Okinawa Prefecture Map Guide: Islands, Regions & Attractions

Map of Okinawa Prefecture: Four Island Groups to Know

Okinawa Prefecture is not one island — it is an extensive archipelago with a total land area of approximately 2,281 km². For most travelers, the name "Okinawa" means the main island and its beach resorts, but the prefecture divides into four distinct island groups, each with a different character, and understanding the geography before you book changes how you plan your trip.

The four groups are: the Okinawa Islands (沖縄諸島, centered on the main island and including the Kerama Islands), the Miyako Islands (宮古列島), and the Yaeyama Islands (八重山列島). Naha, on the main island, serves as the transportation hub connecting everything. For a broader introduction to the prefecture, see our Okinawa city guide.

What surprises most visitors is the distance. Ishigaki, in the Yaeyama group, is closer to Taipei than to Tokyo. Miyako-jima sits roughly halfway between the main island and Ishigaki. These are not islands you hop between casually — flights are the practical connection for anything beyond the Kerama group.

Okinawa Main Island: South to North by Region

The main island (沖縄本島) is where most visitors spend their time. Driving from the southern tip to the northern end takes approximately 2 hours. A rental car is the practical way to explore beyond Naha — public buses exist but are slow between regions.

Southern Main Island: Naha, Airport, and Shuri

Naha is the prefectural capital and arrival point for nearly all visitors. Naha Airport (OKA) connects to Tokyo in approximately 2.5 hours and Fukuoka in about 2 hours. The Yui Rail monorail (ゆいレール) connects the airport to central Naha without needing a car.

Kokusai-dori (国際通り) is the main shopping and dining street. Shuri Castle, the reconstructed seat of the Ryukyu Kingdom, sits on a hill above the city. Southern Okinawa also includes peace memorials and the former battle sites of the Battle of Okinawa.

Central Main Island: Onna Resorts and Chatan

The central west coast from Chatan to Onna Village (恩納村) is the resort corridor. Chatan American Village (北谷アメリカンビレッジ) is a waterfront shopping and dining area. Onna Village is the prime beach resort zone, with properties lining the coast facing the East China Sea.

Yomitan Village (読谷村), between Chatan and Onna, is known for traditional pottery and dramatic sunsets at Cape Zanpa.

Northern Main Island: Yanbaru and Remote Beaches

The northern third of the main island — known as Yanbaru — is mountainous, densely forested, and far less developed than the south and center. This is where Okinawa feels most remote, with subtropical jungle, waterfalls, and beaches that see far fewer visitors. Yanbaru was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its biodiversity.

Kerama Islands: 30 Minutes by Ferry from Naha

The Kerama Islands (慶良間諸島) are the easiest outer island group to reach — high-speed ferries from Naha's Tomari Port take 30-50 minutes to the main islands of Zamami (座間味島) and Tokashiki (渡嘉敷島). The Kerama group was designated a national park, and the waters here are known for exceptional clarity and snorkeling.

Day trips from Naha are feasible: leave in the morning, snorkel or dive, and return by evening ferry. Round-trip ferry costs are approximately ¥6,000 (~$40). Book ferries in advance during peak season (Golden Week, July-August), as capacity is limited.

For overnight stays, both Zamami and Tokashiki have small guesthouses and minshuku. Staying one night gives you more relaxed beach time and the chance to see the islands without the day-trip rush.

Miyako Islands: Beaches and Bridges by Flight

The Miyako Islands (宮古列島) are a 45-minute flight from Naha. There is no practical ferry connection for travelers. Miyako-jima is the main island, connected to neighboring Irabu Island by the Irabu Ohashi bridge — one of Japan's longest toll-free bridges and a scenic drive in itself.

Miyako is known for its beaches. Yonaha Maehama Beach is frequently ranked among Japan's finest white-sand beaches. The island has a more relaxed atmosphere than the main island, with less development and fewer chain hotels.

Shimojishima Airport (下地島空港), on the small island connected to Irabu, offers direct flights from Tokyo and Osaka — an alternative to connecting through Naha. The airport approach over turquoise water and the bridge is a well-known scenic view.

Yaeyama Islands: Ishigaki, Iriomote, and the Far South

The Yaeyama Islands (八重山列島) are Okinawa Prefecture's southernmost group — about 1 hour by flight from Naha. Ishigaki Island (石垣島) is the gateway, with its own airport receiving direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka, and Naha.

Ishigaki offers beaches, diving, and a small but lively town center. From Ishigaki Port, ferries connect to the surrounding islands, with journeys typically taking 30-60 minutes between islands.

Iriomote (西表島) is the wild counterpart to Ishigaki — covered in subtropical mangrove forest and part of the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, according to the Ministry of Environment. Kayaking through mangrove rivers, jungle trekking, and waterfall hikes define the Iriomote experience. There are no large resorts — accommodation is small-scale guesthouses and lodges.

Taketomi Island (竹富島) is a preserved Ryukyu village experience — water buffalo cart rides through coral-walled streets, traditional red-tile roofs, and star-sand beaches. It is small enough to cycle around in an hour.

Distances and Travel Times Between Island Groups

Flights from Naha Airport

Destination	Flight Time	Notes
Miyako-jima	~45 min	Multiple daily flights
Ishigaki (Yaeyama)	~60 min	Multiple daily flights

All inter-island flights depart from Naha Airport (OKA). There are no direct flights between Miyako and Yaeyama — you must connect through Naha. Ishigaki and Miyako also have direct flights from Tokyo and Osaka, allowing you to skip Naha entirely if your focus is the outer islands.

Ferries from Naha Tomari Port

Destination	Ferry Time	Approximate Cost (Round Trip)
Zamami (Kerama)	30-50 min (high-speed)	~¥6,000 (~$40)
Tokashiki (Kerama)	35 min (high-speed)	~¥6,000 (~$40)

Ferries to the Kerama Islands depart from Tomari Port (泊港) in Naha. High-speed ferries and slower car ferries are both available. Advance booking is recommended during peak season, as vessels fill up quickly.

There are no practical ferry connections from Naha to Miyako or Yaeyama for tourists — flights are the only realistic option. Within the Yaeyama group, ferries from Ishigaki Port connect the islands efficiently.

Best season for island travel is March through October. Typhoon season (August-October) can disrupt flights and ferries with little warning — build flexibility into multi-island itineraries during these months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to fly between Okinawa's island groups?

Naha to Miyako-jima is approximately 45 minutes. Naha to Ishigaki (Yaeyama Islands) is approximately 60 minutes. There are no direct flights between Miyako and Yaeyama — you must connect through Naha, which adds several hours including layover time.

Can I visit the Kerama Islands as a day trip from Naha?

Yes — high-speed ferries from Naha's Tomari Port reach Zamami or Tokashiki in 30-50 minutes. A morning departure gives you a full day of snorkeling and beach time before the evening return ferry. Book tickets in advance during Golden Week and summer, as ferries fill quickly. Round-trip costs approximately ¥6,000 (~$40).

How many days do I need for Okinawa Prefecture?

3-4 days covers the main island comfortably — Naha, one or two beach areas, and the northern sights. Add 2-3 days per outer island group you want to visit. A comprehensive trip covering the main island plus one outer group (Kerama, Miyako, or Yaeyama) needs 5-7 days minimum.

Do I need a car on the Okinawa main island?

Yes, for anywhere outside Naha. The Yui Rail monorail covers central Naha only. Public buses connect to resorts and the north, but service is slow and infrequent. A rental car is essential for visiting central and northern beaches and the resort corridor.

What is the best island group for first-time visitors?

The main island offers the most variety — culture in Naha, beaches on the west coast, nature in the north — with the easiest logistics. Add a Kerama Islands day trip for crystal-clear snorkeling without the commitment of flights. Miyako or Yaeyama are better suited to dedicated beach vacations with more time and a willingness to fly.