Three hundred miles south off the coast of mainland Japan lies an island once known as the Ryukyu Kingdom. This enchanting place, so different from Japan, has its own language, culture and food. Made up of a chain of islands in the Pacific, Okinawa boasts endless visual hangovers.
Okinawa stole my heart and I lost my fears, anxiety and depression in the warm waters as I let the place sweep me away. I lived on Okinawa for three years and during my staycation on this beautiful sub-tropical paradise I captured some of the most amazing photos I have in my collection. How I didn’t do this before it a mystery to me, but here’s some photo-spiration and an excuse to visit Okinawa.
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Tokashiki Island
As my all time favorite island, Tokashiki’s beauty never gets old. It’s my favorite hot spot in the summer and the least popular tourist destination on Okinawa. Located 30 kilometers away from Naha, you’d be missing out big time not to travel here. I love this island so much, I even made a Tokashiki guide to help you navigate like a pro and a native.
Aka Island
Another one of the most beautiful outer islands lies Aka. (Tell the legend of Aka and Geruma here.) With white sand beaches and no one to bother you as you explore them, why haven’t you jumped on your scooter from Zamami to get here?
Ikei Island
This photo was taken from a pension on the island. Accessible by an incredibly scenic bridge and located on the eastern side of the Okinawa island, Ikei should be high on your destination list. The water is cleaner and clearer and less populated.
Route 10 Bridge
If you thought Ikei was stunning, check out the bridge that gets you there. Cars often stop for scenic views and great selfies.
Hamahiga Island
Part of the chain of island the 10 Bridge will take you to, lies Hamahiga island. There’s not much going on in terms of a party, but you’ll have the best party of your life with your eyes.
Ishigaki Island
This was taken while a driver was hosing down his water buffalo. It looks like the animal is enjoying the cool water and a friendly touch.
Zamami Island
Another of my all time favorites, this was taken on the ferry to Zamami Island. The day was a bit cloudy, but I was able to capture this as the sun came out.
Sunabe Sea Wall
I once wrote on my blog how whenever the sun set on Okinawa that it would set the ocean on fire with its glory. Is this proof enough?
Onna Village
If you think you’ve found the stairway to heaven, think again. How about this little staircase that leads to a private beach into a romantic ocean?
Nago Cherry Blossoms
Okinawa’s cherry blossoms are special. They’re incredibly beautiful because of their dark pink hues and that they blossom in January instead of April.
Shuri Castle
Located in the heart of Naha and rebuilt many times throughout the years, stands the proud and unique Shuri Castle. Once upon a time, Okinawa was the Ryukyu Kingdom and reigned as an island nation.
Ryukyu Dance
This free show is sometimes given at the Shuri Castle so if you have some time to look, I highly suggest becoming entranced by the traditional dancing.
Eisa
This beautiful part of Okinawa’s culture showcases the taiko drums, sanshin (Okinawa’s snake skin banjo) and singing. Every summer there are festivals dedicated to these traditional dances. Fun fact, every city or village of Okinawa has their own unique colors for their traditional clothes.
Hiji Falls
Okinawa has no shortage of things to do. Did you know, tucked away in the North lies a beautiful waterfall that’s only a 40 minute hike?
Churaumi Botanical Gardens
While the awesome whale sharks makes waves through the media, have you ever walked the grounds to discover the beautiful gardens and what they have to offer? 😉
Yomitan Village Festival
One of my favorite photos ever taken, this is the ship that parades around the village every year and reenacts the story of one Yomitan Villager who helped open up trade with China. This majestic Shinkosen ship is paraded through the grounds of the village office and is accompanied by men and women dressed in traditional Okinawan clothes. You definitely don’t want to miss this.
Toguchi Beach
Located in beautiful Yomitan, what more could you possibly ask for? This small beach is relatively unknown and popular for low tide and seashell collecting. #yesplease
Sunset in Yomitan
Many locals will tell you that Yomitan is the most beautiful place on Okinawa and if you’re not convinced, I don’t know what to tell you.
Kitanakagusuku
If you think the name is hard, luckily, finding this photogenic spot is not. This amazing view overlooking the east side of the island can be easily found from the top floor of the Rycom Mall.
Food Bonus
What would life be if we had no delicious food to make our mouths water? 😉 The sushi is from Kami Sushi in American Village and the delicious completely vegetarian curry set is from my all time favorite place in the world, Dechibica.
So what are you waiting for? When you you plan to wanderlust over to Okinawa? Which place would you visit first?
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29 Comments on 21 Photos to Inspire You To Visit Okinawa
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I had no idea Okinawa had so many amazing natural attractions – I’m a big nature lover so Tokashiki & Zamami slands are the standout for me, as well Hiji Falls – that’s your best photo for me, it’s stunning. I definitely want to visit this region on my next trip to Japan.
A lot of people have no idea that Okinawa is so pretty and they don’t know where to start looking. I really want to compose more guides to help others travel, see, do and love Okinawa the way I do. I’m glad you liked the photos of the outer islands because while I lived on Okinawa, they were my favorite.
Colour me inspired, Gina! These photos are absolutely incredible – Okinawa looks so different to how I had imagined. Looks like it will have to be added to the bucket list!
Please do add Okinawa to the bucket list! I’m working on composing a guide for travelers to get around easily. If you ever go, let me know and I’ll be happy to provide loads of recommendations.
I love Okinawa so much! I live in Yomitan now, and I couldn’t be happier I live so close to a few of these gems. Beautiful photos Gina.
I also used to live in Yomitan and it was one of my favorite places on Okinawa. Most Okinawans will also agree that Yomitan is one of the prettiest places on Okinawa! 😉
Hey … couple of fellow Uchinanchu from Yomitan. That is my native hometown. born and raised there until about 5 years old. Then moved to Ginowan.
I always wanted to get to Okinawa, but never made it there. These photos are gorgeous, but they don’t help me wishing I made the trip! Luckily I think it’s cheaper to get to Okinawa from Korea than it was mainland Japan!
Thanks so much! I hope I inspired you to go and not miss out next time! It’s really cheap to get to Okinawa these days on Jin Air. Are you subscribed to the newsletter? I also subscribe for great sale alerts. 😉 lol
I’m definitely inspired! Looks beautiful!
What was your favorite photo?
I had no idea of the variety of beauty there was in Okinawa! Every time I thought I found my favorite photo I’d scroll down and see something just as or even more beautiful!
Thanks so much for your amazing compliment! I’m really happy to hear you enjoyed my photos. Okinawa should be on everyone’s bucket list!
Your photos are so magical!! Can’t wait to visit Okinawa one day!
Based on the photos, where would you like to go first? 😀
Stunnnnning photos ❤ would never have thought this was Japan! Can’t wait to visit soon, hopefully by next year 😊😊😊
Where in Japan did you want to visit? I have loads of posts and recommendations on where to go and what to eat! 🙂
I was in Japan last year and although Okinawa was on my list I ran out of time and decided to skip it. I regret that now! Beautiful pictures!!
Alas, Okinawa should never be skipped. I think Okinawa is more beautiful than some places I’ve been to in Thailand. I think the beaches are better too.
Okinawa looks stunning. I haven’t been to Japan yet, but I need to add Okinawa onto my itinerary for when I do end up going. I especially want to see the cherry blossoms.
The cherry blossoms in Okinawa are special because they’re a dark pink and unlike the ones on mainland Japan. Okinawa is the first to get them and they start blooming in February.
Wow. These pictures are totally inspiring. Who knew Japan had such high beautiful islands. Thinking about visiting over the winter months, hopefully the landscape is just as beautiful
Actually, in the winter, it drops down to about 15C so it’s pretty cold. It also rains cats and dogs always in the winter. I think the best time to visit Okinawa would be in Sept-October. The weather is still hot but not as humid.
The pictures in your article are gorgeous, especially the blue sky and the vibrant colors.
Which photo was your favorite? I really love the one of the sunset in Yomitan.
LOVED it! We went to Japan in September and skipped Okinawa because we wouldn’t have time enough and now I NEED to get there! Thanks!
OMG! I can’t believe this place exists on earth! It looks straight out of Paradise. The natural beauty is simply magical and the food looks so coulurful and healthy and seems to reflect the beauty of the place.
From my time living in Japan, I never actually made it to see Okinawa. In recent years, I have said to my fiance that I would love to show him some parts of Japan he hasn’t visited. After seeing your absolutely beautiful photos together with the information on each one…there is no doubt that we would be heading here as well. Just fabulous!
I wish I had read this post before I went to Okinawa last summer. During our three-day stay there, we had quite a hard time orientating as the decision to fly to Okinawa was rather spontaneous (our planned flight to Jeju was cancelled on short notice). I always had the feeling we must have missed a great deal of interesting places there – unfortunately, now I’m feeling even more so…