Stretching across 700km in the East China Sea, the Okinawa islands, collectively known as the Ryūkyū Shotō, consist of around 160 islands varying in size and habitation. Often referred to as the ‘Hawaii of Japan’, Okinawa is just a short flight from Japan’s major cities and is relatively undiscovered by international travellers. The island boasts a subtropical climate with year-round temperatures averaging around 23°C, complemented by crystal-clear waters rich with coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Where to stay:
Halekulani Okinawa
Opened in 2021, Halekulani Okinawa brings the essence of its Hawaiian counterpart to Japan. This expansive yet intimate resort offers numerous dining options, five swimming pools, and elegantly decorated rooms with sea-facing balconies. Guests can enjoy a private beach, a top-notch spa with traditional onsen hot baths, and the intimate Japanese restaurant Aomi, which features fresh sushi and local Okinawan dishes.
Rates: Starting at 25,809 JPY per night (B&B)
Address: 1967-1 Nakama, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0401, Japan
Phone: +81 98-953-8600
HOSHINOYA Okinawa
Located near Yomitan village, HOSHINOYA Okinawa sits on a peaceful rocky coastline. The resort’s 100 modern villas, many with direct sea views, feature spacious living areas, traditional Japanese dining tables, and large futon beds. Guests can enjoy the heated infinity pool, activity studio with cultural events, and a restaurant offering unique tasting menus inspired by Okinawa and Sicily.
Rates: Starting at 136,000 JPY per night (room-only, including tax)
Address: 474 Gima, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0327, Japan
Phone: +81 50-3134-8091
hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/hoshinoyaokinawa
Food & Drink
Banta Café at HOSHINOYA Okinawa
Banta Café, perched on a rocky cliff, offers a beach-side dining experience with breathtaking views of the East China Sea. The menu features Okinawan-inspired dishes with an international twist, using the freshest local ingredients. Highlights include pizza toast, hot dogs, mango shrimp, and citrus tankan chicken wings.
Eibun
Eibun Nakamura’s Okinawa Soba Eibun, established in 2016, offers a fresh take on traditional Okinawa soba. The broth, made by simmering pork bones for eight hours and blending with ichiban dashi, is rich and flavorful. Diners can customize their soba with a variety of toppings for a personalized experience.
Things to do:
Beaches
While many Okinawan beaches are beautiful, swimming can be challenging at low tide due to shallow waters and sharp coral. Mission Beach and Sesoko Beach are great options for swimming, with Sesoko Island offering a long stretch of white sand. Oku Beach in the far north is perfect for those seeking solitude and stunning scenery.
Snorkelling, Diving, and Whale-Watching
Okinawa’s clear waters and coral reefs make it an ideal destination for snorkelling and diving. Ishigaki Island is a popular spot, with organized tours available to see manta rays, turtles, hammerhead sharks, and vibrant tropical fish. Whale-watching trips are offered from January to March during the humpback whale migration season.
