Japan Okinawa Travel Guide, Tailor-made Japan Tour Packages
Okinawa
Okinawa is the smallest and least populated of the five main islands of Japan. It goes by the name of "Asian Hawaii" due to distinct views, the subtropical sun and white sand, crystal sea water.
Come for whale watching and dragon boat races, rare flora and fauna, and an island mindset that makes you forget the clock and follow the sun. Also it is a chain of islands with its own history as an independent kingdom and a distinctly subtropical climate, as well as the birthplace of karate. Explore the ruins and restored castles of the Ryukyu kings, and visit magnificent beaches and coastlines with an amazing array of coral and undersea life.
Destinations | Major cities
Naha
Naha is the capital city and largest city of the Okinawa Prefecture, the southernmost prefecture of Japan. With its port and airport, it also functions as the regional transportation hub. It is also home to Okinawa's only public rail system, and the Okinawa monorail provides an easy route through the city to the old capital of Shuri. Visitors will find a lot of fun in Central Naha, it consists of the Palette Kumoji shopping mall and the Okinawa Prefecture Office, Naha City Hall, and many banks and corporations, located at the west end of Kokusai-dori, the city's main street.
Nago
Nago, city in northern part of Okinawa. It is the first place in Japan to have cherry blossoms each year, crowds flock here each year in late January to take part in the cities huge Cherry Blossom Festival. This place also draws people by its scenic landscapes, a 300-year-old Chinese banyan tree, resorts, and theme parks like Nago Pineapple Park, Nago paradise, and Neo Park, Orion Brewery etc. For those willing to venture north, it is worth having a trip here, to explore the slow and laid-back city.
Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki City, Japan's southernmost city, has a beautiful coastline with magnificent beaches and excellent hiking trails in the center of the island. It has long been known as “the country of poets, the island of songs, and the land of dance” and has an entertainment culture unique to Okinawa.
This island offers several nice beaches and good snorkeling and diving in the surrounding coral reefs. Snorkeling can be enjoyed at nearly every beach on the island, while diving is offered through the numerous dive shops with tours available for all experience levels.
Iriomote Island
Iriomote Island is the second largest island after the main island of Okinawa, The entire island is designated as a national park, largely undeveloped, with nearly 90 percent of its land covered by dense jungle and mangrove forests. It offers the sea, mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and all kinds of living creatures bring a distinct charm here, draws many tourists each year to experience the rich nature.
Miyako Island
Miyako Island, located 300 kilometers south of Okinawa Main Island. It is a relatively flat island made of elevated coral reef, a great destination for snorkeling and diving in the coral reefs. Far from bustling shopping streets and neon nightlife, this island is a peaceful getaway where hitting the beach is the number one pastime. There are no rivers on the island, and due to the fact that the soil does not flow out into the sea, it is well known for having numerous beaches of exceptional beauty. The sub-tropical climate provides mild weather year around.
Kumejima
Kumejima is one of the islands that make up the Okinawa Shoto island group. It is located about 90 kilometers west of Okinawa Honto. It is well known for Tatami Ishi Rocks, literally "tatami stones", which is a geological feature. It was formed during the Miocene period by the columnar jointing of andesitic lava as it cooled and contracted. This island also shares many of the prized qualities of other Okinawan islands, such as beautiful beaches, snorkeling and diving. This is a picturesque remote getaway and place to escape the crowds indeed.