Okinawa

Travel Guide

Okinawa City showing heritage architecture, boating and a coastal town
Okinawa City featuring boating, a coastal town and heritage architecture
Okinawa
Photo by Andy Cao
Photo by ForeverFernweh

Relax on the marvellous beaches and take your kids to the spectacular zoo in this eclectic city in the heart of the island.

As the second-largest commune on its namesake island, Okinawa City is a cultural haven with excellent restaurants and shops. Spectacular beaches adorn the western coastline just outside the city, where you will also find quaint traditional villages. Enjoy the fun and lively atmosphere in this diverse area.

For a glimpse of local culture, visit the Chubunouren Market in the central Sumiyoshi area. Purchase vegetables, fruit and other regional products from vendors. Browse the stalls showcasing a variety of meat in this market, which has fairly low prices.

Travel south to the Okinawa Zoo, which is a children’s wonderland. View about 130 different species of animal and many displays to help your kids learn about nature. Appreciate the serene atmosphere around the zoo’s vast lakes.

Enjoy the island’s hot weather from June to August with a trip to one of the beaches. May is fairly wet and September brings typhoons. Spend an afternoon at Araha BeachOpens in a new window for its many resorts, restaurants and activities. Walk along the seaside promenade and play volleyball with friends. Let your kids play on the full-size pirate ship.

Embark on a day trip to Nirai Beach, in the outskirts of the nearby Yomitan Village. Swim in the safe and clean netted area with your kids and get snorkeling gear to explore below the water surface. Watersports are popular here, with water tricycles among the fun items available for rent. Enjoy the views of the imposing boulders and green hills that border the 1,300-foot (400-metre) stretch of white sand.

Travel north to the fascinating Ryukyu Mura for its rides and cultural attractions.

The city stands in the central part of its namesake island, southwest of Japan. Drive north from the island’s capital of Naha, which contains the main airport, for 12 miles (20 kilometres) to get here. Visit nearby cities, such as Uruma, Itoman and Nago.

Okinawa City has many fun activities for children and cultural highlights for adults.

Where to stay in Okinawa

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Goya

Travellers like the shopping in Goya, and Okinawa Zoo & Museum is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Goya
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Yogi

Shopping and seaside views are notable features of Yogi. You might consider stopping by Okinawa Athletic Park while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Yogi
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Awase

While Awase may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Okinawa Athletic Park and Okinawa Zoo & Museum.

Awase
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Hiyagon

Travellers like the parks in Hiyagon, and Okinawa Athletic Park is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Hiyagon
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Uechi

Uechi is well liked for its restaurants. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Okinawa area, you might plan a trip to Kadena Air Base or Koza Sports Park.

Uechi
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Moromizato

While there might not be top attractions in Moromizato, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Kadena Air Base and Koza Sports Park.

Moromizato
Okinawa Grand Mer Resort

Okinawa Grand Mer Resort

4 out of 5
2-8-1 Yogi, Okinawa, Okinawa-ken
The price is €57 per night from 16 Sept to 17 Sept
€57
16 Sept - 17 Sept
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Okinawa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"This hotel is very dated. Staff were lovely, breakfast was amazing. Our first room on 13th Floor was great. The second one on the 12th floor had a musty mould smell and old curtains that didn't block out the light making the room red - made for a much less comfortable environment. Also there was ..."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Okinawa Grand Mer Resort
THE NEST NAHA

THE NEST NAHA

3 out of 5
1-6-1, Naha, Okinawa
The price is €82 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€82
1 Sept - 2 Sept
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Naha. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Kokusai-dori Shopping Street and Naha ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (122 reviews)
"This was a great hotel. Very clean and modern. The rooftop pool is amazing! They had free drinks during happy hour there too. Excellent value and our family loved it. They also have one of those robotic, stacking parkades. If you have never seen one, watch as your car gets an elevator ride. The perfect ..."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

THE NEST NAHA
Okinawa NaHaNa Hotel & Spa

Okinawa NaHaNa Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
1-5 Kume 2 Chome, Naha, Okinawa-ken
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Naha. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,206 reviews)
"I really enjoy the breakfast at the hotel."

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Okinawa NaHaNa Hotel & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Allstay Chibana

Allstay Chibana

3 out of 5
2-18-21-1 Chibana, Okinawa, Okinawa Prefecture
Stay at this 3-star condo in Okinawa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions American Village and Okinawa Arena are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (117 reviews)
A Great place to stay
"This place is great. Very quiet and convenient at the same time. I would definitely stay here again. Has everything you might need. The only down side would be the size of the bedroom, you can definitely sleep four people in here but you’ll be side to side."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Allstay Chibana
Allstay Goya

Allstay Goya

3 out of 5
1-18-11 Goya, Okinawa, Okinawa
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Okinawa. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room washers/dryers, and climate control. Popular attractions American Village and Okinawa Arena ...
Allstay Goya
&Monde. Okinawa Arena Condominium

&Monde. Okinawa Arena Condominium

4 out of 5
3-1-15, Yamauchi, Okinawa, Okinawa
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Okinawa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions American Village and Okinawa Arena are ...
&Monde. Okinawa Arena Condominium
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do