The best Okinawa islands you should visit

Okinawa Island, otherwise known as Okinawa Honto, is the prefecture’s main island and the largest in the Ryukyu Archipelago. The island is also home to the prefectural capital of Naha and hence, it's quite urbanised. In Naha, you’ll find a single metro line that weaves through the city, along with a number of buses to help you get around the island. However, if you want to see everything Okinawa Island has to offer, renting a car is recommended, as a drive from one end of the island to the other can easily take over an hour.

Some of the main attractions include the expansive Churaumi Aquarium, Yomitan Pottery Village and the Unesco World Heritage-listed sacred site Sefa Utaki. On the northern end of the main island, the famous Soba Road is home to a wide range of Okinawa-style noodle restaurants and eateries. Naha’s Makishi Public Market is also a vibrant place to sample authentic Okinawan cuisine. Head to the fish market area to enjoy fresh sashimi made from local tropical fish.

Ishigaki is located within Okinawa’s Yaeyama Islands. This laidback island boasts some of the region’s most beautiful beaches as well as great snorkelling and diving, thanks to its abundant coral reefs. The town centre features a number of hotels and lively restaurants and is a good place to stay, especially if you’re without a car.

The Yonekoyaki Craft Center on the northwest side of the island is a fun visit for art enthusiasts as its garden is full of colourful shisa statues, the Chinese-inspired guardian lions that are often placed at the entrance of homes and venues across Okinawa. Ishigaki is also a gateway to many of the surrounding Yaeyama Islands, reachable via ferry. The island has its own airport and accepts flights from Naha as well as major airports in Tokyo and Kansai.

Just a 10-minute ferry ride from Ishigaki is Taketomi Island, home to a well-preserved traditional Ryukyu village with no cars in sight. Luckily, the island is small enough to explore on foot, by bike or on a cart pulled by water buffalo. The village is a lovely place to stroll through, and you'll come across old-style houses surrounded by stone walls as well as a number of small shops, cafés and restaurants. The stunning beaches are also worth a visit for a quick dip in the ocean and to check out Okinawa’s famous star-shaped sand. If you’re looking to splurge, Taketomi is home to the luxurious Hoshinoya resort.

Iriomote is Okinawa’s second largest island and boasts lush tropical foliage, which makes it a great spot for adventure seekers. River kayak tours are a popular way to explore the island as you'll be paddling through dense jungles and mangrove forests. Iriomote is also a good spot for hiking, offering a number of routes ideal for experienced hikers. Iriomote lies 30-40 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki and there’s a public bus for getting around the island.

North of Okinawa’s main island, Miyako Island is another hotspot for beachgoers as it's home to some of Japan's most breathtaking shorelines. The island also boasts brilliant coral reefs, which are great for avid snorkellers and divers. Head to Yoshino Beach for snorkelling: the area boasts an amazing array of colourful fish and other marine life. If you prefer a lazy dip instead, Maehama Beach ranks as one of the top beaches in Japan, known for its long stretches of white sand and beautiful sunset. Miyako Island has its own airport, so you can get there by plane from Naha or ferry from several other islands in Okinawa.

The Kerama Islands, a group of 36 islands that collectively form a national park, are located close to Okinawa’s main island, making for a popular detour from Naha. Zamami and Tokashiki are the two largest islands in the archipelago and are popular for their pristine beaches. Aside from sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding, both islands feature strategic observation decks with sprawling views of the sea and surrounding islands. From January to March, you can go on a whale-watching boat tour to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures. 

With the ferry, Zamami is just under an hour from Naha whereas Tokashiki will take about 30 minutes. If you can’t bear to leave, there’s plenty of accommodation on the islands. You can also travel to the other Kerama Islands from both Zamami and Tokashiki.