Okinawa’s main island, also known as Okinawa Honto, is the largest and most populous. Home to the prefectural capital, Naha, the island is known for its vibrant culture and beautiful scenery. What makes Okinawa Honto stand out is how different it feels from the rest of Japan. The island has a subtropical climate, with warm weather most of the year, and a culture shaped by its history as the independent Ryukyu Kingdom before annexation by Japan in the 19th century.
You can easily get around Naha using public transport, with buses and monorail services that go to near to many of the island’s top attractions. However, the remainder of the island is remote and hard to access with public transport, so we recommend renting a car for your visit to the Okinawa Honto.
Explore Okinawa's Main Island
Heart Rock
Popular Scenic Spot featuring a rock shaped like a heart.
Kokusai Dori
Bustling Street lined with shops and a nearby market.
Kouri Beach
Famous beach with iconic views and clear blue water
Mihama American Village
Shopping Centre with American Influence
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
One of the world's best aquariums
Shuri Castle
Restored Ryukyu palace showcasing Okinawa’s royal cultural heritage
Heart Rock
Popular Scenic Spot featuring a rock shaped like a heart.
Kokusai Dori
Bustling Street lined with shops and a nearby market.
Kouri Beach
Famous beach with iconic views and clear blue water
Mihama American Village
Shopping Centre with American Influence
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
One of the world's best aquariums
Shuri Castle
Restored Ryukyu palace showcasing Okinawa’s royal cultural heritage
Explore Okinawa
Top Attractions
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
One of the world's best aquariums
Shuri Castle
Restored Ryukyu palace showcasing Okinawa’s royal cultural heritage
Kouri Beach
Famous beach with iconic views and clear blue water
Mihama American Village
Shopping Centre with American Influence
Heart Rock
Popular Scenic Spot featuring a rock shaped like a heart.
Accessing Okinawa's Main Island
Okinawa can be easily accessed from mainland Japan by flying. Most major cities will have direct flights to Okinawa’s Main island, typically landing at Naha Airport. From the Okinawa Honto, you can connect onward to other incredible sites, such as Ishigaki Island.
Where to Stay on the Okinawa Honto
Rihga Royal Gran Okinawa
Rihga Royal Gran Okinawa offers refined, contemporary comfort with spacious rooms, warm hospitality, and direct access to Asahibashi Station in central Naha.
Hewitt Resort Naha
Hewitt Resort Naha: sleek modern 5-star hotel in central Naha with rooftop infinity pool, 3D hologram shows, two restaurants, and vibrant Ryukyu-themed design.
Almont Hotel Naha Kenchomae
Almont Hotel Naha Kenchomae: modern, centrally located hotel just 3 minutes from Kenchomae Monorail; features public bath, free Wi-Fi, and a buffet breakfast.
Explore more in Okinawa
Cape Hirakubozaki
Ishigaki's Northernmost Cape, with stunning views of the tropical ocean
Heart Rock
Popular Scenic Spot featuring a rock shaped like a heart.
Ishigaki Island
Japan's Tropical Paradise
Kabira Bay
Stunning bay with crystal clear waters
Kokusai Dori
Bustling Street lined with shops and a nearby market.
Kouri Beach
Famous beach with iconic views and clear blue water