Japan

Okinawa

RegionCulture

Okinawa, a subtropical island prefecture of Japan, welcomes you with a unique mix of Ryukyu culture, unspoiled beaches and a turbulent history. Here you will find turquoise water and lush greenery, ideal for relaxation and exploring.

by Felix Gillen

Okinawa, a subtropical prefecture of Japan, welcomes you with a unique blend of rich Ryukyu culture and breathtaking natural landscapes. The island group was once the independent Ryukyu Kingdom, its heritage reflected in historical sites like the reconstructed Shuri Castle in Naha and traditional handicrafts. Discover the crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches of the main island or take a trip to the Kerama Islands, which have been declared a national park and are ideal for snorkeling and diving. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, famous for its whale sharks, offers fascinating insights into the region's marine biodiversity. Try the unique local cuisine, including Okinawa Soba or Goya Chanpuru, and experience the relaxed way of life that differs from mainland Japan. The best time to visit for beach activities is between May and October, with April/May and October/November offering pleasant temperatures without the biggest tourist crowds.

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Ishigaki-jima

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Kerama-Inseln

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Miyako-jima

Miyako-jima, an island in Okinawa Prefecture, captivates with its untouched coral reefs and characteristic turquoise waters.

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Naha

Naha, the capital of Okinawa, offers a fascinating mix of Japanese and unique Ryukyu culture. You discover a lively city atmosphere that stands apart from the relaxed island mentality.

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Sights in Okinawa

Discover the most important sights and attractions

Katsuren Castle Ruin (Katsuren-jo)

Die Burgruine Katsuren auf Okinawa ist eine der bedeutendsten Gusuku-Stätten und gehört zum UNESCO-Weltkulturerbe. Sie war der Sitz des legendären Amawari, eines mächtigen Lords des 15. Jahrhunderts, der eine zentrale Rolle in der Geschichte des Ryukyu-Königreichs spielte. Die Anlage zeugt von der Blütezeit des Seehandels und der kulturellen Verbindungen der Insel mit dem asiatischen Kontinent. Du findest hier beeindruckende Steinmauern, die sich terrassenförmig über den Hügel erstrecken und ein Gefühl für die einstige Größe vermitteln.Von der höchsten Ebene aus genießt du einen spektakulären Panoramablick über den Pazifik und die umliegende Landschaft. Dies ist auch der ideale Ort für deine Fotos, besonders bei Sonnenaufgang oder Sonnenuntergang. Um die Ruhe der Stätte vollends auszukosten und den Menschenmassen zu entgehen, empfehlen wir einen Besuch am frühen Morgen unter der Woche. Festes Schuhwerk ist für die Erkundung der unebenen Pfade ratsam.

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Aquarium

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

The aquarium at Ocean Expo Park on the Motobu Peninsula in northern Okinawa, about two hours' drive from Naha, is one of the largest in the world. In the main tank, "Kuroshio Sea," whale sharks and manta rays swim behind one of the largest acrylic panels ever.Other tanks display coral reefs and the deep sea around the Ryukyu Islands. Plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon, when there are fewer tour buses. The park also features a beach and open enclosures for dolphins and manatees.

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Historic Landmark

Nakijin Castle Ruin

The Gusuku on the Motobu Peninsula served as the seat of the kings of Hokuzan in the 14th century, one of the three kingdoms Okinawa was divided into before its unification as the Ryūkyū Kingdom. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.Its curved limestone walls extend for about 1.5 kilometers across a hill; from above, you can see across the East China Sea to the outlying islands. In January and February, Japan's first cherry blossoms bloom here. The Churaumi Aquarium is about a ten-minute drive away.

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Place of Worship

Sēfa Utaki

Sēfa Utaki, located in southeastern Okinawa, about a 45-minute drive from Naha, was the most important sacred site of the Ryūkyū Kingdom. Here, the high priestesses of the royal court were consecrated. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage site.There are no buildings, only prayer places among rocks and forest. The most famous is a triangular passage between two rock slabs, from which you can see the sacred island of Kudaka. Tickets are available at the Nanjō Visitor Center, just a few minutes' walk away. On certain days of the year, the site is closed for rituals.

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Attraction

Kouri Island and Kouri Bridge

A roughly two-kilometer bridge in northern Okinawa leads over turquoise, shallow water from Yagaji Island to the small island of Kouri. From the viewpoint at the south end, you get the best view of the bridge and sea.Kouri offers small beaches, including Tinu Beach with its heart-shaped eroded rocks. A scenic ring road provides a short drive around the island. By rental car, Kouri can be easily combined with the Churaumi Aquarium and Nakijin Castle.

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Food & Drink in Okinawa

Okinawa Soba

Despite its name, the noodles are wheat-based. They are served in a broth of pork and bonito, often with stewed ribs (Sōki) as a topping.

Gōyā Chanpurū

The islands' most famous stir-fry dish: bitter melon, tofu, egg, and pork, quickly stir-fried together.

Pork in every form

Pork is central to Okinawa's cuisine. Rafutē is pork belly, slow-braised in Awamori, soy sauce, and brown sugar.

Umibudō

Sea grapes are a type of algae with small pearls that pop when chewed. They are eaten raw with a light vinegar dip.

Awamori

Okinawa’s rice spirit is distilled from long-grain rice and is considered Japan’s oldest spirit. Awamori aged for several years is called Kūsu.

Okinawa's unique cultural heritage

Okinawa looks back on a rich and distinct history as the former Ryukyu Kingdom, which for centuries was a flourishing trading post in East Asia. This era (15th to 19th century) profoundly shaped the island group, particularly through strong cultural influences from China and Southeast Asia, differing from mainland Japanese culture.The kingdom's architecture is exemplified by the reconstructed Shuri Castle in Naha, which blends Chinese and Japanese elements into a unique Ryukyuan style. Traditional houses feature red tiled roofs and coral stone walls, providing protection against typhoons. Local traditions like the energetic Eisa dance with drums and the melodic music of the Sanshin, a three-stringed lute, are vibrant expressions of Uchinanchu identity.Cultural distinctiveness includes the indigenous language Uchinaguchi, which differs significantly from Standard Japanese, as well as a deep spirituality manifested in numerous sacred Utaki sites and the reverence for nature spirits. Okinawan cuisine, with dishes like Goya Champuru, also reflects its historical independence and regional characteristics.

Traveling on Okinawa

Getting ThereNaha Airport is the prefecture's hub, with frequent flights from Tokyo, Osaka, and other Japanese cities. From Naha, you can fly on to Ishigaki or Miyako in about an hour.On the Main IslandYui Rail: The monorail is Okinawa's only railway. It connects the airport with central Naha and Shuri.Rental Car: A rental car is the usual choice for exploring the north, including the Churaumi Aquarium, beaches, and castle ruins. Traffic drives on the left; expect congestion around Naha during peak hours.Bus: Local and express buses reach most places, but they are slow and sometimes infrequent.Ferries and Island HoppingFerries and fast boats depart for the Kerama Islands from Tomari Port in Naha.From Ishigaki, you can reach Taketomi, Iriomote, and other Yaeyama Islands by boat.During typhoon season, approximately from June to October, ferries and flights are often cancelled. Plan a buffer day before your return flight.

Nearby

Okinawa

Ishigaki-jima

Kerama-Inseln

Miyako-jima

Naha