Okinawa.
Flight from TLV
11h 32m
Best season
אפר–אוק
Avg temp
26°
Currency
¥ JPY · 1=₪0.020
Time zone
+6 שעות מול ת״א בחורף, +7 שעות בקיץ
Language
יפנית; אנגלית בסיסית באזורי תיירות
Plug
A / B · 100V
Visa
אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לשהייה תיירותית של עד 90 יום
Safety
בטוח מאוד; חשוב לעקוב אחר התרעות טייפון וזרמים בים בעונה
Overview
🇯🇵Okinawa
🇯🇵Japan
Okinawa is tropical Japan: an archipelago of clear water, coral reefs, white-sand beaches and a distinctive Ryukyu culture far removed from Tokyo or Kyoto. Israeli travelers come mainly from spring through autumn for snorkeling in the Kerama Islands, resort stays in Onna, the impressive Churaumi Aquarium and evenings of local food and shopping on Naha’s Kokusai Street.
What are you looking for?
Everything for Okinawa, in one place
Pick a category and dive into its dedicated page.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Okinawa
Each area and who it suits best.
Naha, Kokusai-dori
The island’s most convenient urban base, with izakayas, bars, Makishi Public Market, shopping, and the monorail just outside your hotel.
Chatan, American Village
A colorful sunset-facing promenade, Sunset Beach, cafés, and bars create a lively American-style resort atmosphere.
Onna
Okinawa’s classic resort strip, with clear coves, well-kept beaches, and easy access to the Blue Cave and Cape Manzamo.
Motobu
A quiet, green northern base near Churaumi Aquarium, Emerald Beach, and the boats to Minna Island.
Ishigaki Island
Okinawa at its most tropical, with Kabira Bay, spectacular reefs, and day trips to Taketomi and Iriomote.
Year-round weather
Year-round weather in Okinawa
Temperature averages
Real climate dataינו
19°
15°
Recommended
פבר
20°
16°
Recommended
מרץ
21°
17°
Recommended
אפר
24°
20°
Excellent
מאי
26°
22°
Excellent
יונ
29°
25°
Excellent
יול
31°
27°
Excellent
אוג
31°
27°
Excellent
ספט
31°
26°
Excellent
אוק
29°
25°
Excellent
נוב
25°
21°
Excellent
דצמ
21°
17°
Recommended
Most pleasant weather: אפר · מאי · יונ · יול · אוג · ספט · אוק · נוב
Peak season for Israelis (when everyone goes): אפר · מאי · יונ · יול · אוג · ספט · אוק
Based on a 3-year average · measured in Okinawa · Open-Meteo
This week in Okinawa
Measured in Okinawa
29°
Partly cloudy
Next 7 days
Tap a day for hourly detail
Seasonal averages · loading live forecast…
Things to do
Things to do in Okinawa
On the map
Okinawa on one map
Every spot travelers love — tap a pin for photos, opening hours, navigation and booking.
Suggested plan
A perfect Okinawa itinerary
Day by day, so you can picture the whole trip.
- 1
Day 1
Naha and the Ryukyu Kingdom
Begin at Shurijo Castle Park and Shureimon Gate to discover the Ryukyu Kingdom and the palace’s ongoing reconstruction. Continue to Kokusai-dori, browse Makishi Public Market and the lanes of Sakaemachi, then finish with an evening of live Okinawan music.
- 2
Day 2
Southern Okinawa and the sea
Drive to Sefa Utaki, Okinawa’s most important sacred site, and continue to the viewpoint at Cape Chinen. In the afternoon, explore Gyokusendo Cave at Okinawa World or walk the coast at Peace Memorial Park before returning to Naha.
- 3
Day 3
Onna, Manzamo, and the Blue Cave
Head north and stop at Cape Manzamo for views over coral cliffs and vivid blue water. Continue with guided snorkeling or diving at the Blue Cave near Cape Maeda, then watch sunset at Tiger Beach or Manza Beach before staying overnight in Onna.
- 4
Day 4
Churaumi and Emerald Beach
Spend the morning at Churaumi Aquarium and its immense tank filled with whale sharks and manta rays. Then explore Ocean Expo Park, swim at Emerald Beach, and, if time allows, cross the bridge to Kouri Island for panoramic views and clear-water beaches.
- 5
Day 5
Yanbaru or Chatan
Nature lovers can head north into Yanbaru for a guided walk near Hiji Falls or a mangrove kayaking trip on the Gesashi River. For a more relaxed day, return south to Chatan, enjoy Sunset Beach and Depot Island, and finish with sunset at American Village.
Quick game
Not sure yet? Find your travel type
30 fun seconds, then personal picks of the best spots for you here.
Quick game
What's your Okinawa travel type?
Question 1 of 5
Your perfect vacation morning?
Budget
How much does Okinawa cost?
Real ILS price ranges, so you know what to expect.
Round-trip flight from TLV
₪3,800-6,500 (one stop)
Mid-range hotel nightly
₪350-750 (double room)
Restaurant meal
₪45-110
Local beer
₪16-28
Coffee
₪10-20
Short taxi ride
₪25-55
Rental car daily
₪140-280 (before fuel)
Daily budget per person
₪350-700 (excluding flight)
Good to know
Good to know before Okinawa
Getting around
From the airport
From Naha Airport to Kokusai-dori, the Yui Rail monorail takes about 15 minutes and costs roughly ₪7-10; a taxi takes around 15-25 minutes and costs about ₪40-70. To Chatan, an airport limousine bus or taxi takes about 40-70 minutes, costing roughly ₪25-45 by bus or ₪110-180 by taxi.
Need a car?
Yes, if you plan to explore beyond Naha. The monorail is excellent in the city, but Onna’s beaches, Churaumi, and northern Okinawa are spread out and buses are slow; a car saves families and couples hours. Driving is on the left, and a valid international driving permit is required.
Tips
Pick up the car only when leaving Naha, since city parking is paid and traffic around Kokusai-dori can be frustrating. The Okinawa Expressway has tolls, and rush-hour travel from Naha to Onna can take considerably longer.
Kosher & Jewish
Chabad / community
Okinawa does not have a permanent active Chabad house or a kosher infrastructure comparable to Japan’s major cities, and there is no regular minyan in the main hotel areas. Occasional Jewish community or visitor-led activities may occur, but travelers should not rely on them; Shabbat- and kosher-observant visitors should prepare in advance and verify current information shortly before traveling.
Kosher food
Certified kosher restaurants are extremely rare. Kosher-observant Israelis typically arrange sealed meals in advance or bring dry goods and choose a hotel or apartment with a kitchenette; Naha has convenient supermarkets such as San-A and numerous convenience stores. Those following a kosher-friendly approach can find rice, vegetables, fruit, tofu, and fish, but should ask about dashi, sauces, and broths, which may contain animal-derived ingredients, and never assume that a vegetarian dish is kosher.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance for Okinawa 🇯🇵
A hospital day in Okinawa can cost thousands. Full coverage with Hebrew support.
- Medical + hospital 24/7
- Trip cancellation
- Baggage
- Water & extreme sports
Currency & rates
Live rateCurrency & rates
Quick conversion at today's rate
Convert
You get
1.98
1 JPY
₪0.02
100 JPY
₪1.98
1,000 JPY
₪19.8
Source: exchangerate-api · updated Sep 13 · refreshes daily
Visa & documents
Visa & documents for Okinawa 🇯🇵
What you need before you fly
- אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לשהייה תיירותית של עד 90 יום
- Passport valid 6 months
- Travel insurance, leave details for a quote
Local tips
Good to know about Okinawa
- 🚗Outside Naha, a rental car is almost essential; obtain a 1949 Geneva Convention international driving permit in Israel, carry your Israeli license and passport as well, and remember that driving is on the left.
- 🏨For a five-night trip, split your stay between one night in Naha near Kokusai Dori and three or four nights in Onna rather than commuting from the city every day.
- ⛴️Book the ferry from Tomari Port to Zamami or Aka in advance, especially on weekends and from July through October, and arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
- 🤿For the Blue Cave, reserve the first morning session and check sea conditions the night before, as waves and wind can close access even on a sunny day.
- ✡️Okinawa has no dependable selection of kosher restaurants, so arrange Shabbat meals or food with Chabad of Okinawa in advance and bring supplies, since even soups and vegetable dishes often contain fish-based dashi.
- 🌦️The most pleasant beach weather is generally from late April through June and in October, while August and September are hotter, busier and more exposed to typhoons that can disrupt flights and ferries.
מאיה רוזן
Senior agent · Greece for 12 years
"Okinawa feels like Japan shifting into a lower gear: turquoise water, quiet villages and a laid-back Ryukyu rhythm, all with Japanese precision and cleanliness. Israelis fall for that combination, especially when they reach Nishibama Beach on Aka Island in the morning and spot sea turtles beside the reef."
Loves
My secret is spending one night on Aka Island instead of returning to Naha with the last day-trippers. Once the ferry leaves, Nishibama becomes wonderfully quiet, and the clear water and sunset feel almost private.
Skip
The common mistake is booking a Naha hotel for the entire trip and wasting hours in traffic on the way to Onna and the island’s northern beaches.
Boutique pick
I start with a dive or snorkel at the Blue Cave by Cape Maeda in the first morning slot, before the boats and groups arrive, followed by a light seaside lunch in Onna. In the afternoon, we drive via Cape Manzamo, stop at a quiet beach, and finish with sunset beside the Cape Zanpa lighthouse.
Client stories
What returning travelers say about Okinawa
"We took the ferry from Okinawa to the Kerama Islands, snorkeled in crystal-clear water with sea turtles, and ended the day with a peaceful sunset at Aharen Beach."
Noa & Yoav
Tropical honeymoon
"The kids could not stop talking about the whale sharks at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, followed by a perfect afternoon at nearby Emerald Beach."
The Cohen Family
Family vacation
"We dived at Okinawa’s Blue Cave, caught sunset at American Village, and finished with late-night karaoke near Kokusai Street in Naha."
Omer, Daniel & Roi
Friends’ adventure trip
FAQ
Common questions about Okinawa
Do Israelis need a visa for Okinawa?
Israeli tourists visiting Okinawa are generally visa-exempt for stays in Japan of up to 90 days, subject to a valid passport and current entry requirements.
When is the best time to visit Okinawa?
The best times to visit Okinawa are April to May and October to early November, when the sea is pleasant, humidity is more manageable, and typhoon risk is relatively low.
How many days do you need in Okinawa?
Plan at least five to seven days for Okinawa’s main island, or eight to ten days if adding the Kerama, Miyako, or Ishigaki islands.
Are there direct flights from Israel to Okinawa, and how long is the journey?
There are no direct flights from Tel Aviv to Okinawa, and most routes reach Naha via Tokyo, Osaka, or another Asian hub in roughly 16 to 22 hours including the connection.
What is the best way to get around Okinawa?
A rental car is the easiest way to explore Okinawa beyond Naha, while the city itself is manageable by monorail, and Israelis should obtain an international driving permit before departure.
How much does an Okinawa vacation cost, and is it safe?
A comfortable Okinawa budget is around ₪500 to ₪900 per person per day before flights, and the destination is very safe, though typhoon alerts, strong currents, and beach warnings must be taken seriously.
Which beaches and attractions should not be missed in Okinawa?
In Okinawa, combine snorkeling in the Kerama Islands or Blue Cave with Emerald Beach, Churaumi Aquarium, Shuri Castle, and sunset at Cape Manzamo.
Is Okinawa suitable for couples, families, and nightlife, and what about kosher food?
Okinawa suits both couples and families, with evening entertainment in Naha and American Village, but kosher options are limited, so arrange meals in advance with the local Chabad and bring suitable supplies.