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Okinawa travel guide

Subtropical islands, coral reefs and long lives

Okinawa's beaches. Photo: Image Science and Analysis Laboratory, NASA - Johnson Space Center. "The Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth.", Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

12h 45mflight from London
OKAnearest main airport
29° in Augwarmest month
19° in Jancoolest month

Okinawa is a chain of subtropical islands in Japan's far south, with white beaches, coral reefs and a distinct Ryukyu culture.

It's known for long-lived residents, a huge aquarium and the remote Kerama and Yaeyama islands.

Good forBeachesDivingCultureRelaxing

What Okinawa is known for

  • Beaches

    White sand and turquoise water.

  • Kerama Islands

    Some of the clearest water in the world.

  • Shuri Castle

    Seat of the Ryukyu kingdom.

  • Long lives

    One of the world's Blue Zones.

Top things to do in Okinawa

  1. 1

    Churaumi Aquarium

    Whale sharks in a giant tank.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    Kerama Islands

    Snorkelling with turtles.

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  3. 3

    Shuri Castle

    Rebuilding after a fire.

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  4. 4

    Kokusai Street

    Shops and food in Naha.

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See all tours and tickets in Okinawa

Where to stay in Okinawa

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Best time to visit Okinawa

Best value: Oct–Apr. April to June and October: warm and sunny. Typhoons can hit from July to September.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
18.8 C19°J19 C19°F19.8 C20°M21.8 C22°A24.5 C24°M27 C27°J28.8 C29°J29 C29°A28.2 C28°S26.2 C26°O23.6 C24°N20.6 C21°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Okinawa, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 12h 45m from London to OKA, and flights from most UK airports.

Hire a car on the main island. Ferries and flights to smaller islands.

Find flights to Okinawa (OKA)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Check for typhoons in late summer.
  • Book cars early.
  • Okinawa is about a 3-hour flight from Tokyo.
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Okinawa FAQ

Is Okinawa good for beaches?

Yes, Japan's best.

How do I get there?

Fly from Tokyo or Osaka.

More places in Japan

Back to the Japan travel guide + Add Okinawa to your bucket list