A stay in Okinawa: which island to choose?
Made up of dozens of islets, the Okinawa archipelago boasts paradisiacal beaches, lush lands and a superb traditional heritage. Ideal for outdoor activities
Made up of dozens of islets, the Okinawa archipelago boasts paradisiacal beaches, lush lands and a superb traditional heritage. Ideal for outdoor activities, the former Kingdom of Ryūkyū is also a perfect destination for a honeymoon! Snorkeling, cultural visits, sunsets… Here's an overview of the most beautiful islands to discover during a stay in Okinawa.
A trip to Okinawa Hontô: exploring the former Kingdom of Ryūkyū – and enjoying a honeymoon!
Located at the far south of Japon, Okinawa Hontô is the main island of the archipelago. Spanning over 1283 m², the island was once home to the Kingdom of Ryūkyū. Created in 1429, it was annexed by Japon in 1879 as the Okinawa prefecture…
The island boasts nine sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites! Among them? Shuri Castle, the royal mausoleum Tamaudun and the magnificent royal garden of Shikina-en; all three located in Naha (the prefectural capital).
Located on the southwestern coast of the archipelago, Naha-shi is also the departure point to other small islands…
Honeymoon in the Okinawa archipelago The Okinawa archipelago is a dream destination for a romantic escape in Japon. Paradisiacal beaches, wild landscapes, sunsets, as well as cultural visits: the islet is THE romantic destination par excellence! Dreaming of spending your honeymoon here? Contact us to discover our special circuit for newlyweds… |
Stay in Okinawa: snorkeling in the Kerama islands
Located about a hundred kilometres from Naha, the Kerama archipelago is a very wild destination just one hour away (by ferry) from urban frenzy!
Tokashiki island
Considered a snorkeling paradise, Tokashiki island is home to several species of coral (the archipelago's coral reef is moreover listed on the Ramsar site list).
Okashiki-jima is also highly regarded for its mountainous coastline, which promises beautiful walks through lush nature, as well as breathtaking panoramic views!
Zamami island
Among the Kerema islets, don't miss Zamami island. With an area of approximately 17 km², this little corner of paradise is renowned for the beauty of its beaches and the purity of its crystal-clear waters. Blessed with exceptional marine fauna, the island is a prime spot for snorkeling…
You'll have the chance to spot sea turtles and numerous clownfish. One of the most beautiful beaches on the island? Ama beach! With a few restaurants, it's the perfect place for a romantic dinner overlooking the sunset…
A stop at the Miyako islands: rejuvenating in Japanese nature
Located approximately 300 kilometres southwest of Naha island, the Miyako archipelago is renowned for the diversity of its landscapes and its sublime panoramic views. Very green and lush, it's a rural destination, still unspoiled by mass tourism…
The most famous island is Miyakojima (due to its many scuba diving spots). During your stopover, visit the botanical garden, where you can observe thousands of plant species, as well as Miyako horses: a unique breed created on the island!
A stop at the Yaeyama islands: enjoying outdoor activities and cultural tourism
Accessible by plane from Naha (or by ferry from neighbouring islands), the Yaeyama islands are renowned for their superb Kabira Bay. Alternately rural or wild, the archipelago is an ideal destination for a vacation halfway between cultural tourism and relaxation on a postcard-perfect beach!
Ishigaki island
Located west of Ishigaki island, Kabira Bay is highly prized for the beauty of its landscapes and its seabed. Ideal for snorkeling, it's also perfect for scuba diving: the island is notably renowned for excursions dedicated to observing manta rays!
On site, you can also enjoy other water sports, such as paddleboarding or jet-skiing. Ishigaki-shi also has numerous beaches, including Fusaki, Sukuji, Yonehara, Sunset and Shiraho (renowned for its coral reefs). A tip? Don't leave without exploring Ishigaki's limestone caves or the Kabira Kannon-do temple!
Taketomi island
Just 10 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki, venture forth to discover Taketomi island and its superb traditional villages – intact since the time of the former Kingdom of Ryūkyū! On the roofs, you'll notice small, imaginary protective creatures, named shi-sa. As you stroll through the sandy streets, you'll also encounter ploughs pulled by water buffalo!
Iriomote island
A 45-minute ferry ride from Ishigaki (at the heart of the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park), you'll discover the very wild Iriomote island. Renowned for its dense forests and mangroves, it's ideal for outdoor activities, such as kayaking or hiking. Iriomote-jima is also famous for its Sangara waterfalls and natural pool…
Frequently asked questions
For a first stay in Okinawa, the main island Okinawa Hontô is ideal: it concentrates the historical sites of the former Kingdom of Ryūkyū, with 9 listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, and is a good starting point to neighbouring islands. For beaches and snorkeling, the Kerama archipelago (Zamami or Tokashiki islands) is accessible by just one hour of ferry from Naha.
The best time to visit Okinawa is between April and June (before typhoon season) or in September-October. Summer (July-August) is hot and humid, with typhoon risks. Winter remains mild compared to the rest of Japon, but the sea can be rough.
The Okinawa islands are connected by regular ferries from Naha port. The Kerama islands are about 1 hour away, while the Miyako and Yaeyama islands are best reached by plane (domestic flights from Naha airport). Local ferries then connect small islands like Taketomi and Iriomote from Ishigaki.
Yes, Okinawa is a romantic destination par excellence for a honeymoon in Japon. The archipelago offers paradisiacal beaches, spectacular sunsets (notably over Ama Beach in Zamami), charming accommodations and a preserved natural setting. The Kerama and Yaeyama islands are particularly recommended for couples.
Absolutely. The Okinawa archipelago, and notably the Kerama islands (Tokashiki, Zamami) and Kabira Bay in Ishigaki, offer snorkeling spots accessible to all levels. You can observe corals, sea turtles and clownfish in crystal-clear waters. Guided excursions are available on site.
