Okinawa, Japan's subtropical island chain lying closer to Taiwan than to Tokyo, carries the legacy of the Ryukyu Kingdom centered on Naha and Shuri Castle. It is distinctive for coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and a local cuisine of goya champuru and Okinawa soba, drawing visitors to the Churaumi Aquarium and the outer islands of Ishigaki and Miyako.
Okinawa is a chain of islands closer to Taiwan than to Tokyo, and it feels different: warmer, slower, with its own history as the Ryukyu Kingdom. Come for the beaches and diving, stay for the food and the easygoing "nankuru naisa" (it'll work out) spirit.
Getting around
Naha, on the main island, is the gateway. The main island really needs a rental car — public transport is limited outside the Naha monorail. For the outer islands (Ishigaki, Miyako), fly or take a ferry, then rent a car or scooter there.
What to see
★ Shuri Castle (Shurijo) / 首里城★ Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium / 沖縄美ら海水族館★ Sefa-Utaki / 斎場御嶽💎 Yachimun no Sato pottery village (やちむんの里), Yomitan💎 Nakijin Castle Ruins / 今帰仁城跡
Shuri Castle — the restored seat of the Ryukyu Kingdom in Naha.
Churaumi Aquarium — one of the world's great aquariums, home to whale sharks.
Kerama Islands — clear water and reefs, a short boat ride from Naha.
Ishigaki & Miyako — the outer islands with the most postcard beaches.
Okinawan food is its own cuisine: gōyā champurū (bitter-melon stir-fry), Okinawa soba, taco rice, and beni-imo (purple sweet potato) sweets. Locals are among the longest-lived people on earth.
LEARN THE JAPANESE
海がきれいですね。
Umi ga kirei desu ne. — "The sea is beautiful, isn't it?" (you'll mean it here)
GETTING AROUND
ゆいレールで首里城まで行けますか？
Yui Rēru de Shuri-jō made ikemasu ka? — Can I take the Yui Rail to Shuri Castle?
LOCAL EXPRESSION
ゴーヤーチャンプルーをひとつお願いします。
Gōyā chanpurū o hitotsu onegaishimasu. — One goya champuru, please.
