Overview

Places of interest in Okinawa Island

Overview
1 Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park
Coral lagoon, mangroves and Iriomote jungle
9.1
Japan's southernmost national park covers islands of the Yaeyama group in Okinawa Prefecture. It protects Iriomote's jungle and mangroves and the Sekisei Lagoon coral reef. Ishigaki is the hub and ferries reach the other islands.
Highlights:
  • 🏔️ Hike through the jungle to Pinaisara Falls
  • 🛶 Kayak up the mangrove-lined Urauchi River on Iriomote
  • 🤿 Snorkel at Iriomote's crystal clear mangrove lagoons
1 New Ishigaki Airport
Tropical Island's Modern Gateway
The airport serves Okinawa's westernmost island, offering regional flights and connections to Tokyo and Osaka. Its modern terminal features local design elements and efficient baggage handling for travelers heading to Ishigaki.
2 Yonaguni Airport
Gateway to Okinawa’s westernmost paradise
Serving Okinawa's westernmost island, this small airport connects Yonaguni to Naha and other regional hubs. Flights are short, offering scenic views of the surrounding sea and rugged coastline for travelers seeking unique cultural experiences.
3 Tarama Airport
Island gateway to serene Ryukyu archipelago
Located on Tarama Island, this small airport connects the remote Ryukyu archipelago to Naha and other regional hubs. Flights operate seasonally, offering scenic views of coral reefs and traditional fishing villages.
2 Naha
Okinawa's capital with Shuri Castle and markets
7.8
The capital of Okinawa Prefecture, on the southwest coast of the main island, where the old Ryukyu Kingdom ruled from Shuri Castle. Kokusai-dori, the Makishi market and Tsuboya's pottery street are all reachable by monorail or on foot.
Highlights:
  • 🌿 Visit the serene Shikinaen Garden, a royal retreat
  • 🛍️ Stroll and shop along lively Kokusai Street
  • 🏯 Explore the UNESCO Shurijo Castle, symbol of Ryukyu Kingdom
1 Naminoue Shrine
Place of Worship
1 Naminoue Beach
Beach
1 First Makishi public market
Marketplace
2 Kokusai Dori
POI
2 Kokusai Dori
POI
3 Tsuboya Pottery Street
POI
4 DFS Galleria Okinawa
Shopping Mall
3 Shurijo Castle
POI
4 Peace Memorial Park Entrance
POI
4 Naha Airport
Okinawa’s Tropical Air Gateway
This gateway to Okinawa’s turquoise coast connects Tokyo and Osaka via Naha Airport. Its modern terminal offers seamless transit, a rooftop garden overlooking the harbor and quick access to Shuri Castle and local street markets.
1 Kerama Islands
Island
5 Kumejima Airport
Island gateway with turquoise waters nearby
Serving Kume Island in Okinawa Prefecture, this airport connects visitors to the island’s pristine beaches and coral reefs. Flights from Naha and other regional hubs arrive daily, offering convenient access for tourists.
3 Okinawa City
Live music, Eisa dance and champuru culture
7.0
A city in central Okinawa, about {{distance:km:20}} north of Naha, shaped by decades of contact with the US military. Gate 2 Street has live music bars and the city hosts a three-day Eisa festival that draws over 300,000 spectators.
Highlights:
  • 🎶 Immerse in Ryukyuan culture at Okinawa City Music Town
  • 🌺 Explore Southeast Botanical Gardens and its tropical blooms
  • 🦁 Visit Okinawa Zoo & Museum and meet island wildlife
5 Nakagusuku Castle Ruins
Archaeological Site
5 American Village
POI
2 Cape Zanpa
Cape
6 Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Aquarium
3 Nago Pineapple Park
Theme Park
2 Cape Maeda
Cape
4 Okukubi River Mangrove Forests
Wetland
7 Ocean Expo Park
Park
5 Hiji Waterfall
POI
6 Okuma Beach Visitor's Center
POI
3 Ryukyu Mura
POI
6 Minami-Daito Airport
Gateway to secluded tropical islands
Serving Okinawa's southern islands, Minami Daito Airport connects travelers to remote communities via daily flights from Naha and Osaka. The terminal offers basic amenities and scenic views of the surrounding atolls.
7 Kitadaito Airport
Remote island gateway to pristine Okinawan waters
A regional hub on Okinawa’s main island, Kitadaito Airport connects travelers to nearby islands and mainland Japan via frequent domestic flights. The terminal offers basic amenities, clear signage and convenient access to local transport.
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