Your Guide to Okinawa: Japan's Subtropical Paradise

The great thing about the Land of the Rising Sun is that each region is a gem waiting to be explored. So if you’re wondering where to go in Japan, consider visiting this southernmost paradise, Okinawa!

Not many expect a tropical getaway in Japan: relatively warm and breezy all year round, pristine beaches, and a diverse marine life, it's even earned the moniker “the Hawaii of Japan.” So if you're planning to travel to Japan’s subtropical paradise, we've prepared a guide with all the essentials: when to visit, how to get around, and the best things to add to your Okinawa itinerary.

Unlike many other parts of the country, you can expect a warm and humid climate throughout the year. The main weather changes to watch out for in Okinawa are the rainy season, which usually happens from May to June, and when it gets colder than usual during the winter - where you simply need to pack a coat and some sweaters.

While most of the country expects the pretty pink flowers in the Spring, from March to April, Okinawa’s cherry blossoms bloom in the Winter from mid-January to early February! The blossoms are quite darker in hue but just as beautiful to witness. What you should also watch out for in the Winter is the humpback whales that come every December to April.

Summer, Spring, and Autumn are all considered warm so you can expect to enjoy subtropical weather throughout these seasons but you do want to avoid Golden Week (usually 29 April - 5 May), a week packed with Japan’s national holidays, as it can get quite crowded especially outside of business and commercial areas.

Okinawa Islands, also known as Okinawa Shoto, is the main group of islands of the entire Okinawa Prefecture and where you can find its capital, Naha, also your main point of entry via Naha Airport. 

To get around Okinawa, you could choose either to take public transportation, rent a car, or even rent a bike. For public transportation, you could hop on the Okinawa Yuirail, which has 19 stops in total, buses, and even ferries to get you to the various islands in Okinawa.

By 15 December 2023, the famous well-loved international art collective will open its doors in Okinawa and you can book your tickets as early as now! teamLab Okinawa Future Park reminds us of the beauty and value of shared experiences and collaboration amidst the advancement of artificial intelligence and technology. 

You’ll be able to enjoy the many interactive installations they have prepared like Sketch Aquarium, where you’ll see your very drawing come to life and swim with all the others’ drawings, creating a colorful living aquarium. You’ll also get to witness artwork wherein the very combination you see will never be replicated again with the Animals of Flowers exhibit: where blooms form into an animal but will highly depend on the interaction with visitors.

Kerama Islands are the prefecture’s best-kept secrets, with 22 islands boasting top-tier beaches with white sands, glimmering emerald waters, and abundant sea life! It's the perfect place to go snorkeling to witness the abundant sea life from colorful fish, sea turtles, and coral formations.

Okinawa is also known to be one of the best diving spots for both beginners and advanced divers. From beach-entry dives in Okinawa's Main Island to cave dives around Miyako Islands, and encountering hammerhead sharks in Yonaguni Island Diving, these are just a few of what's in store!

From the deep sea, go to the calm, clear, and emerald waters of Okinawa's mangroves. Paddle away and encounter the diverse wildlife. You can do kayaking, fishing, or even both! You could also go on a sunset kayak experience, which is known for its immaculate views as the sun sinks beneath the horizon.

Explore Okinawa in a more heart-pumping way... with an ATV or go-kart! ATV tours in Okinawa will take you to the lush forests of the mountainous side of the prefecture, you'll also be given. a crash course on how to maneuver the ATV with no special license needed.

For go-karting, you'll need a valid license along with an International Driving Permit. You'll then drive around Okinawa's capital, Naha, and your guide will take you on a scenic ride throughout the city and take you to its best spots.

Winter is the best time to witness the giants of the sea make an appearance in Okinawa's waters. From December to April, humpback whales usually travel to Okinawa to give birth, it's also the best time to catch them break through the deep blue waters.

The best thing about going on a bus tour is having everything all planned out. Okinawa bus tours usually the wonderful Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, the tropical gardens of Nago Pineapple Park, the stunning Manza Beach, and more!

If you want to explore on your own time, you could either purchase individual tickets or a pass that allows you entry to multiple attractions. The Klook Okinawa Pass includes attractions and activities like a Yukata and Kimono rental, the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Ryukyu Mura Village, and more.

Now that you know what to do in Okinawa, don't forget your Japan travel essentials!