My Clay Tablets

Okinawa, Japan - July, 2024

In July of 2024, I got the chance to visit Okinawa, Japan's southernmost prefecture, renowned for its unique culture and stunning beaches. Here are the highlights from my trip.

Getting there

It takes about 2.5 hours of flight time to reach Okinawa from Tokyo. I flew with Peach Aviation, a low-cost airline, and had a great experience with them. The check-in/security screening process for domestic flights in Japan is much more straightforward than the one in the US. You can bring water with you, and you don't even have to show an ID or a passport, just as if you're taking a bus ride.

My trip was limited to Okinawa Main Island, the largest of the Okinawa island chain, or Ryukyu island chain.

MAP
Peach Airlines, on my way to Okinawa
Peach Airlines, on my way to Okinawa

Naha

Naha is the largest city and the capital of Okinawa Prefecture.

Kokusai-Dori anime character
Kokusai-Dori anime character
One of many Okinawan lions
One of many Okinawan lions
Naminoue beach. Notice nets protecting swimmers from jellyfish
Naminoue beach. Notice nets protecting swimmers from jellyfish

There is a monorail that allows fast access from the airport to downtown Naha. Unfortunately, many other parts of the island are only accessible by car or a long bus ride.

Monorail Door sign
Monorail Door sign
Naha, canal
Naha, canal

Chatan / American Village area

Chatan is a town in central Okinawa, next to US military bases.

Araha beach sign
Araha beach sign
Araha beach
Araha beach

Maeda Bay

Maeda Bay is a great snorkeling and scuba diving spot with good facilities like showers, lockers, vending machines, and more.

Maeda Bay
Maeda Bay

Zamami island

Zamami island is accessible by ferry from Tomari Ferry Terminal in Naha. The ride on the slow ferry takes less than 2 hours. Once on Zamami, Furuzamami beach is within a 20-minute walk. It has coin shower facilities and a vendor renting out lockers. The water is very clean, and there are good snorkeling spots close to the shore.

Furuzamami beach, Zamami island
Furuzamami beach, Zamami island
Tips: Book the ferry in advance, or it may be sold out. Bring sunscreen and snorkeling gear.

Ryukyu Mura theme park

This theme park introduces traditional Ryukyu culture. Traditional houses and religious and artisan buildings are presented. There is also a traditional performance in a theater and a food hall with traditional food, like Okinawan soba.

Ryukyu Mura, traditional artist
Ryukyu Mura, traditional artist
Ryukyu Mura, nobleman's home
Ryukyu Mura, nobleman's home

Food

Okinawan soba with pork belly
Okinawan soba with pork belly
Uomaru sashimi
Uomaru sashimi

Shuri Castle

The main hall of the castle is being renovated and cannot be seen.

Renovations at Shuri Castle
Renovations at Shuri Castle
Enkanchi pond
Enkanchi pond

Senaga island

Shinto shrine near Senaga island
Shinto shrine near Senaga island

Other tips

  • Bring an international driver's license to be able to explore the island beyond Naha.

  • There is a lot to do in Okinawa, so plan to allocate at least a few days.

  • Souvenirs to buy: Okinawan pottery, purple sweet potato sweets, and souvenir guardian lions (Shisa).