Explore the best Okinawa islands brimming with charm and beauty. Situated in southern Japan, Okinawa Prefecture is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and distinctive Ryukyu culture. This guide highlights the best islands in Okinawa curated by local travel planners who have extensively explored the islands.
Overview of Okinawa Islands
Introducing Okinawa
Okinawa, located at Japan’s southernmost point, is surrounded by breathtaking coral reefs. The prefecture comprises 700 islands, with 49 of them inhabited. With its subtropical climate, Okinawa is an ideal destination for beach lovers and divers, offering marine activities throughout the year. It’s a popular destination among Japanese tourists.
Unique Culture and History of Okinawa
Okinawa boasts a history and culture distinct from mainland Japan. Once known as the Ryukyu Kingdom, these islands thrived as an independent nation from the 15th to the 19th century. This history has given rise to unique dialects, cuisine, and traditional performances such as Eisa dance and Okinawan sanshin music, blending influences from Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. Post-World War II, the islands were occupied by the United States, and the remnants of U.S. military bases still reflect American cultural influences.
Popular Activities in Okinawa
Okinawa offers a wide range of activities catering to diverse interests. Its clear waters and colorful coral reefs make it a paradise for snorkeling and diving. Other water sports include kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, parasailing and more. On land, visitors can enjoy trekking, exploring limestone caves, and experiencing Ryukyu culture through activities like playing sanshin, a traditional musical instrument. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, home to one of the largest tanks in the world, is also a major attraction.
Okinawa Best Islands
Okinawa Main Island
| Sea and Beach | ★★★☆☆ |
| Accessibility | ★★★★★ |
| Atmosphere | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Tourist Attractions | ★★★★★ |
| Uniqueness | ★★★☆☆ |
The largest and most populated island, Okinawa Main Island, serves as a transportation hub and cultural and economic center of Okinawa. Naha City features historic sites, numerous tourist attractions and vibrant shopping streets. The northern region is home to the UNESCO-listed Yanbaru Forest and Churaumi aquarium, popular spots like Blue Cave and Chatan are in the central part, and the southern region offers cultural sites like the Himeyuri Monument. It’s a must-visit island before exploring other remote islands and is worth visiting even if you just stay on this island.
Kerama Islands (Zamami, Aka, Tokashiki)
| Sea and Beach | ★★★★★ |
| Accessibility | ★★★★☆ |
| Atmosphere | ★★★★☆ |
| Tourist Attractions | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Uniqueness | ★★★★☆ |
Part of a national marine park, the Kerama Islands are renowned for their stunning coral reefs and clear waters, making them a diver’s and snorkeler’s paradise. Zamami Island is the busiest, with restaurants and well-equipped beaches. Aka Island, with the smallest population, offers a tranquil retreat with incredible sea visibility. Tokashiki Island, the closest to Naha, offers not only marine leisure activities but also land activities such as hiking. Despite the beauty of the sea, all islands are fairly easy to access, about a 1 to 2-hour ferry ride from Naha.
Iriomote Island
| Sea and Beach | ★★★★☆ |
| Accessibility | ★★★☆☆ |
| Atmosphere | ★★★★★ |
| Tourist Attractions | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Uniqueness | ★★★★★ |
Accessible by a one-hour ferry ride from Ishigaki Island, Iriomote Island is known for its rich biodiversity and unspoiled nature, and is often called the ‘Oriental Galapagos’. It has been selected as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 2021. Covered in dense jungle and mangrove forests, it’s home to rare species like the Iriomote cat. Enjoy kayaking, jungle trekking, and exploring waterfalls and rivers. The unpretentious islanders will welcome you with warm hospitality.
Miyako Island
| Sea and Beach | ★★★★☆ |
| Accessibility | ★★★☆☆ |
| Atmosphere | ★★★☆☆ |
| Tourist Attractions | ★★★☆☆ |
| Uniqueness | ★★★☆☆ |
Miyako Island is an hour by flight from Naha and is known for its fine white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. Yonaha Maehama Beach is often ranked as Japan’s best beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The island is also popular among divers due to its unique underwater landscapes. Despite its popularity, the island maintains a laid-back atmosphere.
Hateruma Island
| Sea and Beach | ★★★★★ |
| Accessibility | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Atmosphere | ★★★★☆ |
| Tourist Attractions | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Uniqueness | ★★★☆☆ |
Hateruma Island is Japan’s southernmost inhabited island, offering untouched natural beauty and serene beaches. Nishihama Beach is known for its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. Famous for its starry night skies, it’s a prime location for stargazing. The island has no airport, and the sea route from Ishigaki Island can be rough, so it’s essential to plan your trip with ample time to accommodate potential delays.
Ishigaki Island
| Sea and Beach | ★★★☆☆ |
| Accessibility | ★★★★☆ |
| Atmosphere | ★★★☆☆ |
| Tourist Attractions | ★★★★☆ |
| Uniqueness | ★★★☆☆ |
A 1-hour flight from Okinawa Main Island, Ishigaki Island is a well-known destination and a gateway to other Yaeyama Islands like Taketomi and Iriomote. Kabira Bay is famous for its emerald green water and picturesque scenery. It is popular with divers as a site where you have a high chance of encountering manta rays. The island has numerous beaches, restaurants, and cultural sites, ensuring you’ll never get bored.
Taketomi Island
| Sea and Beach | ★★★★☆ |
| Accessibility | ★★★☆☆ |
| Atmosphere | ★★★★☆ |
| Tourist Attractions | ★★★☆☆ |
| Uniqueness | ★★★★☆ |
Taketomi Island is only a 20-minute boat ride from Ishigaki Island. Known for preserving the traditional streetscape of the Ryukyu Kingdom, offering an authentic Okinawan atmosphere. Kaiji Beach is famous for its star-shaped sand, believed to bring good luck. The compact island is perfect for walking or cycling, allowing for leisurely exploration of its charming streets and beaches.
Daito Island
| Sea and Beach | ★★★☆☆ |
| Accessibility | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Atmosphere | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Tourist Attractions | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Uniqueness | ★★★★★ |
Located east of Okinawa Main Island, Daito Island is about an hour’s flight away. Unlike the other islands, it was not part of the Ryukyu Kingdom, resulting in a unique culture. The island is surrounded by deep sea, making it a perfect spot for fishing, where large pelagic fish such as tuna can be caught at ports and rocky areas along the seashore. The unique arrival experience via ferry involves being lifted onto the island by crane.
Yonaguni Island
| Sea and Beach | ★★★☆☆ |
| Accessibility | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Atmosphere | ★★★☆☆ |
| Tourist Attractions | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Uniqueness | ★★★★☆ |
Located just 100 kilometers from Taiwan, Yonaguni Island is Japan’s westernmost island, accessible via a 100-minute flight from Naha or a 30-minute flight from Ishigaki. The island is surrounded mostly by steep cliffs, giving it a more rugged and powerful atmosphere compared to other islands. Divers flock here to see the underwater ruins and hammerhead sharks.
Kume Island
| Sea and Beach | ★★★★☆ |
| Accessibility | ★★★☆☆ |
| Atmosphere | ★★★★☆ |
| Tourist Attractions | ★★★☆☆ |
| Uniqueness | ★★★☆☆ |
Kume Island is highly reputed for its beautiful beaches and easy accessibility from Okinawa Main Island. Hatenohama, an uninhabited island accessible by a 20-minute boat ride, features stunning white sand and emerald green water, ideal for peaceful swimming. Cultural sites like castle ruins and traditional cultural experiences further add to the island’s appeal.
Each island of Okinawa boasts unique cultures, activities, and landscapes, ensuring a different kind of satisfaction no matter which one you visit. Island hopping using ferries and flights is highly recommended to fully experience these beautiful places.
