Luxury Tailor-Made Japan Holidays Okinawa 2024 & 2025
Dive into Tradition, Adventure and Nature in Okinawa
The islands of Okinawa are as diverse as they are plentiful, stretching from the main island in the north to Ishigaki and beyond in the south. There are 160 islands large and small, inhabited and uninhabited, each of them a mixture of natural wonders, cultural treasures and incredibly warm hospitality. Dive into the underwater world to experience the islands vibrant marine ecosystem which is teeming with life. You will see colourful reefs, friendly sea turtles and tropical fish in these clear waters making it perfect for snorkelers and scuba divers.
If you're interested in learning about Okinawa's past, then head to Shuri Castle, perched on a hill overlooking Naha, this is the best place for an insight into the island's rich cultural heritage. If you're a foodie, then Okinawa is the place for you! From hearty bowls of soba to taco rice, the Okinawan cuisine is unique and fresh. But it doesn't stop there! Visit the bustling markets for seafood, tropical fruits and for a taste of awamori, the local distilled spirit that has been crafted on the island for centuries.
While you're watching the sun set, you'll also see Okinawa come alive with traditional music and dance. Experience the vibrant energy of Eisa, a drum dance performed at festivals and celebrations. Join the locals in song and dance, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
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Things to do and see 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, andis 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. Head here for some Okinawan souvenirs, from traditional crafts to T-shirts celebrating Okinawan beer.
If you want to relax by the water, head to Naminoue Beach for some fun in the sun. Kick back on the shore or take a dip in the sea. Naminoue Shrine rests on a cliff just above the beach. Naminoue is the only swimming beach in the city.
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.
Take a leisurely stroll up the steep Kinjo Stone Road, a cobblestone road near Shurijo Castle Park. The road is made of Ryukyu limestone and was built in the 16th century as part of the main road from Shuri leading down to Naha Port. The road is flanked by limestone walls and buildings with red-tiled roofs. Significant sections of the road were destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa in WWII, but about 300 meters remain intact, helping transport visitors back to a previous time.
Yomitan
Yomitan Village is located on the western coast in the central part of Okinawa’s main island, facing out to the East China Sea 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—Yomitan Village has it all.
Zanpa and Nirai beaches are gorgeous stretches of fine-grained sand near Cape Zanpa. The cape catches a pleasant breeze, and both beaches are a stone’s throw from numerous resort hotels. Cape Zanpa is a famous spot for sunsets. Stand atop the 30-meter-high cliffs for romantic views come sundown, or visit earlier in the day to enjoy the stark contrast between the dazzling white lighthouse and the bold azure sea. Zanpa Resort Activity Park is located on the cape and is a great place for friends and families to relax, with easy access to the beach, a covered BBQ area, and a kid’s playground.
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.
Enjoy shopping in the lively shopping areas, sample gourmet cuisine on the seafront, take a sunset cruise, have a night out on the town, or spend a day at the beach. There is something of everything in Chatan, with options to meet all tastes. The Mihama area has a rather different vibe than other parts of the island: the colourful, sometimes fantastical buildings, eye-catching storefronts, and spotless promenades of Depot Island and the American Village give the area the feel of an amusement park.
Take a romantic stroll along the Sunset Walk promenade, or around Chatan Fisharina at dusk for atmospheric sunsets.
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.
Yanbaru's subtropical evergreen forests, mangroves, and limestone mountains are an important habitat for rare plants and animals, including the endemic Okinawa rail. This is a playground for nature enthusiasts, with waterfall hikes, canoeing and kayaking adventures, excursions to secluded beaches, and wildlife watching.
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.
The Okinawan climate means you can enjoy golf on lush fairways all year round. The green undulations of Onna’s high-end courses are immaculately kept, and are suitable for pros and beginners alike. The courses are hilly, but electric golf carts do most of the work; besides, driving a perfect tee shot out toward a beautiful blue sea must be on every golfer’s bucket list.
On the Onna Coast you can learn about the Ryukyu Kingdom’s past in a recreated village, try out traditional crafts and instruments, or swing like Tarzan through the forests on a zipline. There really is something for everyone.
Our Favourite Hotels in Okinawa
Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island
Hotel Collective
Hoshinoya Okinawa
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