Cheap Flights to Okinawa

Tips for First-Time Travellers on Flights to Okinawa

If you’re travelling on return flights to Okinawa for the first time, you’ll find the island is quite different from mainland Japan. Part of Okinawa’s charm is its laid-back approach to everything from bus schedules and public events to business meetings and store hours. If you’re travelling on business flights to Okinawa, you may want to reserve a car to get you from Naha Airport (OKA) and other places throughout the city. When you arrive in Okinawa, be prepared for the unique cuisine the island is famous for including soba, black pork, sea grapes, beni-imo, peanut tofu, and jasmine tea. Of course, you can still chow down on traditional Japanese foods such as sushi, noodles, and rice dishes. First-time travellers with tickets to Okinawa may be surprised to see ‘Japanese Only’ signs at various restaurants, bars, and other local places. That’s because after playing host to more than 45,000 Americans since the end of WWII, some locals want to carve a little bit of their island home for themselves. If you see a sign, don’t be discouraged. There are plenty of cafes, stores, museums, and cultural events that welcome all visitors on flights to Okinawa. If you’re looking to score big savings on cheap flights to Okinawa but are concerned about typhoons, earthquakes, and tsunamis, don’t fret too much. The locals are no strangers to the whims of Mother Nature and have engineered buildings to withstand strong winds and rains, as well as earthquakes.

Landmarks and Monuments You Can’t Miss

You’ll find many historical and cultural sites to visit when you plan return flights to Okinawa. The Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters is a popular site with travellers on flights to Okinawa. The site is where Rear Admiral Ota and his men fought during WWII, and t tour of the area features the Operations Room as it was during the 1945 battle. Visitors can also tour the original tunnels, bunkers, and other parts of this well-preserved site. More WWII history is around almost every corner upon landing on flights to Okinawa. The Tower of Himeyuri is located in the southern section of the island and pays tribute to the female teachers and students who were mobilised during the battle of Okinawa. The dark history of the site includes the story of young women being recruited as substitute nurses. Make a beeline for Sefa-utaki. This ‘purified place of Utaki,’ was considered one of the most spiritual places in the Ryukyu Kingdom. You can walk the grounds of this spiritual site, which now serves as a Shinto Shrine. Before approaching the huge block of boulders that overlook the sea, you can watch a short video showcasing the history of these grounds and how it shaped cultures through the years.

The Best Time to Visit on Flights to Okinawa

No matter what time of year you plan to look for cheap flights to Okinawa, you can enjoy most of the island’s activities. The beaches officially open between March and April each year, bringing a horde of locals and travellers on flights to Okinawa to the shores. The warm spring weather between March through May can reach up to 27.8°C and experience a bit of rain. If you’re looking to travel in these months, book hotels, activities, and your airfare to Okinawa well in advance to get the best deals. It’s also worth noting, in the beginning of May, Japan celebrates Golden Week, which causes a huge influx of locals and tourists to Okinawa. If you’re hoping for a laid back beach holiday, you’ll want to avoid the island during this time. Daytime temperatures during the summer months (between June through August) reach more than 30°C with high levels of humidity. Hotels and flights to Okinawa are often packed with tourists looking for new adventures and snorkelling spots. July through October is typhoon season. Prices for autumn flights to Okinawa may be drastically lower than spring and summer. September through November can see daytime temperatures between 22° to 31°C and humidity may also be lower. Silver Week is celebrated in mid-September and can cause an increase in tourists to the area, but overall, autumn is perfect for travelling if you wish to avoid large crowds. Winter temperatures between December and February can drop to near 18°C. This is the best time to travel if you’re looking for cheap flights to Okinawa.