Embrace the Soul of Okinawa: A Journey into Spiritual Harmony

🗺️ Okinawa in a Snapshot

Okinawa Prefecture is the southernmost and westernmost prefecture of Japan and has a geographic area of 2,281 ㎢ (880 sq. mi).
In northern Okinawa, there is a region called “Yambaru,” known for its “miracle forests.” Of the 77.21 km2 (29.8 mi2) northern area, 75% is subtropical evergreen forest. This area serves as the foundation for a unique ecosystem recognized as a globally important natural environment hosting endangered species and was designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 2021.
Yambaru is often referred to as the miracle forest at 27 degrees north latitude. While many other areas at around the same latitude have deserts or dry conditions, Okinawa benefits from abundant rainfall due to ocean currents and monsoon influences, fostering a warm, rich, and humid natural environment.

🌿 The Spirit of Okinawa

Okinawa, also known as “Ryukyu”, cannot be discussed without acknowledging its reverence for nature and spiritual devotion. Ryukyuan culture has been nurtured in close relation to the daily lives and beliefs of its people.
With the majestic sea and greenery before them, people have formed activities based on a worldview and spirituality born from reverence for nature, which have been inherited and shaped into a unique regional culture of faith, rituals, folk performing arts, and village structures. This spiritual atmosphere forms the substratum of Ryukyuan culture and the destination known as Okinawa.

🍜 A Culinary Journey

Okinawans have a word, “nuchigusui”, which they use to describe their cuisine. It means “medicine of life,” and indicates how, for the people of Okinawa, food is more than just sustenance; it is something that nourishes both body and mind. Okinawa is also one of the world’s Blue Zones, an area where people live longer than the average life expectancy, and the diet of the islands is thought to be an important contributing factor. Visitors can take a tour of Okinawa through their taste buds, sampling tropical fruits, island vegetables, and local dishes unlike anywhere else in Japan. In doing so, they will perhaps discover one of the secrets to Okinawan longevity.

🌐 Languages

Japanese is the main language spoken in Okinawa. However, Okinawa has its own language called Uchina-guchi or Shima-kutuba. It has deep ties with local traditional events and Okinawan culture. You are always welcome and may get closer to the people in Okinawa when you use those languages. EX) Hello: Haisai (Male) / Haitai (Female).

Most large hotels and tourist facilities have English-speaking staff or can provide assistance in English using multilingual information or communication tools.

🗾 The Island

Surrounded by the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Okinawa’s islands stretch more than 1,000 kilometers from northeast to southwest. The islands of Okinawa are as diverse as they are plentiful, stretching from the main island in the north to Ishigaki and beyond in the south. There are 160 islands large and small, inhabited and uninhabited. Authentic Okinawan experiences await, with cultural treasures, outdoor adventure, and world-class diving just some of the draws. The prefectural capital, Naha, is located on Okinawa's main island.

🎑 Warmth and Comfort of Okinawa

Okinawa is warm and comfortable throughout the year. The average temperature in July, the hottest month, is around 29 degrees Celsius. Being surrounded by sea, temperatures rarely exceed 35 degrees Celsius in summer. In January, the coldest month, the average temperature is around 17 degrees Celsius. There is a short rainy season between May and June, with summer reaching its peak in July and August. Typhoons can be common in August and September, so it is important to keep an eye on the weather forecast. It begins to get colder around December, and northerly winds can make it feel chilly through February. The weather gets warmer again from March.

Expect rain with warm humid weather, sometimes it feels a bit chilly when it is windy. 

• Reference: November 9 to 16, 2023: average temperature 20℃ (68℉), maximum temperature 22℃ to 29℃ (71℉ to 84℉), minimum temperature 17℃ to 24℃ (62℉ to 75°F)

💡 Before You Leave

You must have a valid passport, the appropriate visa documentation (where applicable) and an internationally recognized driver’s license (if needed).

Medical expenses can be costly for foreign visitors who get ill during their stay in Japan, so please make sure you are covered by private medical insurance. Some insurance policies do not cover infectious diseases like COVID-19, so check the details of your coverage carefully.

🛫 Entering Okinawa

The islands are well connected by air and sea, making it easy to get around Okinawa. Naha is the main transport hub, and Naha Airport has many domestic flights serving mainland Japan, as well as international flights from Asia.

🏦 Banking Hours, Currency and Credit

The currency used is Japanese yen (¥). Credit cards and contactless payment methods are generally widely accepted in urban areas, but many small shops and businesses in rural areas and on small islands will only accept cash. You can exchange currency at the airport, at certain ATMs, and exchange bureaus around the islands. If you are bringing cash with you, note that amounts exceeding 1 million Japanese yen need to be declared at customs.

🔌 Electricity

Most electrical items can be used in Okinawa with the right plug adapter. In some cases, a transformer may be rred for your device to function properly. The voltage used in Okinawa is AC100V and the frequency is 60Hz. Outlets use 2-pin plugs. Check the specifications of your electrical device for compatibility.

🆘 Emergencies

Call 110 for the police, 119 for an ambulance or in the event of a fire, and 118 for the Coast Guard.

🤗 Local customs and culture

Tipping is not customary in Okinawa. Saying thank you, or “arigato” in Japanese, is enough to convey your gratitude and will be well-received by your server. Read here for everything you need to know to enjoy Okinawa to the fullest, from visiting sacred sites to tipping and taking off shoes.

Tattoos are not allowed in Onsen（hot spring). If you have tattoos, it is recommended that you bring stickers to cover a tattoo.