Okinawa

As Okinawa is a region of islands surrounded by sea, it is reached by air.

Although Okinawa is made up of a large number of islands, the major tourist attractions can be reached by bus or monorail. You can also travel between islands by ferry. If the islands are small enough, you can enjoy them on foot or by bicycle.

The Okinawa Prefecture Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Promotion Headquarters was set up in the prefecture. In November 2019 the “Okinawa Prefecture SDGs Promotion Policy” was published, in order to realize the “Okinawa 21st Century Vision”.

With regard to tourism, the prefecture promotes tourism that balances the environment, lifestyles and the economy.

We have formulated the “Okinawa Tour Style With Corona”, which is an action plan for tourists to ensure their health and safety. We encourage them to take care of themselves before they come to Okinawa, to wear a mask and wash their hands thoroughly during their trip and to contact us if they feel unwell after their trip.

In addition, body temperature tests are conducted at airports and ports, and Japan’s first “Traveler’s Access Center Okinawa (TACO)” has been set up at the airport. It connects travelers who are diagnosed by the body temperature test with health centers and hospitals.

Private businesses such as hotels and restaurants have created guidelines for their respective industries and are working with the public and private sectors to prevent infection by requiring employees to wear masks and disinfect their hands.

In order to promote Okinawa, the birthplace of Karate to the world, an organization called “Karate Promotion Division” was established. “Okinawa Karate Kaikan (Hall)” was opened as a base facility to welcome karate enthusiasts from all over the world. Here, a Guinness World Record was set for a group demonstration of the Kata (style) and the first Okinawa International Karate Tournament was held.

You can enjoy swimming at our beaches from April to September. There are also a number of remote islands around the main island, where you can experience the clear blue sea.

Since the average temperature in January in Okinawa is 17 degrees celsius, you can comfortably visit the “Gusuku Sites of the Kingdom of Ryukyu and Related Properties”, a world cultural heritage site, in winter. There are also a number of cultural events such as Eisa, a unique Okinawan drumming dance. Look out for local pottery such as Shisa (to ward off evil spirits) and tableware.

You can visit areas where you can experience a unique atmosphere, such as traditional houses on remote islands such as Taketomi Island.

Trekking in subtropical jungle or canoeing through a lush river of mangroves are special experiences to enjoy during your green holiday in Okinawa.

Okinawa is the “Birthplace of Karate”. You can experience karate at the dojo. We also provide a karate demonstration with a group once every four years. If you are a karate practitioner, why not join us?

If you want information on tourism in Okinawa, go to Visit Okinawa or contact the Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau.