Okinawa Overview
Okinawa City is the second-largest city in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, following Naha, the capital city. It is located in the central part of the island of Okinawa, about 20 kilometres (12 mi) north of Naha. As of 1 October 2020, the city has an estimated population of 142,752 and a population density of 2,913.31 people per km2. The total area is 49.00 km2.
Okinawa Key Statistics
Population142094
Area50 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés145 / 7 / 10
Practical Essentials for Okinawa
Meet-ups & Expat Community
Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.
Find Events ↗
Emergency Phones
Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119
Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.
Safety Tips ↗
Getting Around Okinawa
Train Travel to Okinawa
Okinawa is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Okinawa
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Okinawa
Cover Your Trip to Okinawa
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Okinawa
- Slurp a steaming bowl of ramen at a tiny shop in Okinawa downtown.
- Walk the morning market and try ultra-fresh sushi in Okinawa.
- Grab late-night yakitori skewers near Okinawa Station.
- Pick up handmade mochi from a family confectioner in central Okinawa.
- Sip a glass of small-batch sake brewed on the edge of Okinawa.
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Okinawa
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Okinawa
¥3,400,000*est
Median household income / year
78*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Best Hotels in Okinawa
Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Okinawa
When was Okinawa founded?
Okinawa was founded on April 1, 1974.
How old is Okinawa?
Okinawa is roughly 52 years old.
What is the population of Okinawa?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 142,094.
What is the land area of Okinawa?
Okinawa covers roughly 50 km².
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Okinawa?
The city has roughly 145 parks, 7 museums and 10 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Okinawa expensive to live?
Okinawa is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Okinawa?
Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗
How can I send money internationally while in Japan?
Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.
Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Okinawa?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Okinawa has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Okinawa?
Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗
Where can I access official city services in Okinawa?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Learn more ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Okinawa?
Okinawa hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Okinawa?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Okinawa?
Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗
How can I check public-transport routes in Okinawa?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Okinawa?
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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