Okinawa
Strung out to the south of Japan, the island chain of Okinawa reaches nearly as far as the Tropic of Cancer: pristinely white-sanded in the blue waters of the East China Sea.
Originally an autonomous kingdom, the islands were once known as the Ryukyu Islands, and have a culture, climate and cuisine that are simultaneously Japanese and non-Japanese. Okinawan architecture, arts, and cuisine are all unique to the islands. To the mainlanders, Okinawa is exotic; almost foreign.
People come here for the scuba diving and the superb beaches, and a number of world- class resorts dot the coastlines. Away from the coral reefs and untouched wilderness of the more remote islands, the prefectural capital of Naha is famous for pottery and markets.
Experiences in Okinawa
Diving
Japan is not well known as a top diving destination, but there are excellent dive spots throughout the archipelago - from Okinawan coral reefs in the far south to ice diving in Hokkaido's cold northern waters. Japan's rugged coastlines, where...
Accommodation in Okinawa
The Hiramatsu Ginoza
The village of Ginoza, halfway down east coast of Okinawa Island, is set between the beautiful cobalt blue sea and the subtropical greenery of the land. Hiramatsu chose this enchanting location, with its beautiful views of the rising sun, to...
Hoshinoya Taketomi
This Hoshinoya resort is located in the heart of Taketomi Island village, one of the 91 government-designated ‘Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings’. By staying in Hoshinoya, you will experience the simple and traditional lifestyle of the Okinawa...
Kerama Terrace Tokashiki
This compact hotel is a 2 minute walk from Tokashiki's pristine Aharen Beach. The water is warm and the fish are plentiful. You can rent diving equipment at the hotel for a reasonable price. The staff at the hotel provides...
Hotel Nikko Alivila
Hotel Nikko Alivila is a high class resort surrounded by some of Okinawa’s clearest waters and beautiful coral reefs. The Spanish colonial style exterior with its red tiled roof and white walls is complimented by the blue ocean of Okinawa....
Hotel Rocore Naha
With a great location right next to Naha’s vibrant heart, Kokusai Dori, the Rocore Hotel offers free WiFi and TVs with multilingual broadcasts in the simple but comfortable guestrooms. The theme of the hotel is “High Quality Okinawa”. Local materials,...
Oriental Hotel Okinawa Resort & Spa
Ideally located in the central part of Okinawa, Oriental Hotel Okinawa Resort & Spa is convenient for exploring both the north and south of the island. The V-shaped building treats you to fantastic views of the sunrise in the morning,...
Jusandi Villa
“JUSANDI” means “sunset” in the local Okinawa dialect, and on the subtropical island of Ishigaki, surrounded by nature, sunset over the sea couldn’t be more beautiful. Jusandi Villa provides a moment of luxury with 4 individual villas each with their...
ANA Intercontinental Ishigaki
Overlooking the tranquil waters of Maesato Beach in Japan's southernmost city, the expansive grounds of ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort invite relaxation — whether your time is spent lounging by the pool, indulging in a deep seawater spa treatment, or enjoying...
Hotel Nirakanai Iriomotejima
Self-described as “Okinawa’s best kept secret”, Hotel Nirakanai is located on the wild and mysterious Iriomote island. Primeval forests cover the vast majority of the Iriomote, and the hotel offers the comfort and luxury of a high-class hotel within reach...
