Title: Visit Okinawa Prefecture: 2026 Travel Guide for Okinawa Prefecture, Japan | Expedia.com [Okinawa Prefecture Hotels](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Okinawa-Prefecture.d6048153.Hotel-Destinations)[Vacation Rentals in Okinawa Prefecture](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Okinawa-Prefecture.d6048153.Vacation-Rental-Destinations)[Okinawa Prefecture Flights](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Okinawa-Prefecture.d6048153.Flight-Destinations)[Things to do in Okinawa Prefecture](https://expedia.com/Things-To-Do-In-Okinawa-Prefecture.d6048153.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Car Rentals in Okinawa Prefecture](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Okinawa-Prefecture.d6048153.Car-Rental-Destinations)[Okinawa Prefecture Vacations](https://expedia.com/Okinawa-Prefecture.d6048153.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Okinawa Prefecture ## Japan ![Okinawa which includes coral](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/10805/e14747c1-d986-41b2-a46b-bae3f0390937.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Okinawa which includes coral](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/10805/e14747c1-d986-41b2-a46b-bae3f0390937.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Okinawa which includes boating and a beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6102518/981551ec-7b3c-4a31-8580-ae54ce66660e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Shurijo Castle featuring heritage architecture as well as a large group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6103854/bd364832-0c5e-4713-9fce-5b70fd5a2d21.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Nirai Beach which includes general coastal views and a sandy beach as well as a large group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6293666/d908d969-830f-4a60-850a-d79a3301aa2a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) **Venture to Japan's southernmost prefecture and discover an archipelago of semi-tropical islands where blue-green waters, unspoiled nature and ancient culture await.** ## Why Visit Okinawa Prefecture - Japan's southernmost islands, known for clear blue-green waters, warm weather, and laid-back island culture. - A place where tropical beaches, coral reefs, and subtropical forests meet centuries of Ryukyu heritage. - Ideal for travelers seeking a blend of nature, history, and distinctive cultural experiences. ## Essential Experiences - Explore [Shurijo Castle](https://www.expedia.com/Shurijo-Castle-Naha.d6103854.Vacation-Attraction) in [Naha](https://www.expedia.com/Naha.d2655.Destination-Travel-Guides), a 14th-century landmark central to Ryukyu culture. - Visit the [Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum](https://www.expedia.com/Okinawa-Prefectural-Museum-And-Art-Museum-Naha-City-Centre.d6206630.Vacation-Attraction) for regional history and art. - Walk [International Street](https://www.expedia.com/Kokusai-Dori-Shopping-Street-Naha-City-Centre.d6206760.Vacation-Attraction) in Naha for shops, dining, and local crafts. - Discover [Ryukyu Mura](https://www.expedia.com/Ryukyu-Mura-Onna.d6270754.Vacation-Attraction) to see traditional architecture and cultural performances. - Tour the Peace Memorial Museum to understand World War II history through artifacts and personal stories. - Lounge on white-sand beaches like Katenohama on [Kumejima Island](https://www.expedia.com/Kumejima.dx3613) or explore Emerald Beach on the main island. - Join a whale-watching cruise near [Zamami Island](https://www.expedia.com/Zamami.dx6337319) during the winter migration season. - Experience the [Valley of Gangala](https://www.expedia.com/Valley-Of-Gangala-Nanjo.d553248621532762107.Vacation-Attraction) with ancient limestone caves and lush forest. ## Okinawa Prefecture Snapshot - An archipelago of 160 islands with a unique cultural identity shaped by the former Ryukyu Kingdom. - Home to 40 inhabited islands, with Naha on [Okinawa Island](https://www.expedia.com/Okinawa-Island.d10805.Destination-Travel-Guides) serving as the main gateway. - Known for coral reefs, warm climate, traditional crafts, and strong community heritage. - Domestic flights and ferries make island hopping easy. ## What to See and Do - Dive or snorkel coral reefs around islands like Iriomote, known for rich marine biodiversity. - Visit the underwater observatory tower in [Busena Marine Park](https://www.expedia.com/Busena-Marine-Park-Nago.d6195056.Vacation-Attraction) for close views of tropical fish and coral. - Discover pottery shops in Naha's Tsuboya area, known for traditional Okinawan ceramics. - Visit [Kouri Island](https://www.expedia.com/Kouri-Island.dx6324685) or Sesoko Island for relaxed beaches and scenic coastal drives. - Hike subtropical landscapes in national parks, including areas with mangroves and rare wildlife. - Attend seasonal festivals celebrating cherry blossoms, local flowers, and cultural traditions. ## Seasons and Events - Winter offers mild temperatures, whale watching, and quieter cultural touring. - Spring brings early cherry blossoms, flower festivals, and comfortable beach weather. - Summer is ideal for swimming, diving, and vibrant island life. - Autumn brings warm seas, fewer crowds, and great conditions for outdoor adventures. ## Nearby Day Trips - [Kerama Islands](https://www.expedia.com/Kerama-Islands.dx6206015) for snorkeling, diving, and turquoise waters near Naha. - Kumejima Island for relaxed beaches and scenic viewpoints. - [Ishigaki](https://www.expedia.com/Ishigaki.dx1635) and [Taketomi Islands](https://www.expedia.com/Taketomi.dx6290495) for traditional architecture and calm beaches. #### Venture to Japan’s southernmost prefecture and discover an archipelago of semi-tropical islands where blue-green waters, unspoiled nature and ancient culture await. Set apart from the rest of Japan both geographically and culturally, Okinawa Prefecture consists of 160 islands where nature abounds and laid-back, tropical ambiance prevails. Discover pristine beaches and excellent diving, as well as historic artifacts from World War II battles, unique museums and a deep-rooted culture. Until its 1868 annexation to Japan, the Okinawa archipelago was independent, known as Ryukyu Kingdom. Here, food, crafts, architecture and languages evolved separately and have left a long-standing legacy. Learn about this fascinating culture at [Ryukyu Mura](https://www.expedia.com/Ryukyu-Mura-Yamada.d6270754.Vacation-Attraction), a theme park where you can see traditional performances, working craftsmen and unique architectural styles. [Okinawa Island](https://www.expedia.com/Okinawa-Island.d10805.Destination-Travel-Guides), the largest of the prefecture’s 40 inhabited islands, has the capital city of [Naha](https://www.expedia.com/Naha.d2655.Destination-Travel-Guides), the gateway to the rest of the coral-fringed islands. The city’s highlight is the 14th-century [Shurijo Castle](https://www.expedia.com/Shurijo-Castle-Naha.d6103854.Vacation-Attraction). Learn more about ancient Ryukyu culture at the [Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum](https://www.expedia.com/Okinawa-Prefectural-Museum-And-Art-Museum-Omoromachi.d6206630.Vacation-Attraction). Visit pottery shops in the Tsuboya area. Shop, eat and interact with locals along [International Street](https://www.expedia.com/Kokusai-Dori-Naha-City-Centre.d6206760.Vacation-Attraction). Tour the Peace Memorial Museum on the southern part of the island for artifacts and testimonials related to Okinawa’s World War II battles. Appreciate nature on Okinawa’s other islands. Embark on a whale-watching cruise off Zamami Island. In summer, lounge on perfect white-sand beaches including Katenohama Beach on Kumejima Island. Emerald Beach is part of the [Okinawa Ocean Expo Park](https://www.expedia.com/Ocean-Expo-Memorial-Park-Motobu.d6240118.Vacation-Attraction). Witness the earliest blossoming of Japan’s famous pink cherry blossoms or attend one of the many colorful flower festivals held throughout the islands. You can even explore a primitive forest pocketed with limestone caves in the Valley of Gangala. Dive in the healthy coral reefs on islands such as the far south Iriomote. If you don’t dive or snorkel, view marine creatures at [Churaumi Aquarium](https://www.expedia.com/Okinawa-Churaumi-Aquarium-Motobu.d6195076.Vacation-Attraction) and at the underwater observatory tower in [Busena Marine Park](https://www.expedia.com/Busena-Marine-Park-Nago.d6195056.Vacation-Attraction). Okinawa is served by Naha’s international airport. Domestic flights and ferries shuttle visitors to other islands. Set off on an island-hopping adventure in this alluring tropical setting. ### Popular cities in Okinawa Prefecture [Naha Known for Shopping, Castle and Museums ](https://expedia.com/Naha.dx2655) With its energetic artisan districts, lively restaurant quarters and attractive coastline, laid-back Naha is one of Japan’s attractive capital cities. ## Reasons to visit - Kokusai-dori Shopping Street - Tomari Port - Shurijo Castle [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Naha.dx2655)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Naha-Hotels.d2655.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Onna Known for Beaches, Dining and Sea ](https://expedia.com/Onna.dx182159) Experience relaxing Onna: its beaches, oceanfront, parks, and more! ## Reasons to visit - Manza Beach - Blue Cave - Manza Park [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Onna.dx182159)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Onna-Hotels.d182159.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Miyakojima Known for Beaches, Islands and Sea ](https://expedia.com/Miyakojima.dx2368) Secluded Miyakojima awaits: its beaches, kitesurfing, and more! ## Reasons to visit - Shigira Beach - Sunayama Beach - Miyakojima Marine Park [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Miyakojima.dx2368)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Miyakojima-Hotels.d2368.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Ishigaki Known for Ferries and boats, Beaches and Ports ](https://expedia.com/Ishigaki.dx1635) Enjoy exceptional cuisine, dive with colorful exotic fish and coral features and delve into luminous caves filled with gleaming stalactites. ## Reasons to visit - Kabira Bay Beach - Ishigaki Island Ferry Terminal - Kabira Bay [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Ishigaki.dx1635)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Ishigaki-Hotels.d1635.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Chatan Known for Beaches, Small town and Dining ](https://expedia.com/Chatan.dx6141564) Escape to quaint Chatan! Enjoy its oceanfront, beaches, and sunsets. ## Reasons to visit - American Village - Araha Beach - Sunset Beach [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Chatan.dx6141564)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Chatan-Hotels.d6141564.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Okinawa Known for Live music, Aquariums and Castle ](https://expedia.com/Okinawa.dx6053824) Relax on the marvelous beaches and take your kids to the spectacular zoo in this eclectic city in the heart of the island. ## Reasons to visit - Okinawa Zoo & Museum [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Okinawa.dx6053824)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Okinawa-Hotels.d6053824.Travel-Guide-Hotels) ## Cities in Okinawa Prefecture ![Okinawa showing a beach and swimming as well as a large group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248622006979858/abf8ae6f-cbd1-4218-a02a-31c104ace547.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Naha With its energetic artisan districts, lively restaurant quarters and attractive coastline, laid-back Naha is one of Japan’s attractive capital cities. ![Okinawa City featuring boating, a coastal town and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6053824/bb4ab456-2ddf-467b-9dc9-6ce23cbddcf1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Okinawa Relax on the marvelous beaches and take your kids to the spectacular zoo in this eclectic city in the heart of the island. ![Kabira Bay Beach showing boating and a sandy beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6102518/db942da9-1389-400e-ac8f-5e15b4ec2915.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Ishigaki Enjoy exceptional cuisine, dive with colorful exotic fish and coral features and delve into luminous caves filled with gleaming stalactites. ![Busena Marine Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6195056/1c026f65-894c-4cf4-8649-7dbeca3ae660.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Nago Enjoy the hot weather on the beaches and let your kids loose on the thrilling activities in this city, where fruit themes abound. ![Ocean Expo Memorial Park which includes a fountain, general coastal views and a square or plaza](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6240118/8cf213a7-959e-4378-b537-98a134fd7f6b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Motobu Visit this Northern Okinawa town for its aquarium, castle remains and easy access to well-known islands, including Sesoko and Minna-jima. ![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-us-ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh) ## The Annual Vacation Sale Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. 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