Okinawa — Southernmost islands沖縄

Southernmost islands · blue sea · Ryukyu culture · diving · Main cities: Naha · Ishigaki · Miyako

About Okinawa

The Okinawa region

Southernmost islands · blue sea · Ryukyu culture · diving. Covers 1 prefecture · main cities: Naha · Ishigaki · Miyako. One of Japan's 9 regions, with its own distinctive charm — culture, food, climate, and destinations that show you a side of Japan most travellers never see.

Prefectures · 1 in this region

All 1 prefecture in Okinawa

Every prefecture in the Okinawa region — we'll review them all · click for individual prefecture guides

Okinawa (沖縄)

OKINAWA · Capital: Naha

Shuri Castle · Churaumi Aquarium · Ryukyu culture · Ishigaki · Miyako

✓ Guide ready

Region 101

Okinawa at a glance

👥

Population

1.46 million

📐

Area

2,280 km² (main island + 160 islands)

🚄

Transit

Yui Rail (Naha) · ferries · rental car

🏖️

Best season

Apr-Oct (beach/diving) · avoid Aug-Sep typhoons

🍜

Signature food

Okinawa Soba · Taco Rice · Goya · Awamori

🌡️

Weather

Summer 27-32°C · Winter 17-22°C (year-round warm)

FAQ

FAQ · Okinawa travel

How many days for Okinawa?

3-5 days for main island · 7-10 days with Ishigaki/Miyako

Best season?

Apr-Jun and Sep-Nov (great weather + swimmable) · avoid typhoons Aug-Sep · winter mild but sea is cold

Need rental car?

Yui Rail covers Naha · outside Naha (Onna/Churaumi) need rental car or tour

Bangkok to Okinawa?

China Airlines/EVA Air via Taipei · Cathay via HK · direct flights rare

Ready to plan your Okinawa trip?

Browse all of Japan's regions + main cities, plus our full pre-flight prep guide

See Japan overview →