Tropical Vibes & Island Adventures: Why Okinawa is Japan’s Summer Hotspot

Japan’s southernmost prefecture is truly unlike any other in the archipelago. With its subtropical climate and distinct cultural heritage, Okinawa might feel worlds apart from the rest of the country, both to domestic and foreign travelers. This makes it a popular escape from the crowded cities and even sprawling countryside of the mainland, which are exchanged for the quintessential white beaches and crystal clear waters of an island getaway.

And what better way to beat the heat waves hitting the rest of Japan in the summer than by visiting Okinawa? So, whether you’re already planning to take a trip around Japan, or are thinking of going to Okinawa directly, stay on board for our suggestions on the activities, events, and places you can only, best experience in the summertime.

Why is summer a great time to visit Okinawa?

The hot temperatures and high humidity might make you think twice about visiting Okinawa, but there’s a good reason why summer continues to be the peak season for travelers. All that sunshine makes water activities that much more pleasant, and summer arguably boasts the highest number of events to fill up your itinerary. These events are incredibly varied, from centuries-old traditional festivals to more relaxing affairs like simply soaking up Okinawa’s starry night sky and drinking some delicious beer to the accompaniment of live music.

You may want to beat the crowds by visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring or fall, but if you’re in for the true summer experience – complete with fireworks, snorkeling, and beach parties—then the hottest months are when this tropical paradise truly shines. While June to August falls under typhoon season, there are still plenty of indoor activities during those unpredictable rainy days, including participating in a traditional arts and crafts workshop or learning more about Okinawa’s complex history by visiting its museums.

There’s something to do for everyone and in every weather, so if you’re looking for a packed beach vacation with relaxing, in-between moments, then an Okinawan summer getaway is for you.

Things to do in Okinawa in the summertime

Water activities

Discover Okinawa’s vast network of coral reefs and the unique marine species living under its transparent blue waters through diving, snorkeling, and underwater walks. Divers of all experience levels can do so from any of Okinawa’s islands, but you won’t want to miss out on swimming with the manta rays in Yaeyama and sea turtles off of the Kerama Islands—both exclusive experiences that coincide in the summer. Explore underwater ruins in Yonaguni, navigate intricate cave formations off of the Miyako Islands, or simply watch the sunlight filter through the waters throughout Okinawa, lighting up the colorful coral garden underneath with an ephemeral glow.

If you’re not confident in swimming, fear not, because underwater walks are a safe activity that you can do with your family. Take a slow, relaxing walk along the seabed and get an equally close-up look at Okinawa’s diverse marine life. And if underwater depths are not for you, consider trying out stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), which will let you glide across the waters with the warm rays of the sun on your face.

Island-hopping

With so many islands, each with its own unique topography, you’d better get to exploring if you want to find your perfect tropical adventure. From the usual starting point of Naha on Okinawa’s main island, you might head for the Miyako or Kerama Islands for an underwater experience. While there, visit any of the numerous inhabited islands that make up the Keramashoto National Park for hikes that lead to panoramic views of rugged cliffs, turquoise waters, and white sand beaches.

Check out Okinawa’s most beautiful beach—and maybe the most beautiful in the world—in the form of Nishihama Beach in Hateruma, part of the Yaeyama Islands. Then, walk through the well-preserved Ryukyuan, or traditional Okinawan, village in Taketomi for some aesthetic pictures, and feel the history seeping through the houses’ red roof tiles and guardian lion-dog, or shisa, statues.

Nature

As the southernmost and westernmost islands, expect to find a wealth of nature throughout the secluded paradise that is the Yaeyama Islands. With many uninhabited islands and unspoiled natural landscapes, trek or canoe through dense mangrove forests in search of Okinawa’s longest river and tallest waterfall—both found on Yaeyama’s Iriomote Island. A UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to 70% of Japan’s mangrove forests, go on the nature tour of your choice to better immerse yourself in the island’s sheer biodiversity. You might even meet the critically endangered Iriomote cat—if you’re lucky enough to spot one!

Miyako is yet another popular destination for all kinds of water activities—and for good reason, considering it boasts the clearest waters and largest coral reefs in Japan. This makes it a haven for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, who can explore some of the most interesting underwater topography, which includes uniquely formed natural arches and tunnels leading to enormous caverns. But Miyako also has plenty of secluded beaches and distant islands seemingly untouched by time, such as Tarama—explorable by bicycle, and offers an unhindered view of the stars in the night sky.

Okinawa’s natural charms extend not only underwater but also underground in the form of 600 limestone caverns. Over 100 of those can be found in Minami-Daito Island, whilst Okinawa World’s Gyokusendo Cave is the longest overall, with over a million stalactites and stalagmites scattered throughout its 5 km length! Don full spelunking gear and explore this labyrinthine cave system with a guide for a limited summer adventure.

And keep an eye out in the evenings for the ephemeral beauty that is Sagaribana flowers. Resembling fireworks, they bloom only for a single evening from late June to July before falling off in the morning each time. The sheer exclusivity of these flowers, which can only be found in Okinawa and a few other coastal swamp forest areas around the world, is just another reason to visit during Okinawa’s rainy summer season.

Festivals/events

In addition to the quintessential summer activities of fireworks, yukata-wearing, and beach parties, you can enjoy festivals that showcase Okinawa’s traditional culture through these summer-exclusive events:

List of important dates:

Itoman Hare dragon boat racing event (late May or June):

Witness the tremendous power and endurance of Okinawan fishermen as they compete in several events at this festival meant to pray for safe voyages and a good catch. Get your adrenaline pumping with the help of the festive dance and music performances in preparation for the final spectacle: a whopping 2,150-meter boat race.

Eisa Matsuri dance performances (June-August):

Don’t miss out on Okinawa’s symbolic folk dance, where throngs of young performers combine lively singing and dance steps with vibrant music from the taiko drums and traditional Okinawan instruments. Enjoy each troupe’s unique performance on weekend nights at various venues throughout the summer, culminating in not one, but two exciting events: the three-day Okinawa Zento Eisa Matsuri and the 10,000 Eisa Dancers Parade down the famous Kokusai-dori avenue, which travelers can even join in for a small fee!

Nago Summer Festival (July):

It’s not a Japanese summer without a bustling festival, complete with food stalls, live music, and a grand fireworks display held on both nights of this two-day event. Cheer for this occasion’s one-of-a-kind Eisa performances with a cold, freshly brewed Orion Beer in hand.

Ocean Expo Park Summer Festival (July):

Feel the day pass you by with family-friendly water activities along Okinawa’s Emerald Beach, and special screenings at the Oceanic Culture Museum and Planetarium. Then, gather back on the beach for Okinawa’s largest fireworks show, where 10,000 fireworks of all shapes and sizes paint the sky and sea below with dazzling colors.

Southern Island Star Festival (August):

Admire the breathtaking starry sky of Ishigaki Island, one of the southernmost islands in Okinawa. A certified “International Dark Sky Park”—the first place to be certified in Japan—expect deep and dark skies with very little light pollution, allowing the constellations to shine in all their natural glow. Simply sit back and let the Milky Way and music from the nearby concerts envelop you, or go on a tour of the Ishigakijima Astronomical Observatory, where you’ll get to operate its giant telescope for a close-up stargazing experience.

Yonabaru Great Tug-of-War Festival (August):

This 450-year-old tradition is arguably Okinawa’s grandest and most intense. Imagine two giant ropes—thick enough for performers dressed as Okinawa’s legendary figures to perch on top—being paraded around the venue before joining together into a single, 5-ton, 90-meter-long rope. What follows is an exhilarating tug-of-war in the name of bountiful harvest, good health, and prosperity, all of which will be claimed by the winning team. Start and end the day in high spirits with the accompaniment of Eisa dancing, music shows, and a fireworks display for an equally big finish.

Indoor activities

Don’t worry about missing out on rainy days, because Okinawa still has plenty to offer behind closed doors and covered roofs. In fact, being forced to get out of the scorching sun in favor of museums, art studios, and shopping arcades can be a blessing in disguise. Take the chance to dive into Okinawan history, traditional culture, and its bustling nightlife—which truly comes alive on summer nights—with these indoor activities:

Museums

June 23 marks Okinawa Memorial Day, during which services are held for the many lives lost during the Battle of Okinawa near the end of WWII. Commemorate this day by attending the memorial service at the Okinawa Peace Memorial Park. The park is also home to the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum, where you can learn more about the battle’s gripping history and its aftermath, marked by resilience and hope for peace throughout the world.

For a more all-encompassing exploration of Okinawa’s long history, stretching back to the time of the Ryukyu Kingdom through to the war era and into the present, the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum is a must-see. And if you want a more detailed look into Okinawa’s endemic animal species, pay a visit to the Okinawa Zoo & Museum for the full exhibition. Families with children will absolutely love the Wonder Museum facility, which provides hands-on workshops and interactive exhibits for a fun learning experience.

Shopping arcades

Kokusai-dori is indisputably the most iconic and busiest shopping district in Okinawa. Stretching for almost 2 km through the center of Naha, it is chock-full of souvenir shops, department stores, and familiar chain restaurants. But that’s not all—there are also street markets, local eateries, and a variety of shops catering to local customers—if you know where to find them. Penetrate the touristy facade by wandering into the covered shopping arcades like Heiwa-Dori, which will then lead you into the true heart of Okinawan culture with its authentic food, cheap prices, and local atmosphere.

Traditional arts & crafts workshops

The Tenbusu Naha Culture Center, at the heart of Kokusai-dori, offers many hands-on experiences in Okinawan traditional arts. Learn the centuries-old bingata dyeing technique to create a one-of-a-kind tote bag, craft your own stunning Ryukyuan glassware, and carve out your own shisa figurines under the guidance of expert craftsmen.

Performing arts

But if you’d rather sit back and watch the experts do their thing, the Tenbusu Naha also puts on regular performances of its unique musical groups. Check out “Rinken Band,” a group that helped popularize Okinawan music through their avant-garde music style, which combines a modern sound with traditional Okinawan instruments. Experience lively Eisa dancing on top of it all for an unprecedented stage that can only be described as “Okinawa pop.”

If you’d like to see a more traditional performance, try catching a live show of “Tink Tink,” a three-member female vocal group that often appears in events throughout Okinawa and also in national media. Having been exposed to Okinawan music from a young age, they now perform a combination of original songs and Okinawan folk music.

Nightlife

Live music, good drinks, and good food are a combination made in heaven, and you can find plenty of bars, cafes, and clubs in Naha alone. Start your night off with cheap drinks and an eclectic mix of cuisines at Kokusai Dori Yataimura (“Kokusai Dori Street Food Village”) before heading to either Parker’s Mood Jazz Club for a chill evening or Epica, a nightclub that rotates between international and local DJs, for a flashier fare.

But the best place to go and experience authentic Okinawan nightlife is undoubtedly Koza, the old center of Okinawa City and breeding ground for all kinds of music genres and musicians to this very day. Largely stemming from the American Occupation after WWII, expect a blending of cultures in places like Cafe Ocean, where you can taste delicious, crispy tacos with the accompaniment of live Japanese folk music. Gate 2 Garage is another long-established spot that features classic rock and blues performances in a fittingly cramped, garage-like setting.

Feel the sand between your toes, the cool waters as you run your fingers across the surface of the sea. Soak in the vibrant buzzing of cultural festivals during the day and mingle with the company around you, with beer in hand, during the cooler nights. Wander from past to present, city to nature in your venture into island life. Make your summer in Japan unforgettable by adding Okinawa to your travel plans, a one-of-a-kind destination that you’ll never get bored of.

Featured Photo Credit: creamfeeder foundation

Summer is an underrated season to visit Japan. Come join one of our amazing summer tours to make your trip unforgettable!

 

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