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Okinawa and the Southern Islands

For travellers wishing to relax at the end of their holiday to Japan, Okinawa and the Southern Islands are a group of subtropical islands offering a temperate year-round climate, white sandy beaches, rural solitude and some magnificent coral reefs. At certain times of the year, off the coast of islands such as Ishigaki-Jima, it is possible to swim with manta rays.

Aerial view of Kerama Island, Okinawa, Japan — Aerial view of Okinawa Islands

More about Okinawa

Okinawa is located 1,200 kilometres from the mainland and has an island culture distinct from the rest of Japan with a unique language and cuisine. The warm, clear waters surrounding the islands are a haven for marine life and as such the snorkelling and diving is excellent.

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We can curate your itinerary especially for you. Below are a few suggested experiences for a holiday to Okinawa and the Southern Islands.

Eisa Drum Dances

Witness the vibrant Eisa drum dances on the Okinawa islands between July and September; colourful celebrations with dancing, drumming, singing and clowns.

Whale Watching

See Humpback Whales around the Okinawa Islands between December and April.

Learn Karate

Take a karate lesson in Okinawa, the birthplace of karate.

Green turtle on a coral reef, Kerama islands, Okinawa, Japan

Diving Experience

Dive with turtle, manta ray and hammerhead sharks around some of the many island archipelagos.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Cherry Blossom in Okinawa

Be the first to see the cherry blossom when the trees in Okinawa bloom as early as mid-January due to the mild climate.

Aharen Beach, Tokashiki Island, Okinawa, Japan

Island Hopping

Discover some of the 160 islands off southern Japan.

Tug of War Festival

Travel to Okinawa in October and see the worlds largest tug of war festival; listed in the Guinness Book of Records the team of people can often reach over 15,000.

Where to stay in Okinawa and the Southern Islands

The main town of Naha where the airport is located is very busy but travelling north more beaches appear with fine white sand and clear blue seas. Accommodation isn’t too plentiful, however, standards are getting better all the time. There are a couple of very nice, 5-star hotels with good beaches and a few smaller hotels located in the hills with fine views of the sea. There are smaller more charming hotels located on some of the other islands.

Speak to our experts for more details

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Need Inspiration?
Browse our Japan holiday ideas.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

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Paul Craven

Paul is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Central Asia and the Silk Route.

I first travelled to Vietnam in 1988, when tourism was barely a concept, and have been visiting Central Asia since it was still behind the Iron Curtain. Such first-hand experience makes all the difference when talking to clients. I know the importance of asking questions, not taking the first answer as gospel, and matching the right destination to the right person.

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1(800)272-4163

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Clare Wiggins

My love for Asia began with living there. Based in Vietnam and then Malaysia, I also explored the surrounding regions before eventually finding my way back home via China and the Trans-Siberian railway. At Steppes Travel, I get to share that love for Asia every day, helping clients experience the places I know best as if they were locals themselves.

Talk with our experts

1(800)272-4163

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