Places to Explore

• Iriomote-jima

  Surging brown rivers, dense green forests, and crystal blue seas are Iriomote's essential draws, and there's a surprising amount of helpful infrastructure in place to help you get the most fun out of it... (more)

• Ishigaki-jima

  A day of beachside R&R and a night in Ishigaki City's fun bars and a cheap restaurants may be all it takes to make you want to move in. You wouldn't be alone: most of Ishigaki's people are either escapees... (more)

• Kerama Islands

  The Kerama Islands have many pristine beaches, and divers rate the coral and clear water off their coasts highly. Three main islands are in the group: Tokashiki, Zamami, and Aka-jima, plus many more small... (more)

• Miyako Islands

  Some intensive beach therapy can be engaged in here. In the southwest corner of the main island, Miyako-jima, is Maehama, perhaps Japan's finest beach, and across the bridge on the adjacent tiny island... (more)

• Naha

  Orchids growing in the airport lounges are the first sign you've come to a very different sort of place. Okinawa's provocative capital city Naha is the center of commerce, tourism, and youthful enterprise... (more)

• North of Naha

• South of Naha

  Two great attractions draw visitors to Okinawa's southern spur. The culture park Okinawa World is an interactive trip through the islands' Ryukyu past, with restored houses, a cool cave, and traditional... (more)