Accommodation in Okinawa (and vicinity)
Find out more about Okinawa (and vicinity)
Exploring Okinawa
Japan’s sub-tropical holiday paradise of Okinawa is an archipelago of 160 islands formerly known as the Ryukan Islands and set 694kms south of Japan’s main islands. Only 49 of the islands are populated, with Okinawa Island the largest and best known as a holiday destination. Naha is its capital and the capital of the prefecture, and has a number of tourist attractions including glorious beaches, the Pineapple Park and the rare colony of dugong in its east coast seagrass and coral beds. Compared with the rest of Japan, Okinawa’s tourism industry is perhaps geared more to the domestic market, but a visit here is a unique and mostly inexpensive experience for Japan-lovers looking for an alternative to the better-known destinations.
Okinawa’s peoples are famous for their longevity, attributed variously to their diet and stress-free lifestyle, and are friendly and welcoming, having got used to foreigners due to the continuing presence of American military bases established after WWII. They consider themselves to be different from the mainland Japanese population, and have kept their unique language and culture, in which music plays a strong part, with Okinawa City a hub for musicians of all styles.
Accommodations in Okinawa
There is a range of options for all travelers. The most popular hotel in Okinawa (and vicinity) is the Kariyushi Condominium Resort ROUTE58, which has been booked 5 times from our Hotels.com verified guests. Our guests also highly recommended Seven Residence Yabu in Okinawa (and vicinity) as it has been reserved 5 times.
There are some amazing options offering top-notch services and facilities. Check out Okinawa NaHaNa Hotel & Spa and Hotel Nikko Alivila.
Sightseeing in Okinawa
Set back from the ocean in Itoman town and giving superb views over the azure waters, the Peace Park holds a number of memorials to those who died in the famous WWII battle. The Himeyuri Peace Museum and the Peace Memorial Hall are also nearby.
The major draw here is the giant Gyokusando Cave complex with its interesting stalactite and stalagmite formations. Above the cave complex you’ll find a tourist-type village with traditional dance performances, small shops and several eateries.
Transportation in Okinawa
The main arrivals hub for Okinawa and its neighbouring islands is its capital, Naha, with the airport serving a good number of domestic flights to major Japanese cities. The one-way fare from Tokyo is expensive, but JAL’s ‘Welcome to Japan’ airpass allows the same journey at a budget price. Inter-island transport is by ferry or air, although the typhoon season in late summer affects both means of transport. Local transport is by bus, taxi or monorail, and self-drive is best for exploring rural areas.
