Okinawa

🗓️ 2025-11-23 🔄 2026-08-27

Okinawa (main island)

Okinawa differs significantly from the main four islands in many ways, so it’s important to consider some local specifics when planning your trip. You should allocate at least 3–4 days for a visit, and ideally closer to 7+ if possible. If you only have 1–2 days, it might be better to postpone your visit to a future trip.

When to go

Water temperature in February is +21°C, and in August it reaches +30°C. The rainy season runs from mid-May to mid-June, but heavy all-day downpours are rare. Typhoon risk is higher from July to September (check the current movement on the website). To see whales, visit between January and March; for rays, June to September is the best time.

The best time to visit is May, before the rainy season, or September–October, when the heat is already subsiding.

Main Island

The only airport in Naha, located on the southern part of the island, has direct flights from many cities, so getting there is not particularly problematic. The only currency exchange in the airport is Travelex, and the ATM has a not-so-great exchange rate (a good reference point is the escalator near Lawson](https://www.naha-airport.co.jp/en/service/cash/auto_exchange/)) . If you have time, it’s better to exchange money at Bank of Okinawa. Also, keep in mind that there are no more currency exchange machines north of Onna.

You can immediately purchase the local transport card Okica for the subway and buses at the airport, but only if you don’t already have a Suica/Icoca card from previous trips. Okica is quite limited and won’t work in many places outside of transportation.

Transport

The Yuirail subway line is only available in Naha, starting from the airport, passing through Kokusai Dori, and extending a bit further to Shuri Castle.

All other bus routes can be planned as usual via Google Maps or Navitime. In addition to regular routes, you can also look for sightseeing tours that pick you up at various stops and take you directly to the Oceanarium or another bus station. However, tickets for these tours must be purchased in advance online or at the office. https://okinawabus.com/en/

If you plan to use a taxi, you can save money by taking the metro for part of the journey, for example, to Urasoe-Maeda.

What to see

North

Churaumi Aquarium
Okinawa Tropical Dream Center
Nago Pineapple Park
Southeast Botanical Gardens (2 zones: plants and zoo)
Junglia Okinawa

South

Shuri Castle (opening after restoration in November 2026)
Mihama American Village
Kokusai Shopping Street
Okinawa World
Okinawa Peace Memorial Park

Where to stay

This really depends on your itinerary. The most optimal route would be to start by selecting somewhere in the north (Onna, Kanehide, Nago), then head back south towards Naha and the surrounding areas, closer to the airport for your onward flight.

It’s convenient to stay in the area around stations 8–9 of the metro in Naha, as many things are within walking distance.