Okinawa Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting

May 29, 2024

If you’re heading to Okinawa, Japan, you’re in for an amazing experience. The island is full of rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Okinawa offers a mix of history, culture, great food, and top attractions. Plus, it’s home to some of Japan’s best beaches! Here’s my Okinawa travel guide filled with everything you need to know before you go!

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How to Make the Most Out of Your Trip

Okinawa has a beautiful balance of island life, rich history, and an upbeat atmosphere. I encourage anyone visiting to experience a little bit of each. When you do come, don’t expect to experience anything like Tokyo or even mainland Japan as a whole, as it is completely different from it. Okinawa has a much slower paced, forcing you to live in the moment.

Enjoy the Water

Okinawa has some of the most beautiful marine life I’ve ever seen (and yes, I say that as someone who has been deep-sea snorkeling in Hawaii.) The scuba diving here is incredible. Many people take advantage of being in Okinawa to get scuba certified because it can cost a fraction of the price compared to many other places, and the scenery makes it an unforgettable place to learn. If you aren’t wanting to get your scuba license, you can still go snorkeling, or simply enjoy the beach! There is no shortage of water activities here.

Learn a bit of history

I’ll admit I’m not usually someone who deep dives into the history of every destination I visit. Maybe I’ll stop by a museum here or there. But Okinawa has such a powerful and visible history that it’s hard not to learn about it while you’re there. The island was the site of major World War II battles, and you’ll find museums, caves, and guided tours that give you a very personal and moving look into that history.

Also recognize the fact that Okinawa is so much more than a World War II battleground. The history of the Ryukyu Kingdom is worth learning itself. I highly recommend going to Ryukyu Mura or Okinawa World to see the beauty of it all!

Eat Okinawan Food, not just Japanese Food

Okinawan cuisine is completely different from what many people think of as traditional Japanese food. Try local specialties like Okinawa soba, goya champuru, and sata andagi. The island’s food culture reflects influences from China, Southeast Asia, and the Ryukyu Kingdom, which makes it unique from mainland Japan.

Plans at least one “nothing” afternoon

One of the best parts about Okinawa is its relaxed pace. Instead of packing every hour of your itinerary, leave some time to simply sit by the ocean, grab a drink at a beachside cafe, or watch the sunset. Okinawa is THE place for slowing down.

Remember, you’re still in Japan!

While Okinawa has a culture that’s distinct from mainland Japan, you can still enjoy many of the things people love about the country. Stop by FamilyMart after a long night out, get lost wandering through Don Quijote, and enjoy the convenience stores, food, and everyday moments that make Japan so fun to experience.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Okinawa is Spring and Fall when it’s not too hot or too cold to enjoy outdoor activities.

Spring (March to May)

Pros: Mild temperatures and lower humidity. Cherry blossoms bloom in late February, making it a beautiful time for sightseeing.
Cons: Can be a bit crowded during the cherry blossom season and for Golden Week (first week of May).

Summer (June to August)

Pros: Warm weather, perfect for snorkeling, diving, and enjoying Okinawa’s beautiful beaches.
Cons: High humidity, very hot temperatures, and it’s also typhoon season (June to October), which can bring heavy rains and storms.

Fall (September to November)

Pros: Cooler temperatures and lower humidity compared to summer. Typhoon risk decreases and it’s an amazing time for outdoor activities.
Cons: May still be quite hot and occasionally rainy.

Winter (December to February)

Pros: Mild weather compared to mainland Japan. Fewer tourists and lower prices on accommodations!
Cons: Most of Okinawa’s attractions are outdoors. For this reason, I do not recommend visiting Okinawa in the winter.

Avoid Typhoon Season. Okinawa is prone to typhoons from June to October, so be cautious when planning your travel here!

What to Pack

Light and Breathable Clothing: Okinawa has a subtropical climate, so pack lightweight and breathable clothing that is also modest.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential due to the strong sun.
Swimwear and Snorkeling Gear: Okinawa has crystal clear waters with fish everywhere! Don’t forget your swimsuit and snorkeling gear to enjoy the beautiful beaches and marine life.
Comfortable Shoes: If you plan on exploring, bring comfortable walking shoes or sandals.
Rain Gear: Consider packing a compact umbrella or a rain jacket, especially if visiting during the rainy season.

Cultural Etiquette

Politeness and Respect

Okinawan culture places a strong emphasis on politeness and respect towards others. Always greet people with a bow or a nod, and use polite language and expressions, such as “arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you) and “onegaishimasu” (please).

Public Behavior

Maintain a calm and quiet demeanor in public places, such as restaurants, trains, and buses. Avoid speaking loudly or causing disturbances.

Respect for Elders

Show respect towards elders and authority figures, addressing them with honorific titles such as “San” (Mr./Mrs.).

Dining Etiquette

When dining with others, wait for everyone to be served before eating, and use chopsticks and other utensils correctly. Refrain from sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as this is a part of funeral rituals. Slurping noodles is considered acceptable and even a sign of enjoyment.

Visiting Shrines and Temples

When visiting shrines and temples, observe proper etiquette by bowing respectfully at the entrance, refraining from loud conversation or disruptive behavior, and following any specific rituals or customs observed by worshippers.

Safety

Okinawa, and Japan as a whole, is incredibly safe. Low crime rates, efficient law enforcement, well-maintained public spaces, and strong community engagement contribute to this reputation. Visitors can explore with confidence, knowing that Japan offers a secure and welcoming environment for travelers.

Natural Hazards: Be cautious of natural hazards like strong ocean currents, especially if swimming or snorkeling.
Sun Protection: Protect yourself from the sun to avoid sunburn and heatstroke.

Transportation

Renting a Car

Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Okinawa, especially if you want to visit multiple locations or explore remote areas. Rental agencies are available at Naha Airport and in major cities and towns across the island.
International driving permits are required for some nationalities, so be sure to check the requirements before renting.

Reminder: In Japan, drivers drive on the left side of the road. Keep this in mind as it may take a while to adjust!

Public Transportation

Public Buses:
- Okinawa has an extensive bus network that covers most major towns and tourist destinations.
- Bus fares are relatively inexpensive, and schedules are available online or at bus stops.
- Keep in mind that buses may be less frequent in rural areas, so plan your trips accordingly.

In my experience, the public buses were reliable and easy to use. Apple Maps and Google Maps made navigating the bus system incredibly easy, even displaying the fare costs. Note that you must carry exact change because the drivers don’t give change.

Yui Rail (Monorail):
- The Yui Rail, also known as the Okinawa Urban Monorail, connecting the airport with downtown Naha and Shuri Castle.
- It’s a convenient option for traveling within the city, but it has limited coverage outside of Naha.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available in urban areas and can be hailed on the street or found at taxi stands.
Taxis are more expensive than other forms of transportation, so they’re best for short distances or when traveling with a group.

Accommodations

Luxury Resorts

Okinawa has numerous luxury resorts that offer world-class amenities, breathtaking ocean views, and top-notch service. These resorts often have private beaches, infinity pools, spas, fine-dining restaurants, and a range of recreational activities. They are perfect for travelers seeking a luxurious and indulgent experience.

Beachfront Hotels

Many hotels in Okinawa are conveniently located along the coastline, providing easy access to the island’s beaches and turquoise waters. These hotels offer comfortable accommodations with varying levels of amenities, making them suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Traditional Ryukyuan Guesthouses (“Minshuku”)

For a more authentic experience, consider staying at a traditional Ryukyuan guesthouse known as “minshuku.” These guesthouses are typically family-run and offer cozy accommodations in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy home-cooked meals, cultural experiences, and interactions with local hosts.

Vacation Rentals

For those seeking more privacy and space, resort villas and vacation rentals are available on Okinawa’s main island and surrounding islands. These accommodations range from beachfront villas and cottages to traditional Ryukyuan houses (“hanare”) and modern apartments.

Food and Drinks

Local Specialties: Try Okinawan specialties like Rafute, Goya Champuru, and Okinawa Soba.
Street Food: Explore local markets for street food like sata andagi (Okinawan donuts).
Habu shu: Sample Okinawa’s unique distilled spirit, Awamori, often served with water or in cocktails.

Unique Experiences

Read My Post: 50 Memorable Things To Do In Okinawa

Although it is now a part of Japan, Okinawa was an independent kingdom known as the Ryukyu Kingdom for centuries before it was annexed by Japan in the late 19th century. This long history of independence has given Okinawa its own unique traditions, different from those of mainland Japan.

Traditional Ryukyu Dance Performance: Experience the beauty and grace of traditional Ryukyu dance with a live performance. Many venues in Okinawa offer evening shows featuring dancers dressed in beautiful traditional clothing performing classical dances accompanied by live music played on traditional instruments like the sanshin. You may even be lucky enough to stumble upon a parade!
Churaumi Aquarium: Located in northern Okinawa, the Churaumi Aquarium is one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in the world. Explore the diverse marine life of the Okinawan seas, including whale sharks, manta rays, and colorful tropical fish..
Ryukyu Glass Making: The art of Ryukyu glassmaking has been passed down through generations in Okinawa. Visit a Ryukyu glass factory to watch skilled artisans at work and try your hand at glassblowing or glass painting. You can create your own beautiful glassware such as cups, vases, or ornaments.

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