One of Japan’s 47 prefectures, Okinawa is a vibrant, subtropical part of Japan that consists of over 150 islands.
Sitting comfortably in the East China Sea between the Japanese mainland and Taiwan, Okinawa is known for its seclusion, beaches, coral reefs, and crystal clear waters.
This makes it not only the perfect place for tourists from around the world but also for Japanese people who seek an escape from busy city life.
One of the things that makes Okinawa so special and relaxing is how far away it finds itself from mainland Japan.
Found in its own world, Okinawa is hundreds of miles away from mainland Japan, but do you know just how far?
If not, you will by the end of this post. Today, we’re going to show you how far from mainland Japan Okinawa is, what it has to offer, and how to get there.
If you want to visit an island that has something for everyone, stick around!
Okinawa’s History
Before we start looking at how far away Okinawa is from Japan’s mainland, we’d like to give you a small history lesson about Okinawa.
Only this way, can you start to appreciate just how special Okinawa and its islands are.
For centuries, Okinawa has been made up of an incredibly diverse range of people from many different cultures and backgrounds.
This includes a lot of people from Australia, China, and other areas of Asia. With such a diverse population, Okinawa has played a big part in Japanese history and culture.
The people of Okinawa were brought together by the Ryukyu Kingdom which in the 15th century brought great economic power to the islands.
The islands were later invaded by the Japanese mainland, becoming part of Japan in the process.
Okinawa was then invaded again when World War II hit its shores. Despite these hardships, Okinawa remains one of the most picturesque places in all of Japan (see also ‘25 Most Beautiful Places In Japan‘), if not the world.
How Far Away From Mainland Japan Is Okinawa?
Let’s start by answering the question you’ve come here looking for the answer to. Okinawa is approximately 400 miles off the coast of Japan.
You’ll find Okinawa’s main island to the southwest of mainland Japan.
To put into context just how far away Okinawa is from mainland Japan, mainland Taiwan is only 300 miles away.
Unbelievably, the Japanese Yaeyama Islands are even closer to Taiwan’s mainland.
As you can imagine, this makes it a little bit harder to get to Okinawa than it does to reach other parts of Japan.
Having said that, you’ll be very surprised by just how easy it is to reach the main island.
The only downside you’ll face is how long it takes. We’ll touch on this next!
How Do You Get To Okinawa?
The only two ways you can get to Okinawa are by plane or ferry. Most travelers decide to travel by air when traveling to Okinawa because it takes less time and is more accessible from airports around the world, not just in Japan.
For example, you can fly from New York to Okinawa in less than 20 hours and with just one stopover.
If you couldn’t fly to Okinawa, visitors from America would have to fly to Tokyo and catch a ferry to the island.
Having said this, most travelers tend to make their way to Okinawa from Tokyo. From Tokyo’s Narita airport, a nonstop flight takes between 2 and three hours. You’ll land at Okinawa’s Naha airport.
This airport sits on the main island (Okinawa Honto).
You can also fly from Osaka (see also ‘How To Travel From Osaka To Nagoya‘). This should only take two hours.
Alternatively, you can hop on a ferry to Okinawa. Ferries operate between Okinawa and Kagoshima three or four times a week.
The ferry trip is pretty scenic but does take 26 hours. That doesn’t include your trip to the ferry port. You can book a room on the ferry to soften the blow.
What Does Okinawa Have To Offer?
Okinawa is one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for something for everyone.
Thanks to the island’s subtropical climate and abundance of attractions, the possibilities when it comes to adventure, relaxation, and trying new things are endless.
Packed with tropical forests and long white sand beaches, Okinawa is most famous for its snorkeling, hiking, scuba diving, and sites.
In our opinion, swimming with turtles along one of the coral reefs is a must.
In terms of attractions on the island, the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum and Park, Shuri Castle, and the aquarium are up there with the very best.
If you’re the sort of person that simply wants to relax and soak up the sun, don’t worry, there are also plenty of beautiful beaches to sunbathe on.
Getting Around Okinawa
Getting around Okinawa isn’t as easy as other places you will have visited. Things aren’t as simple as jumping on a train.
Instead, you need to think carefully about how you’re going to get around the islands, especially if you plan on visiting all seven.
If you plan on staying on the main island, you’ll find plenty of taxis, buses, and a handy monorail that runs to the airport and back.
However, the further from the main island you get, the trickier things become.
As a result, we recommend hiring a car for the duration of your trip. This will give you more freedom to explore the islands without having to worry about where the nearest bus or taxi is.
Final Thoughts
Before reading this post, did you realize just how far away Okinawa is from mainland Japan? If you didn’t, hopefully, you do now.
While 400 miles might not seem that far when you consider Taiwan is only 300 miles away from Okinawa things are put into perspective.
Known for its incredible coastline, wonderful people, and beautiful weather, Okinawa is a destination that might take longer to get to, but one you’ll definitely enjoy more than other places you’ve visited, so why not plan your trip!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
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