Visiting Okinawa, Japan: Which islands to choose during a stopover in the archipelago?
Located at the far south of Japan, the Okinawa archipelago is a natural gem nicknamed the "Japanese Hawaii" because of its paradisiacal beaches.
Located at the far south of Japan, the Okinawa archipelago is a natural gem nicknamed "Japanese Hawaii" because of its paradisiacal beaches. This island territory comprises more than a hundred islands, making it difficult to know which Okinawa islands to choose! Unsure? A sports or cultural stopover, a romantic getaway or a nature lover's retreat: discover which island is right for you…
Key takeaways ● Okinawa islands are only accessible by plane or ferry, from a limited number of major Japanese cities. ● Some islands in the archipelago are far apart from one another, and are only connected by internal flights. ● Some islands are only accessible by ferry.
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Why visit the islands of Okinawa Prefecture?
Composed of 160 islands, Okinawa is a collection distinguished by its subtropical climate, its paradisiacal beaches and coral reefs conducive to diving and snorkeling. The archipelago also boasts nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites!
Among them? Shuri Castle, the Tamaudun royal mausoleum and the magnificent Shikina-en royal garden; all three located in Naha (the prefecture's capital). Situated on the southwest coast of the archipelago, Naha-shi is also the departure point for other small islands.
Finally, Okinawa is also a dream destination for a romantic getaway in Japan. Postcard-perfect beaches, wild landscapes, sunsets, but also cultural visits: this Japanese archipelago is THE romantic destination par excellence! Looking to spend your honeymoon here? Contact us to discover our special couples' itinerary.
How to get around between islands? ● Okinawa covers a very large territory, with islands sometimes far apart from each other. If you wish to travel around the archipelago, you will – most of the time – need to take an internal flight. ● On site, you won't find trains, except for the monorail connecting Naha city to the airport. Also note that some islands, like those of Kerama, are only accessible by ferry. |
Okinawa Honto main island: to discover the history of Kyūshū
Located at the far south of Japan, Okinawa Honto is the main island of its eponymous prefecture. Spanning over 1,283 km², the island once constituted the kingdom of Ryūkyū. Created in 1429, it was annexed by Japan in 1879 as the prefecture of Okinawa…
● Nakijin Castle : in the north of Okinawa Honto island, you can admire the ruins of the former kingdom of Ryūkyū. While only the fortress and a few sacred sites remain: these vestiges (now classified by UNESCO and nestled in the heart of verdant nature) testify to a very ancient period and deserve careful exploration.
● The city of Naha : the capital of Okinawa Prefecture is an essential stopover during a stay on the archipelago. The city is home to the Okinawa Peace Memorial – in remembrance of the battle that took place in June 1945, during the Second World War.
● Okinawa Aquarium.
How to reach Okinawa's main island? ● To reach Okinawa by plane, departure points are Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka. From there, you'll need to take an internal flight to Naha – the archipelago's main city. Then, reach the island of your choice by plane or ferry (depending on your destination). Flights from Tokyo are fairly frequent. ● To reach Okinawa by ferry, departure points are Tokyo, Osaka and Kagoshima, but the journey is generally much longer (expect approximately 25 hours between Kagoshima and Naha!). There are two ferry companies: Marix Line and A Line Ferry. |
The Kerama islands: for divers and snorkelers
Located about a hundred kilometers from Naha, the Kerama archipelago is a very wild destination just one hour (by ferry) from the urban hustle and bustle! It is home to a magnificent coral reef, listed on the Ramsar List since 2005.
Tokashiki Island
Considered a paradise for snorkeling, Tokashiki island is home to several coral species. Okashiki-jima is also popular for its mountainous coastline, which promises beautiful hikes through lush nature, as well as breathtaking panoramic views!
How to get there It is possible to reach Tokashiki island by high-speed ferry from Okinawa Honto main island (Tomari port, in Naha). There are several trips per day (expect approximately 35 minutes of crossing). |
Zamami Island
Among the Kerama islets, don't miss Zamami island. Covering approximately 17 km², this little corner of paradise is renowned for the beauty of its beaches and the purity of its crystal-clear waters. Endowed with exceptional marine life, the island is a prime spot for snorkeling…
You'll have the chance to spot sea turtles and numerous clownfish. One of the island's most beautiful beaches? Ama beach! Equipped with several restaurants, it's the ideal place for a romantic dinner facing the sunset…
How to get there It is also possible to reach Zamami island by high-speed ferry from Okinawa Honto main island (Tomari port, in Naha). Expect approximately 60 minutes of travel. |
The Miyako islands: for nature lovers
Located approximately 300 kilometers southwest of Naha island, the Miyako islands archipelago is renowned for the diversity of its landscapes and its sublime panoramic views. Very green and lush, it is a rural destination preserved from mass tourism…
The most well-known island is Miyakojima (due to its numerous diving spots). During your stopover, take a tour of the botanical garden, where you can observe thousands of plant species, as well as Miyako horses: a unique breed, created on the island!
How to get there ● Miyako's main island is only accessible by plane! There are direct flights from the airports of Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Naha (Okinawa's main island) and Ishigaki. ● Once there, note that it's easier to travel with shuttles provided by hotels than with traditional bus lines (which are not always easily accessible). ● The simplest way is to travel by bike or scooter. A tour around the island takes approximately 4 hours. |
The Yaeyama islands: for a sports and cultural stopover during a trip to Okinawa
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 outdoor activities...
Ishigaki Island
Located to the west of Ishigaki island, Kabira Bay is highly sought after for the beauty of its landscapes and its marine depths. Ideal for snorkeling, it is also perfect for scuba diving – the island is notably renowned for its expeditions dedicated to observing manta rays!
On site, you can also enjoy other water sports, such as paddleboarding or jet skiing. Ishigaki-shi also boasts numerous white sand beaches, including Fusaki, Sukuji, Yonehara, Sunset and Shiraho (renowned for its coral reefs).
Ishigaki island is also home to:
● the Yaimamura traditional arts village. This features several remarkable buildings, as well as workshops showcasing Okinawa's culture, as well as local craftsmanship (music, painting, traditional attire, etc.).
● monkeys and squirrels : these charming little inhabitants enjoy visits and are easily approachable.
A tip? Don't leave without exploring Ishigaki's limestone caves or the Kabira Kannon-do temple!
How to get there ● Ishigaki island is accessible by plane from several airports, including Naha (Okinawa Honto), Haneda (Tokyo), Chubu Centrair International (Nagoya), Kansai International Airport (Osaka) and the small Miyako airport. ● The Yaeyama islands are connected to each other by ferries (between 30 minutes and one hour of crossing, depending on the routes). |
Taketomi Island
Just 10 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki, discover Taketomi island and its superb traditional villages – intact since the days of the ancient Ryūkyū kingdom! On the roofs, you'll notice small imaginary (and protective) creatures, called shi-sa. During your walks, on the sandy streets, you'll also encounter plows pulled by water buffalo!
How to get there Taketomi island is accessible by high-speed ferry from Ishigaki island. Once there, don't hesitate to rent a bicycle to explore the island! |
Iriomote Island
At 45 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki (in the heart of the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park), you'll discover the very wild Iriomote island. Renowned for its dense forests and mangroves, it is ideal for outdoor activities, such as kayaking or trekking through the jungle…
A chance to spot the famous Iriomote wildcats or the impressive coconut crab! Iriomote-jima is also renowned for the Sangara waterfalls and its natural pool…
How to get there In addition to ferry access from Ishigaki, Iriomote island is also accessible by plane from Osaka (approximately 2.5 hours of flight). Key takeaways ● Okinawa islands are only accessible by plane or ferry, from a limited number of major Japanese cities. ● Some islands in the archipelago are far apart from one another, and are only connected by internal flights. ● Some islands are only accessible by ferry. |
Frequently asked questions
Where is Okinawa island located?
The Okinawa archipelago is located in the southwest of Japan, it belongs to the Ryūkyū islands – a larger archipelago, situated in the East China Sea.
How to get to Okinawa from Tokyo?
Okinawa is located approximately 1,500 kilometers from the Japanese capital. To get there, it's possible to fly from Tokyo to Naha airport. Several companies offer internal flights, including Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways. There are also ferries connecting Tokyo to Naha.
What period is recommended for visiting Okinawa?
The two best periods to discover Okinawa are March-May, then September-November. Temperatures are pleasant (around 25°C) and the archipelago has fewer tourists. In contrast, the summer period (June to August) is less recommended, due to crowds, high temperatures, and high humidity levels.
Frequently asked questions
To discover the main Okinawa islands, it's recommended to allow a minimum of 10 to 14 days. Plan 2 to 3 days on the main island Okinawa Honto, 2 days in the Kerama islands, and 3 to 4 days in the Yaeyama islands (Ishigaki, Iriomote, Taketomi). The Miyako islands also deserve 2 to 3 days of stay.
Tokashiki island (Kerama archipelago) is considered the snorkeling paradise thanks to its exceptional coral reefs listed on the Ramsar List. Ishigaki island (Yaeyama islands) is renowned for its manta ray observation expeditions. Zamami island also offers crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling.
Yes, it's entirely possible to combine multiple islands during a stay in Okinawa. The Kerama islands (Tokashiki, Zamami) are easily accessible by ferry from Naha in less than an hour. In the Yaeyama islands, Ishigaki serves as a hub to reach Taketomi (10 min by ferry) and Iriomote (45 min). Plan internal flights for the Miyako islands, which are more remote.
Yes, Okinawa is subject to a subtropical climate with a typhoon season concentrated between June and October. The most risky period is July to September. Outside this period, the climate is pleasant. The best windows for visiting are March-May and September-November, with temperatures around 25°C and fewer crowds.
Okinawa islands are primarily connected by ferry and plane. From Naha, high-speed ferries serve the Kerama islands (35 to 60 minutes). More remote islands like Miyakojima and Ishigaki require an internal flight from Naha or major Japanese cities. On site, bike or scooter rental is often the most convenient way to explore each island.
