It's not surprising that visitors come to Okinawa, as it offers scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and family-friendly activities.
There are some interesting sights around Okinawa, but most people come to the islands to soak up some sun on the beaches. You can usually expect comfortable weather, even during the winter months when mainland Japan gets quite cold.
Cultural sights in the area include the Shuri Castle, which was rebuilt in Naha, and the well preserved village of Taketomi in the southern Yaeyama Islands. There are also several historical sights that relate to World War II. Most are located on the main island of Okinawa with the most famous being Peace Memorial Park in Naha, the navy's former underground headquarters, and the Himeyuri Monument.
Churaumi Aquarium on the Motobu peninsula is one of the most impressive aquariums in the world. It has one of the world's largest tanks where you can see whale sharks and manta rays.
Okinawa offers some of Japan's best water sports. It is possible to enjoy snorkeling, diving, surfing, sailing, or fishing around the islands. The area is a world class diving destnation with over 400 types of corals, 5 types of sea turtles, manta rays, whale sharks and hammerhead sharks, as well as plenty of tropical fish. Snorkeling is best off of the smaller islands. Tokashiki is a popular day trip from Naha and can be reached by ferry.
Although surfing is popular, it's quite challenging in the area. The waves break over shallow rocks or reef and the waves can be challenging.
Offshore fishing is world class. Many of the fish are seasonal, but there are usually fish for every season. Marlin, mahi mahi, and tuna are all abundant in the area.
Museums and Attractions:
Museums and historic landmarks are a big part of what makes Okinawa so popular. Although most visitors come for the natural beauty and beach setting, there are some nice historic sights and museums in the region. Favorites include Shurijo Castle, Futenma Shrine, and Churaumi Aquarium.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
Scuba diving is a leading activity for adventure seekers in Okinawa. The waters around Okinawa are filled with a rich biodiversity of corals and tropical fish. You'll also find sea turtles and other larger marine animals. There are also mangrove forests that form the breeding ground for many types of marine life. The snorkeling and diving in the area is world class, and attracts both beginners and experienced divers.
Beaches:
Countless visitors to Okinawa are eager to kick back by the beach. The region is filled with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Some of the beaches are accessible and lively while others are more remote and peaceful. Furuzamami Beach is both easy to access but also has a relaxed atmosphere. Nishihama Beach is more remote but well worth the effort and Aharen Beach is a popular day trip by ferry.
Hiking:
Don't miss out on the wonderful hiking opportunities around Okinawa. The island's tropical setting provides hikers with lush jungles and unique geology to explore. One of the most popular areas for hiking is Yambaru National Park. In this park you can walk through the mangroves and spot local wildlife. The region also has many off-the-beaten-path hiking opportunities for those looking for an adventure.
A nice way to explore destinations in Okinawa is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Kayak & Snorkel: private tour in Yanbaru, north Okinawa for $140 details
- Naha Bar Hopping Tour in Okinawa for $104 details
- Beautiful sunset kayak tour in Okinawa for $37 details
The beaches here are terrific and all of the restaurants and hotels are nice. We loved our time here and the hotel was relaxing and fun. But it's not cheap and you'll need to hunt around for the best deals on restaurants. Also snorkeling tours are awesome but it adds up. If you stick to enjoying the beach and free stuff then you can save a lot of money.