Naha/Ishigaki island[Okinawa]

Q. How can we get there from other major cities on the main island? 

A. Naha Airport is the gateway to all of the Okinawa islands. The domestic airport welcomes planes from dozens of locations across Japan, with budget airlines catering for the traveler on a shoestring budget.

Q. What kind of city is Naha?

A. Naha is by far the biggest city in Okinawa , home to 60 percent of the main island's residents. The city of Naha boasts an ancient castle, a vibrant shopping street, and many other attractions that make it well worth a visit.

Q. What is the best way to get around the island?

A. The best way to get around the island is by rented car. There are car rental outlets at the airport and in the city center.

Q. How big is the population of Naha? 

A. Naha has a population of 300,000. 

Q. Which season is the best to visit Naha?

A. Difficult to answer. Spring and autumn are the ideal months if you want to take in the sun, sea, and beaches, but it's best to avoid Golden Week, the prime holiday season for vacationing Japanese, which is in the first week of May.

Q. Please tell me about the history of Naha?

A. Naha became the capital in 1872, and it later absorbed the old capital, Shuri. 

Q. I would like to enjoy night life in Naha. Where should we go and what can we do?

A. You should go to Heiwadori, where you can enjoy Awamori sake with local foods. It gets crowded with a lot of tourists and even local people. 

Q. Tell me about Shuri Castle. 

A. The old capital. Shuri Castle was the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom from the 15th century until it came under Japanese rule in the 19th century. The castle has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, most recently in 1992, after its destruction in World War II.

Q. What kind of island is Ishigaki?

A. You will find yourself in the southernmost city in Japan-2,000 kilometers from Tokyo. Ishigaki Island has a beautiful coastline with magnificent beaches and excellent hiking trails in the center of the island. 

Q. What can I do at the beaches?

A. You'll find some of the finest beaches anywhere in Okinawa on Ishigaki Island. Whether you are looking to laze around on the white sands, take a dip in the ocean or dive down to the coral paradise, the beaches on Ishigaki have you covered.

There are fine spots for snorkeling at many of the beaches on the island. For diving experts, don't miss the opportunity to dive with manta rays.

Q. What are the two beautiful mountains on Ishigaki Island?

A. Both of these mountains are easy to climb—you can make it to the top of them both in a day, and still have time to hit the beach. Mt. Omoto and Mt. Nosoko. 

Q. If I travel with children, which beach should I take my children?

A. Up in the northwest corner of Ishigaki Island, you'll come to Sukuji Beach, set in a graceful bay overlooked by tree-clad hills. If you're traveling with young children, this is the ideal beach to visit. The water is very shallow, and the seabed is sandy.