Okinawa is one of the 5 "blue zones" in the world. A blue zone is an area where locals live to be over 100 years old. This is typically due to the health benefits of local cuisine, a relaxed way of life, a strong community, and a sense of purpose. Okinawa is the smallest of Japan's islands and the least inhabited. Known for its beaches with bright blue waters and its rainforest, it is a perfect destination for natural beauty and relaxation.
Airplane and ferry are the only ways to get to Okinawa Island and both will take you to the capital city of Naha. Naha Airport is the fifth largest airport in Japan and has flights from more than 20 cities all over the country plus international flights to and from Seoul, Taipei, and Shanghai.
Plan your trip with this Ultimate Guide to Okinawa. Prepare your palate with this guide to the cuisine of Okinawa. If you are interested in snorkeling and diving on the island, this guide has all the information you need.
From Tokyo
Duration: 3 hours
There are a number of carriers that go from Haneda Airport to Naha numerous times a day.
From Osaka
Duration: 2 hours
From Osaka Airport it is a short two-hour flight that runs a few times each day. There is the option to take a ferry but it is a journey that involves a train to Kagoshima where you will get the ferry. It takes over 30 hours but it is an enjoyable trip on the East China Sea.
From Sapporo
Duration: 4 hours
From New Chitose Airport in Sapporo, it will only take 4 hours to fly to Okinawa. There is only 1 non-stop flight each day but numerous flights with stopovers.