Okinawa Island (沖縄本島) is the largest island in the Okinawa Prefecture, located in the southernmost part of Japan. It is known for its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, coral reefs, and unique cultural heritage.
One of the most popular attractions on Okinawa Island is the Churaumi Aquarium, one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in the world. It is home to a wide variety of marine life, including whale sharks, manta rays, and many colorful fish species.
The island also has many stunning beaches, such as Emerald Beach and Sunset Beach, which offer crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand. Other popular attractions on Okinawa Island include the Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the residence of the Ryukyu Kingdom’s royal family, and the Okinawa World theme park, which showcases the island’s unique cultural heritage and traditional crafts.
Okinawa Island is also known for its unique cuisine, which is a blend of Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian influences. Some popular dishes include Okinawa soba, a type of noodle soup, and goya champuru, a stir-fry dish made with bitter melon.
In addition to its natural beauty and cultural heritage, Okinawa Island is also a popular destination for outdoor activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. The island’s coral reefs and clear waters offer some of the best diving and snorkeling experiences in Japan.
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Getting there
From Tokyo
Narita Airport ↓ 3 hours 5 minutes Naha Airport
Haneda Airport ↓ 2 hours 45 minutes Naha Airport
From Osaka
Kansai Airport ↓ 1 hour 50 minutes Naha Airport
From Sapporo
New Chitose Airport ↓ 3 hours 50 minutes Naha Airport
From Nagoya
Chubu Centrair Airport ↓ 2hours 25 minutes Naha Airport
Attractions in Okinawa Island
KokusaidoriKokusaidori(国際通り), also known as International Street, is a famous shopping and entertainment district located in Naha, the capital city of Okinawa, Japa...
Churaumi AquariumThe Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (美ら海水族館) is one of the largest and most famous aquariums in the world, located within the Ocean Expo Park in Motobu, Okin...
Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial MuseumOkinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum (沖縄県平和祈念資料館) is a museum located in Itoman City, Okinawa, Japan. The museum's mission is to promote peace...
Ocean Expo ParkOcean Expo Park (海洋博公園) is a large park and aquarium complex located in Motobu, Okinawa, Japan. The park was originally built for the 1975 Okinawa Inter...
Nago Pineapple ParkNago Pineapple Park (ナゴパイナップルパーク) is a popular tourist attraction located in Nago, Okinawa, Japan. The park is dedicated to pineapples, a fruit th...
American VillageAmerican Village (美浜アメリカンビレッジ) is a popular shopping and entertainment district located in Chatan, Okinawa, Japan. It is known for its American-st...
Okinawa WorldOkinawa World (おきなわワールド) is a theme park and cultural center located in Nanjo City, Okinawa, Japan. The park is designed to showcase the traditional ...
Nakagusuku Castle RuinsNakagusuku Castle Ruins (中城城跡) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Nakagusuku Village, Okinawa, Japan. It is a historic fortress that dates back t…
Ryukyu MuraRyukyu Mura (琉球村) is an open-air museum located in Onna Village, Okinawa, Japan. The museum aims to preserve and showcase the traditional culture and way …
Nakijin Castle RuinsNakijin Castle Ruins (今帰仁城跡) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Nakijin, Okinawa, Japan. It is a historic fortress and palace that dates back to…
Cape HedoCape Hedo (辺戸岬), located at the northernmost tip of Okinawa Island, is a place of breathtaking natural beauty and historical significance. The cape offers…
Shikinaen GardenShikinaen Garden (識名園), also known as Shikinaen Royal Garden, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Naha, Okinawa, Japan. The garden was originally b…
Tsuboya DistrictTsuboya (壺屋) is a historic district located in Naha, the capital city of Okinawa Prefecture in Japan. The district is renowned for its traditional pottery,…
Katsuren Castle RuinsKatsuren Castle Ruins (勝連城跡), also known as Katsuren-jo, are the remains of a historic castle located on the Katsuren Peninsula in Uruma City, in the cen…
Nakamura ResidenceNakamura Residence (中村家住宅) is a historical house located in Kitanakagusuku Village, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. It is a well-preserved example of a tradi…
Sefa UtakiSefa Utaki (斎場御嶽) is a sacred site located in Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. It is a part of the larger UNESCO World Heritage site known as the G…
Hiji WaterfallNestled deep in the tranquil forests of northern Okinawa Island, Hiji Waterfall (比地大滝) quietly conceals its majestic presence. Located in Kunigami Villag…
TamaudunTamaudun (玉陵) is a historical site located in Naha, the capital city of Okinawa Prefecture in Japan. It is a royal mausoleum of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which w…
Zakimi Castle RuinsZakimi Castle Ruins (座喜味城跡) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Yomitan, Okinawa, Japan. The castle was built in the early 15th century by the Ry…
Yanbaru RegionThe Yanbaru region (やんばる) is located in the northern part of Okinawa Island, which is the largest island in the Okinawa Prefecture of Japan. Yanbaru is k…
Karate KaikanOkinawa Karate Kaikan (沖縄空手会館) is a martial arts complex located in Tomigusuku City, Okinawa, Japan. It was established in 2017 by the Okinawa Traditio…