Okinawa is the subtropical prefecture at Japan’s southern end, a chain of islands between the East China Sea and the Pacific. It was an independent kingdom, the Ryukyu Kingdom, for about 450 years before Japan annexed it in 1879, and that history shows in its castles, food, music and language. Travelers usually ask three things: what to do, how to get there, and when to go.
| Area | 2,281 km², fourth smallest prefecture in Japan |
|---|---|
| Ryukyu Kingdom | 1429 to 1879, about 450 years as an independent state |
| Shuri Castle | World Heritage listing 2000; main hall burned 31 October 2019; timber reconstruction of the main hall scheduled to finish autumn 2026 |
| Churaumi Aquarium | 77 tanks; Kuroshio Sea tank holds 7,500 m³; whale sharks and manta rays |
| Main airport | Naha Airport on the main island; flights also reach Ishigaki and Miyako |
| Typhoon season | early September to early November; flights can be canceled |
What to do in Okinawa
Shuri Castle and Ryukyu history
Shuri Castle was the seat of the Ryukyu kings in Naha. The castle site and related sites, including the Sonohyan-utaki stone gate and the Tamaudun royal tomb, were listed as World Heritage in 2000 as part of the “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.” The 1992 reconstruction burned on 31 October 2019, when the main hall and six other main buildings were lost, and Japanese Wikipedia says the timber reconstruction of the main hall is due to finish in autumn 2026, with further buildings to follow. It is a reconstruction in progress, so check what is open before you plan around it.
Churaumi Aquarium
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium stands in the Ocean Expo Park on the Motobu Peninsula. Its 7,500 cubic meter Kuroshio Sea tank was the largest in the world when it opened, and it is known for whale sharks and manta rays. The aquarium has 77 tanks in all, and several outdoor areas near it are free to enter.
Beaches, snorkeling and diving
Okinawa’s coral reefs, the Kerama Islands and the Miyako Islands are the main draws for snorkeling and diving. The Kerama and Miyako Islands are covered as destinations by the official Okinawa tourism site. Water temperature and typhoon risk change by month, so match your dates to the activity.
Food and culture
Try Okinawa soba, goya champuru (bitter melon stir-fry), sea grapes, sata andagi doughnuts and awamori, the local spirit. Eisa, a traditional drum dance, is performed at festivals and cultural venues. Okinawa is also where karate originated.
How to get to Okinawa
Nearly everyone lands at Naha Airport on the main island. The official Okinawa tourism site also lists flights to Ishigaki and Miyako. Direct domestic flights run from Tokyo and Osaka, and direct international flights connect Okinawa with several Asian cities. Travelers from North America usually connect through Tokyo or another Japanese hub. A slow ferry from Kagoshima also exists, but it takes about a day and suits only those who want a long sea journey.
| From | How |
|---|---|
| Tokyo and Osaka | direct flights to Naha; check the airlines for the current schedule |
| Seoul, Taipei, Shanghai, Hong Kong | direct flights to Naha on selected routes |
| The United States | connect through Tokyo or another Japanese hub |
| Kagoshima | slow ferry to Naha; about a day |
When to go
The climate is subtropical with mild temperatures all year, and frost is rare. Typhoon season runs from early September to early November, when the weather can turn rough and flights from Okinawa are more likely to be canceled. Build a spare day into trips in those months. Our best time to visit Japan page covers the rest of the country.
Okinawa on a Japan trip
Many travelers add Okinawa as a beach stay after Tokyo and Kyoto. Allow three to four nights for the main island, and more for the Kerama or Miyako Islands.
Planning Okinawa with Absolute Asia Tours
Absolute Asia Tours has planned private trips in Asia since 1989. For Okinawa we set the flight timing around typhoon season, choose a hotel near the right beaches, and book a guide for the aquarium and Shuri Castle. We’re rated 4.8 out of 5 across about 900 traveler reviews. See our Japan tours or tell us your dates.
Sources (read in Japanese, Japanese Wikipedia): 沖縄県, 首里城, 美ら海水族館, 琉球王国. Getting there: Visit Okinawa Japan, official guide. Compared with the questions travelers put to AI search. Last checked November 2026.
Okinawa travel: FAQ
How do you get to Okinawa?
Fly into Naha Airport. Direct flights come from Tokyo, Osaka and several Asian cities, and a slow ferry runs from Kagoshima.
What are the main things to do in Okinawa?
Shuri Castle, Churaumi Aquarium, beaches, snorkeling and diving, and Okinawan food and culture.
Can you visit Shuri Castle now?
The main hall burned in October 2019 and its reconstruction is scheduled to finish in autumn 2026. Check what is open before you go.
When is typhoon season in Okinawa?
From early September to early November, and flights can be canceled.
Was Okinawa once a separate country?
Yes. The Ryukyu Kingdom existed from 1429 to 1879.
Photo: 663highland, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.5. Yonaha Maehama Beach, Miyako Island.
