Okinawa
The northernmost of Japan's four main islands, Hokkaido is renowned for its dramatic volcanoes, tranquil geothermal pools and impressive ski slopes.
The island is the least developed of the group and features vast expanses of untouched wilderness protected by the Daisetsuzan and Shikotsu-Tōya National Parks.
Visitors can look forward to hiking the area's towering volcanic mountains, exploring the remarkable aquamarine caldera lakes and soaking in the relaxing hot springs. Over fifty percent of the island is comprised of dense forest, which is home to bears, owls, hawks, cranes, foxes, and other wildlife you are unlikely to find elsewhere in Japan. With an annual snowfall of almost fourteen metres and cold air blowing in from Siberia that keeps the powder remarkably dry, the island offers some incredible skiing opportunities on the numerous uncrowded slopes of the coastal mountains.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN OKINAWA
Naha
Naha is a city on the coast of the southern part of the main island of Okinawa. It was the political and commercial centre of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and is the biggest and most populous city in Okinawa. A visit to Naha is not complete without a trip to energetic Kokusai Street. The city’s main thoroughfare is a bustling stretch of shops, cafes, and bars, and is also the venue for some of the city’s biggest festivals.
Shuri
Today, Shuri is a district of the city of Naha, but it used to be a separate city, and the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Shurijo Castle was at the centre of the kingdom’s politics and culture for centuries and is part of the World Heritage Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.
Yomitan
Yomitan Village is located on the western coast in the central part of Okinawa’s main island and it is a popular tourist destination exhibiting all that Okinawa is famous for: from blue skies, clear water, and white sands to iconic food and rich Ryukyu culture. Relax at a beach resort, explore marine habitats, visit a World Heritage site, or try traditional crafts.
Chatan
Chatan is one of the most vibrant areas of Okinawa, with a notably cosmopolitan feel. It is the perfect base to explore Okinawa, with popular destinations such as Naha, Yomitan, and the Onna Coast all within easy driving distance of under an hour.
Yanbaru
Yanbaru is the name of the northern area of Okinawa’s main island and means “densely forested mountains.” Much of this biodiverse region is protected within Yambaru National Park, which occupies an area of around 174 square kilometres. Traveling here by car will give you the most freedom and enjoyment.
Onna Coast
The Onna Coast is Okinawa's premier resort destination. It is easy to see why so many prominent hotel chains have chosen this stretch of shoreline; stunning scenery, white-sand beaches, and the water’s subtle gradation of blue make this area picture-perfect. The rolling Route 58 hugs the coast through Onna, inviting you to take a scenic drive.
OUR FAVOURITE HOTELS IN OKINAWA
Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island
Okinawa
5 star
Hotel Collective
Okinawa
5 star
Hoshinoya Okinawa
Okinawa
5 star
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AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES
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HANDPICKED HOTELS
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The hotels we choose are ones where we have either personally stayed or visited
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