OKINAWA
Okinawa is a tropical paradise where vibrant Japanese culture meets a distinctive past as the independent Ryukyu Kingdom. It offers stunning coral reefs, pristine beaches, and a unique sub-tropical atmosphere unlike mainland Japan.
This archipelago, stretching south from Kyushu, is a land of beautiful contrasts. Visitors explore ancient castles and sacred sites alongside modern hubs and world-class diving spots.
Most Popular Attractions
Naha City & Central Okinawa:
Shurijo Castle Park: The meticulously reconstructed vermilion palace that was the political and cultural center of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Kokusai Street (Kokusai-dori): Naha’s lively, one-mile-long shopping and entertainment thoroughfare, packed with shops and restaurants.
Shikinaen Garden: A UNESCO World Heritage site and a former second residence of the Ryukyu kings, featuring a traditional Okinawan-style garden.
Tsuboya Pottery District: A charming district in Naha with a history of traditional Okinawan pottery (yachimun) and artisan studios.
Tamaudun Royal Mausoleum: The magnificent stone mausoleum, a UNESCO site, for the royal families of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum: Excellent modern facilities detailing the unique history, culture, and nature of the islands.
Naminoue Shrine: A prominent, vibrant shrine dramatically perched on a cliff overlooking Naminoue Beach.
Culture & History Sites:
Sefa-Utaki: The most sacred site of the Ryukyu Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a profound spiritual ‘power spot.’
Peace Memorial Park & Museum: A solemn memorial park in the south of the main island dedicated to the victims of the Battle of Okinawa.
Gyokusendo Cave in Okinawa World: A stunning 5-km long natural limestone cave featuring beautiful stalactites and the nearby Kingdom Village.
Ryukyu Mura: A theme park featuring a traditional Okinawan village with historical houses, cultural workshops, and local performances.
Nakijin Castle Ruins: Magnificent ruins of a 13th-century gusuku (castle), a UNESCO site known for its scenic views and cherry blossoms.
Nature & Marine Life:
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (Ocean Expo Park): Home to the massive “Kuroshio Sea” tank, one of the world’s largest, featuring whale sharks and manta rays.
Cape Manzamo: A stunning, cliffside rock formation resembling an elephant’s trunk, famous for its panoramic ocean views.
Blue Cave (Ao no Dokutsu), Cape Maeda: A popular spot for snorkeling and diving where sunlight creates a glowing blue effect inside the cave.
Kouri Island: Accessible by a scenic bridge, this remote island is known for its beautiful beaches and the ‘Heart Rock’ formation.
Yanbaru National Park: The largely undeveloped, forest-covered northern part of Okinawa Island, home to rare and endemic wildlife.
Outlying Islands & Modern Hubs:
Kerama Islands (e.g., Tokashiki, Zamami): An archipelago and National Park known for world-class diving, snorkeling, and pristine “Kerama Blue” waters.
Mihama Town Resort American Village: A large American-themed entertainment, dining, and shopping complex in Chatan.
Ishigaki Island (Yaeyama Islands): A southern island hub famous for Kabira Bay (clear waters) and snorkeling/diving.
Miyako Island: Known for its stunning coral reefs and white-sand beaches like Yonaha Maehama Beach and Sunayama Beach.
Iriomote Island (Yaeyama Islands): Known as the “Galapagos of Japan,” famous for its lush jungle, mangroves, and the Iriomote wildcat.
Activities & Experiences
Dive or Snorkel the Blue Cave (Ao no Dokutsu): Explore the stunning, naturally illuminated sea cave near Cape Maeda, famous for its glowing sapphire-blue water.
Visit the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: Marvel at the world-famous Kuroshio Sea tank, one of the largest in the world, home to majestic whale sharks and manta rays.
Learn to Play the Sanshin: Take a lesson to play the traditional three-stringed Okinawan lute, an instrument essential to Ryukyuan music and culture.
Stroll through Shurijo Castle Park: Explore the grounds of the former vermilion-walled palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage site currently undergoing reconstruction.
Go Island Hopping: Take a high-speed ferry to a remote island group like the Kerama Islands (for world-class diving/beaches) or Taketomi Island (for traditional village atmosphere).
Experience Coral or Bingata Dyeing: Participate in a traditional Okinawan craft workshop to create colorful textiles or unique pieces using local techniques like coral dyeing.
Wander Kokusai-dori and the Tsuboya Pottery District (Naha): Shop, dine, and immerse yourself in the vibrant main street before discovering the charming historic district of yachimun (Okinawan pottery).
Explore Okinawa World and Gyokusendo Cave: Discover a cultural theme park that includes the vast and beautiful Gyokusendo Cave, a limestone cavern with over 900,000 stalactites.
Hike to a UNESCO Gusuku (Castle Ruin): Visit ancient Ryukyuan castle ruins like Nakijin Castle or Katsuren Castle to learn about the kingdom’s history and enjoy panoramic views.
Try Ryukyuan Cuisine and Awamori: Feast on local delicacies like Okinawa Soba (noodles in broth), Goya Chanpuru (bitter melon stir-fry), and sample the unique local rice spirit, Awamori.
Paint a Shisa Guardian: Attend a workshop to paint your own Shisa (lion-dog guardian figure), a legendary symbol of protection seen on rooftops and gates across the islands.
Relax on Emerald Beach or Kouri Island: Enjoy the white sand and turquoise waters of Okinawa’s most famous beaches, such as the artificially created Emerald Beach at Ocean Expo Park or the natural beauty of Kouri Island.
Local Tips & Transport
Rental Car is Highly Recommended: Outside of Naha City, public transportation is sparse. A rental car, secured with an International Driving Permit (IDP), offers the greatest flexibility for exploring the main island’s beaches, historical sites, and the northern region.
Naha City – The Monorail (Yui Rail): The only rail system in Okinawa, the monorail runs from Naha Airport through the city center to Shuri Castle. It’s the most efficient way to travel within Naha and is a must for navigating the capital.
Inter-Island Travel: Travel to the smaller islands (like the Keramas, Miyako, or Yaeyama Islands) is primarily by high-speed ferry from ports like Naha’s Tomari Port, or by domestic flight for longer distances. Check weather forecasts, as ferry services can be cancelled due to strong winds or typhoons.
Buses and Rush Hour: The main island has a bus network, but routes can be complex, and service may be infrequent outside of major areas. Be aware that the main roads, particularly Route 58, experience significant traffic congestion during weekday rush hours (morning and evening).
The Ryukyu Spirit and Heritage: Okinawa was an independent kingdom with a unique history and culture (the Ryukyu Kingdom, 1429-1879) before becoming part of Japan. This heritage is distinct from mainland Japan—listen for the Uchinaguchi language, seek out Eisa folk dancing, and notice the unique architectural style of the castles (gusuku).
‘Nuchi Gusui’: This Okinawan concept translates roughly to ‘medicine for life’ and embodies the local focus on health and longevity through diet and lifestyle. Enjoy the local cuisine which often incorporates ingredients like goya (bitter melon), pork, and seaweed.
Weather and Typhoon Season: Okinawa has a subtropical climate, meaning it is warm year-round, but summer (June to October) is the prime season for typhoons. Travel plans can be disrupted, so it’s wise to build in a buffer day or purchase flexible tickets. The best time for beach activities is generally April to June and September to November.
Hidden Gems:
- Sefa Utaki: A sacred World Heritage site of the Ryukyu Kingdom, offering a quiet, spiritual experience with stunning sea views.
- Mihama American Village: A large entertainment complex near a U.S. military base, offering a unique blend of American and Japanese culture, perfect for dining and evening strolls.
- Manza-Mo: A scenic cliff shaped like an elephant’s trunk in Onna Village, offering dramatic coastal views.
- Fukushūen Garden: A tranquil Chinese-style garden in Naha, a beautiful and quiet escape from the bustle of the city.
- The Shisa Guardians: Keep an eye out for the lion-dog statues (Shisa) on rooftops and gates. Traditionally, they come in pairs—one with its mouth open to ward off evil spirits, and one with its mouth closed to keep good spirits in.
Top Restaurants
Shuri Soba [$8-$15] – A highly-regarded, small, and traditional soba shop near Shuri Castle, famous for its rich, flavorful pork broth and perfectly textured handmade noodles.
Kishimoto Shokudo (Motobu) [$8-$15] – A long-standing institution in the northern part of the main island, serving simple but profound Okinawa soba and jūshī (Okinawan seasoned rice) for over a century.
Mikasa Matsuyama Branch [$8-$15] – A popular, unpretentious, and long-established local eatery in Naha, known for its Okinawan comfort foods like Chanpurū (stir-fry) and various set meals.
Nanbu Soba [$8-$15] – Located in Itoman City, this popular spot focuses on four classic varieties of Okinawa soba, including Tebichi Soba (with stewed pork trotters) and Hon-Sōki Soba (with spare ribs).
Yunami Sakashita Branch [$8-$15] – A specialty Okinawa soba restaurant in Naha known for using house-made whole wheat noodles, offering a slightly different, high-quality soba experience with a relaxed vibe.
Pork Tamago Onigiri Honten (Makishi Market) [$5-$12] – An extremely popular, but worthy, grab-and-go spot that elevates the simple, classic Okinawan Pork Tamago Onigiri (Spam and egg rice ball) with gourmet variations.
Yunangii [$15-$25] – Located off Kokusai Street in Naha, this authentic Okinawan restaurant is famous for classic dishes like Rafute (braised pork belly) and a wide selection of Awamori (Okinawan liquor).
Ryukyu Cuisine Hanafuu [$20-$35] – A traditional Okinawan dining experience, specializing in authentic Ryukyu court cuisine and local dishes, often featuring local ingredients in a refined, traditional setting.
Warabaa [$20-$35] – A highly-rated, friendly local izakaya that focuses on Okinawan home cooking, offering dishes made with local ingredients and a lively, non-touristy atmosphere in Naha.
Kinbutsu (Naha) [$30-$50] – A dedicated shabu-shabu restaurant specializing in Agu pork, the premium Okinawan heritage pig, offering a fantastic experience of this local delicacy.
Okinawa Cuisine Shimabuta Ya (Onna) [$30-$50] – A renowned spot in Onna Village focusing heavily on Okinawan pork cuisine, offering everything from Agu shabu-shabu to other traditional pork dishes in a local setting.
Toto Chanpuru (Onna) [$25-$40] – A creative izakaya in Onna Village where you can enjoy local, authentic Okinawan cuisine and various chanpurū (stir-fry) dishes using carefully selected ingredients.
Shimabuta-Shichirinyaki Manmi (Nago) [$30-$50] – A must-try for meat lovers, specializing in Shichirinyaki (charcoal-grilled) Okinawan pork, where the quality of the locally sourced meat shines.
Izakaya Ryukyu Dining Hateruma (Kokusai Dori) [$20-$40] – A popular, yet authentic, restaurant right on Kokusai Street offering a great variety of Okinawan regional dishes, from Goya Chanpuru to Umibudō (sea grapes).
Nakama Sengyo Ten [$15-$30] – Located in the Makishi Public Market area, this is an excellent spot for extremely fresh seafood, often prepared simply to highlight the quality of the catch.
Captain Kangaroo [$15-$25] – Known for its delicious, generously-sized American-style burgers with a local twist, a favorite of both locals and visitors for a high-quality, casual meal.
Ryukyu No Ushi [$40-$60] – A popular barbecue (yakiniku) restaurant specializing in local Okinawan Wagyu, including Ishigaki Beef, with several locations, known for its high-quality cuts.
Yakiniku Motobu Farm (Kokusaidori) [$40-$70] – Specializing in high-quality Wagyu beef sourced directly from its own ranch, this yakiniku spot offers a premium experience of Okinawan beef.
King Tacos Kiyuna Branch [$10-$20] – A true Okinawan institution and the originator of Taco Rice (taco fillings served over rice), offering a classic taste of Okinawan-American fusion comfort food.
Taco Rice Cafe Kijimunaa (Umikaji Terrace) [$10-$20] – Famous for its “Omu Taco” – a version of Taco Rice topped with a fluffy omelet – served in a beautiful seaside setting on Senaga Island.
Teppanyaki Hobaru [$60-$100] – A highly-rated teppanyaki restaurant in Naha, famous for its exquisite, top-quality Yaeyama beef (Okinawan Wagyu) prepared expertly right in front of you.
SHIROUX (Onna) [$120-$200] – An innovative cuisine restaurant offering ingeniously creative dishes that blend local ingredients with international techniques in a high-end setting.
Syukuri [$50-$80] – A contemporary izakaya known for its modern take on Okinawan classics, using fresh, seasonal ingredients in visually appealing and creative presentations.
Ikesu No Ginji (Awase Branch) [$30-$50] – An izakaya where you can experience creative Okinawan cuisine and succulent sashimi, with a focus on freshly caught seafood from the local port.
Sumibi Yakitori BOND [$30-$50] – A modern yakitori restaurant in Naha that reinvents traditional skewers with choice ingredients and unique red wine/fruit-based sauces, often with Italian influences.
Chura Hana [$40-$70] – Located north of Onna Village, this restaurant offers a creative and modern fusion of Japanese and Okinawan cuisine, often featuring unique local seafood and produce.
Monogatori Awamori Pub [$40-$70] – Found in Yomitan, this spot offers a finer dining experience with a focus on local ingredients, a relaxed atmosphere, and an extensive selection of Awamori.
Corrente (Chatan) [$60-$100] – A highly-acclaimed Italian restaurant in the Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort known for its authentic Italian cuisine using premium, seasonal ingredients.
BARBARESCO 37 (Naha) [$50-$90] – An Italian spot in Hotel Blossom Naha, specializing in high-quality Italian food, including pasta and pizza, blending a modern Italian feel with Japanese service.
Kushiage Can [$25-$45] – Located near Asahibashi Station, this spot specializes in Kushiyaki (grilled skewers) and Yakitori, offering an elevated and modern take on these casual Japanese classics, often with an Okinawan touch.
Miyazaki Beef Restaurant NAHA MIYACHIKU [$90-$150] – A Teppanyaki restaurant specializing in award-winning Miyazaki wagyu and high-end seafood, offering a sophisticated and luxurious dining experience in Naha.
Fine Dining (Uza Terrace Beach Club Villas) [$100-$180] – Offers continental cuisine with a focus on French techniques, using natural vegetables, fruits, and herbs from the hotel’s on-site farm, providing a personalized luxury meal.
Gyuou [$80-$150] – A high-class yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) establishment known for its premium cuts of Wagyu beef, offering a luxurious experience for beef enthusiasts.
Unkai Japanese Cuisine (ANA InterContinental) [$70-$120] – Located in Onna Village, this high-end spot is a favorite for exquisite Japanese and Ryukyu cuisine, with a popular Ishigaki beef set meal.
Shirakachi Robata (Hyatt Regency) [$80-$130] – A Japanese restaurant where a famous chef creates refined Ryukyu cuisine, known for its magnificent tableware and high-quality wagyu steak.
Teppanyaki Daichi (Onna) [$70-$120] – Offers a stunning ocean-view dining experience with high-quality Teppanyaki, specializing in seasonal seafood and Wagyu steak.
Churanuuji (Nago) [$150-$250] – An award-winning Italian restaurant known for its unique ingredients and sophisticated seasoning, offering a high-end, special-occasion dining experience.
Echizen [$100-$200] – A specialized crab restaurant in Naha, offering meticulously crafted and artfully presented dishes using crabs from Hokkaido, paired with premium sake and fine wine.
Briand – Fillet specialty restaurant – Charcoal Grilled Black Japanese Beef (Naha) [$100-$180] – A specialist in premium fillet cuts of Black Japanese Beef, cooked over charcoal for an intense flavor in a high-end setting.
Mahoroba Teppan Okinawa [$100-$180] – A sophisticated Teppanyaki restaurant in Naha, offering high-quality steak, seafood, and a fusion of modern Teppanyaki with traditional Okinawan cuisine.
BACAR [$20-$35] – A popular, locally-loved restaurant in Naha serving authentic Neapolitan pizza, baked in a wood-fired oven, with a simple menu that draws crowds.
Ryukyu Meika Mitsuya [$5-$15] – A famous spot for Okinawan sweets, known for its Zenzai (chilled shaved ice with sweet red bean soup) and other traditional local desserts.
Jef (Various Locations) [$8-$15] – A classic, locally-loved Okinawan fast food chain famous for its unique local items like the “Goya Burger” (burger with bitter melon) and “Nūyaru-yāru Burger.”
Ramen Danbo Naha Makishi [$10-$20] – A popular ramen joint highly praised for its rich and comforting pork bone broth (Tonkotsu ramen), a must-visit for a non-local Japanese classic.
Awase Soba Shokudo [$8-$15] – Known for its focus on quality ingredients and flavor, this no-frills eatery offers satisfying set meals and various Japanese dishes, popular with the local crowd.
Wafutei Naha Main Place [$10-$25] – A highly recommended Japanese restaurant by locals, offering a dazzling and diverse array of traditional Japanese appetizers and main dishes in Naha.
Izakaya Marusa Main branch (Ishigaki) [$30-$50] – Located on Ishigaki Island, this homely izakaya offers affordably priced, freshly caught sashimi and simmered fish, along with classic Okinawan dishes.
YAOKI (Nago) [$15-$30] – A specialty store serving jūwari soba (100% buckwheat flour soba), a rarity in Nago City, offering a wondrous flavor and fragrance unique to buckwheat, alongside fresh tempura.
Ajigokoro Taisho (Yomitan) [$25-$45] – An izakaya near Torii Station, known for its relaxing, wood-warmed atmosphere and proud seafood dishes using fresh local catches, paired with various Awamori.
Penguin no Iru Dining bar Okinawa [$20-$40] – A unique dining bar in Naha with live penguins, offering a mix of Italian and bar food, providing a memorable and fun dining experience.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
El Lequio: Located in the Asato area of Naha, this bar is celebrated for its Nikkei-Latino and Ryukyu-inspired cocktails, creatively fusing Okinawan ingredients like shikuwasa and local sugar cane with classic drinks. It has been recognized as one of Asia’s 50 Best Discovery bars.
Library Bar “November”: An elegant, refined bar found within The Naha Terrace Hotel in the Omoromachi district of Naha. It offers a classic cocktail menu, a wide variety of whiskies, and sophisticated seating, perfect for a quiet, high-end evening.
bar BLU NOTTE: A stylish rooftop bar located atop the Hotel Aqua Citta in Naha, offering stunning panoramic views of the city’s skyline. It specializes in tropical cocktails and provides a wonderful setting for sunset and evening drinks.
The Bar at Ritz Carlton: Situated within the upscale Ritz-Carlton in Nago, this classy, minimalist bar provides a luxurious setting with counter seats and private rooms, known for impeccable service and a fine selection of drinks and cigars.
Beach Bar Coconut Moon: A quintessential Okinawan experience, this bar sits directly on the beach in Onna, offering amazing ocean views. Guests can enjoy a wide range of drinks, including local Awamori and cocktails, often accompanied by live music.
Parker’s Mood Jazz Club: Tucked away in Naha, this dark, intimate, and authentic jazz club provides a fantastic atmosphere. It’s the place to enjoy strong drinks and listen to some of the best live jazz players in the city.
Bobby’s: A stylish cocktail bar located in the Koza area of Okinawa City, known for its elegant ambiance and creative, visually stunning cocktails crafted by a self-taught mixologist. It’s a quiet oasis overlooking the busy street scene.
Bar ECAQI: Just off the main bar street in Naha‘s Sakurazaka district, this establishment is housed in a handsome, ivy-wrapped building. It offers a chill atmosphere, eclectic decor, and a seasonal menu of cocktails alongside Italian-inspired dishes.
The Smuggler’s Irish Pub: A friendly and reliable Irish pub located in Naha, a classic choice for a well-poured pint of beer or an accessible cocktail, complete with traditional pub fare and a welcoming atmosphere.
Mafali Cafe: A vibrant spot in the Asato area of Naha, offering a mix of drinks and a lively, relaxed atmosphere. It’s great for an early evening cocktail or a casual night out.
Craft Beer House Baku: While primarily a craft beer destination near the Kencho-mae Station in Naha, its focus on local and international brews makes it a great alternative stop, with some unique beer cocktails sometimes on offer.
Gators Bar & Grill: Found on Gate 2 Street in Koza (Okinawa City), this southern-themed bar is popular for its American-style food, country music, and a relaxed environment with a good selection of drinks, popular with both locals and military personnel.
Amusement BAR 超SWAG (Chō SWAG): Located in Nago, this entertainment bar offers a vibrant setting for cocktails and other drinks, often staying open very late into the morning.
CRUSH: A late-night spot on Kokusai Dori in Naha, which operates as a bar and provides a lively and accessible place for a night out.
Record & Music Bar ON: A cozy spot in the Makishi area of Naha, offering a great selection of music and drinks, perfect for music lovers looking for a laid-back evening.
TOP TREE OKINAWA: A vibrant new entertainment food hall and nightclub located at the very top of Don Quijote on Kokusai Street in Naha. It transitions from a lively food hall to a dynamic nightclub after 11 PM, featuring music and a high-energy atmosphere.
Club Lounge Crown: Situated in the Matsuyama district of Naha, this is a classic club/lounge spot in one of the city’s main nightlife areas.
LOVEBALL: A well-known nightclub located in the Kumoji area of Naha, popular for its high-energy dance floor and diverse music, often hosting different DJ events.
Output: Found in the Kume district of Naha, this venue is known for hosting various live music acts and club events, offering an alternative to purely commercial clubs.
Club Clutch: Located in the Asato district of Naha, this is a basement venue known for providing a vibrant club experience in the city.
Red Room: Found in the Makishi area of Naha, this spot is a known party destination that’s part of the lively Sakurazaka nightlife scene.
A. BPM: A known club venue in the Goya district of Okinawa City, situated in the bustling Koza area, which is famous for its music and nightlife culture.
Hopped UP: A club in the Chuo area of Okinawa City that is part of the central-west coast’s active and international nightlife scene.
Mirage Nightclub (Chatan): A popular late-night destination in the area of Chatan, near American Village, catering to a mix of international and local crowds with its high-energy atmosphere and music.