Adding Okinawa to a Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto itinerary can be a brilliant way to see a completely different side of Japan: beaches, subtropical islands, Ryukyu culture, and a slower pace than the mainland. But the logistics are very different from taking the bullet train to Kyoto. This guide covers Okinawa Main Island only — … Read more
Okinawa is Japan’s tropical island escape, but planning your first trip is not as simple as picking a few beaches. Okinawa Main Island is long, spread out, and much easier to explore by car than by train. A good Okinawa itinerary needs to balance Naha, northern highlights like Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, beach time, and realistic … Read more
If you are planning a trip to Japan’s southern islands but do not have an international driving permit, or simply do not want to drive on the left side of the road, you are probably wondering: Is Okinawa without a car actually realistic? The answer is yes, but only with the right route. Okinawa is … Read more