Okinawa Travelling with Domestic Flights & Ferries
Fly & Explore Okinawa!
Okinawa is more than just its main island—it’s a stunning archipelago of over 160 inhabited and uninhabited islands, spanning over 2,000 square kilometres. With a network of ferries weaving between picturesque isles and flights connecting the larger ones, Okinawa is the perfect destination for island hopping to experience different aspects and activities it offers!
Japan's Southern Islands: Okinawa
● Miyako Island
● Kerama Islands
● Taketomi Island
With an array of activities spanning 160 diverse islands, selecting the perfect itinerary can be a delightful challenge.
Okinawa's main island hosts six ferry terminals, with Tomari Port being the largest. From there, you can hop over to the beautiful Kerama Islands, such as Tokashiki, Zamami, and Aka, or even venture to Kume Islands.
For even more island adventures, domestic flights are available within Okinawa, connecting you to places like Miyako, Ishigaki and Kumejima Islands.
■ Access Info
From Naha to Miyako Island
Miyako Island is exclusively accessible by air travel, only a 50-minute flight away from Naha Airport.
Yonaha Maehama Beach
Yonaha Maehama Beach stretches for an impressive 7 kilometres, with soft white sand and crystal-clear emerald-blue waters. It's one of Japan's most beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or just soaking up the stunning ocean views.
Driving on Islands
Driving on and from Miyako Island is an unforgettable adventure, where scenic bridges connect you to smaller nearby islands. One must-see is the Irabu Bridge, Japan’s longest toll-free bridge at 3,540 metres, linking Miyako and Irabu islands with stunning views of endless turquoise waters as your driving backdrop. Another highlight is 17END on Shimoji Island, where pristine sands meet the ocean and runway for a one-of-a-kind sight. Don’t miss the 1,425-metre Ikema Bridge, where the dazzling colours of the sea will leave you speechless.
A Night in Miyako Island
Accommodation on Miyako Island offers everything from charming resort hotels to luxurious retreats perfect for unforgettable family holidays or romantic honeymoons.
Mango
Miyako Island is Japan’s top producer of mangoes - have a taste to know why! From June to August, the island's markets are brimming with these juicy fruits, celebrated for their rich flavour and irresistible freshness.
About Island Fruits, including Mango
Miyako Beef
Miyako Island is also home to the highly prized Miyako Beef, a local wagyu renowned for its rich, melt-in-the-mouth flavour. Raised with the island’s mineral-rich groundwater and on the lush pastures, these cattle produce beef that’s marbled well to give off a luxurious experience with every bite.
■ Access Info
From Naha Tomari Port to Kerama Islands
Just a two-hour ferry ride away from Tomari Port, Kerama offers breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, perfect for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.
Zamami Island (Furuzamami Beach)
Furuzamami Beach is a true slice of paradise, earning its place in the Michelin Green Guide Japan with a prestigious two-star rating! With its soft, white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it’s the right spot for relaxation and fun in the sun.
Tokashiki Island (Aharen Beach)
Aharen Beach, with vibrant coral reefs just offshore, makes it a prime spot for snorkelling enthusiasts eager to be captivated by its vivid underwater world.
Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
Discover the stunning beauty of Zamami Island through sea kayaking and snorkelling! Glide across crystal-clear waters in a kayak and explore the island's breathtaking coastline. With an incredible 80% chance of spotting sea turtles gliding gracefully beneath the waves, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a tropical utopia!
About Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking Guide Service
Whale Watching
Experience the awe-inspiring thrill of whale watching on Zamami Island, where majestic humpback whales migrate through the island's surrounding warm waters! From late December to early April, you have the chance to witness these incredible creatures breaching and playing just off the coast.
Mozuku Seaweed
Mozuku seaweed from Zamami Island is a true culinary treasure you won’t want to miss! This extraordinary seaweed is full of minerals and fiber, and over 90% of Japan's mozuku is farmed in Okinawa. Renowned for its delicate texture and unique flavour, this local delicacy is a staple in Okinawan cuisine.
■ Access Info
From Naha to Taketomi Island
A short domestic flight from Naha Airport will whisk you to Ishigaki in just over an hour, followed by a 15-minute scenic ferry ride to the idyllic Taketomi Island!
Water Buffalo Cart Ride
On Ishigaki Island, experience local life in a unique way, by riding a traditional water buffalo cart! These gentle giants are a beloved part of the island’s heritage, and will slowly pull you through lush landscapes and tranquil villages. As you ride, your guide will share fascinating stories about Ishigaki’s culture, making this more than just a journey!
Old Village
Step into a world where time seems to stand still, with its traditional Ryukyu village offering an authentic glimpse into Okinawan history. The island’s charming houses, with red-tiled roofs and beautifully crafted coral brick walls, are surrounded by sandy lanes and vibrant hibiscus flowers, creating a postcard-perfect scene. As you wander through the village, you’ll feel the presence of centuries-old Ryukyu culture, still alive in the architecture and the way of life.
Kondoi Beach
Kondoi Beach is known for its incredibly tranquil, shallow waters that stretch far into the horizon, creating a sense of endless paradise. As the tide recedes, vast sandbars emerge, allowing you to walk right into the shimmering turquoise sea.
About Taketomi Island including Kondoi Beach
A Night in Taketomi Island
Retreat into a luxurious resort hotel and indulge in a truly magical experience under the stars. Nestled in serene surroundings, the island’s resorts offer the perfect blend of comfort and nature beauty. As night falls, step outside to witness a breathtaking starry sky.
About HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island
Shaved Ice
Treat yourself to refreshing shaved ice on Taketomi Island! What sets Taketomi’s shaved ice apart is its use of local ingredients and the island’s pristine water, giving it a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Flavoured with local specialty fruits, such as Okinawan lime, or mango, each mouth is a burst of island freshness!
