Okinawa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Okinawa City showing boating, a coastal town and heritage architecture
Okinawa City featuring a coastal town, boating and heritage architecture
Okinawa
Photo by Andy Cao
Photo by ForeverFernweh

Relax on the marvelous beaches and take your kids to the spectacular zoo in this eclectic city in the heart of the island.

As the second-largest commune on its namesake island, Okinawa City is a cultural haven with excellent restaurants and shops. Spectacular beaches adorn the western coastline just outside the city, where you will also find quaint traditional villages. Enjoy the fun and lively atmosphere in this diverse area.

For a glimpse of local culture, visit the Chubunouren Market in the central Sumiyoshi area. Purchase vegetables, fruit and other regional products from vendors. Browse the stalls showcasing a variety of meat in this market, which has fairly low prices.

Travel south to the Okinawa Zoo, which is a children’s wonderland. View about 130 different species of animal and many displays to help your kids learn about nature. Appreciate the serene atmosphere around the zoo’s vast lakes.

Enjoy the island’s hot weather from June to August with a trip to one of the beaches. May is fairly wet and September brings typhoons. Spend an afternoon at Araha BeachOpens in a new window for its many resorts, restaurants and activities. Walk along the seaside promenade and play volleyball with friends. Let your kids play on the full-size pirate ship.

Embark on a day trip to Nirai Beach, in the outskirts of the nearby Yomitan Village. Swim in the safe and clean netted area with your kids and get snorkeling gear to explore below the water surface. Watersports are popular here, with water tricycles among the fun items available for rent. Enjoy the views of the imposing boulders and green hills that border the 1,300-foot (400-meter) stretch of white sand.

Travel north to the fascinating Ryukyu Mura for its rides and cultural attractions.

The city stands in the central part of its namesake island, southwest of Japan. Drive north from the island’s capital of Naha, which contains the main airport, for 12 miles (20 kilometers) to get here. Visit nearby cities, such as Uruma, Itoman and Nago.

Okinawa City has many fun activities for children and cultural highlights for adults.

Where to stay in Okinawa

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Goya

Travellers like the shopping in Goya, and Okinawa Zoo & Museum is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Goya
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Yogi

Shopping and seaside views are notable features of Yogi. You might consider stopping by Okinawa Athletic Park while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Yogi
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Uechi

Uechi is well liked for its restaurants. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Okinawa area, you might plan a trip to Kadena Air Base or Koza Sports Park.

Uechi
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Hiyagon

Travellers like the parks in Hiyagon, and Okinawa Athletic Park is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Hiyagon
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Moromizato

While there might not be top attractions in Moromizato, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Kadena Air Base and Koza Sports Park.

Moromizato
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Awase

While Awase may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Okinawa Athletic Park and Okinawa Zoo & Museum.

Awase

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