Okinawa Island

Okinawa Main Island is often overlooked in favour of prettier locales, such as Ishigaki or Zamami � but for divers it is an underwater paradise. One of our favourite dive sites, the Manza �Dream Hole�, offers divers the chance to swim through a living curtain of fish � while in the north of the island there are some excellent cave dives and even a couple of WWII wreck sites to explore.

The mercury rarely drops below a balmy 20�C on Okinawa Island even in winter, and in the long summer months the temperature generally averages around the late 20s and early 30s. This unique climate fosters landscapes and wildlife that are not to be found anywhere else in Japan, providing Okinawa with its greatest attractions.

It is not only the climate and natural surroundings that mark Okinawa out as worlds apart from mainland Japan. Although conquered by the Satsuma clan in the 17th century, the Okinawan islands did not officially become a Japanese Prefecture until 1879. Until then the islands were a part of the Ryukyus, a thriving independent kingdom that played a key role in trade in Asia from the 14th century onwards. This unique history means that the islands have developed a rich and distinctive culture influenced by China and South-east Asia as well as by mainland Japan.

Okinawa Island also has a significant military history and continuing presence dating from the US invasion in WWII. The south of the island is home to no less than three notable war museums: the former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters, The Himeyuri Peace Museum and War Memorial, and the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Museum.

Today, traditional Ryukyuan culture is alive and well, and its differences from that of mainland Japan are joyfully celebrated in every aspect of life on the islands. From the peculiarities of Okinawa-ben (Okinawan language) to distinctive island cuisine; from traditional Eisa dancing and sanshin-playing to pottery and glass-making; and from Chinese-influenced traditional architecture to the more recent markers of American military presence; you will find Okinawa unlike any other place in Japan. Don't miss the chance to sample some traditional Okinawan cuisine during your stay, and perhaps a shot of the famous local liquor, awamori!

Accommodation
Weather & Climate

Recommended Accommodation in Okinawa Island

The following are our favourites from among the western-style hotels and Japanese-style inns of Okinawa Island.

Okinawa Island

Busena Terrace

Deluxe

Weather in Okinawa Island

The Climate Guide for Okinawa Island, Japan is perfect for planning your holiday. Monthly weather averages give the best indication of what the weather is usually like for every month of the year including figures for temperature, rainfall and sunshine.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Max Daytime Temperature (°C)	19	19	21	24	26	29	31	31	30	27	24	21
Min Night-time Temperature (°C)	13	13	15	18	20	24	26	25	24	21	18	15
Hours of Sunshine (Daily)	3	3	4	5	5	6	8	7	7	6	4	3
Hours of Daylight (Daily)	11	11	12	13	13	14	14	13	12	12	11	10
Heat and Humidity Discomfort	None	None	None	None	Low	High	Very High	Very High	High	Moderate	None	None
Days with some Rainfall	21	19	20	17	19	19	19	21	19	19	19	20
Monthly Rainfall (mm)	115	130	142	161	209	233	208	222	229	174	152	114
UV Index (Maximum)	6	8	10	11	11+	11+	11+	11+	10	8	6	5