Okinawa & Ryūkyū Islands
Japan's tropical paradise with whale sharks and coral reefs 🌺🏝️
Okinawa & the Ryūkyū Islands are Japan's answer to Hawaii—a chain of subtropical islands with turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and a distinct cultural heritage. Located far south of the mainland, the climate is warm year-round, though the best beach weather is from April to October. Families flock here for a resort-style vacation that blends Japanese safety and service with island relaxation. While Naha on the main island is a bustling city, the outer islands like Ishigaki and Miyako offer pristine nature.
The crown jewel of family attractions is the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium on the Motobu Peninsula. Its Kuroshio Sea tank is immense, holding majestic whale sharks and manta rays that glide past huge acrylic windows, mesmerizing toddlers and adults alike. Nearby, the Ocean Expo Park offers dolphin shows and the emerald splendor of Emerald Beach. For a hands-on experience, Okinawa World allows families to explore the Gyokusendo limestone cave and try traditional crafts like glass blowing or painting shisa (lion-dog) statues, which are found on rooftops everywhere to ward off evil spirits.
Water activities are accessible even for small children. Many beaches have netted swimming areas to protect against jellyfish, and tour operators offer glass-bottom boat rides for those too young to snorkel. On Ishigaki Island, families can take buffalo cart rides across shallow waters to nearby Yubu Island or kayak through mangrove jungles. The ocean clarity in the Kerama Islands is world-renowned (
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Home to the 'Kerama Blue' waters and world-class diving in Ishigaki, this region rivals the Maldives for marine biodiversity and luxury coastal retreats. July is peak as it offers the highest temperatures and a lull in the summer rains; shoulder months remain warm but carry higher typhoon risks and rainfall, while winter is too cool for world-class beach lounging.
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Offers unique subtropical ecosystems including the UNESCO-listed Yanbaru forest and Iriomote's mangroves, perfect for sophisticated ecotourism and whale watching (Jan-Mar). Spring and autumn provide ideal mild temperatures for exploration, whereas the extreme humidity, heat, and heavy rainfall of the mid-summer months are less suitable for active wilderness travel.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
The distinct Ryūkyū heritage, evidenced by UNESCO Gusuku castle sites and unique culinary traditions, offers a sophisticated alternative to mainland Japanese culture. The moderate weather of the transition seasons is perfect for exploring historical sites, while the summer months suffer from oppressive humidity and typhoon-related disruptions.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Renowned as a 'Blue Zone' for longevity, the region features world-class wellness retreats focused on the Okinawa diet and forest bathing. Peak conditions occur in the mild spring and autumn when the air is fresh and humidity is low; the sweltering heat and high rainfall of June through September limit the comfort of outdoor relaxation and spa activities.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Features internationally recognized golf courses and scenic cycling routes such as those used for the Tour de Okinawa. These activities are best enjoyed in the temperate months (Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov) to avoid the physical strain of peak summer humidity and the high probability of heavy precipitation.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
The Churaumi Aquarium is a world-leading facility for marine research, and the Peace Memorial Park offers deep historical insights for families. While indoor facilities are accessible year-round, the peak months allow for comfortable transit and exploration of the significant outdoor archaeological and memorial grounds.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Features unique cultural events like the Shuri Castle Festival and Eisa dance celebrations that highlight Ryūkyū's independent spirit. The autumn period offers the most comfortable outdoor conditions for witnessing these spectacles, while the rainy season and mid-summer heat can make attending outdoor festivals uncomfortable.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Scenic coastal drives across bridges like Kouri and the Kaichu-doro offer spectacular turquoise vistas on well-maintained roads. Travel is most rewarding when skies are clear and visibility is high in the drier transition seasons; heavy monsoon rains and typhoons in summer can significantly degrade the driving experience and scenic views.
Attractions (73 total)
Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Cape Manzamo
Onna
An iconic limestone cliff shaped like an elephant's trunk, offering dramatic views of the turquoise East China Sea.
Visit website →Shuri Castle
Naha
The restored administrative center and royal residence of the Ryukyu Kingdom, showcasing unique Ryukyuan architectural style and history.
Visit website →Kokusai-dori Street
Naha
The 'International Road' is Naha's main shopping and entertainment thoroughfare, bustling with souvenir shops and restaurants.
Visit website →Higashi-hennazaki Cape
Miyakojima
A nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty, this 2km-long peninsula features a lighthouse and jagged coral rocks.
Mihama American Village
Chatan
A vibrant seaside entertainment complex with American-style shopping, dining, and an iconic Ferris wheel.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Kabira Bay
Ishigaki
An award-winning bay with emerald waters and white sand, offering families glass-bottom boat tours to see vibrant coral and marine life.
Manzamo
Onna
An iconic elephant-shaped limestone cliff offering families spectacular panoramic views of the East China Sea from a grassy plateau.
Visit website →Yonaha Maehama Beach
Miyakojima
Frequently ranked as one of Japan's best beaches, this 7km stretch of powder-white sand is ideal for family swimming and water sports.
Aharen Beach
Tokashiki Island
The main beach of Tokashiki Island, offering family-friendly snorkeling and a beautiful crescent-shaped shore surrounded by lush hills.
Cape Hedo
Kunigami
The northernmost point of Okinawa Island, offering dramatic coastal scenery with rugged limestone cliffs and crashing waves.
Emerald Beach
Motobu
A beautifully maintained Y-shaped beach inside Ocean Expo Park featuring calm, shallow waters that are exceptionally safe for young children.
Visit website →Furuzamami Beach
Zamami Island
A world-class snorkeling destination known for its intense 'Kerama Blue' water and coral reefs accessible directly from the shore.
Kondoi Beach
Taketomi Island
A tranquil, shallow beach with almost no waves, perfect for families with small children to wade through clear waters during low tide.
Sunayama Beach
Miyakojima
A picturesque beach famous for its natural coral rock archway and crystal-clear waters, making it a favorite spot for family photography.
National Park / Nature Reserve
Kerama Shoto National Park
Zamami
A pristine marine park renowned for its 'Kerama Blue' water, coral reefs, and seasonal whale watching opportunities.
Visit website →Yanbaru National Park
Kunigami
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring lush subtropical rainforests, rare wildlife, and family-friendly hiking trails.
Visit website →Cape Manza
Onna Village
An iconic elephant-shaped limestone cliff offering dramatic views of the East China Sea within a quasi-national park.
Visit website →Taketomi Island Cultural Landscape
Taketomi Town
A preserved traditional village within a national park where families can enjoy water buffalo cart rides through white sand streets.
Visit website →Urauchi River Mangrove Forest
Iriomote Island
Located in Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, this river offers jungle cruises through Japan's largest mangrove forest to scenic waterfalls.
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
Nago Pineapple Park
Nago
A quirky, family-friendly park featuring pineapple plantations, tropical gardens, and a ride in automated, pineapple-shaped carts.
Visit website →DINO Park Yanbaru Subtropical Forest
Motobu
A jungle-themed attraction where life-sized animatronic dinosaurs are hidden along walking trails through a dense subtropical forest.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Nakagusuku Castle Ruins
Nakagusuku
One of Japan's best-preserved limestone fortresses featuring six courtyards and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Visit website →Nakijin Castle Ruins
Nakijin
A sprawling castle complex in northern Okinawa featuring 1.5 kilometers of winding stone walls and famous cherry blossoms.
Visit website →Okinawa Peace Memorial Park
Itoman
A vast hilltop park and museum dedicated to the Battle of Okinawa, providing a solemn and educational family experience.
Visit website →Sefa-utaki
Nanjo
The most sacred site of the indigenous Ryukyuan religion, featuring striking natural rock formations and forest trails.
Visit website →Shuri Castle (Shurijo)
Naha
The restored administrative center and palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, offering a glimpse into royal history and ongoing restoration efforts.
Visit website →Katsuren Castle Ruins
Uruma
A dramatic hilltop ruin known for its steep stone staircases and 360-degree views of the surrounding Katsuren Peninsula.
Visit website →Taketomi Village Preservation District
Taketomi Island
A living historic site where traditional Ryukyuan houses with red-tiled roofs and coral sand streets are perfectly preserved.
Visit website →Tamaudun Royal Mausoleum
Naha
The grand stone-carved final resting place of the Ryukyuan royalty, showcasing unique religious architecture.
Visit website →Zakimi Castle Ruins
Yomitan
Famous for its intricate masonry and arched stone gates, this UNESCO site offers sunset views over the East China Sea.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Neo Park Okinawa
Nago
A massive walk-through zoo and nature park featuring free-roaming tropical birds, a petting zoo, and a vintage-style steam locomotive ride.
Visit website →Okinawa World
Nanjo
A cultural theme park featuring a traditional Ryukyu village, a massive limestone cave, and a Habu snake center with animal interactions.
Visit website →Yubujima Water Buffalo Cart Ride
Taketomi
An iconic rural experience where visitors ride water buffalo-drawn carriages across a shallow sea to a botanical garden island.
Visit website →Bios on the Hill
Uruma
A nature-focused theme park offering water buffalo carriage rides, lake cruises, and petting areas with goats and pigs in a lush forest setting.
Visit website →Ishigaki Yaima Village
Ishigaki
An open-air museum of traditional Okinawan houses famous for its interactive squirrel monkey park and rural atmosphere.
Visit website →Okinawa Zoo & Museum
Okinawa City
Also known as Okinawa Children's World, this hilly zoo includes a petting area with farm animals and local Ryukyu species.
Visit website →Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Ocean Expo Park Fountain Plaza
Motobu
A vast interactive splash park within the national park grounds featuring choreographed water jets and misting stations for children.
Visit website →Kanna Thalasso Okinawa
Ginoza
A unique seawater-based aquatic center offering 14 different types of pools, including a water slide and therapeutic bade zones with ocean views.
Visit website →Okinawa Prefectural Comprehensive Athletic Park Recreational Pool
Okinawa City
The island's largest public water park features massive colorful slides, a 250-meter lazy river, and a large wave pool.
Visit website →Terme VILLA Chula-u
Chatan
A popular aquatic wellness center in American Village featuring a natural hot spring pool, a multi-purpose outdoor pool, and family play areas.
Visit website →Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Motobu
One of the world's largest aquariums featuring massive whale sharks and manta rays in a spectacular tank.
Visit website →Busena Marine Park
Nago
A marine conservation area featuring a white underwater observatory tower and glass-bottom boat tours over coral reefs.
Visit website →Kumejima Sea Turtle Museum
Kumejima
A specialized facility dedicated to the protection and study of endangered sea turtles with live turtle exhibits.
Visit website →Miyakojima Marine Park
Miyakojima
An underwater observation facility providing windows into the natural seabed to see wild tropical fish.
Visit website →DMM Kariyushi Aquarium
Tomigusuku
A high-tech aquarium that combines physical marine displays with immersive digital technology and light shows.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum
Naha
This stunning facility housed in a castle-like building features diverse exhibits ranging from natural history to modern Ryukyuan art, making it an engaging cultural hub for families.
Visit website →Bokunen Museum
Chatan
Dedicated to the vibrant woodblock prints of artist Naka Bokunen, this museum is housed in a whimsical, colorful building that will delight children and art lovers alike.
Visit website →Sakima Art Museum
Ginowan
Known for its powerful large-scale murals and rooftop views of the surrounding area, this museum provides a thought-provoking artistic experience for older children and adults.
Visit website →Tsuboya Pottery Museum
Naha
Located in the heart of the historic pottery district, this museum showcases the evolution of Okinawan ceramics and is a perfect starting point for families exploring the nearby artisan shops.
Visit website →Urasoe Art Museum
Urasoe
Specializing in exquisite Ryukyuan lacquerware, this museum offers families a chance to see historical craftsmanship in a building known for its unique circular architecture and red-tiled roofs.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Shikina-en Garden
Naha
A UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing a unique Ryukyuan formal garden design with a central pond and stone bridges.
Visit website →Southeast Botanical Gardens
Okinawa City
One of Japan's largest tropical gardens featuring a massive Alexander palm grove and illuminated water lily ponds.
Visit website →Tropical Dream Center
Motobu
An award-winning botanical facility within Ocean Expo Park featuring striking brick architecture and over 2,000 orchids.
Visit website →Miyakojima City Tropical Plant Garden
Miyakojima
The largest botanical garden on Miyako Island, home to over 1,600 species of tropical plants and local birdlife.
Visit website →Bios no Oka
Uruma
A botanical theme park where families can enjoy orchid-filled forests and traditional flat-bottom boat tours through mangroves.
Visit website →Shoin Sasunoma Garden
Naha
A meticulously restored formal Ryukyuan garden located within the Shurijo Castle Park complex.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Shikinaen Garden
Naha
Visit this UNESCO-listed royal villa featuring a unique blend of Ryukyuan and Chinese landscaping centered around a peaceful hexagonal pavilion and pond.
Visit website →Shuri Castle Park
Naha
Explore the hilltop seat of the Ryukyu Kingdom, where families can watch the meticulous reconstruction of the iconic crimson main hall and UNESCO-listed walls.
Visit website →Taketomi Village
Taketomi Island
Step back in time on this car-free island where families can walk through white sand paths lined with traditional red-tiled houses and coral stone walls.
Bise Fukugi Tree Village
Motobu
Walk through a peaceful coastal village shaded by thousands of ancient evergreen trees that form natural windbreak tunnels around traditional homes.
Tsuboya Pottery District
Naha
Wander down a historic cobblestone street lined with traditional pottery workshops and ancient kilns that have defined Okinawan ceramics for centuries.
Okinawa World (Kingdom Village)
Nanjo
Experience Ryukyuan history at this cultural theme park featuring a massive limestone cave and a faithfully reconstructed craft village of century-old houses.
Visit website →Ryukyu Mura
Onna
Discover the charm of old Okinawa at this open-air museum where authentic centuries-old houses were relocated to showcase traditional island crafts and music.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Valley of Gangala
Nanjo
A guided outdoor trekking experience through a collapsed limestone cave system featuring ancient banyan trees and archaeological sites.
Visit website →Banna Park
Ishigaki City
An expansive nature park on Ishigaki Island featuring an adventure bridge, children's activity squares, and multiple coastal observatories.
Visit website →Dino Park Yanbaru Subtropical Forest
Nago
An outdoor adventure trail through a dense prehistoric-looking forest populated with over 80 lifelike animatronic dinosaurs.
Visit website →Forest Adventure Onna
Onna
A high-altitude rope course and zip-line park set in a lush subtropical forest offering aerial challenges for families.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Daisekyurinzan
Kunigami
A sacred site within Yambaru National Park featuring unique quartzite rock formations and ancient subtropical forests.
Visit website →Heart Rock
Nakijin
Two distinct heart-shaped coral rock formations standing in the shallow waters off Tiinu Beach on Kouri Island.
Gyokusendo Cave
Nanjo
One of Japan's largest and most spectacular limestone caves, featuring over a million stalactites and stalagmites.
Visit website →Higashi-hennazaki
Miyakojima
A scenic two-kilometer-long peninsula at the southeastern tip of Miyako Island, marked by a historic lighthouse and jagged rocks.
Pinaisara Falls
Taketomi
The tallest waterfall in Okinawa Prefecture, surrounded by the lush, primitive mangrove forests of Iriomote Island.
Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Habu Museum Park
Nanjo
A specialized wildlife center located within Okinawa World that focuses on the venomous Habu snake through educational exhibits and live demonstrations.
Visit website →