[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"destination-asia-japan-okinawa":3},{"areaSquareKm":4,"bestTimeToVisit":5,"callingCode":6,"capitalCity":7,"code":8,"createdAt":9,"currency":10,"deletedAt":7,"description":14,"drivingSide":15,"electricity":16,"emergencyNumbers":17,"faq":29,"flag":7,"gettingAround":45,"government":46,"hasChildren":47,"healthInfo":48,"id":49,"images":50,"internal_type":55,"isFavourite":47,"bucketLists":56,"languages":57,"localCustoms":60,"name":61,"parent":62,"population":68,"safetyInfo":69,"slug":70,"status":71,"timezone":72,"type":73,"updatedAt":74,"visaInfo":7},"2281","April to June and September to November. April-June offers pleasant temperatures, blooming flowers, and the vibrant Naha Hari dragon boat races in May. Avoid Golden Week (late April/early May) due to crowds. September-November provides warm weather, lower humidity, and fewer crowds after summer. July-August is peak summer—hot, humid, and crowded, but ideal for beach activities. The rainy season (May-June) and typhoon season (June-November) can disrupt travel plans.","+81",null,"JP-47","2026-02-06T13:20:15.880Z",{"symbol":11,"name":12,"code":13},"¥","Japanese Yen","JPY","Okinawa is Japan's tropical paradise, a chain of over 160 islands stretching between mainland Japan and Taiwan. Unlike the rest of Japan, Okinawa boasts a distinct Ryukyuan culture, influenced by centuries of trade with China, Southeast Asia, and the United States. Visitors are drawn to its stunning natural beauty: crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling and diving among vibrant coral reefs, white-sand beaches like those on Miyako and Ishigaki islands, and lush subtropical forests. Key destinations include Shuri Castle in Naha (a reconstructed UNESCO World Heritage site), the Churaumi Aquarium with its massive whale shark tank, and the sacred sites of Sefa-Utaki. Okinawa's unique history is palpable, from the sobering Peace Memorial Park commemorating the Battle of Okinawa to the blend of American and Japanese cultures seen in places like American Village. The local cuisine is another highlight, featuring dishes like goya champuru (bitter melon stir-fry), Okinawa soba, and the longevity-promoting diet of its residents. With a slower pace of life, a warm climate year-round, and a deeply spiritual connection to nature, Okinawa offers a profoundly different and captivating Japanese experience.","Left","Type A, B; 100V, 60Hz (Note: Frequency differs from mainland Japan's 50Hz)",[18,21,24,26],{"key":19,"value":20},"Police","110",{"key":22,"value":23},"Ambulance","119",{"key":25,"value":23},"Fire",{"key":27,"value":28},"Tourist Police","",[30,33,36,39,42],{"key":31,"value":32},"Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car?","Yes, most foreign visitors must have a valid IDP alongside their home country driver's license to rent and drive a car in Okinawa.",{"key":34,"value":35},"Is English widely spoken in Okinawa?","English is not widely spoken outside major tourist areas, hotels, and some restaurants. Learning basic Japanese phrases is helpful, but people are generally patient and willing to help.",{"key":37,"value":38},"What is the best way to travel between islands?","For the Kerama Islands (close to Naha), ferries are common. For the Miyako and Yaeyama islands further south, flights are the most efficient option, though ferries are available for longer journeys.",{"key":40,"value":41},"Can I use my mobile phone from home?","Check with your provider about international roaming. Renting a pocket Wi-Fi device or purchasing a Japanese SIM card upon arrival at Naha Airport is a popular and reliable option.",{"key":43,"value":44},"What is unique about Okinawan food?","Okinawan cuisine focuses on longevity, with staples like purple sweet potato (beni imo), bitter melon (goya), pork, and seaweed. It's less reliant on seafood than mainland Japan and features unique dishes like Rafute (braised pork belly) and Okinawa soba.","On the main island (Okinawa Honto), the monorail (Yui Rail) serves Naha and the airport. Buses connect major towns but schedules can be infrequent, especially on outer islands. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring beyond Naha; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for most foreign drivers. Taxis are widely available but expensive for long distances. Ferries and flights (ANA/JTA) connect the main island to the Kerama, Miyako, and Yaeyama islands. Popular navigation apps include Google Maps and Japan's official Navitime app.","Prefectural government with a governor and prefectural assembly",false,"Medical facilities in major cities like Naha are modern and well-equipped. English-speaking doctors may be limited outside major hospitals. Common health concerns include sunburn, heatstroke, and dehydration—stay hydrated and use strong sunscreen. Jellyfish stings can occur while swimming; seek immediate first aid. No specific vaccinations are required beyond routine travel vaccines. Travel insurance is highly recommended. For serious emergencies, the U.S. Naval Hospital on Camp Lester (if eligible) or the Okinawa Prefectural Chubu Hospital in Uruma are key facilities. Pharmacies (yakkyoku) are widely available.","a423ba10-98ea-46c3-a16b-63fa8dd5fe97",[51,52,53,54],"destinations/asia/japan/okinawa/1770384014559-0.jpg","destinations/asia/japan/okinawa/1770384014559-1.jpg","destinations/asia/japan/okinawa/1770384014562-2.jpg","destinations/asia/japan/okinawa/1770384015464-3.jpg","STATE",[],[58,59],"Japanese","Okinawan (Ryukyuan languages)","Okinawan culture is distinct from mainland Japan. Greet with a slight bow or a casual nod. Remove shoes before entering homes, some traditional restaurants (ryotei), and certain historic sites. Tipping is not practiced and can be considered rude. Dress modestly when visiting sacred sites like utaki (prayer grounds) or castles. Respect local spiritual beliefs tied to nature. When visiting Shisa lion statues (common guardians), do not touch or climb on them. Be patient and polite; the pace of life is slower here. Try to learn a few basic Okinawan phrases.","Okinawa",{"id":63,"slug":64,"name":65,"images":7,"type":66,"internal_type":67,"flag":7,"parent":7},"45a0df1d-ba30-4530-bf78-eed9639d558b","asia-japan","Japan","country","COUNTRY","1.47 million","Okinawa is generally very safe with low crime rates. Exercise normal precautions against petty theft in crowded tourist areas. Be cautious when swimming: heed warning flags on beaches, as currents can be strong, and be aware of marine life. Typhoon season (June-November) requires monitoring weather reports. Some areas, particularly near U.S. military bases, may have occasional security advisories, but are generally safe. Traffic accidents are a higher risk; drive carefully, especially on narrow island roads. No specific areas are widely considered dangerous to avoid.","asia-japan-okinawa",true,"Asia/Tokyo +09:00 (GMT)","Prefecture","2026-05-07T15:02:33.954Z"]