Japan’s island paradise of Okinawa is a surprising escape for adventurous couples. A drastic difference from the mainland pace of life, the laid-back island is encircled by brilliant coral reefs tucked under sparkling blue waters that lap up to the white, sandy beaches.
The feel here is much more like Hawaii with less expense. That’s likely why honeymooning couples are changing their itineraries and going on new adventures by the sea in Okinawa for a magical romantic getaway that’s off the beaten path.
Okinawa impresses with 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to explore. The Okinawans are hospitable and friendly while the gorgeous beaches and surrounding landscape offer an air of romance. With splendid weather, epicurean delights, thrilling water activities and sports, plus shopping and dining, perhaps you should be planning your honeymoon in Okinawa instead!
– The Best time to visit Okinawa
Okinawa’s subtropical allure suggests a year-round paradise, but the reality is more fickle. Winter lingers longer than expected, with icy winds and unrelenting rain sweeping through from November to March, casting a grey veil over its famed turquoise waters. Beach days are out of the question.
By June, the monsoon arrives, its rains heavy and unpredictable, followed by typhoon season at its most volatile in late summer. Yet, between storms, the sun emerges, dazzling and bright, revealing pristine shorelines untouched by crowds. April and May offer the most reliable conditions—warm, dry, and ideal for slow island explorations.
If you want more peace and seclusion during your honeymoon, avoid scheduling your trip in late April through early May. It’s known as Golden Week, which means you’ll surrounded by throngs of tourists from the mainland.
Things to do on your honeymoon in Okinawa
A honeymoon in Okinawa isn’t just about basking on a beautiful beach—though there are plenty of those. It’s about immersing yourself in the island’s unique rhythm, shaped by centuries of Ryukyu culture, a subtropical climate, and a way of life that revolves around the sea. Here, days slip by at an unhurried pace, punctuated by leisurely meals, dips in impossibly clear waters, and moments of quiet awe in ancient castle ruins. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, Okinawa offers an experience that feels worlds apart from the rest of Japan.
Step Into the Past at Okinawa’s UNESCO-Listed Castles
Okinawa’s castles aren’t like the wooden fortresses of mainland Japan. These are limestone strongholds, built to withstand typhoons and time itself, their stone walls curving across hilltops and cliffs. Once at the heart of the Ryukyu Kingdom, a thriving maritime hub that traded with China and Southeast Asia, they now stand as beautiful ruins, offering both a glimpse into Okinawa’s past and some of its most spectacular views.
Of the many gusuku (castle ruins) on the islands, five have been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage sites, each with its own story.
The most famous, Shuri Castle, was the centre of Ryukyuan politics and culture. First built in the 14th century, it was a symbol of Okinawa’s distinct identity until Japan annexed the kingdom in 1879. Destroyed during World War II and painstakingly reconstructed in the 1990s, it was tragically lost again to fire in 2019. The latest rebuild is in progress, set to be completed by 2026, but the site remains a must-visit for its history and significance.
Further north, Nakagusuku Castle offers sweeping views over the Pacific from its ridgeline perch. Built in the 15th century, its curving limestone walls are astonishingly well-preserved, a testament to the skill of Ryukyuan stonemasons.
Zakimi Castle, dating to the early 1400s, played a key defensive role in protecting the Ryukyu Kingdom. Today, it’s better known for its peaceful setting and wide-open views across the East China Sea.
Then there’s Nakijin Castle, once a stronghold against southern Ryukyu forces, today it is mostly in ruins but is particularly magical in early spring when cherry blossoms line the ancient pathways, softening its rugged stone walls.
Finally, Katsuren Castle rises dramatically on a narrow ridge overlooking the Pacific. It was once home to a powerful Ryukyuan lord, its strategic position making it a key centre for trade and diplomacy. Now, its ruins offer some of the most striking ocean views in Okinawa.
Though time and war have left their mark, these castles remain some of the most striking places to explore in Okinawa. Whether you come for the history, the views, or simply the feeling of standing in a place where time seems to stand still, they’re unmissable.
Okinawa World
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, Okinawa World is a vibrant open-air museum that brings the island’s cultural heritage to life with traditional music and dance performances, craft workshops, and streets lined with old-style Ryukyuan houses. It’s a great place to pick up a souvenir—perhaps a handwoven textile or a piece of lacquerware. Don’t miss Gyokusendo Cave, stretching for five kilometres beneath the surface, it is a wonderland of stalactites, underground rivers, and otherworldly rock formations.
Feeling adventurous? Try habu sake, a local spirit infused with snake. Okinawans swear by its medicinal properties, though it’s definitely an acquired taste.
Tsuboya Pottery District
Tucked away in Naha, the Tsuboya Pottery District has been at the heart of Okinawa’s pottery scene for centuries, and today, its narrow streets are lined with artisan workshops, kilns, and boutiques selling beautifully crafted yachimun pottery. The distinctive blue-green glazes and bold patterns make each piece a work of art in its own right.
If you’re feeling creative, some studios offer hands-on pottery classes, allowing you to shape and glaze your own souvenir. At the western edge of the district, the Tsuboya Pottery Museum delves into the history of Okinawan ceramics, with exhibits on traditional techniques and a replica of a classic potter’s house.
Peace Memorial Park & Museum
The Battle of Okinawa, fought in 1945, remains one of the Pacific War’s most devastating chapters. The Peace Memorial Park in the island’s south is a solemn tribute to the 150,000 civilians and 160,000 military personnel who lost their lives, blending personal testimonies, historical photographs, and artefacts that reveal the immense toll of the war.
Ryukyu Mura
For a glimpse into Okinawa’s past, Ryukyu Mura recreates the atmosphere of a traditional Ryukyuan village. This open-air museum features historic houses, cultural demonstrations, and hands-on workshops where visitors can experience Okinawan traditions firsthand.
Watch artisans crafting pottery and textiles, try playing the sanshin (Okinawan lute), and enjoy performances of traditional music and dance. Local cuisine is also a highlight, with dishes made using time-honoured techniques.
Go Whale Watching
From January to March, whale-watching cruises offer the chance to see migrating humpback whales in Okinawan waters. The best time for beach activities is July to October, though many beaches are swimmable year-round. Typhoons can affect travel plans from July to October, so checking forecasts in advance is wise.
Don’t Forget to Declare Your Love
On Manza Beach, head to Cape Manzamo where the Kouri Ocean Tower awaits. It’s home to the ‘Bell of Love’ which you can ring while gazing out together over the immaculate coastal views!
Blissful Beaches
For honeymooners, few places rival the sheer beauty of Okinawa’s beaches. Here, the sand is soft and pale, the sea shifts between dazzling shades of blue, and the only agenda is to sink into the slow rhythm of island life. On Okinawa’s main island, visit famed Manza Beach, Emerald Beach, and Okuma Beach to luxuriate in the sun.
Yet some of Okinawa’s most breathtaking shorelines lie beyond the main island, reachable by a short ferry or flight—each offering a secluded, almost cinematic escape.
The Kerama Islands, a short ferry ride from Naha, are among the best places to explore Okinawa’s underwater world. Tokashiki Island, the largest in the chain, is an easy day trip with pristine beaches and translucent waters.
Aharen Beach is perfect for swimming and snorkelling, while the surrounding uninhabited islets offer serene kayaking routes.
For a true castaway experience, Hatenohama Beach on Kume Island is a dreamscape of unbroken white sand stretching for four miles, accessible only by boat. Floating between the endless blue of the sky and sea, it’s the kind of place where time seems to stand still.
Further south, Ishigaki Island—a one-hour flight from Okinawa—offers the kind of beaches honeymooners fantasise about.
Yonehara Beach, a favourite for snorkellers, is a natural aquarium with shallow, transparent waters and vibrant coral gardens.
Kabira Bay, meanwhile, is all about impossibly blue seas, where black pearls are cultivated beneath the surface. Though swimming isn’t permitted, glass-bottom boat tours glide over the bay, offering a glimpse into this underwater world.
For honeymooners who dream of long, sun-soaked days on unspoiled shores, these beaches are as blissful as they come.
Watch the Sunset at Cape Hedo
For a spectacular end to a romantic day, head to Cape Hedo, Okinawa’s northernmost point. With rugged cliffs plunging into the deep blue sea and uninterrupted sunset views, it’s one of the most breathtaking spots to reflect on your honeymoon together.
Indulge in Okinawa’s Unique Cuisine
Okinawa’s cuisine blends Japanese, Chinese and Southeast Asian influences, offering honeymooners a unique culinary experience. Live a longer life by eating as the Okinawans do. Their healthy diet also happens to be delicious. Here are a few that you shouldn’t miss:
- Umi budo – These sea grapes look like little bubbles and are best enjoyed chilled with a little soy sauce and vinegar.
- Rafute – This pork rib dish is stewed in a mixture of fish broth and soy sauce. The locals claim it helps with longevity!
- Okinawa soba – With noodles more like udon than soba, they are highly adored on the island. They even have a holiday on 17 October to celebrate it!
- Agu – It’s basically the pork version of wagyu beef. Rich in taste, it melts in your mouth and is prized for its plentiful collagen content.
- Blue Seal Ice Cream – This ice cream is exclusive to the island, something that has been delighting visitors for about 70 years!
- Orion Beer – And finally, don’t forget to sip Okinawa’s exclusive beer, made with fresh spring water!
Visa concerns for Okinawa
Pack your bags for an Okinawan getaway for 2! For most travellers, no visa is required for tourism purposes up to 90 days. In all, the citizens of 68 countries embarking to Japan need nothing but their valid passport. Among these countries are citizens of Australia, UK, US, Canada, most European nations, Hong Kong, Korea, New Zealand, and Singapore.
Hotels in Okinawa
Truly enjoy your honeymoon with hotels that know how to help you luxuriate in love!
– The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa
Not only is this hotel one of the most opulent places as per Ritz Carlton’s world-renowed standards, but all rooms feature terraces; some, including the Cabana Room, offer private whirlpools.The immaculate spa, dining, and other amenities are sure to help you make it the time of your life. Check for the best rates at The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa here.
– Hyakuna Garan
Set overlooking Hyakuna Beach is the striking Hyakuna Garan. This independent luxury resort is ideal for those seeking pure tranquillity on their getaway. Made exclusively for adults, it beckons to couples that want to connect with nature and each other.
– ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort
Go for sophistication with this upscale resort close to that Bell of Love. It features 6 luxury bars and restaurants plus an immaculate outdoor pool and spa. ANA Intercontinental Maza Beach Resort is literally surrounded by water and just a 45 minute drive to the iconic Shuri Castle.
–Okinawa Kariyushi Resort EXES Onna
And for 5-star luxury, EXES offers chic accommodations that provide sea views attainable from the balcony. This upscale spa resort has all the makings for an absolutely opulent escape. Check for best rates and availability at Okinawa Kariyushi Resort EXES Onna.
Languages spoken
In Okinawa, the people speak both Japanese and Ryukshan. In larger towns and in places of hospitality, such as your hotel, you’ll find people that speak and understand English. Even if they don’t though, it won’t hurt to learn a few key phrases before you go and install an app that can help you translate.
Okinawans, much like the Japanese on the mainland, are very kind and welcoming. For those that don’t speak or understand English, they will try to help in any way they can.
Looking to honeymoon in Japan? We’ve put together the Ultimate Tokyo Honeymoon Guide for you. Or, visit our library of travel articles on Japan for couples here. From Kyoto to Hakone and Koyasan to Japan’s best ski regions, you’ll find it all covered!
