Destination guide · Okinawa

Okinawa, island
by island.

A subtropical island chain with its own culture and pace, reached by air rather than by Shinkansen. The best first trip starts with the main island before considering the rest.

01

Start with the shape of the islands

Naha, on the main island, is the usual entry point. Outer islands add flights or ferries, so decide early how far you want to travel within the chain.

02

Then add the practical bits

Use our planning guides for getting around without a dense rail network, and for how season and weather affect the trip.

Read: Okinawa for first-time visitors