Okinawa is a lesser-known island chain of Japan, known for its pristine beaches, tropical climate, and World War II battle sites. Despite its bloody history, Okinawa is a beautiful place to visit with lots to do. The Okinawa prefecture is made up of a chain of 160 islands known as the Ryukyu Islands , 49 of which are inhabited. I began my trip by flying into Naha, Okinawa’s capital which is just a 3-hour flight from Tokyo.

 

Okinawa

Getting around:

rental car, Monorail, tour bus, taxi

Best time of year to go:

May through September

Things to do:

• Visit Naminoue Shrine and walk around the area 

This Shinto shrine is particularly breath-taking because it sits onto of a cliff overlooking the ocean, hence its name naminoue, meaning “above the waves”. 

• Shuri Castle

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shuri Castle is rich with history and beauty. This castle served as the administrate center and residence of the Ryukyu kings for centuries, right up until Okinawa became part of Japan in 1979. Built in the 1300s, this castle played an integral role in many wars, including the battle of Okinawa in 1945, which destroyed the castle grounds. Now you can stroll through a reconstruction of the castle and see a beautiful hilltop view of the city of Naha, all the way to the ocean. 

• Tsuboya Pottery Village

Located right off of the famous kokusaidori street, Tsuboya pottery village is home to a stone-paved road that connects many pottery shops together, as well as the Tsuboya Pottery museum, which dates back to the Ryukyu Kingdom in the 17th century. This neighborhood is particularly beautiful because of its traditional look, and the pottery shops are definitely worth a look. 

• Charaumi Aquarium

I joined a tourbus for a day to sight-see the northern part of Okinawa, home to the second largest aquarium in the world, Charaumi Aquarium, located in the Ocean Expo Park. 

• Kokusaidori Street

Kokusaidori Street (meaning International Street) is very toursity, but fun to walk around in the evening and night. It’s great for souvenir shopping and delicious Japanese food.

• drive on the many bridges connecting islands 

Ishigaki 

Getting around/where to stay:

From Naha Airport, Ishigaki-jima is a quick and scenic 1-hour plane ride away. I was blown away by the view of the islands from the airplane- particularly Miyakojima with its many sea bridges. The water was a beautiful turquoise and each of the islands were bright green and lush. As soon as we arrived in Ishigaki, we rented a car, did some grocery shopping, and then checked into our beautiful airbnb in Nosoko. 

There are quite a few nice hotels on this island, but I’d definitely recommend renting an airbnb and a car for a more local experience. (*Note you’ll need an international driver’s license) This particular airbnb was easily one of the best airbnbs I’ve ever stayed at… it even had its own private beach! 

Things to do:

Ishigakijima is the gateway to the many beautiful islands that make up the Kerama island chain. 

• day trip to Taketomi Island 

Taketomi island is known for its white sand roads, colorful flowers, and pristine beaches. Getting there is easy- just hop on a a short 20 minute ferry from Ishigaki port. Once you’re there, you can rent a bike or climb on a water buffalo cart (I’d recommend the bike option so you can thoroughly explore the island at your own leisure) and cruise around to your heart’s content.

Thanks to preservation efforts, the small village consists almost entirely of traditional style, one-storied houses that are   surrounded by stone walls and covered with red tiled roofs. Lion-like sculptures known as shisa are found by the doorways to ward off evil spirits.

The beaches of Taketomi Island are stunning and unique. Hoshizuna Beach is famous for its star-shaped sand (although it is actually made up of the skeletons of small one-celled organisms that live among the sea grass). During low tide, it seems like you can walk out for miles. 

• Kabira Bay

Kabira Bay boasts one of the most picturesque spots of Okinawa, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s touristy, but definitely worth seeing, especially on a sunny day when the water’s vivid colors come to life. 

• drive around the island 

Easily one of my favorite pastimes while on Ishigaki was just driving around the island and stopping wherever I wanted to. The entire island is dreamy, with its narrow country roads and beautiful cliffsides blooming with spring flowers. There are two lighthouses on Ishigaki and I visited them both. I’d recommend going during sunset, but anytime of day is stunning. 

Miyako

From Ishigaki, we took another short flight to Miyako, the fourth largest island in the Okinawa Prefecture, and famous for its beautiful beaches and clear water. Unfortunately, the weather was less than ideal while I was there, and it was raining and storming. Despite the gloominess, Miyakojima’s natural beauty is undeniable. Unlike the Okinawa main island, it is not particularly touristy, making it the perfect island getaway.

Miyakojima cuisine is unique to the island, and includes Goya (stir fry dish), Miyako soba (its soup base differs from the Okinawan one),  Miyako beef steak or yakiniku (grilled meat),  mozuku (a type of seaweed),  and umibudo (sea grapes). This island also produces a special salt called yukishio (snow salt) that can be found on Miyakojima only. 

I also enjoyed a traditional lunch in a tour in which I gathered natural local ingredients around a small beach village, and then made tempura, hibiscus tea, miso soup with bonita flakes, red bean rice, and mochi. 

Some of the prettiest beaches to check out: 

• 17 End 
• Sunayama Beach
• Yoshino Beach
• Shigira Beach
• Nakanoshima Beach