Hello, or Konichiwa as they say in Japan. My name is Brittany and I am lucky enough to live in beautiful Okinawa. I am originally from a small town in North Carolina but moved to Okinawa five years ago with my husband who got stationed here in the military. I have always been a wanderlust soul who has dreamed of traveling and seeing the world since I was a little girl.
When we were given the opportunity to move to Okinawa (I’ll be honest), I had never heard of it before. When I pictured Japan, I envisioned Tokyo vibes and city life. That made me hesitant to want to move to Japan because I love being out in nature and by the ocean. But a quick Google search led me to envision an island paradise with crystal blue ocean, white sandy beaches and palm trees lining the horizon. Basically the “Hawaii” of Japan. During that moment, I fell in love with the idea of moving to Okinawa – so that’s exactly what I did and now I never want to leave.
My Daily Life in Yomitan, Okinawa
I live on the main island of Okinawa in a small village called Yomitan. Okinawa is a small island but has a relatively large selection of areas to live in! There’s 11 cities, nine towns and six villages. I chose to live in Yomitan because it is quieter than the central part of the island, has more open space, some of the best beaches nearby and has a laid back “island vibe”.
A typical day for me consists of taking care of my dogs (Atlas and Wilder), going to the beach or finding spots to create content for Instagram or local businesses, and then hitting the gym. Everyday is different for me! I am truly lucky to be able to do what I love. I spend my days treasure hunting the shorelines, snorkeling, hiking, soaking up the sun and chasing sunsets.
On the weekends my husband and I get to explore new places, and go to local festivals and events. Even after living here for five years, I find something new every time I explore. I don’t think anyone could discover all parts of Okinawa and everything it has to offer. It’s like a magical island that keeps you on your toes with surprises around every corner.
Pros and Cons of Living in Okinawa
Okinawa is gaining popularity and becoming one of the top destinations in Asia, and I am not surprised! After living here for a while now, I still feel like I am on vacation. There is so much to do and see here! There’s truly so much I love about living here. The unique culture, the friendly local people, the scenery, the adventure, the cleanliness and safety, the list goes on and on.
Having the opportunity to travel all over Southeast Asia from here is also another perk! I have been to Bali, Thailand, the Philippines, Guam, Tokyo and plan on going to Vietnam in a few months. So whenever my husband and I get “island fever”, we pick a destination and go! Of course, there are downfalls to every place. I think one con is how unpredictable the weather can be. It’s fun living on an island but it will definitely keep you on your toes.
From June to November it is “typhoon season” here. Okinawa is right in the path of some scary seasonal typhoons. Luckily, since living here, I have only experienced one really bad storm. The buildings here are built to weather through these types of storms but it can still be scary, especially when there is nowhere else to go (since Okinawa is an island).
Another con for me, personally, is missing family from back home in the States. Times zones are so different and it’s hard being so far away from family sometimes. I am so thankful for social media though, because that is the only way I am able to keep in touch with my friends and family from back home. I think that is a big reason why I share so much of my life, so people back home can experience a little bit of paradise too!
Favorite Place in Okinawa: Cape Teniya
There are so many spots on the island that hold a special place in my heart but one spot that always takes my breath away is Cape Teniya. This place isn’t so much of a touristy spot and in my opinion those are the best places to find – places off the beaten path and that’s where you will find Cape Teniya. It is located in Nago and is a mile long trail that leads to the most breathtaking cliffside views. It is such a peaceful spot where you can see “Oki blue” waters for miles with the most stunning landscapes!
10 Best Places to Visit in Okinawa
1. Kokusai Street
Kokusai-dori is a lively shopping street located in the heart of Naha City (the capital of Okinawa). It is lined with shops selling Okinawa delicacies and souvenirs. It is the main street of the whole prefecture! They also hold many festivals here during certain months of the year.
2. Shurijo Castle Park
Shuri Castle is an extraordinary castle that symbolizes the whole history and culture of Okinawa. This place will take you on a journey back in time through the reenacted rituals, ceremonies and celebrations.
3. Okinawa World
If you want to learn all about Okinawa, make sure you come to this unique theme park! There is so much to do and see here including the chance to learn about the culture, watch an Eisa show and explore a limestone cave.
4. Cape Manzamo
At Cape Manzamo, you will see spectacular cliff side views and a famed rock that developed like an upside-down elephant trunk. This is one of the most scenic rocks in Japan. Come during sunset, for a magical atmosphere!
5. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the world where you can view majestic whale sharks up close! You can also watch a dolphin show and learn all about the species living in Okinawa’s beautiful waters.
6. Islands Surrounding Okinawa
There are over 160 small islands that surround Okinawa and a few remote ones reachable by car from Okinawa’s main island. But you can’t miss going to Kouri Island! This gem is hitched to Okinawa by a bridge and it only takes about 10 minutes to drive around it. You will find top attractions like Kouri Ocean Tower, Heart Rock and some pristine beaches.
7. Southeast Botanical Gardens
This is a must-visit in Okinawa. It is a botanical garden resort with over 1,300 kinds of rare tropical plants! There’s also an area where you can hold squirrel monkeys and feed capybaras. They hold seasonal events here throughout the year like the Water Lily Festival and an illumination event.
8. Mihama American Village
If you’re looking for a place to shop, eat and drink – this bustling and quirky village is the place to go! It has an American vibe and is lined with quaint cafes, great restaurants, live entertainment, a cinema and American-themed shops. There’s something for everyone here. Also, if you come during Christmas, they transform it into a magical wonderland.
9. Beaches of Okinawa
There’s a beautiful beach around every corner in Okinawa and no trip is complete without beach-hopping! Some of the top beaches are: Nirai, Mibaru, Toguchi, Uken, Araha, Bibi and Azama Sunsun Beach, and Beach 51. Also, don’t forget to bring or rent snorkel gear! Okinawa is one of the world’s best spots to snorkel. It’s a whole different world under the water. My favorite spots are Mermaid’s Grotto and Cape Maeda. I have seen sea turtles, manta rays, vibrant coral reefs and some of the bluest fish here!
10. Whale Watching
If you visit between January and March, you cannot miss watching the humpback whales! The whales migrate from Alaska to Japan, so you can book a whale watching tour and get close to these magnificent animals.
Distinct Island Culture of Okinawa
The culture in Okinawa is quite different to mainland Japan. Since it was once its own country, many people here still see themselves separate from mainland Japanese. Okinawan people have created a unique culture of their own which promotes long life and a sense of community. The people here are some of the nicest and most respectful people I have ever met!
They have their own culture that has been passed down the generations. Okinawa is one of the world’s “Blue Zones” which is where a population has a life expectancy much higher than the global average. How cool is that!? I will be driving down the road and see older Okinawans outside walking to the store, gardening or getting some form of exercise. It’s amazing to see! The people here live a slower and more relaxed pace of life. I just love the vibes of Okinawa and the way of living life “on island time”.
Amazing Food Scene of Okinawa
Okinawa is a foodie hotspot, with cuisine that is truly one-of-a-kind! There’s a mix of influences on the island from China, Korea, Southeast Asia and the USA. Some of the must try local foods are: Okinawa soba noodles, goya chanpuru, taco rice, umibudo (sea grapes), ishigaki beef, beni imo (purple sweet potato) and sata andagi (okinawan doughnuts).
There are so many wonderful restaurants and cafes here, but my favorites are: Kami Sushi, 808 Poke Bowls, Kouri Shrimp Bus, Yakiniku and Vongo & Anchor. Be sure to check out Onna no Eki Nakayukui Market! This is a seaside market that sells the best local foods and products Okinawa has to offer. Also, be prepared to see vending machines on every block (literally)!
Which Areas to Stay in Okinawa
There are so many great hotels, resorts, hostels and Airbnbs all over the island. If you’re deciding on what area to stay in, I would recommend staying in two or three different areas. Each area has something unique to offer and you definitely don’t want to spend your time in a car commuting from place to place. Naha is great for first time visitors as it’s near many top attractions. It’s a great place to explore and learn about the island’s history.
Onna is ideal for beach lovers (my personal favorite). Here you will find luxury resorts and boutique hotels. You can find some of the most beautiful hidden beaches here and it is the place to go for water activities. Nago is best for a nature-filled adventure. There are a variety of outdoor activities to do here like hiking, visiting eccentric parks and chasing waterfalls.
If you’re looking to really be close to nature you can stay in a treehouse! Yes, an actual treehouse resort and it is remarkable – what childhood dreams are made of! The Treeful Treehouse offers a total of four private tree houses that are nestled high among the jungle. You can’t go wrong with any place you choose in Okinawa because the hospitality in Okinawa is top notch, so wherever you stay just know you will be well taken care of!
Final Tips for Visiting Okinawa
So I am sure by now I have convinced you to come to Okinawa because who wouldn’t want to spend time in paradise, right? But before you visit, there’s a few things to know. Getting to the main island is accessible by Naha Airport. Domestic flights from the major cities in Japan fly here a couple of times a day. Direct international flights connect Okinawa with Taiwan, China, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.
Getting around you can take the bus, a taxi or rent a car. The currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most larger stores and restaurants, but a few smaller businesses only accept cash. So, it is wise to carry cash with you at all times. You can easily use the ATMs at the convenience stores like FamilyMart, 7-Eleven and Lawsons.
Also, tipping is not required in Okinawa and can be considered rude in some cases – so just keep that in mind! Consider purchasing a SIM card upon your arrival in Japan and make sure you always have your passport!
When is the best time to visit? Well, Okinawa is an ideal destination to visit any time of year because of the subtropical climate. But there are certainly better times to visit than others. Early May to June is the rainy season. July and August are the two hottest and humid months, and there is always a chance of a typhoon during this time. This is the peak time for tourism, so things can get a little crowded. My personal favorite months here are September and October. Temperatures are perfect and there is little rain.
Winter can be a little chilly (so it is not ideal for a beach vacation) but there are little to no crowds and many festivals/events are held during this time, and you can experience the cherry blossoms. One thing’s for sure, Okinawa knows how to celebrate the change in seasons – so anytime you choose to visit there will always be something to do and see! So pack your bags and get ready to experience a truly one-of-a-kind bucket list place!
