Enjoy lively beaches, traditional crafts, and island drives
Whether exploring Okinawan crafts, taking a scenic drive to a series of small islands, or shopping and dining away the hours on the seafront, the diverse central region offers comfort, convenience, and options. Chatan and Koza (in Okinawa City) are the entertainment hubs of the area, with bars and live music in Koza, and popular beaches, shopping, and oceanfront dining in Chatan. Yomitan is the modern home of Okinawan pottery, and has workshops and galleries you can visit. Uruma has farm-fresh food, and is the gateway to a number of small islands with pleasant swimming beaches.

Yomitan
Blue skies, clear water, white sands, and rich Ryukyu culture, popular Yomitan Village has it all

Koza
Feel the pulse of Okinawa through Koza, a vibrant, multicultural city with a strong music and nightlife scene

Chatan
Cosmopolitan Chatan serves up trendy diners, lively beaches, shopping, entertainment, and unforgettable sunsets

Uruma
Island hop by car, encounter Ryukyu heritage, and discover the local produce of Uruma
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TRAVEL INSPIRATION
With so much to see and do across 160 different islands, deciding what to do is not always easy. Browse recommended trips, new and trending attractions, travel stories and guides. Be inspired by Okinawa.

- Cherry Blossoms in Okinawa
- Okinawa sees the earliest blooming cherry blossoms in all Japan, and offers great sightseeing opportunities in spring / The arrival of cherry blossoms is the highlight of the Japanese year.

- Yanbaru—Getting Back to Nature
- Explore the forests, mangroves, waterfalls, and unique wildlife of Yambaru National Park. Paddle through mangroves and take a guided night walk to spot rare fauna. / Lush green forests, mangroves, waterfalls, and

- Shurijo Castle’s Road to Recovery
- Shurijo Castle’s road to recovery is long, but visitors can witness every step of progress / On October 31, 2019, a large fire at Shurijo Castle destroyed nine structures, including the Seiden (Main Hall).

- Tracing the Roots of Awamori
- Discover the depth and history of awamori, Okinawa’s representative distilled spirit / A quick ride on the Yui Rail, and once again I found myself in Shuri, Naha’s old city, the heart of Okinawan culture and history.

- Relaxing Retreats in Northern Okinawa
- Find out why northern Okinawa is the perfect place to get off the beaten path in a post-COVID world / As we carefully plan travel in a post-COVID world, personal health and safety have become our top priorities.

- Ishigaki Island—Traditions Inspired by the Sea
- A guide to the rich traditions and vibrant culture of the Yaeyama Islands / Ishigaki is one of the Yaeyama Islands, and home to the southernmost city in Japan. In addition to picture-perfect

- Explore Naha by Bicycle
- Explore the sights and streets of Okinawa’s capital city by bicycle / Naha City has an excellent public transportation system. There’s a new bus center, and the Yui Rail urban monorail connects the airport with