Okinawa
in Japan

Okinawa Prefecture feels worlds away from mainland Japan. Closer to Taiwan than Tokyo, its bottle-green waters, coral reefs and distinct Ryukyuan culture has been shaped by its own history and subtropical climate. Expect slow island rhythms and beaches that wouldn’t look out of place in the South Pacific – just with better noodles.

how long to go for

a week

when to go

april, may, june, october

holidays

New Year (Shogatsu), Golden Week, Obon

how to get there

fly from Tokyo or Osaka to Naha. There are no trains to the islands – it’s plane or ferry

how to get around

by bicycle, by ferry, by car

nice to know

Many beaches are protected by nets in summer to keep out habu jellyfish

local language

Japanese

currency

yen

in an emergency

110 (police), 119 (fire and ambulance)