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 and primary transport gateway at Naha Airport (OKA), Yui Rail Monorail & Ishigaki / Miyako Airports. Spanning 41 cities, towns, and villages, Okinawa is renowned for Subtropical Ryukyu Kingdom heritage (Shuri Castle in Naha), Churaumi Aquarium (Motobu), Kerama Islands coral reefs, and the turquoise Yaeyama & Miyako islands (Ishigaki, Taketomi, Miyakojima).
| Okinawa Prefecture (沖縄県) Quick Facts | 2026/2027 Travel Reference |
|---|---|
| Region & Capital | Okinawa · Capital: Naha |
| Primary Rail / Transit Hub | Naha Airport (OKA), Yui Rail Monorail & Ishigaki / Miyako Airports |
| Municipalities Covered | 41 cities, towns, wards & villages |
| Top Sightseeing Bases | Naha (那覇市), Okinawa (沖縄市), Uruma (うるま市), Urasoe (浦添市), Ginowan (宜野湾市) |
| Best Season to Visit | Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Oct–Nov) |
| Signature Regional Food | 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 |
Top Cities, Towns & Sightseeing Bases in Okinawa Prefecture
Whether you are basing in the prefectural capital of Naha or planning regional day trips from Naha Airport (OKA), Yui Rail Monorail & Ishigaki / Miyako Airports, these top municipalities in Okinawa Prefecture offer the richest concentration of cultural landmarks, rail links, and dining:
- Naha (那覇市) — Core city (pop. 314,162, 39.23 km²) served by Kenchōmae Station (県庁前駅) (0.2 km); key local sights include Shuri Castle UNESCO World Heritage Site (首里城), Kokusai-dori Street & Makishi Public Market (国際通り・牧志公設市場), Shikinaen Royal Garden (識名園).
- Okinawa (沖縄市) — City (pop. 128,421, 49.00 km²) served by Gibo Station (儀保駅) (14.9 km); key local sights include Southeast Botanical Gardens, Okinawa Kodomo no Kuni Zoo & Museum, Koza Gate Street & Music Town.
- Uruma (うるま市) — City (pop. 114,087, 86.03 km²) served by Gibo Station (儀保駅) (22.0 km); key local sights include Yabuchi Jima (9.3 km), Yontan-san (8.5 km), White Beach (10.0 km).
- Urasoe (浦添市) — City (pop. 108,052, 19.09 km²) served by Shiritsubyōin Station (市立病院前駅) (2.4 km); key local sights include Urasoe Castle Ruins & Youdore Royal Mausoleum (浦添城跡・浦添ようどれ), Minatogawa Stateside Town Cafés (港川ステイツサイドタウン), Urasoe Art Museum.
- Ginowan (宜野湾市) — City (pop. 91,233, 19.70 km²) served by Gibo Station (儀保駅) (8.7 km); key local sights include Tropical Beach & Ginowan Seaside Park (トロピカルビーチ), Kakazu Takadai Park Observatory, Futenma Gu Shrine & Cave (普天満宮).
- Nago (名護市) — City (pop. 60,598, 210.30 km²) served by Nago Bus Terminal (名護バスターミナル) (Yanbaru Express Bus & Okinawa Expressway Bus from Naha Airport); key local sights include Busena Marine Park Underwater Observatory (ブセナ海中公園), Nago Castle Park Cherry Blossoms (名護城公園), Orion Happy Park Brewery.
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). Once at Naha Airport (OKA), Yui Rail Monorail & Ishigaki / Miyako Airports, JR regional lines, private commuter railways, and local highway buses connect travelers across all 41 municipalities in Okinawa. 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) — regional culinary specialty across Okinawa Prefecture (沖縄県).
- Goya champuru (bitter melon, tofu, egg & pork stir-fry) — regional culinary specialty across Okinawa Prefecture (沖縄県).
- Taco rice & Blue Seal ice cream — regional culinary specialty across Okinawa Prefecture (沖縄県).
- Umi-budo (popping 'sea grapes') — regional culinary specialty across Okinawa Prefecture (沖縄県).
- Ishigaki wagyu & Sata andagi donuts — regional culinary specialty across Okinawa Prefecture (沖縄県).
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 41 cities & municipalities in Okinawa Prefecture
Click any city below for its individual travel guide, local landmarks, nearest rail station, food specialties, and 5 closest neighboring 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 → |
| Zamami 座間味村 | Village (村) | 900 | 16.74 km² | City guide → |
| Yonaguni 与那国町 | Town (町) | 1,551 | 28.96 km² | City guide → |
| Yonabaru 与那原町 | Town (町) | 18,546 | 5.18 km² | City guide → |
| Yomitan 読谷村 | Village (村) | 41,051 | 35.28 km² | City guide → |
| Tonaki 渡名喜村 | Village (村) | 403 | 3.74 km² | City guide → |
| Tokashiki 渡嘉敷村 | Village (村) | 705 | 19.23 km² | City guide → |
| Tarama 多良間村 | Village (村) | 1,269 | 22 km² | City guide → |
| Taketomi 竹富町 | Town (町) | 4,103 | 334.02 km² | City guide → |
| Onna 恩納村 | Village (村) | 10,751 | 50.77 km² | City guide → |
| Ōgimi 大宜味村 | Village (村) | 3,305 | 63.12 km² | City guide → |
| Nishihara 西原町 | Town (町) | 35,337 | 15.84 km² | City guide → |
| Nakijin 今帰仁村 | Village (村) | 9,590 | 39.87 km² | City guide → |
| Nakagusuku 中城村 | Village (村) | 18,906 | 15.53 km² | City guide → |
| Motobu 本部町 | Town (町) | 13,727 | 54.3 km² | City guide → |
| Minamidaitō 南大東村 | Village (村) | 1,295 | 30.7 km² | City guide → |
| Kunigami 国頭村 | Village (村) | 5,132 | 194.8 km² | City guide → |
| Kitanakagusuku 北中城村 | Village (村) | 16,669 | 11.53 km² | City guide → |
| Kitadaitō 北大東村 | Village (村) | 558 | 13.1 km² | City guide → |
| Kin 金武町 | Town (町) | 11,423 | 37.57 km² | City guide → |
| Kadena 嘉手納町 | Town (町) | 13,871 | 15.04 km² | City guide → |
| Izena 伊是名村 | Village (村) | 1,559 | 15.42 km² | City guide → |
| Iheya 伊平屋村 | Village (村) | 1,323 | 21.72 km² | City guide → |
| Ie 伊江村 | Village (村) | 4,743 | 22.75 km² | City guide → |
| Higashi 東村 | Village (村) | 1,904 | 81.79 km² | City guide → |
| Haebaru 南風原町 | Town (町) | 36,584 | 10.76 km² | City guide → |
| Ginoza 宜野座村 | Village (村) | 5,860 | 31.28 km² | City guide → |
| Chatan 北谷町 | Town (町) | 28,566 | 13.62 km² | City guide → |
| Aguni 粟国村 | Village (村) | 743 | 7.65 km² | City guide → |
| Kumejima 久米島町 | Town (町) | 8,395 | 63.5 km² | City guide → |
| Yaese 八重瀬町 | Town (町) | 28,984 | 26.96 km² | City guide → |
Frequently asked questions
What are the best places and cities to visit in Okinawa Prefecture (沖縄県)?
Top highlights across Okinawa Prefecture (沖縄県) in Japan's Okinawa region 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). Major cities and sightseeing bases in Okinawa include Naha (那覇市), Okinawa (沖縄市), Uruma (うるま市), Urasoe (浦添市), Ginowan (宜野湾市).
How do I get to Okinawa Prefecture and get around by train?
The primary rail and transit hub for Okinawa Prefecture is Naha Airport (OKA), Yui Rail Monorail & Ishigaki / Miyako Airports (prefectural capital: Naha). 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). Compare bullet-train fares with our Shinkansen Fare Calculator and JR Pass Calculator.
What local food and regional dishes is Okinawa Prefecture famous for?
Signature regional specialties across Okinawa Prefecture (沖縄県) include 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—served at station restaurants around Naha Airport (OKA), Yui Rail Monorail & Ishigaki / Miyako Airports, local morning markets, and izakaya in Naha and Okinawa.
When is the best time of year to visit Okinawa Prefecture?
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). Check month-by-month weather, cherry blossom windows, and autumn foliage dates in our Japan Seasonal Calendar.