Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview of Okinawa Prefecture (沖縄県)
Okinawa Prefecture (沖縄県) is located in the Okinawa region of Japan, with its prefectural capital at Naha. Key sights and travel highlights across the prefecture include Subtropical Ryukyu Kingdom heritage (Shuri Castle in Naha), Churaumi Aquarium (Motobu), Kerama Islands coral reefs, and the turquoise Yaeyama & Miyako islands (Ishigaki, Taketomi, Miyakojima).
How to get to Okinawa Prefecture
2h 40m flight from Tokyo (HND/NRT) or 2h 05m from Osaka (KIX/ITM) to Naha (OKA), plus direct flights to Ishigaki (ISG) and Miyako (MMY). Use our Shinkansen Fare & Route Calculator and JR Pass Value Helper to compare rail tickets and regional passes.
Signature local food in Okinawa
When visiting cities across Okinawa, look out for these regional specialties at station restaurants, markets, and local izakaya:
- Okinawa soba (wheat noodles in pork-kelp broth with tender soki ribs)
- Goya champuru (bitter melon, tofu, egg & pork stir-fry)
- Taco rice & Blue Seal ice cream
- Umi-budo (popping 'sea grapes')
- Ishigaki wagyu & Sata andagi donuts
Best time to visit Okinawa
March–early May and October–November for warm swimming (24–28°C) with lower humidity; July–September for peak coral snorkeling and diving (watch for brief typhoons).
All 11 cities & municipalities in Okinawa Prefecture
Click any city below for its individual travel guide, demographics, rail access, food specialties, and nearby stops:
| City (Kanji) | Type / Status | Population | Area | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naha 那覇市 | Core city | 314,162 | 39.23 km² | City guide → · Flagship guide |
| Ishigaki 石垣市 | City | 46,489 | 229.00 km² | City guide → · Flagship guide |
| Ginowan 宜野湾市 | City | 91,233 | 19.70 km² | City guide → · Flagship guide |
| Urasoe 浦添市 | City | 108,052 | 19.09 km² | City guide → · Flagship guide |
| Nago 名護市 | City | 60,598 | 210.30 km² | City guide → · Flagship guide |
| Itoman 糸満市 | City | 56,171 | 46.63 km² | City guide → |
| Okinawa 沖縄市 | City | 128,421 | 49.00 km² | City guide → · Flagship guide |
| Tomigusuku 豊見城市 | City | 54,586 | 19.45 km² | City guide → |
| Uruma うるま市 | City | 114,087 | 86.03 km² | City guide → |
| Miyakojima 宮古島市 | City | 52,777 | 204.54 km² | City guide → · Flagship guide |
| Nanjō 南城市 | City | 39,458 | 49.70 km² | City guide → |