This Japanese Island Has White, Sandy Beaches Anyone Will Love

The island nation of Japan invokes images of futuristic urban regions that light up in neon colors when the sun goes down. Gorgeous cities in Japan that are popular tourist destinations include Tokyo, Kyoto, and Yokohama. However, Japan also has a little-known paradise. 400 miles off the coast in the Pacific Ocean is the Okinawa Prefecture. Okinawa has a rich history. For hundreds of years, it was part of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It did not officially become a Japanese Prefecture until the late 1800s. 

That said, Okinawa has over 160 islands where visitors can find white-sand beaches with aquamarine waters. Okinawa Main Island is the biggest island. It has gorgeous beaches like Emerald Beach on the Motobu Peninsula, Mibaru Beach (pictured) in Nanjo City, and Naminoue Beach in Naha, the largest city in Okinawa. Notably, Naminoue Beach is home to the scenic Naminoue Shrine, a significant Shinto site. 

Luckily for visitors, getting to Okinawa Main Island from mainland Japan is relatively simple. For reference, travelers can directly fly from Tokyo's Narita International Airport (NRT) to Naha Airport (OKA). The flight is around three hours, and one-way tickets are as low as $47. So forget the South Pacific and the Caribbean, Okinawa Prefecture is waiting to be explored, and with year-round summer-like conditions, it's the perfect destination for a tropical vacation 

For the ultimate trip to Okinawa, Japan, book a stay at a beach resort. A popular option on Tripadvisor is Miyakojima Tokyu Hotel & Resorts. It's located in Miyakojima. Also known as Miyako Island, it's a 50-minute flight from Naha on Okinawa Main Island. Miyakojima Tokyu Hotel & Resorts (pictured) has a four-star rating and features direct access to the stunning Yonaha Maehama Beach. The resort offers guests an array of water and beach-based activities, including kayaking, boating, wakeboarding, and more. Depending on when you travel, you can find prices for under $200 a night. You can book Miyakojima Tokyu Hotel & Resorts online.

In Yomitan Village on Okinawa's Main Island, there's Hotel Nikko Alivila. The resort is under an hour from Naha and features Spanish-style architecture with ocean-view rooms. Likewise, Hotel Nikko Alivila is situated on Nirai Beach. As such, their picturesque pool also features ocean views. Like Miyakojima Tokyu Hotel & Resorts, guests at Hotel Nikko Alivila can participate in adventures such as canoeing and snorkeling. Prices start at under $200. You can make a reservation for Hotel Nikko Alivila online.

Book ClubMed Kabira Beach on Ishigaki Island if you prefer an all-inclusive resort. Note that you can take a one-hour flight from Naha to Ishigaki Island. With that in mind, the beachfront resort is surrounded by greenery and is ideal for those who prefer a secluded ambiance. Food, lodging, and activities like snorkeling and sailing are included in the price of your stay. You can expect to pay at least $3,000 for a weeklong stay at ClubMed Kabira Beach.

Okinawa is primarily a beach destination. Nevertheless, if you're planning a vacation here, know there's plenty to do off the sand. Nature lovers should not miss the Southeast Botanical Gardens (pictured) in Okinawa City. The sizable, lush park has palm trees, ponds, lotus flowers, and more. It also includes a petting zoo home to Capybaras and other animals. The Southeast Botanical Gardens are open from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. A one-day adult admission ticket is under $20.

In Naha, you'll find the Shurijo Castle Park. It dates back to Ryukyu Kingdom. While you can't go inside the castle at the time of this publication, you can roam the historic grounds and grab a meal or a treat at one of the park's eateries. In addition, Shirujo Castle Park is located on a hill and has majestic views of Naha. Hours vary per season, and admission is under $3.

Do you have kids, or are you a kid at heart? Head to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium on the Motobu Peninsula. It's located a short walk away from Emerald Beach in Ocean Expo Park. This impressive aquarium is known for its massive Kuroshio sea tank, which holds whale sharks and other marine life, and its dolphin shows. Admission prices for adults and children are under $20. Hours vary per season.