Okinawa

The Okinawa area consists of a few dozen small islands that stretch over approximately 1000km from Kyushu down to Taiwan. Okinawa can be grouped into 3 major island groups, the Okinawa Islands, the Miyako Islands, and the Yaeyama Islands.

These subtropical islands that make up the Okinawa Prefecture are also known as the Ryukyu Islands, a name derived from the native culture of the islands which is distinctively different from the rest of Japan in terms of language, art, and food.

The top destinations for travelers in Okinawa are:

• Yaeyama Islands:
  • The southernmost and westernmost islands in the Okinawa Island group. These tropical islands with their casual and laid-back attitudes make them a very popular destination for those living in the larger cities of Japan.
  • A life of beaches, snorkeling, diving, and relaxation can be found here
  • Ishigaki Island is the transportation hub for the Yaeyama Islands
• Okinawa Island:
  • Okinawa Main Island is the largest and most populated island in the Okinawa Prefecture. Here you will find the prefecture capital of Naha.
  • Attractions on Okinawa Island include: Hiji Waterfall, Ocean Expo Park, Churaumi Aquarium, and Nago Pineapple Park
• Miyako Island:
  • Located approximately 300km south of Okinawa Island, Miyako Island is known for having some of the best beaches in Japan and as a great place for snorkeling and diving among the coral reefs.
• Kerama Islands
  • A group of islands in the East China Sea, these islands about 40km west of Okinawa Main Island, boast white sand beaches and clear blue water for the ultimate in swimming and snorkeling. It is also a popular spot for whale watching.
• Kume Island:
  • About 90km west of Okinawa Main Island, Kume Island is extremely small with the large draw for visitors being Hatenohama Beach, a 7km long sand bar located just east of the island. This beach can only be accessed through a tour. Other beaches on the island include Ara, Eef, and Shinri.