This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Okinawa.
Okinawa, Japan, is a group of tropical Japanese islands found more than six hundred forty kilometers south of mainland Japan. The main island is called Okinawa and is home to the prefectural capital and largest city, Naha. If you are flying to Okinawa, you will most likely fly into Naha International Airport but airports are also located on some of the other islands. The Okinawa group of islands also includes Zamami and Tokashiki Islands, which are just a ferry ride away. Okinawa as a prefecture also includes three other groups of islands. To the southwest there is Miyako and Yaeyama Islands. And to the northeast you have the Amami Islands. All of the islands have different things to offer, but you can be guaranteed to find some beautiful tropical paradises on all of them.
If you are interested in history the main island of Okinawa is a good place to explore as it was the home of many battles during World War II and still has many legacies from the war. A visit to the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum is a great way to get a good understanding about what happened during the war in Okinawa, Japan, and the countries that Japan was occupying during the war. If you like culture and historic castles, then a visit to the Shuri Castle is a must. Shuri Castle was once the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom who ruled the Okinawa Islands until Japan took them over in the late nineteenth century. Okinawa is a wonderful place to go snorkeling and diving with reefs surrounding a large proportion of the islands.
As Okinawa was its own kingdom, it has a very different culture to the rest of Japan. Typically Japan can be a bit fast-paced and work-driven but when you arrive on Okinawa you get a typical relaxed vibe that comes from island living and being surrounded by paradise. Cuisine is typically quite seafood-based and Okinawa has many regional specialities that are worth trying. The nightlife varies by island, but you can expect to find a relaxing bar at least somewhere close to your hostel in Okinawa, Japan. Transport on the islands outside of Naha can be limited so you may need to rent a car, bike, or scooter to get the most out of your visit.
Okinawa, Japan hostels are found on many of the islands and in the bigger cities like Naha. If you are looking for an island to stay on a budget, then you can easily find it with so many great options available in Okinawa. Okinawa, Japan hostels in the cities usually have good access to attractions as well as lots of great restaurants and bars. Okinawa, Japan hostels on the smaller islands vary in access to things like supermarkets and beaches but many of the hostels in Okinawa, Japan, will even have their own restaurant.
Written by local enthusiast for Okinawa hostels
Straighty
