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Cape Manzamo cliffs and clear sea, Okinawa

Prefecture guide

Okinawa

沖縄県

Japan's subtropical island chain, with coral beaches, the Ryukyu culture of Shuri, Churaumi Aquarium and a slower island pace.

Alerts in Okinawa now

  • Typhoon No. 30 (CHAMPI) is within 600 km
  • Miyakojima Region 宮古島地方Landslide danger warningHeavy rain warningStorm warningHigh waves warning
  • Ishigakijima Region 石垣島地方Storm surge danger warningLandslide danger warningHeavy rain warningStorm warningHigh waves warning
  • Yonagunijima Region 与那国島地方Landslide danger warningHeavy rain warningStorm warningHigh waves warning
  • Central and Southern Main Island 本島中南部High waves warning
  • Northern Main Island 本島北部High waves warning
  • Kumejima 久米島High waves warning

Advisories (minor): Thunder, Strong wind

For information only. It may be late or wrong; check the official source before you decide.

JMA warnings for Okinawa · Miyakojima RegionJMA warnings for Okinawa · Ishigakijima RegionJMA warnings for Okinawa · Central and Southern Main IslandAlerts for all of JapanWhat the labels mean

places to see
21
town guide
1
protected local foods
5
traditional crafts
12
Japan Heritage story
1

Map of Okinawa

Tap a pin to see the place, or a town name for its guide. You can switch on places to eat and stay too.

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Places to see in Okinawa

Town guides in Okinawa

The towns with the most to see, each with its own guide.

Taste of Okinawa

Foods whose names are protected in Japan. If the label carries the name, it really comes from here.

Traditional crafts of Okinawa

Officially recognised crafts that are still made by hand. A good place to start when you look for souvenirs.

Weather in Naha this week

  1. Today

    24 Oct

    Cloudy

    High 30°CLow 27°C

  2. Sun

    25 Oct

    Cloudy

    High 30°CLow 26°C

    Rain 40%

  3. Mon

    26 Oct

    Cloudy

    High 29°CLow 25°C

    Rain 40%

  4. Tue

    27 Oct

    Cloudy

    High 28°CLow 24°C

    Rain 30%

Hot and humid: light, breathable clothes, a hat and sunscreen. Drink water often and take breaks indoors.

7-day forecast and climate for NahaJapan in OctoberJapan in NovemberJapan in DecemberJapan in January

Explore by interest

Japan Heritage stories

Local history told as a route you can follow, with the places that go with it.

Good to know

  • Outside Naha, buses are limited, so many visitors rent a car.
  • Beach season runs roughly from April to October, with typhoon risk from summer into autumn.
  • Shuri Castle's main hall, rebuilt after the 2019 fire, is due to reopen on 23 November 2026, with timed tickets for the inside.

Questions travellers ask

How do I get to Okinawa?

Fly to Naha Airport: there are frequent daily flights from Tokyo and Osaka, and direct international flights from Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, China and Singapore. Connecting flights from Naha reach Miyako, Ishigaki and other islands. A monorail runs from the airport through Naha, but a rental car is the best way to explore.

When is the best time to visit Okinawa?

Beach season runs from about June to October, but typhoons can hit in late summer and early autumn. Winters are mild at about 15°C, with whale watching off Zamami from January to early spring, and cherry blossoms bloom as early as late January.

What should I eat in Okinawa?

Okinawa soba topped with soki, pork ribs simmered in awamori and soy; goya champuru, a stir-fry of bitter melon, egg, tofu and Spam; and awamori, the local rice spirit aged in clay pots. Squeeze shiquasa citrus over grilled fish.

More of Kyushu & Okinawa

Sources

We checked the facts on this page against these sources.