Okinawa is a tropical chain of islands with a distinctly laid-back feel, known for its turquoise waters, sandy beaches and rich Ryukyu culture. Spend your days snorkelling, diving or island-hopping, then explore Shuri Castle, lively Naha and traditional villages. Okinawa is also famous for its long-lived population, with its healthy island lifestyle attracting lots of interest worldwide.
Naha is the main city, with Shuri Castle and Kokusai-dori, plus easy access to ferries, restaurants and nightlife. Chatan is livelier and centred around American Village, a colourful waterfront complex packed with shops, restaurants and sunset spots. Hotels here range from budget-friendly city stays to smart seaside resorts. Along the west coast, Yomitan & Onna are all about beaches and outdoor adventures. Yomitan has traditional pottery villages, Cape Zanpa and quieter stretches of coast, while Onna is a classic resort base for snorkelling, diving and glass-bottom boat trips, with family-friendly and luxury beachfront hotels. Further north, Motobu & Nago are good choices for a slower pace and easy access to Okinawa's natural attractions. Motobu puts you close to Churaumi Aquarium, Emerald Beach and the subtropical Botanic Gardens, while Nago is handy for exploring the northern coast, waterfalls and the Nago Pineapple Park. Expect everything from large resorts to smaller guesthouses. On Ishigaki Island, stay around Ishigaki City for restaurants, bars and ferry connections to nearby islands, or choose the quieter Kabira area for beautiful beaches, viewpoints and a more peaceful resort stay.
Ideal for: City breaks, culture lovers, island-hopping, foodies, first-time visitors
Naha's compact centre is easy to explore, with Kokusai-dori lined with izakayas, markets and shops, while Shuri is home to the historic Shuri Castle and remnants of the old Ryukyu Kingdom. Wander through Tsuboya Pottery District, browse the stalls at Makishi Public Market or head down to Naminoue Beach for a quick dip. Naha is also the main gateway to Okinawa’s other islands, with ferries departing from the port, making it a handy base for day trips. Hotels range from simple budget stays and business hotels to stylish boutiques and smart waterfront properties.
Did you know? Naha was once the capital of the independent Ryukyu Kingdom, which ruled the Okinawan islands for more than 400 years before becoming part of Japan in 1879.
Ideal for: Beach holidays, sunset strolls, nightlife, families, foodies
Chatan is a great pick for families, couples and anyone looking for a lively seaside base without staying in Naha. The area is best known for American Village, a colourful waterfront complex packed with shops, cafes, restaurants and bars, with a fun, slightly retro American feel. Wander the promenade, catch the famous sunsets over Sunset Beach, or head to Araha Beach for swimming and water sports. There’s a good mix of modern resorts, family-friendly hotels and affordable apartment-style stays, making Chatan an easy, relaxed base for exploring the central coast.
Did you know? American Village was inspired by California’s seaside shopping districts, which helps explain its colourful, slightly kitsch look.
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Ideal for: Diving, luxury resorts, sunset watching, snorkelling, beach holidays
Onna is Okinawa’s classic resort strip, with beautiful beaches, clear water and heaps of opportunities for snorkelling, diving and boat trips. Yomitan feels a little more local, with the dramatic cliffs of Cape Zanpa, traditional pottery workshops at Yomitan Village and pretty beaches, including Nirai Beach. There’s a good choice of beachfront resorts and family-friendly hotels in Onna, while Yomitan has more boutique stays, villas and smaller properties.
Did you know? Onna is known as Okinawa’s “Village of Coral”, thanks to the vast reefs along its coast.
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Ideal for: Aquarium visits, family holidays, beach days, nature escapes, whale watching
Motobu & Nago are great bases for nature lovers, families and anyone wanting a quieter base for exploring northern Okinawa. Motobu is best known for Churaumi Aquarium, where you can see whale sharks and manta rays, as well as beautiful Emerald Beach and the historic Nakijin Castle ruins. Nago has a more lived-in feel, with beaches, hiking trails and the colourful Nago Pineapple Park, while nearby Cape Busena is fantastic for glass-bottom boat trips and spotting coral reefs. Hotels here range from big family-friendly resorts to smaller guesthouses and villas, with plenty of options next to the beach.
Did you know? Nago is one of Okinawa’s main growing areas for shikuwasa, a small, tangy citrus fruit that looks like a lime. It’s used in everything from juices and sauces to sweets, and is a local favourite.
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Ideal for: Island hopping, diving, nature escapes, snorkelling, beach holidays
Ishigaki is famous for its clear turquoise waters, coral reefs and beautiful beaches, with Kabira Bay the headline attraction for glass-bottom boat trips and spectacular views. Explore the mangroves around Miyara River, hike to Uganzaki Lighthouse or take a boat to nearby islands such as Taketomi and Iriomote. Stay in Ishigaki City for restaurants, bars and easy ferry connections, or pick a resort or villa around the coast for a quieter escape.
Did you know? Ishigaki has exceptionally dark skies and is part of an International Dark Sky Park, with an incredible 84 of the world’s 88 constellations visible from the island. It’s one of Japan’s best places for stargazing.
