Carefully selected by our editorial team! An original tourist map of Okinawa's recommended spots

This is the OnTrip JAL original map. We will explain how to use this map in detail at the end of the article.

1. [Introduction] Reviewing basic information about Okinawa

Okinawa is a prefecture made up of about 360 islands of various sizes, centered around the main island of Okinawa, which is about 1,600 km from Tokyo and can be reached by plane in about three hours. It is popular with tourists from both within Japan and abroad, and is always bustling with tourists.

Approximately 90% of the prefecture's population lives on Okinawa's main island, and each area has the following characteristics.
■ Naha City: Okinawa's most bustling downtown area, Kokusai Street, and famous for the shining scarlet Shuri Castle
■ Southern part: There are many places where you can get a glimpse of Okinawa's history, such as the Peace Memorial Park.
■ Central region: Many American soldiers are seen, giving the area a foreign feel.
■ North: Particularly rich in nature, with the sparkling blue sea and the subtropical forests of Yanbaru

Additionally, the Kerama Islands, with their beautiful Kerama Blue ocean, and the outlying islands of Miyakojima and Ishigakijima, which have developed differently from the main island of Okinawa in terms of culture and language, are also popular travel destinations.

2. [Temperature and climate in Okinawa] Roughly "spring or summer" throughout the year

Okinawa Prefecture, located in a warm subtropical climate, can be broadly imagined as a place with two seasons: long summer and spring.

The average temperature exceeds 20°C for three-quarters of the year, and although it varies by area, the swimming season is from April to October. The rainy season starts earlier than in other prefectures, so you can expect it to start around Golden Week and end in late June.

After the rainy season ends, summer is in full swing, making it the perfect season for marine activities, but on the other hand, UV rays will be strong until the end of September, so you'll need to take precautions against sunburn and the heat. You'll also want to be on the lookout for approaching typhoons, mainly between July and October. These typhoons tend to be larger and more powerful than those that make landfall in other prefectures, so depending on the situation, flights may be canceled for several days, affecting travel and schedules.

The coldest months are from December to February, but even on particularly cold days the temperature only drops to around 10°C, and there are days when it rises to around 20°C during the day. However, due to the strong northeasterly seasonal winds, it is often the case that the temperature feels lower than it actually is. It is a good idea to bring a coat or thick jacket with you during this time.

3. [Transportation in Okinawa] Is it cheap to travel by car? What about trains and buses?

Enjoy an extraordinary experience with a rental car

If you've come all the way to Okinawa, you'll want to enjoy an exhilarating drive that's uniquely Okinawan. It's a good idea to choose a car other than the standard rental cars, such as compact cars or minivans.
There are many rental car companies on the main island of Okinawa that specialize in foreign cars and convertibles, and some companies allow you to choose the model and color of the car you want to rent. The cost varies, and in most cases it is more expensive than regular rental cars, but there are also some campaigns where you can get a reasonable price. If you want to enjoy an extraordinary resort atmosphere in Okinawa, why not try getting behind the wheel of a different car than usual?

Yui Rail is an option for transportation unique to Okinawa

However, traffic congestion occurs on a daily basis on major roads in Naha city and its surrounding areas, making short distance trips take longer than expected, and it can take more than two hours to get to the northern area, including Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, from Naha city, even when using the expressway.

If you are worried about a long drive, for example if you are going around the center of Naha city or Shuri, you can choose to use the Yui Rail (Okinawa Urban Monorail). There are free passes available for unlimited rides at set times, and they are sold for 1,400 yen for 48 hours and 800 yen for 24 hours. There are also tourist facilities where you can get discounts by presenting these free passes.
In October 2019, the line will be extended from Shuri Station to Tedako-Uranishi Station in Urasoe City, making walking around the city even more convenient.

You can also choose to travel by bus when going on long trips or sightseeing!

The easiest way to get from Naha Airport to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is by highway bus. There are express buses jointly operated by Okinawa Bus, Naha Bus, and Ryukyu Bus Kotsu, Yanbaru Express Bus, Okinawa Airport Shuttle, and Curry Kanko's Churaumi Liner, so you can head to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in a relaxed atmosphere without having to transfer. Each company has a one-way fare of around 2,000 yen, and some companies sell round-trip tickets for around 3,000 yen and three-day passes for around 4,000 yen.

Alternatively, the Yanbaru Express Bus can take you to the Nakijin Castle ruins in Nakijin Village, or you can transfer to a connecting bus along the way to head to Kouri Island. The Okinawa Airport Shuttle also passes through the Onna Village area, where resort hotels are concentrated, while the Churaumi Liner passes through the Chatan Town area, including Mihama American Village, making it convenient for sightseeing.

[Click here for related articles about Naha Airport]

Carefully selected by JAL staff. Top 10 Okinawa souvenirs to buy at Naha Airport

When you try to buy Okinawa souvenirs at Naha Airport, you may be overwhelmed by the huge lineup, and the standard items may not be enough. So we asked the JAL staff at Naha Airport about the products they "really want you to try!" and "I would buy them myself!" We will introduce a total of 10 products divided into two categories.

ontrip.jal.co.jp

4. [Okinawa Main Island] A classic Okinawa trip - a trip to Okinawa Main Island

A two-day, one-night trip using only public transportation from Naha Airport

When it comes to travelling to Okinawa, the mainstream way to get around is by rental car. Travel expert Ai Nishimura will show us the tips and fun of travelling light in Okinawa by using only public transport.

[Article here]

You can enjoy Okinawa without renting a car. Recommended itinerary for a 2-day, 1-night weekend trip to Okinawa

Okinawa is a popular domestic destination, with its warm climate that allows you to experience a resort atmosphere. There is a lot to see, including the beautiful sea and scenery, as well as the unique Ryukyu culture that is still passed down today. The theme of this trip is "no car"! We will introduce a model itinerary for efficiently touring the tourist spots in 1 night and 2 days without using a rental car.

ontrip.jal.co.jp

The latest Okinawa gourmet foods to watch, including "evolved Okinawa soba" and gelato made with local ingredients

While you want to try the standard gourmet foods on your trip to Okinawa, you also want to experience the thrill of discovering the latest, hidden gems that aren't even listed in guidebooks. For those people, we asked Okinawa's "Kuebu" (which means "someone with good luck in food" in Okinawan) to introduce us to some recommended restaurants.

[Article here]

From classics to unique restaurants. The latest Okinawa gourmet food of 2019 selected by local gourmet bloggers

Okinawa has a lot of appealing gourmet foods, such as Okinawa soba, taco rice, and hamburgers. If you are going to Okinawa for sightseeing, you want to find the latest and hidden gems while also enjoying the classics. So, we asked Yuta, who runs the gourmet blog "Okiguru," to introduce us to the latest gourmet foods on Okinawa's main island.

ontrip.jal.co.jp

Tour the World Heritage Site of the Ryukyu Kingdom

The "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of the Ryukyus" was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2000. We will introduce a two-day, one-night itinerary that will take you around the cultural heritage sites and historical sites, where you can experience the unique culture and history of Okinawa.

[Article here]

Gusuku and Related Properties of the Kingdom of the Ryukyus

The "Gusuku and Related Properties of the Kingdom of the Ryukyus" was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2000. It is a cultural heritage site consisting of a group of historical sites such as "Gusuku (castles)" scattered across the main island of Okinawa. We will introduce its charm from the origins of the Ryukyu Kingdom. In addition, we will also provide a two-day, one-night driving plan recommended for those who want to "actually tour the area!"

ontrip.jal.co.jp

A trip to Onna Village where you can enjoy a summer resort atmosphere all year round

Onna Village, located in central Okinawa Prefecture, is a place with a warm climate where you can enjoy snorkeling all year round. We will introduce a trip to Onna Village, where you can enjoy the summer traditions of "shaved ice" and "blue sea" all year round, along with an original video.

[Article here]

Onna Village, Okinawa, where you can enjoy resorts all year round. Tropical sweets and activities

Want to experience the "summer resort atmosphere" even in winter? Then head to Onna Village, Okinawa, where the climate is warm all year round. We will introduce you to the attractions of Onna Village, including popular diving spots, cafes with ocean views, and delicious sweets.

ontrip.jal.co.jp

5. [Kumejima] A trip to Kumejima where you can relax and enjoy island time

Recommended spots on Kumejima that we found on our walking trip

We asked Masayuki Sesoko, a writer on remote islands, to tell us about the charms of traveling to Kumejima. He introduces the scenery around the beach, the oldest private house in Okinawa Prefecture, and a cafe where you can taste organic coffee.

[Article here]

The charms of Kumejima as discovered by a remote island writer: Spectacular views, gourmet food, and warm people

Kumejima, a remote island in Okinawa. Located about 100km west of the main island, this beautiful island is known for its stunning beaches and untouched nature. However, that is not all that Kumejima is attractive about. Masayuki Sesoko, a writer known for his books such as "New Okinawa Travel" and "New Remote Island Travel", will introduce the attractions he found while walking around Kumejima, such as Mt. Uegusuku, the oldest private house in Okinawa Prefecture, "Uezu House", and Okinawa soba.

ontrip.jal.co.jp

A two-day, one-night model plan to thoroughly enjoy the spectacular views of Kumejima

It would be a waste to only enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kumejima from land! We will introduce a model plan for enjoying the spectacular scenery of Kumejima using various activities such as paragliding, diving, and day tours.

[Article here]

See the beautiful scenery of Kumejima from various angles! Enjoy the spectacular views of the "sea," "sky," and "beach"

Kumejima, located about 100km west of Okinawa's main island in the East China Sea, is a place where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of blue sea, white sandy beaches, and green trees. This time, we will take you on a journey around the beautiful scenery of Kumejima from various perspectives, such as the sky, sea, and beach. We will introduce information on paragliding, diving, snorkeling, and gourmet food.

ontrip.jal.co.jp

6. [Ishigaki Island] A trip to Ishigaki Island, a popular remote island with many repeat visitors

Ishigaki Island: A deep travel spot on Ishigaki Island that will make you fall in love with the charm of remote island travel

Ishigaki Island is a popular remote island that many people become addicted to once they visit. Remote island writer Masayuki Sesoko will introduce some of Ishigaki Island's deeper travel spots, including photogenic lighthouses, recommended places to see beautiful starry skies, and how to enjoy the remote island terminal.

[Article here]

A remote island writer's guide. The tropical paradise of Ishigaki Island: its spectacular views, gourmet food, and souvenirs.

Masayuki Sesoko, a writer about Okinawa's remote islands, will guide you around Ishigaki Island. Having visited many remote islands, what does Masayuki Sesoko think is the charm of Ishigaki Island? He will also introduce the best areas to find souvenirs, as well as recommended scenic spots and gourmet food.

ontrip.jal.co.jp

7. [Iriomote Island] A trip to Iriomote Island where you will be overwhelmed by the subtropical nature

Iriomote Island - An overwhelming natural experience that can only be found here

Iriomote Island is known for its untouched nature, such as the Iriomote wildcat. There are many rare animals and plants that can only be found on this island. We will introduce a two-day, one-night model itinerary to fully enjoy Iriomote Island.

[Article here]

Take a summer trip that can only be done on Iriomote Island!

Okinawa's rainy season usually ends around mid-June, and the best travel season begins. If you're traveling during this time of year, you'll want to experience the overwhelming natural beauty of the islands. This time, we'll be taking you on a trip around the beautiful sights of Iriomote Island that can only be enjoyed during this time of year! We'll also introduce activities such as star sand beach, snorkeling on Barasu Island, and canoeing.

ontrip.jal.co.jp

8. How to use Google My Maps

The map in this article has been made into a MyMap so that it can be viewed on Google Maps.
Please use this when you want to check detailed information about a store or check out spots in each area.

Display a list of spot information

Select the menu button in the top left.

This will display a list of spots for each article, with pins in different colors for each article.

When you select a spot name, the corresponding pin on the map on the right will be highlighted, so zoom in to check the details.

Zoom in to see the whole map

Select the zoom button on the top right, which will launch your Google Maps app.
Once you register it in your Google Maps app, you can easily view it even when you're traveling, so please make use of it.

*Some content was updated on December 6, 2019.