7 Best Sights in Okinawa, Japan

Connected to the northwestern corner of Miyako Island by a bridge, this small island, ringed by a scenic coastal road, has fine views above and below the sea. The Ikema Wetlands in the center of the island is a wildlife protection area, and home to a variety of ducks, egrets, and waders. The island is 35 minutes by bus from Hirara Port.

This small island has two gorgeous and secluded beaches: Toguchi-no-hama Beach and Sawada-no-hama Beach. Irabu Island is connected to the main island by the longest toll-free bridge in Japan.

It's a 15-minute ferry trip from Ishigaki City to the quaint terra-cotta-roofed cottages, sleepy lanes, and empty beaches of Taketomi Island. The cute little town is easily navigable by bicycle. Another fun option is the "old-fashioned" tour—meander between the narrow rock walls in a water buffalo-drawn cart while you're serenaded by a three-stringed sanshin and the soaring voice of the driver. Kondoi Beach, about 15 minutes by bicycle from the center of town, has good swimming with showers and changing facilities. Kaiji Beach is famous for its star sand (as is Hoshinosuna Beach on Iriomote), which is, depending on whom you ask, either the tiny exoskeletons of marine protozoa or the children of stars.

The largest of the Kerama Islands, Tokashiki gets the most tourist traffic from Naha. Two lovely beaches with clean, white sand are on the west side: Tokashiki Beach, in the center of the coast, and Aharen Beach, toward the south.

The largest of the Kerama Islands, Tokashiki Island gets the most tourist traffic from Naha. Two lovely beaches with clean, white sand are on the west side: Tokashiku Beach, halfway up the coast, and Aharen Beach, toward the south. Tokashiku is less accessible and quieter than Aharen but has limited facilities. Due to water accidents, snorkeling is restricted to a small netted area at both beaches from mid-April to end of October, and lifeguards are present. 

Underneath the waters off Yonaguni Island, Japan's westernmost point, is an enormous series of ancient stone structures believed to have been a settlement that dates back to 8,000–10,000 BC, which would make it the oldest—by 5,000 years—human structure of this sort. The site has become popular among divers, especially because schools of photogenic hammerhead sharks migrate through the area in winter. Marlin fishing here is also highly rated. Yonaguni Island is also known for the enormous Yonaguni atlas moth and the wild Yonaguni ponies that roam the blustery cliff tops. To get to Yonaguni Island, you can fly via JAL operated by Ryukyu Air Commuter from Ishigaki Island or Okinawa Main Island. Accommodation is limited to family-run minshuku. If you'd like to dive Yonaguni, contact the dive shops on Okinawa Main Island, as some run winter tours to see the hammerhead sharks. 

This little island paradise offers wonderful beaches, snorkeling, diving, and sea kayaking. The period from late January through March is prime whale-watching season, and during those months you can join two-hour boat tours from Naha. From land, the north shore gives you the best chance of seeing whale tails and fin-slapping humpback antics—but bring your best binoculars.

Furuzamami Beach, a short walk south of the harbor and village, is picture-perfect. There are vendors renting umbrellas and snorkeling equipment; however, in summer, the lifeguards insist snorkelers wear a lifejacket and swim only in a netted area. There's also a restaurant. Shuttle buses run to and from the port.  

Although most visitors are here on a day trip, there are several minshuku on the island if you'd like to stay overnight.