Introduction
Shiny skyscrapers, heaving rush hour trains and grey-faced salarymen are few and far between on the tropical necklace of islands known as Okinawa. Instead, Japan's most southerly region is home to unspoilt coral reefs, sandy beaches, mangrove jungles and subtropical rainforests.
More from Okinawa PDF VersionEssentials
- Bicycle rental is available at almost every hotel.
- Explore. Jump on a boat or plane and hop among the 150 islands scattered across a 560km expanse of sea.
- Eat a pineapple. Okinawa is home to hundreds of farms dedicated to the art of producing the perfect pineapple.
- Become a black belt. The islands are the birthplace of Te, a traditional martial art that evolved into karate.
- Dip beneath the surface. Parrotfish, barracudas and mantarays can be found in its clear blue waters, not to mention the odd Second World War shipwreck.
Two-hour tour
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Naha City Tourism Association — Naha machi ma-i offers over two dozen 60 to 120 minute guided tours for 1,000yen. The focus ranges from the city's unique pottery scene to history to local markets and foods. (English guide availability to be confirmed in advance.)
2-17-12-501 Makishi, Naha City
+ 81 98 860 5780
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Hotels
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Minshuku Izumiya
Taketomi-cho, Taketomi Jima, Yaeyama Islands
+81 98 85 2250
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ANA InterContinental
Ishigaki Resort, 354-1 Maesato, Ishigaki
+ 81 98 0887 111
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Busena Terrace
1808 Kise, Nago City
+ 81 98 0511 333
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Dining
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Sata Andagii — Okinawan doughnuts - freshly made in Makishi market.
2-10-1 Matsuo, Naha City
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Boulangerie Couques
1817-5 Namihira, Yomitanson, Nakagami-gun
+ 81 98 9580 172
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Bio Smile Café
Furugen 851, Yomitan-Son, Nakagami-gun
+ 81 98 9564 000
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Café Curcuma
1190 Chinen, Chinen-Son, Shimajiri-gun
+ 81 98 9491 189
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Chadokoro Makabe
223 Makabe, Itoman
+ 81 98 9973 207
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Club Cielo
6F Matsuo, Naha City
+ 81 98 8619 955
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Akatafu
1-37 Shuri Akata, Naha City
+ 81 98 8845 543
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Kijimunaa
2F, 2-3-1 Tomari, Naha City
+ 81 98 8615 383
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Mafali Café
2F, 1-1-3 Asato Naha City
+ 81 98 894 4031
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Bekkan Celluloid
2F, 3-8-25 Makishi, Naha City
+ 81 98 8624 969
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Tsutaya
4-2-8 Omoromachi, Naha City
+ 81 98 8601 316
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Suien
367 Zakimi, Yomitanson, Nakagami gun
+ 81 98 958 3239
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Munakata-do
1-20-2 Kakazu Ginowan City
+ 81 98 898 1529
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Captain Kangaroo
183 Umusa Nago City
+ 81 98 054 3698
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Gordie's Burger
100 Sunabe Chatan cho Nakagusuku gun
+ 81 98 926 0234
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Ploughmans
927-9 Adaniya, Kitanakagusuku-son, Nakagami gun
+ 81 98 979 9097
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Ayamon
3-25-13 Kumoji, Naha City
+ 81 98 8617 741
Shopping
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Okinawa Mitsukoshi
2-2-30 Makishi, Naha City
+ 81 98 8625 111
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— Wander beneath an old-fashioned shopping arcade in the main market on Ishigaki, one of the Yaeyama islands, for tropical omiyagi souvenirs ranging from sugared fruits, sea salt and shells to herb teas, pearls and traditional island textiles.
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Handmade silver jewellery from Kanzeeku Matayoshi
2-23-1 Shuri Ishiminecho, Naha City
+ 81 98 8847 301
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Traditional "bingata" textiles - and try coral dying some fabrics yourself - at Shuri-Ryusen
1-54 Shuri Yamakawacho, Naha City
+ 81 98 886 1131
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Okinawan craftsmanship including pottery, lacquerware, fabric and glass - at Garb Domingo
1-6-3 Tsuboya, Naha City
+ 81 98 988 0244
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Transport
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The Churashima ticket — Japan Transocean Air and its subsidiary, Ryukyu Air Commuter, operate flights between islands from Naha and Ishigaki. Alternatively, charter a plane or helicopter. Ferries run regularly from Naha to the islands.
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Limousine/car
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ToCoo! — Cars can be collected at several locations in Okinawa, including Naha Airport.
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