Okinawa Hidden Gems
The former Ryukyu Kingdom — a subtropical island chain with its own language, architecture and cuisine, and the best coral reefs in Japan.
4 spots
Climate & Best Season
Subtropical: warm all year (17–30°C), with a rainy season in May–June and typhoons from July to October. Best in April–May and October–November.
Famous For (Food)
- Okinawa soba
- Goya champuru
- Rafute
- Awamori
- Taco rice
Signature Sights
- Shurijo Castle
- Churaumi Aquarium
- Kerama and Miyako islands
- Blue Cave snorkelling
Katsuren Castle Ruins
Katsuren stands on a limestone ridge on the Katsuren peninsula and was the seat of Amawari, a lord who rose from nothing…
Bise Fukugi Tree Road
Fukugi is a dense evergreen with thick leathery leaves, and Okinawan villages planted it in rows around every house as a…
Cape Hedo
The northern tip of Okinawa Island, where the East China Sea and the Pacific meet over a shelf of raised coral limestone…
Kafu Banta
Kafu means good fortune and banta means cliff, so the name is the cliff of happiness — a viewing point about seventy met…