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Furuzamami Beach, on Zamami IslandFuruzamami Beach, on Zamami Island
Cities and regions · Okinawa

Okinawa, the far south

The beaches of the Kerama Islands, the Churaumi Aquarium and Shuri Castle, which reopens on November 23, 2026.

Okinawa at a glance2 hr 30 to 3 hr flight from Tokyo
A caralmost essential outside Naha
27 min, 360 ¥by monorail, from the airport to Shuri
Suica acceptedand contactless cards, on the monorail
20 °C (68 °F) in Januaryby day, in Naha
July → Octobertyphoons, peaking in August
2% per nightaccommodation tax from February 1, 2027
  1. 01
    Shuri Castle

    The main hall, destroyed by the 2019 fire, reopens on November 23, 2026 at noon. Its interior can be visited in 30-min time slots, at no extra cost.

    400 ¥, then 1,000 ¥ from Nov. 238:30 am – 7 pm, April → November
  2. 02
    Churaumi Aquarium

    Whale sharks and manta rays in the main tank, in the north of the island. Open every day until March 31, 2027, except during typhoons.

    2,180 ¥from 8:30 am
  3. 03
    The Kerama Islands

    Zamami and Aka, from Tomari port in Naha. Book the boat, especially during holidays. Box jellyfish from June to September: no nets at Aharen or Tokashiku.

    + 100 ¥ entry tax
  4. 04
    Ishigaki and Miyako

    Farther south, two islands for the sea: in Ishigaki, around the “phantom island”; in Miyako, among the sea turtles.

    mask and snorkel
PlanJapanCities and regions · Okinawa
PlanJapan · Japan, the complete guide · 2026–20271
Okinawa · Getting there, booking

Monorail, boat and car

Yui Rail monorail
AirportShuri

1-day pass: 1,000 ¥.

Price360 ¥27 min
Yui Rail monorail
AirportMiebashi

The Toyoko Inn is 1 min away.

Price320 ¥14 min
Queen Zamami fast boat
TomariZamami

Not running Oct. 20 – Dec. 3, 2026.

Price3,950 ¥≈ 50 min
Ferry Zamami
TomariZamami

Online booking 55 days ahead.

Price2,900 ¥≈ 1 hr 30

Before you leave for Okinawa

  • International Driving Permit1949 Geneva type, paper booklet, with your license
  • Boat bookedfor the Kerama Islands, in summer and on holidays
  • A spare daybefore your flight home, in summer (typhoons)
  • Suica or a cardto pay for the monorail
PlanJapanCities and regions · Okinawa
PlanJapan · Japan, the complete guide · 2026–20272