. They have an expansive selection of everything from clothing to sushi, all at reasonable prices. So you can save that extra yen for another purple sweet potato tart. Don Quijote on Kokusai Dori also carries everyday items as well as an impressive collection of souvenirs, in addition to their more eccentric items. But both locations are great for getting the crumbly chinsuko cookies and purple sweet potato tarts that are Okinawa souvenir staples.

Don Quijote

Don Quijote

SAN-A Naha Main Place

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Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Omoromachi 4-4-9

0989513300

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Don Quijote Kokusai-dori Street

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Okinawa Naha-shi Matsuo 2-8-19

0570054711

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First Makishi Public Market

The Makishi Public Market is a retro-style covered shopping area that’s home to an array of stands selling fresh shellfish, local delicacies and colorful produce.

First Makishi Public Market

One thing you don’t want to miss while you’re browsing is the pork tamago, which is actually Spam and egg fried together. It’s a specialty of Okinawa, and Pork Tamago Onigiri Honten is known far and wide for their pork tamago rice balls. The cozy shop offers all kinds of styles, so you can grab one and continue exploring the alley of Makishi.

Pork Tamago Onigiri Honten

Pork Tamago Onigiri Honten

Makishi Public Market, Naha City

Okinawa Naha-shi Matsuo 2-10-1

0988676560

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Potama Makishi Market

Okinawa Naha-shi Matsuo 2-8-35

0988679550

7:00-19:00

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Okinawa soba

Okinawa soba comes in a lot of styles, but the base noodles are made of wheat instead of buckwheat, and they sit in a savory soup, usually topped with pork. Then there’s rafute, which is a pork rib that’s stewed in brown sugar and soy sauce, for a slightly-sweet and filling dish. Next up ischampurū, which is stir fry that usually has spam, eggs and bitter melon. Sata andagi are deep fried dough that are like doughnut holes, but they’re crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside. Jimami-dofu is tofu made from peanuts instead of soybeans, giving it a mild sweetness and bouncy texture. Umibudo, or sea grapes, are actually a type of seaweed with little globes that look like grapes, and they normally come with vinegar or soy sauce to dip.

rafute

champurū

Churaumi Aquarium

The crown jewel of the Churaumi Aquarium is the Kuroshio Sea Tank. One of the largest such tanks in the world, it stretches 35 meters long and 10 meters deep, housing whale sharks and manta rays that glide by for a truly surreal experience. After the aquarium, don’t forget to check out the Ocean Expo Park, as it has not only dolphin shows, but also a planetarium and a few cafes and restaurants for a nice recharge.

Churaumi Aquarium

Churaumi Aquarium

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Okinawa Pref. Kunigamigunmotobuchou Ishikawa 424 (inside Ocean Expo Park)

0980483748

8:30-18:30 (admission deadli…

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Gyokusendo Cave

Located inside Okinawa World theme park, Gyokusendo Cave is the second-largest cave in all of Japan at over 5,000 meters long. It has over 1 million stalactites, the most of any cave in the country, as well as dozens of unique rock formations and natural pools that are situated around an easy walkway, making for excellent pictures. If you’re visiting Okinawa, then this natural wonder should definitely be on your list.

Gyokusendo Cave

Okinawa World (Culture Kingdom / Gyokusendo Cave)

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Okinawa Pref. Nanjoushi Tamagusuku Maekawa 1336

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Kouri Bridge

Kouri Island is a scenic little getaway that only takes about 20 minutes to circumnavigate in a car. Aside from the emerald ocean and pristine beaches, this island is famous for another reason: Heart Rock. This adorable rock formation is, as you may have guessed, shaped like a heart, and it’s begging to be added to your Instagram and social media accounts. But just getting to Kouri Island is half the fun. It’s connected to Yagaji Island by Kouri Bridge, which stretches 1,960 meters and gives a breathtaking driving experience as you ride along the water’s edge. And it’s all completely free.

Kouri Bridge

Heart Rock

Kouri Island

Okinawa Pref. Kunigamigunnakijinson Kouri

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Kouriohashi Bridge

Okinawa Pref. Kunigamigunnakijinson Kouri

0980561057

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Yambaru National Park

This expansive park covers over 13,000 hectares and is full of hiking and local wildlife. One experience you can’t miss is kayaking through Gesashi Bay Mangrove Forest, though. Once you trek through to the biggest mangrove tree in Japan, you should take advantage of the guided river kayak tours to get another view of the park.

Yambaru National Park

For another adventure, there’s a guided night trek through the Uwaga Jungle. Discover the vibrant flora and fauna of Okinawa armed with only a flashlight.

Uwaga Jungle

Uwaga Jungle

Yambaru National Park

Okinawa Prefecture Kunigami-gun Kotohira Village, Ogimi village and Higashimura

【URL】https://www.env.go.jp/en/nature/nps/park/yambaru/index.html

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Uwaga Jungle

Okinawa Pref. Nanjoushi Tamagusuku Maekawa 1336 Okinawa World Visitor Cabin

0989484489

【URL】https://www.gyokusendo.co.jp/okinawaworld/uwaga-jungle/en/

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Beach

This is what you came for. The Main Island of Okinawa has several beaches that are all easy to access and have their own distinct atmosphere. Mibaru Beach is a low-key spot for snorkeling and coral reef tour in a glass-bottomed boat. Sunset Beach is next to American Village and has a little more action, as well as paddle boards for rent. Sesoko Beach is a laid-back atmosphere to watch the sun set into the ocean. Emerald Beach is white sand and clear water for your tropical getaway. And that’s just to name a few.

Mibaru Beach and Hyakuna Beach

Okinawa Pref. Nanjoushi Tamagusuku Hyakuna

0989481103

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Sunset Beach

Okinawa Pref. Nakagamigunchatanchou Mihama 2

0989368273

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Sesoko Beach

Okinawa Pref. Kunigamigunmotobuchou Sesoko

0980472368

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Emerald Beach

Okinawa Pref. Kunigamigunmotobuchou Ishikawa 424 Ocean Expo Park

0980482741

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Kerama Islands

Only 50 minutes by ferry from Hakuminato in Naha, the Kerama Islands are an amazing tropical escape.
Aka Island was chosen as one of the 100 best beaches in the world, and the proof is in the crystal clear water and white-sand beaches. Snorkeling is highly recommended here, as, if the season is right, you might catch a glimpse of sea turtles.
Furuzamami Beach on Zamami Island holds the enviable spot of Trip Advisor’s Best Beach in Japan for 2018. The water is clear cobalt and the reefs are teeming with life.
Kume Island is home to Hate-no-hama, a picturesque beach outlet that’s completely encompassed by the emerald-green sea. A scene out of a dream.

Kerama Islands

Kerama Islands

Aka Island

Okinawa Pref. Shimajirigunzamamison Aka

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Zamami Island

Okinawa Prefecture Shimajiri-gun Zamami-son

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Kume Island

Okinawa Pref. Shimajirigunkumejimachou

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Kokusai Dori Yataimura

You definitely don’t have to go home in Naha.
Start the night off with a trip by Kokusai Dori Yataimura, also called Street Food Village. The cozy food stands have both food and alcohol, so you can have a seat outside and take in the friendly vibe of a little block party.
Tucked in the backstreets of Makishi Public Market are lively bars that sell drinks for cheap. Getting there isn’t easy, but stumbling out is the real trick.
If clubs are more your style, then Epica is the only place to be. Lasers, dancers, DJs, and drinks, this club goes up all night.

Kokusai Dori Yataimura

Epica

Kokusai-dori Street Yatai Mura

Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Makishi 3-11-16, 17

11:00-23:00 (Closed hours de…

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沖縄那覇高級個室カラオケエピカ

沖縄県那覇市松山1-5-1名村プラザビル3F

0988607748

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Ryukyu Music

Okinawa has its own flavor of music that harkens back to a simpler time, with the main instrument being the sanshin, an older version of the shamisen. There are plenty of izakayas that have live performances by local artists, and the easy melodies of shima-uta island songs set the mood perfectly for a laid-back evening with a few drinks. Live a night at island pace.

The Blue Cave

Cape Maeda has arguably the most famous diving and snorkeling spot in Okinawa: the Blue Cave. The azure waters of Okinawa make for great pictures, but this is on another level. The cave is located in the center of Cape Maeda, and when seen from underwater, everything is bathed in a surreal blue glow from sunlight emanating through the cave’s entrance. The pictures will be priceless.

The Blue Cave

Cape Maeda (Blue Cave)

Okinawa Pref. Kunigamigunonnason Maeda 469-1

0989825339

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Cave Cafe

The lush subtropical forest of the Valley of Gangala is a revitalizing expedition that lets you take a break from the beaches. And it was all once part of a limestone cave. During the tour you’ll get to experience the Cave Cafe—a coffee shop that sits right under the stalactites of the cave itself. Guided tour require prior reservations, so don’t forget to plan ahead!

The Valley of Gangala

Valley of Gangala

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【URL】 https://peraichi.com/landing_pages/view/gangalaen

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Cape Manzamo

Aside from the gorgeous panoramic views of the sea, Cape Manzamo is famous because of one of its rock outcroppings is shaped like an elephant’s trunk. The sea has hollowed out part of the inside of the cliff, and the result is a unique shape sure to make you smile. It only takes about 20 minutes or so to stop by and snag a picture of this spot, so drop by on your way to another destination.

Cape Manzamo

Okinawa Pref. Kunigamigunonnason Onna

0989668080

8:00-Sunset

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Eisa Dance

The eisa is a traditional dance in Okinawa that incorporates taiko drums and the sanshin. Ryukyu Mura and Okinawa World hold their own eisa shows, but there’s no better time to see this performance than at the 64th Okinawa Zento Eisa Matsuri in August. Groups come from all over Okinawa to compete for the best performance, representing different styles and interpretations of the Okinawan tradition.

Eisa Dance

Umikaji Terrace Senagajima

Senagajima Island is a 15-minute drive from Naha Airport, and the Umikaji Terrace is a wealth of all things Okinawa, from local sweets and dishes to traditional crafts and glassware. It’s a little resort that might remind you of the south of France, and the atmosphere is classy and laid-back. They also have projection mapping shows at nighttime that paint the resort in brilliant colors. The shows happen every day, rain or shine, and they take place at 7 pm, 7:30 pm, 8 pm, 8:30 pm, 9 pm, and 9:30 pm. So you’ll have ample chance to catch one.

Umikaji Terrace Senagajima

Umikaji Terrace Senagajima

Senagajima Umikaji Terrace

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Minatogawa Stateside Town

Minatogawa StateSide Town is an area that was originally housing for the US military, but it’s become a retro-style encampment of chic cafes and general stores. Stop over in Proots first, a hip shop with handmade crafts, for some shopping before heading over to Limpid for a homey, beachside vibe with stylish French fare. Cafe Green Green has a diverse menu of Asian dishes, but the Apple Pie a la Mode while you sit on the terrace is a warm weather treat. Those are only a few of the many options StateSide Town has to offer. Exploration is well rewarded here.

Minatogawa Stateside Town

Minatogawa Stateside Town

Minatogawa Stateside Town

Minatogawa Stateside Town

Okinawa Urasoe-shi Minatogawa

0989413939

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Spice Motel

Spice Motel, built as a motel when the U.S. was occupying Okinawa, was renovated by an architectural design office.The retro stylings are blended with a modern touch, but you can book a room straight out of the 70s for the complete experience. There’s also an airy cafe and a terrace with astroturf and forest views, plus a rooftop deck that has a claw-foot tub. It’s a smart take on a 70s classic that will feel like your personal getaway.

Spice Motel

Spice Motel

SPICE MOTEL OKINAWA

沖縄県中頭郡北中城村喜舎場1066

0989231066

【URL】 http://spicemotel.com/

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Mihama American Village

This entertainment complex is a lively incarnation of American life. And here that means a Ferris wheel, tons of shopping, and, of course, fast food. Have a Blue Seal Ice Cream cone for delicious Japanese flavors in an American-style shop, or pop in to A&W for hamburgers and root beer floats before you cruise around the vintage clothing section at American Depot, which has items imported straight from the US. Top it all off with a walk to Sunset Beach, where you can watch the sun sink into the ocean at sunset.

Mihama American Village

Mihama American Village

Mihama American Village

Okinawa Pref. Nakagamigunchatanchou Mihama

0989264455

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【URL】 https://www.okinawa-americanvillage.com/?lang=en

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Orion Happy Park

Orion Beer is a refreshing classic native to Okinawa, and you can tour their brewery to see how they manufacture the tasty beverage, as well as sample the goods yourself at the tasting afterwards, all for free! Orion Beer Fest takes place in July 2019 on Ishigaki Island, where you can enjoy live music and freshly brewed Orion all night long. Beer lovers should also be on the lookout for World Beer Fest Okinawa Octoberfest, too.

Orion Beer

Orion Happy Park

Okinawa Pref. Nagoshi Agarie 2-2-1

0570004103

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【URL】 https://www.orionbeer.co.jp/en/

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Awamori

While you’re wandering around the local watering holes, don’t forget to try the Okinawan alcohol. First up is awamori, a distilled rice-based beverage that packs a punch. It’s normally mixed with ice water, but the adventurous can have it neat, too. Next is habushu, which is a liqueur made from awamori with a pit viper inside the bottle. Don’t worry, though; the venom dissolves in alcohol. And then there’s the ubiquitous Orion Beer for a quick go-to.

Habushu

Bise Fukugi Tree Road

Feeling like an early morning walk? Bise Fukugi Tree Road is the perfect spot to have an easy stroll while experiencing the native scenery of Okinawa. This tranquil trail encompassed by fukugi trees will give you time to wander and ponder. You can even rent a bicycle and coast along the path until you reach Cape Bisezaki, where serene sea views await.

Bise Fukugi Tree Road

Bise Fukugi Tree Road

Okinawa Pref. Kunigamigunmotobuchou Bise

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Bullfight in Uruma

It’s not an overstatement to call Uruma a city of bullfights, and aficionados come from far and wide to see the All-Island Bullfighting Tournament held in spring, summer, and fall. Bulls go head-to-head against each other for the top spot in a competition that regularly brings in close to 5,000 people. Come see an Okinawa tradition and learn the lingo for this exciting sport.

Bullfight in Uruma

Uruma Ishikawa Multi-purpose dome

Okinawa Uruma Ishikawa

0989655634

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Ryukyu Mura

Okinawa has two theme parks that put the best of Okinawan culture on display: Ryukyu Mura and Okinawa World. From eisa performances to ryukyu costume pictures and live pit viper shows, these parks recreate the ancient culture and customs of the islands. Walking around the old-world structures and listening to the sanshin might make you feel you’ve slipped back in time. A day in these parks is a good day.

Ryukyu Mura

Okinawa World

Ryukyu Mura

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Okinawa World (Culture Kingdom / Gyokusendo Cave)

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Okinawa Pref. Nanjoushi Tamagusuku Maekawa 1336

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Peace Memorial Park

Set on the final battleground in Okinawa during World War II, the Peace Memorial Park is a somber reminder of the costs of war. It’s divided into a Peace Zone, Prayer Area, Peace Ceremony Zone, and Recreation Zone, and they cover an expansive area filled with greenery. The Peace Memorial Museum displays pictures and articles from the war, and the Cornerstone of Peace is engraved with each name of everyone who lost their lives in the Battle of Okinawa. Take the time to remember the price of peace

Peace Memorial Park

Peace Memorial Park

Peace Memorial Park

Okinawa Pref. Itomanshi Mabuni 444

0989972765

[Park] 8:00-22:00

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Ryukyu Glass Village

These traditional crafts have been passed down from the Ryukyu Kingdom. Make your own ryukyu glass cup at Ryukyu Glass Village, a glass factory carrying only handmade products; the process takes about 5 minutes. Or craft a lion-dog shisa figure at Gala Aoiumi, a laid-back workshop overlooking the sea. Head to Tsuboya Yachimun Dori, or Pottery Road, to pick up a piece of stylish yachimun pottery in one of the many shops. Remember: souvenirs are available at craft shops, too!

Take Home a Traditional Craft

Take Home a Traditional Craft

Ryukyu Glass Village

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Okinawa Pref. Itomanshi Fukudi 169

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Gala Aoi Umi

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Okinawa Pref. Nakagamigunyomitanson Takashiho 915

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Tsuboya Yachimun Street

Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Tsuboya

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Shikina En

Located on a small hill south of Shuri Castle sits the gardens of Shikina-en. Constructed during the end of the 18th century, the gardens are a mixture of Japanese, traditional Okinawan and Chinese aesthetic. Featuring delicately built, wooden palace buildings embellished in typical Okinawan style, with red tile roofs, Chinese bridges reaching over the park’s ponds and a Japanese style landscape garden it's a tranquil escape. Though Shikina En was completely destroyed during the devastating Battle of Okinawa of 1945, in 2000, the park was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status given its significance to the prefecture’s history and Kingdom of Ryukyu.

Shikina-en garden

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Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Maji 421-7

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Seifa Utaki

The most sacred site in all of Okinawa prefecture is arguably Seifa-utaki, in English Seifa-utaki translates literally to the "purified place of Utaki". The area is believed to be one of the seven sacred places to have been built by Amamikiyo, the god of ancient spirits worshipped by the Ryukyu people. Managed by Kikoe no Okimi, highest female religious leader, the place was considered so sacred even men were forbidden from entering. As legend has it the king of Ryukyu is rumored to have dressed in woman’s attire to gain access through the entry gate. Unlike many other parts of Okinawa the forest surrounding Seifa-utaki was saved from damage during World War II and as a result is full of rare ferns and orchid plants unique to the island. If you do plan on making a visit be aware that opening hours are from 9am to 6pm and admission is 300 yen for adults and 150 yen for children.

Sefa Utaki

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Go Island-Hopping from Ishigaki

Thanks to the rise of low-cost carriers, there are relatively cheap flights, about 20 per day from Naha, going to Ishigaki Island, and it only takes around an hour in the air. The real fun starts once you’re there, though. From Ishigaki you can use ferries to island hop to the outlying islands. Taketomi Island has water buffalo and white-sand beaches for a chill vibe. Kohama Island is a verdant wonder with its sugarcane fields. Iriomote Island is a wealth of mangrove forests and waterfalls. Stargazers won’t want to miss Hateruma Island, where the night sky is so clear you can see 84 of the 88 constellations. If you decide to snorkel on your island tour, you might even spot a manta ray.

Go Island-Hopping from Ishigaki

Go Island-Hopping from Ishigaki

Go Island-Hopping from Ishigaki

Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture

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Miyakojima

It takes about 50 minutes to get to Miyakojima from Naha Airport, and 15 flights leave a day. Beach lovers will want to make the trip. Yonaha maehama Beach is consistently voted the best beach in Japan by the Traveler’s Choice on Trip Advisor, and some even call it the best beach in Asia. The idyllic stretch of powdery white sand leading into the crystal-clear cobalt water stretches for 7 km, so no need to worry about crowding. And to top it all off, there’s a good chance you’ll run into some sea turtles.

Miyakojima

Miyakojima

Miyako Island

Okinawa Pref. Miyakojimashi

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Yonaha Maehama Beach

Okinawa Pref. Miyakojimashi Shimoji Yonaha 1199

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Amami Islands

Technically, Yoron Island belongs to Kagoshima Prefecture, but it’s easy to get to from Okinawa. While it takes about 40 minutes by plane, there’s only 1 flight a day from Naha. There’s also 1 ferry per day from Naha Port and Motobu Port, and they take 4.8 hours and 2.5 hours, respectively, so you’ll want a good game plan. Once you arrive, you’ll have 60 beaches to choose from. Yurigahama Beach stands out with its dreamlike sandbar that only appears during low tide from spring to summer. Since Yoron is sister cities with Mykonos, there’s a white-walled area that looks like it’s plucked from the Aegean Sea. And nighttime is another treat; look up for a sky full of bright, bright stars.

Yoron Island

Amami Islands

Yoronjima

Kagoshima Oshima-gun Yoroncho

0997975151

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百合ケ浜

鹿児島県大島郡与論町大金久海岸沖合

0997-97-5151

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