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Is Okinawa worth a visit?

In my opinion Okinawa Japan is worth a visit, because of its natural beauty.  But, let’s discover more..

Now when you’re in Japan, why would you not take the opportunity to visit the most famous (Karate Kid – Mr Miyagi’s) Okinawa Islands.  Yes, Okinawa is real.  In the movies of Karate Kid, Mr Miyagi was very fond of this beautiful island, and rightly so.  It is definitely a place worth visiting.

These beautiful islands are home to incredible sites, recognized for their Cultural as well as their Natural World Heritage by UNESCO.  You can explore all of the World Heritage Sites. amongst which are castle ruins and other sites of the “Ryukyus”  (the king’s residence, ancient tombs, a fortification or a place sacred to the Okinawans) and “Utaki” – the general term referring to sacred places. 

Best reasons why you should visit Okinawa in Japan

Among the islands of Okinawa,  Kabira Bay on Ishigaki Island is a must-see.

See places like:

  • Shurijo Castle Park
  • Seifa Utaki – the most sacred place in Okinawa.
  • Nakagusuku Castle Ruins
  • Katsuren Castle Ruins – with spectacular views.
okinawa japan

Where is Okinawa?

Okinawa is a beautiful island situated between Japan and Taiwan.  Although part of Japan it maintains its own identify.  The island is 520 km from Japan, and 117 km from Taiwan at the closest points. Comprising of more than 150 islands, the largest of the islands is also called Okinawa.

When traveling to the island, you’ll fly in to Naha Airport (那覇空港, Naha Kūkō) (IATA: OKA, ICAO: ROAH).  From here if you’re staying in one of the recommended hotels/resorts below, you can request an airport shuttle.

We recommend you spend some time here as there are some of the most beautiful resorts and hotels, where you can take in the beauty all around you.  Here are 3 we can definitely recommend:

Best resorts / hotels to book for accommodation

Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort

Located right on the beach. Featuring massage therapies and beauty treatments at Churaku Spa. The hotel has a fitness centre, tennis courts and a golf course is just 1 km away.

Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island Okinawa

According to Booking.com "Families particularly like the location — they rated it 9.0 for a stay with kids."

Rizzan Sea Park Hotel Tancha Bay

Right on the beach of Okinawa’s west coast with direct access to the stretch of white sands of Rizzan beach

What is the climate like in Okinawa?

Around here you will find a tropical climate with sometimes very high humidity.  However Okinawa has some of the most beautiful beaches and coral reefs in the world and the water is warm.  In June you can expect sea temperatures of 27 °C.

What is the best time to visit ?

The best time to visit is in spring or autumn (March to early May and again from September to December). The wet season is from early May to early June.  However they may have get typhoons in July and August, and occasionally in October.

How expensive is Japan?

Do they speak English in Okinawa?

In Okinawa most people speak Japanese.  However you will find that the staff at all the major hotels and popular tourist areas can all speak English. 

Things to do

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Also read more about the Cherry blossoms in Japan.

More places to stay

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