We will be visiting Okinawa for 1 day in late October. Any suggestions for touring?
Thank you.

We live in Okinawa courtesy of the USN. 1 day is not long to spend in this tropical paradise. Will you have a car or will you rely on a taxi? You'll arrive in Naha, so sights located in the southern portion of the island include the Japanese Navel Underground and the Peace Prayer Park. Slightly north is Shuri Castle. We prefer the northern tip of the island -which would be a long haul for you. The beautiful turquoise water is breathtaking and is best viewed from Hedo point.
You'll be arriving in time for lovely weather. Happy Traveling!

when are the best times, weather-wise, to visit okinawa? what times are the busiest with tourists?

Thank you for your reply. We will be relying on taxis unless you have a recommendation for a private guide. I haven't been able to find out a lot of info. re: Okinawa. We will have 8 hours to spend so it looks like we will concentrate ourselves around the southern portion of the island. Is it a walkable city or best to drive and visit the beaches?

here's some info that may be of help:
Taxis are easy to find, but keep in mind that the drivers will have very little or no English. Tipping is not customary and the rear passenger doors are opened automatically by the driver.
Weather in October may be relatively warm, but the extreme heat and humidity of summer should be past. Typhoon season doesn't officially end until November, so the possibility of a storm arriving or leaving while you are there is a distinct chance. Okinawa is in the Pacific's "typhoon alley."
The busiest tourist seasons would be New Years (Jan 1-3), Golden Week (first week of May & lots of tourists from Mainland), Obon (mid-July or mid-August).
My recommendations for southern Okinawa would be:
1)Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters - these caves were used during the Battle of Okinawa
2) Peace Prayer Park - located on Mabuni Hill where the battle finally ended. The park contains an elaborate museum, and the grounds are quite impressive.
There is also the Tsuboya pottery village in downtown Naha and the Fukushu Chinese Garden. Also located in downtown Naha is Kokusai Shopping Street. You will need to rely on transportation, because the sights are located some distance from each other. As for beaches, check with the information booth at the aiport.
When you arrive at the airport ask the information clerks to write your requested destinations in kanji for the drivers.
Good luck and have a great trip.

Thank you rmfleming for your quick reply. If anyone has a private guide that they recommend, it would be greatly appreciated.