Okinawa, Japan’s ultimate summer holiday destination

Known for their balmy weather and pristine beaches, the islands that make up Japan’s Okinawa prefecture are a paradise for travellers seeking nature, relaxation, and a spot of adventure. If you’re already fantasising about dipping your toes into white sand and crystal-clear waters, start planning your summer holiday in Japan with the help of our Okinawa travel guide. 

Off-shore activities

Seaside stroll 
With stretches of powdery white sand running along its coastline, Okinawa is synonymous with beaches. So, what are the top sandy spots in the archipelago? 

Naminoue is the only beach in the city of Naha. Home to the famous Naminoue Shrine , which sits atop a cliff of Ryukyu limestone, it’s perfect for both sightseers and aqua addicts. At Kouri Beach, you’ll find a more modern landmark, Kouri Bridge, which stands in striking contrast against the beach’s white sand and turquoise ocean. Meanwhile, Yonaha Beach in Miyakojima boasts a seven-kilometre-long natural shoreline, giving you endless views of rolling waves and azure sky.

Snorkelling and scuba diving 

The aquamarine waters of Okinawa are a haven of marine biodiversity, with an abundance of coral and fish. It’s no wonder travellers come from all corners of the world to come from far and wide to dive in them. 

If you’re a dedicated diver, it’s worth island-hopping to explore multiple sites. However, those on a tighter schedule need go no further than Okinawa’s main island -  its most popular dive site is the Blue Cave of Cape Maeda , an otherworldly spot where beams of sunlight turn the water an electric blue.  

Elsewhere, the Kerama Island chain is another top diving destination, easily reached by ferry from Naha and with sites that are suitable for divers of all levels. As a protected park, it is home to many marine animals, including turtles, as well as more than 200 types of rocky reefs. 

Glass-bottom boat 

Good news for non-swimmers or those who travel with family: the glass-bottom boat s on Ishigakijima Island will take you out of your depth to explore a kaleidoscope of marine life without having to get wet. As you glide over coral reefs, look out for manta rays, turtles, clownfish, damselfish, and sea slugs.

On-shore sightseeing

Manzamo 

Cape Manzamo is a must-visit spot in Okinawa thanks to its famous “elephant’s trunk”: a natural rock formation whose peculiar shape is the work of centuries of coastal erosion. As you stroll along the cape, you’ll be afforded sweeping vistas of rugged coastline and cobalt-blue ocean that stretches as far as the horizon. 

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium  
If you’re travelling with little ones, be sure to pay the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium a visit. In this giant fishbowl – one of the world’s biggest – you can get up close with over 700 marine species, including the 8.8-metre-long whale shark. 

Summer festivals

Ocean Expo Park Summer Festival 

If it’s an evening spectacle you’re after, mark the Ocean Expo Park Summer Festival in your calendar. Held every July at the stunning Emerald Beach, the festival is responsible for putting on Okinawa’s biggest pyrotechnic display, featuring some 10,000 fireworks. It’s guaranteed to put you in a party mood. 

Food and shopping

Makishi Public Market 
Lovingly dubbed the “kitchen of Okinawa”, the Makishi Public Market in Naha sells the freshest catches of the day, as well as Agu pork, Ishigaki beef, and many other specialty produce of Okinawa. For both freshness and authenticity, you can select your catch on the market’s ground floor and let the restaurants on the upper floor cook it for you.  

Be sure to also try umbibudo (sea grapes) – a tasty specialty and a great choice of gift to take home.

American Village  

A slice of 1950s Americana in Japan, the American Village is a reminder of Okinawa’s history. Bringing together independent shops and restaurants, a cinema, and entertainment facilities, the village is an all-weather attraction for a colourful day out.