Okinawa Island (沖縄本島) is the largest island in the Okinawa Prefecture, located in the southernmost part of Japan. It is known for its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, coral reefs, and unique cultural heritage.
One of the most popular attractions on Okinawa Island is the Churaumi Aquarium, one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in the world. It is home to a wide variety of marine life, including whale sharks, manta rays, and many colorful fish species.
The island also has many stunning beaches, such as Emerald Beach and Sunset Beach, which offer crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand. Other popular attractions on Okinawa Island include the Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the residence of the Ryukyu Kingdom’s royal family, and the Okinawa World theme park, which showcases the island’s unique cultural heritage and traditional crafts.
Okinawa Island is also known for its unique cuisine, which is a blend of Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian influences. Some popular dishes include Okinawa soba, a type of noodle soup, and goya champuru, a stir-fry dish made with bitter melon.
In addition to its natural beauty and cultural heritage, Okinawa Island is also a popular destination for outdoor activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. The island’s coral reefs and clear waters offer some of the best diving and snorkeling experiences in Japan.
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Getting there
By Air (from mainland Japan) Okinawa’s main gateway is Naha Airport (OKA), located in the southern part of Okinawa Island. Frequent direct flights connect Naha with major cities such as Tokyo (Haneda, Narita), Osaka (Itami, Kansai), Nagoya, Fukuoka, and many others.
Flight time from Tokyo: about 2.5–3 hours
Flight time from Osaka or Fukuoka: about 1.5–2 hours
By Sea Ferry services connect Okinawa with Kagoshima and a few other ports in Kyushu, but the journey takes over 24 hours and is less common compared to air travel.
