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Atlas/asia/Deep field file

Signal verified · updated 2026-09-03

Okinawa Island

Heart of the former Ryukyu Kingdom; Shuri Castle, coral reefs and US bases on Japan's subtropical front line.

26.500° N127.900° E
site access marine
Naha Airport (OKA)
Shuri Castle
Shikinaen Garden
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (Motobu)
Formation
coral limestone south, volcanic/mountainous north (Yanbaru forest)
Population
1.3M
Water
Pacific Ocean
Access
easy

Every required movement

The passage
to Okinawa Island.

Fly to Naha Airport (OKA) from Tokyo, Osaka, Taipei, Seoul; overnight ferries from Kagoshima.

  1. 01
    Naha Airport (OKA)

    Nearest recorded air access

    Schedule or condition may change · verify
  2. 02
    Water crossing

    A-Line Ferry / Marix Line (Kagoshima-Amami-Naha).

    Schedule or condition may change · verify
  3. 03
    Entry check

    Japan visa-exemption for many nationalities.

    Schedule or condition may change · verify

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What the chart cannot hold

What becomes visible when you follow shuri castle beyond the familiar map?

Largest Ryukyu island, stretching 112 km with the Yanbaru jungle in the north and the Naha conurbation in the south. Devastated in the 1945 Battle of Okinawa, administered by the US until 1972 reversion; still hosts most US Forces Japan facilities.

Centre of the Ryukyu Kingdom (1429-1879) trading between Japan, China and SE Asia; annexed as Okinawa Prefecture 1879; Battle of Okinawa 1945; US administration (USCAR) 1945-1972; reverted to Japan 1972.

Field ledger

The useful
details.

Coordinates
26.50° N · 127.90° E
Sovereignty
Japan · part of country
Nearest mainland
Kyushu ~650 km northeast (ferry via Kagoshima/Amami)
Best recorded window
Late March-May; October-November (avoid typhoon season).
Permits / entry
Japan visa-exemption for many nationalities.
Languages
Japanese, Okinawan (Ryukyuan)

Community intelligence

Notes from
the crossing.

Share firsthand conditions, access changes, respectful observations, or a question for someone who has been.

No traveler has left a public note here yet.

The empty ledger is part of the mystery—and an invitation to be useful.

Travel information changes quickly. This field file was last revised 2026-09-03. Confirm all transport and permit details before booking.

Official source