Okinawa · Japan · Series
Okinawa: the side of Japan that looks tropical
Okinawa is Japan's southernmost prefecture, a chain of subtropical islands far south of Tokyo. It looks nothing like the rest of Japan: limestone cliffs over clear blue water, coral reefs and white beaches. Highlights include Cape Manzamo and Ishigaki Island, part of Japan's first International Dark Sky Park.
The places in this film
- 1
Cape Manzamo
A grassy clifftop on the west coast of Okinawa Island, above clear blue water. A rock arch at the end is said to look like an elephant's trunk. It is a short walk from the car park and looks best in the late afternoon light.
- 2
Okinawa's cliffs
Much of Okinawa's coast is limestone cliff dropping into deep, clear water, so clear you can see the reef from above. Coastal viewpoints and boat trips are the easiest ways to see it.
- 3
Okinawa's reefs
Warm water and coral reefs full of tropical fish surround the islands. Snorkelling and diving trips run from many beaches and harbours, with calmer water outside typhoon season.
- 4
Okinawa's beaches
Many of Okinawa's beaches have wave-carved rock formations standing in the shallows, which make striking silhouettes at sunset. The west-facing beaches catch the evening light.
- 5
Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki is part of Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, which in 2018 became Japan's first International Dark Sky Park. On clear, moonless nights the Milky Way rises over the sea. It is reached by a short flight from Naha or mainland Japan.
Tour links are partner links. They cost you nothing and help keep the guides free. How this works.
Plan it
- Best time
- April to June and October to November are warm without the peak summer heat. July to October is typhoon season, so check forecasts.
- How long
- Four to five days for Okinawa Island; add two or three for Ishigaki and its neighbours.
- Getting around
- Rent a car on Okinawa Island. Fly or take a ferry between island groups.
Good to know
- Plan stargazing around a new moon for the darkest skies on Ishigaki.
- Wear reef-safe sun protection when snorkelling.
- Keep a flexible day in typhoon season.
Frequently asked
Is Okinawa part of Japan? +
Yes. Okinawa is Japan's southernmost prefecture, a chain of subtropical islands between Kyushu and Taiwan, with its own Ryukyu culture and history.
When is the best time to visit Okinawa? +
April to June and October to November are warm and calmer. Summer is hot, and July to October brings typhoons that can disrupt flights and ferries.
Can you see the Milky Way in Okinawa? +
Yes, especially on Ishigaki and the surrounding Yaeyama islands, part of Japan's first International Dark Sky Park. Clear, moonless nights are best.
