Scenery of Kabira Bay, Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa & the Southwest Islands

Collectively known as the Southwest Islands, the Nansei-shotō (南西諸島) comprises several chains of semitropical, coral-fringed isles far removed from the concerns of mainland life, where the slow pace and unique cultural heritage of the former Ryūkyū kingdom endures, offering a vibrant contrast to Japan's focus on modernity and technology.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Cups

    Tsuboya Pottery Street

    Naha

    One of the best parts of Naha is this neighbourhood, a centre of ceramic production from 1682, when Ryūkyū kilns were consolidated here by royal decree…

  • Nishibama Beach, Aka Island, Kerama Islands, Okinawa, Japan, Asia

    Nishibama Beach

    Okinawa & the Southwest Islands

    Lovely beaches fringe every side of the island, but for sheer postcard-perfect beauty, it's hard to beat the 1km stretch of white sand on the northeast…

  • Japan, Okinawa, Kerama Islands, Zamami Island, Woman walking on Furuzamani Beach

    Furuzamami Beach

    Okinawa & the Southwest Islands

    Approximately 1km southeast from the port (over the hill) is this stunning 700m stretch of white sand, fronted by clear, shallow water and a bit of coral…

  • Shuri-jō

    Shuri-jō

    Naha

    This reconstructed castle was originally built in the 14th century and served as the administrative centre and royal residence of the Ryūkyū kingdom until…

  • Space Science & Technology Museum

    Space Science & Technology Museum

    Ōsumi Islands

    Reopened in 2017 after an extensive re-design, Tanegashima's Space Centre, on the spectacular southeastern coast of the island, is a large parklike…

  • Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum

    Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum

    Naha

    Opened in 2007, this museum of Okinawa's history, culture and natural history is easily one of the best museums in Japan. Displays are well laid out,…

  • Former Uezu Residence

    Former Uezu Residence

    Okinawa & the Southwest Islands

    Built around 1750, this traditional Ryūkyūan dwelling was the former home of Kume-jima's dominant clan, the Uezu family. Lovingly maintained and set amid…

  • Sunayama Beach

    Sunayama Beach

    Okinawa & the Southwest Islands

    Just 4km north of the Hirara district of Miyakojima city, you'll find this little, archetypally tropical Japan beach, which lies at the bottom of a large…

View more attractions
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "destination": "Okinawa-&-the-Southwest-Islands",
  "region": "Okinawa-&-the-Southwest-Islands",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "country": "Japan"
}

Plan with a local

Articles

Latest stories from Okinawa & the Southwest Islands

Filter by interest:

Mt. Fuji with fall colors in Japan.

Beaches

A guide to romantic Japan: where to eat, stay, love

Jun 15, 2017 • 7 min read

Read more articles

Go Beyond

Okinawa & the Southwest Islands and beyond

Beyond Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "destination": "Okinawa-&-the-Southwest-Islands",
  "region": "Okinawa-&-the-Southwest-Islands",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "country": "Japan"
}