Okinawa
One of my favorites places in Japan, the islands of Okinawa. Okinawa is a hidden gem among Japan. It reminds me of Hawaii- laid back, warm, beautiful oceans, marine life, fabulous food and the friendly locals. It also reminds me of the US, with many US military bases and US natives inhabiting the islands, I felt like being back in Hawaii.
We’ve been to Okinawa twice last year during COVID 19. July and Nov. July is an extremely hot time to visit Okinawa. However if you enjoy the ocean, it was like swimming in warm bath water, so lovely. November during Thanksgiving break was cooler- highs in the low 70’s and the water cool to swim with wetsuits.
Our number one activity we love to do in Okinawa is snorkeling. We snorkeled in 4 places over 2 visits. Onna, the Blue Cave on the main island Okinawa, Zamami Island, Ishigaki Island, and Kouri Island. A tip we got from my friend in Tokyo is to bring your own snorkel set. Easy to pack and especially with COVID, it is nice to have your own set to use. At all the locations, they provide you with life vests during the summer months or wet suits during the winter months. In Onna, we love SwordFish snorkeling. Very organized and great facilities to get ready and shower after your adventure. Zamami Island, we loved Noah’s Zamami snorkeling and SUP. We got a private tour with SUP and snorkeling and we SUP to a private beach, the only way to get there is by kayak or SUP. In Ishigaki, we had a fabulous tour of snorkeling the Blue Cave & kayaking the Mangroves with Daniel_Ishigaki at Yaeyama tours and on Kouri Island we had a great snorkeling tour with boat with Zanmarine Snorkeling Shop.
Okinawa is a relaxing getaway and with gorgeous views of the ocean everywhere you look, you will fall in love with the islands. Below are some of our favorite places to visit. On your journey to Japan, make sure you make a stop for a few days to relax and swim among all the fish and coral in Okinawa. You will love it.
