A lesser-known side of Japan just made Expedia’s list of top destinations to visit in 2026: Okinawa, made up of over 160 islands (50 of which are inhabited), tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea. It may not be on your radar as a beach destination, but it deserves to be.
The archipelago boasts pristine white sand beaches lapped by brilliant cobalt waters, along with lush rainforests, limestone caves, and misty waterfalls, providing a stunning tropical backdrop for a wide variety of outdoor adventures.
The Most Beautiful Okinawa Beaches
There are dozens of breathtaking beaches in Okinawa. You’ll find plenty on the main island of Okinawa itself, such as Okuma and Manza, but the very best are located on some of the other islands, many within a short ferry ride (or flight) away.
Yonaha Maehama Beach on Miyako is what put the island on the map, often named among or at the top of the best white sandy beaches in East Asia. The sand is exceptionally soft and stretches for over four miles, while the water is a myriad of brilliant blues and ideal for swimming and other activities like kiteboarding when the winds are right. Rarely crowded, it’s also a great destination for just relaxing and admiring the scenery.
Futamigaura Beach on Izena Island is also a stunner, not only for its vivid turquoise seascape but for panoramic views of Yanaha Island, Gusuku Mountain, and dramatic rock formations. Ishigaki Island offers five spectacular beaches, including Yonehara, renowned for snorkeling, and Kabira Bay, where black pearls are cultivated and can be admired on a glass-bottom boat tour.
Rich History, Discovered in the Ruins of Fortresses and Castles
When you want to explore beyond the beaches, Okinawa’s islands have a rich past to discover in the ruins of fortresses and castles. They were once independent, known as the Ryukyu Kingdom, until becoming part of Japan in the late 1800s.
Some of the best to visit are on the main island, including the UNESCO-listed Katsuren Castle ruins. Built in the early 14th century, it offers magnificent sea views from its highest point. Zikimi is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The elegant, curved ramparts of the fortress ruins are still visible, and it also offers outstanding ocean views.
How to Reach Okinawa and When to Go
Okinawa can easily be reached from Tokyo or Osaka via inexpensive, daily flights on Japanese Airlines. The main hub for flights is Naha Airport, on the main island. Once there, as noted, you can hop on a ferry or catch another plane to the other islands.
Generally, April through November are the best months to visit Okinawa. Summer is the busiest, the priciest, and the warmest time of year, as well as being subject to occasional tropical storms, although they are typically welcomed, causing little damage while helping to cool things off. If you want to avoid the highest temperatures and the crowds, consider May, June, October, or November.
