A Little Introduction to Naha
Let me introduce you to Naha — the sunny, easygoing capital of Okinawa, tucked away at the very southern tip of Japan. 🌼
It’s where I started my Okinawa journey, and honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better welcome. From the colorful streets of Naha to the peaceful corners of local beaches, the city has this laid-back charm that instantly slows you down in the best way. The sea breeze, the food, the people — everything here feels a little softer, a little warmer.
Quick Travel Facts
- ✈️ Closest airport: Naha Airport (OKA)
- 🕒 Flight from Tokyo: about 2.5 hours (Peach Airlines flies regularly at low prices)
- 🚋 Public transport: Monorail (Yui Rail) + local buses
- 🗣️ Language: Japanese (English is widely spoken and understood at most restaurants and cafés)
☀️ Climate & Weather - Okinawa has a warm, subtropical climate year-round
- Summers (June to September) are hot and humid
- Winters are mild and comfortable (whale watching is a must-do in winter!)
🏖️ Swimming Season - Warm ocean water from April to October — perfect for beach days and snorkeling!
🌪️ Typhoon Season - Runs from June through September — occasional heavy rains and strong winds possible
📅 Best Time to Visit - Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to early December) offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lots of sunshine. My favorite months to visit are May and October, when you can enjoy the island to the fullest without suffering from the heat!
Exploring Okinawa: What to See and Do on the Main Island 🥥🌴
Chatan (also known as American Village) 🦜
- Probably one of the biggest bursts of color I’ve seen in one place so far. Chatan is a cute, vibrant little city filled with colorful buildings, cafés, restaurants, terraces, and promenades. Facing west, it’s also one of the best spots to watch the sun go down — where the sky meets the sea and the light reflects beautifully on the water. Watching the sunset in Chatan with a cool drink in my hand was one of the best experiences I had — a perfect way to end a long day of exploring the island.
Treat yourself at Blue Seal Ice Cream Shop 🍧
- Blue Seal is the most famous ice cream shop originating from Okinawa. It offers many exclusive, Okinawa-only flavors and limited edition treats. My favorite is the pineapple coconut ice cream — and the banana split with three different scoops (which you can see in the photo above) was amazing! I’d definitely recommend sitting outside on the terrace overlooking the sea and taking a well-deserved break.
Explore Local Beaches with Crystal-Clear Water 🐚
- When we think of Okinawa, the first thing that often comes to mind is its beautiful beaches and the sea — and for good reason.
Okinawa is home to countless stunning beaches with crystal-clear water, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving from early spring all the way into late autumn. During the colder months, you can also go on a whale-watching tour — an unforgettable experience in its own right.
As for local beaches, I’d recommend Tropical Beach and Araha Beach — both conveniently located near American Village, so they’re definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area. Araha Beach is known for its lively atmosphere, with beach parties and social gatherings often taking place. If that sounds like your thing, definitely check it out!
Island Hopping: Easy One-Day Trips from Okinawa 🍹⛱️🌞
- One of the best things about Okinawa’s main island is its great ferry connections to the surrounding smaller islands. So, even if you feel like switching up the scenery, I’d definitely recommend checking out some of the nearby island escapes. Some are more touristy, while others remain quiet, less visited, and beautifully preserved.
I didn’t have much time, so I only made it to Tokashiki Island, but so many people I met along the way recommended Zamami, Nagannu, and Geruma Islands as well.
On Tokashiki, I had the time of my life swimming in crystal-clear water and snorkeling. You can rent snorkeling gear right at Aharen Beach for a reasonable price — super convenient! I didn’t know that, so I brought my own goggles, snorkel, and fins… but now you know!
There are also a few hiking trails and a gorgeous viewpoint called Mt. Teruyama Observation Deck, which overlooks the beaches and rolling hills. It’s the perfect way to end a sunny island day.
Shuri Castle & Kokusai Dori: Naha Must-Sees 🏰
- You really can’t go wrong with visiting Shuri Castle and Kokusai Dori while staying in Naha. Both are within walking distance if you’re staying near the center, and you can also hop on the monorail to get to either spot.
Even though it was pouring the day I made my way to the castle, I still loved the peaceful, quiet atmosphere. There was hardly anyone around, so I took my time, chatted with the staff, and explored everything the site has to offer. I was completely drenched by the end of the walk — but the rain was warm, and hey, I’m not made of sugar, as they say!
At Kokusai Dori, you’ll find plenty of local restaurants, cozy cafés, and street food stalls. It’s also a great place for shopping, so make sure to check it out while you’re in town!
Final Thoughts
Mainland Okinawa is just one of the islands I’d absolutely recommend visiting. There’s so much more to explore — from stunning beaches and vibrant coral reefs to rich culture, kind-hearted locals, and delicious Okinawan cuisine that’s unlike anywhere else in Japan.
Whether you’re into snorkeling, relaxing, eating your way through local dishes, or just soaking in the island vibes — Okinawa has something special for everyone.
If you’re curious to discover more, check out my Ishigaki Island guide below.
Hope you have an amazing time exploring Okinawa!
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