This post contains affiliate links.
The islands of Okinawa might’ve been my favorite place to travel in Japan after visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Mt. Fuji Hiroshima, and Osaka. (Can you believe how clear this water is?!!!!!) I spent 10 days on the islands in 2025 specifically on an island I’d never heard of before called Ishigaki. I spent a week in Ishigaki and a few days on the main island of Okinawa It was the perfect little island with incredible beaches and if you’re into scuba diving, there are manta ray feeding spots.
It’s easy enough to get around by bus but Okinawa is much more convenient by car. If you want to rent a car with an international driver’s license, use DiscoverCars.
Where to stay in Osaka: APA Hotel
Hostel in Osaka: Namba Guesthouse HIVE
As an American, Okinawa is fascinating and has a bit of a sad history because the main island holds a giant US military base while the indigenous name of the Ryukyu islands which was the kingdom that ruled for hundreds of years before they were colonized by the Japanese empire. These islands are a mix of Japanese/Okinawan/Pacific Island and US culture now.
You can fly directly to Ishigaki as I flew from Osaka and to Shanghai after. I was surprised at how budget friendly it was and there were a few hostels that were very accessible! I booked all of my flights on Trip.com.
Best Hostel in Ishigaki: Sun Terrace Hostel Ishigaki 
This
Best Hotel in Ishigaki: Nest Hotel Ishigaki
From the Ishigaki Airport, you can take a quick bus to the hostel and the hostel is right in the center of town! The town is super walkable and you can get to most places on the island by bus although it might take a bit of waiting time.
Things to do around Ishigaki:
- A snorkel tour around Ishigaki by boat
- Take the ferry to Taketomi which is another island about 30 minutes away and walk to Kondoi Beach and visit Cafe Kanoa, a delicious cafe run by a local woman
- I visited Taketomi (use this tour) multiple times because it was so easy and the water was so incredible and relaxing!
- The ferry at Ishigaki bus and ferry station which is about 20 minutes walking from the hostel is super easy to navigate and goes to a few islands every day!
- The ferry at Ishigaki bus and ferry station which is about 20 minutes walking from the hostel is super easy to navigate and goes to a few islands every day!
- I visited Taketomi (use this tour) multiple times because it was so easy and the water was so incredible and relaxing!
- Scuba dive with Blue Space Ishigaki for the best dives
- Visit Ishigaki Stalactite Cave and Sunset Beach which is a private beach with perfectly soft sand and calm water
- Do SUP on the water!
After Ishigaki, I flew to Okinawa Island for a few days. This seemed much more industrial and westernized so I wanted to stay somewhere outside of the main city so I spent a few days on the north of the island and it was beautiful. 
Best Hostel in Okinawa Island: Yanbaru Hostel
We took 2 buses from the airport to the northern part of the island is much more relaxed and there’s a lot of nature. You can rent an electric bike from the hostel and bike all around the north. 
Best Hotel in the area: Yanbaru Hotel
If you’re looking for something rowdier with more development, stay in Naha where the airport is.
Hostel in Naha: The Kitchen Hostel Ao
Hotel in Naha: Infinisis Naha Hotel 
This was a great hotel with a super nice rooftop pool!
Things to do in Naha:
- Fishing in Okinawa for a super unique experience!
- Take a day trip to swim at Tokashiki, a stunning island off of Naha
- Visit the Tomari Iyumachi Fish Market for fresh fish!
- If it’s raining, visit the Okinawa Art Museum to learn about Okinawan history
