Skip to navigation Skip to main content

Okinawa Travel Guide Tropical Paradise with a Unique Culture

Beaches in Okinawa

Okinawa, an island chain, is Japan's southernmost prefecture. Described as a beach resort, this prefecture attracts people from all over Japan who are looking for that tropical escape to white sands and brilliant blue waters. It is easily accessible by domestic flights and due to the American military influences, is quite English-speaking friendly. Okinawa has a unique culture that differs to the rest of Japan making it a one of a kind destination. With 27 golf courses and a plethora of beaches, this place is truly a perfect getaway to relax and recharge.

Things to do

Okinawa Aquarium

Whichever island you land on, there is always something to see, do or try. Renting a car once you land is the most convenient option and many companies offer great prices with English-speaking GPS systems. Route#58 is a very famous road that travels up the side of the main island with breathtaking ocean views on one side, and many tourist attractions along the way. Top picks would be the Churaumi aquarium - home to some very impressive whale sharks, the ruins of Katsuren Castle – UNESCO world heritage site, Makishi Public Market – referred to as the “Kitchen of Okinawa”, Ishigaki Island – an isolated island with famous star-shaped sand.

Depending on your available time there is enough to see and do in Okinawa that would keep you entertained for a while but, if you are looking to wrap up a lot of experiences into one place then try the Murasaki Mura (体験王国むら咲きむら ) in the central region. This is a park which allows visitors to experience 101 different types of Okinawa culture ranging from karate to Ryuku glass making to enjoying the traditional Okinawan cuisine.

If you are looking for more water-based activities than the snorkelling and scuba-diving are amongst the top activities to do in Okinawa due to its stunning coral reefs and abundant marine wildlife.

Events and Seasonal Happenings

Ryukyu Dancers

11 out of the 12 months boast a festival or event so, whenever you find yourself visiting Okinawa, you are sure to be close to something great. Some crowd favourites are:

  • The Ryukyu Lantern Festival which takes place in the first week of December until mid-February. Located in the Murasaki Mura cultural park mentioned earlier, the park is adorned with thousands of Chinese lanterns illuminating the area with light for the traditional Okinawan cultural performances that take place.

  • Whale watching in the sea around Chibishi and the Kerama Islands. Numbers of humpback whales greet visitors on boats from December to April each year.

  • The Naha Festival which is the largest festival in Okinawa. Held every year in October, you can see a variety of traditional and contemporary Okinawan performances along with a giant tug of war event. Not just any tug of war either - this event has been recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest in the world!

Flavors of Shiga

Okinawa has a completely different vibe to mainland Japan and so it's no shock that it's food would reflect this. Taco Rice is a favourite (think taco ingredients on top of a bed of rice) along with pork-belly dishes such as Rafutee.

To really experience all the flavours of Okinawa,visit the Kokusai Dori-Yatai-mura （国際通り屋台村） in the southern region. Here you have access to over 20 stalls selling traditional Okinawan dishes made with local ingredients. While you enjoy your dish, sit back and watch the various performances on the stage.

Of course the seafood is served fresh and you can treat yourself to Lobster, sea urchin, and freshly fried tempura which has all been caught locally. Visit the Awase or Toya fishing port to sample these delicacies.

What to Bring Back

It is no secret that Okinawa is home to some of the best alcohol in Japan particularly, 'Awamori' which is a sugarless shochu. Pick up or bottle or 3 to take back with you or better yet, head to the distillery Kamimura Shuzo. Here you can take a tour and finish off by making your own souvenir awamori bottle. 

For future good luck you could also bring home a pair of Shisa Gaurdian Lions. Traditional protectors of homes across the Okinawan islands. 

A box of Okinawa cookies are great to share back at the office and come in a variety of flavours including Okinawan sea-salt, brown sugar, and sweet potato.

Where to Stay

Keep life convenient and stay at a golf course. The Atta Terrace Club Towers offers a private beach area, wellness centre, bar and swimming pool. http://www.terrace.co.jp/en/clubtowers/

For a more secluded getaway, stay on one of the isolated Islands. Miyakojima has two golf courses and if you were to stay at Imgya Coral Village, you can enjoy a beautiful garden and outdoor swimming pool with easy access to Maehama beach.

Wrap up

Beaches, bars and golf – Okinawa is that perfect escape. The subtropical climate and laid-back Okinawan vibes gives that island feel unique to the rest of Japan. Its warm weather is perfect for getting that extra distance out of your swing and, with nothing but blue sky above, your day of golfing in Okinawa is going to be truly enjoyable!

Getting there

From Osaka

From the Kansai International Airport take a 2hr15min flight on either Jetstar, Peach, JAL, JTA or ANA airways.

From Tokyo

It is considerably cheaper to travel from Narita airport (Jetstar) than Haneda (skymark, ANA) but also takes approx 1hr longer (3hr35min).

Several flights run daily.

Booking Golf Courses

Intro to Golf in Japan booking service

To book golf courses in English, head over to Golf-in-Japan.com and their extensive Okinawa section!  

Share

More on Air

What happens if your ball strikes another players ball? Golfing Rules, Seriously!

On the course this past weekend, I putt from just off the green and my ball struck my playing partners ball, knocking it closer to the hole.

After a quick giggle, we began to discuss the ruling, 'I'll play from there and its a one-shot penalty for you' my friend said. 'I was off the green' I said, 'Doesn't matter' he said. Right, I said. 'Hang on, and I'll consult the rule book'.

Luckily, I had The R&A's Rules of Golf on my phone (Well worth a download and it's FREE)

Without quoting the book verbatim, there are basically three scenarios which you should be mindful of:

On the Fairway (updated June 14th, 2023) If your ball strikes a fellow player's ball on the fairway by accident, The 9.6 rule comes into affect, meaning If my ball...

What happens if I ground my club in a bunker? The new rules of golf explained

In 2020, the US Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) made several changes to the rules of golf.

One major change was to the "drop procedure" when a ball is lost or out of bounds. Players are now allowed to drop the ball from shoulder height, rather than knee height, making the process more consistent and less prone to mistakes. Another change was to the rule regarding penalty strokes. Players will no longer be penalized for accidentally moving a ball on the green, such as when marking or lifting it.

Additionally, players are now allowed to repair almost any damage to the course, such as spike marks on the green. The changes also include simplifying the rules for bunkers, allowing players to touch or move loose impediments...