Just got back from an 8-day trip in Okinawa and… I’m seriously struggling with post-travel blues. We completely fell in love with the island — it felt like a whole different side of Japan we hadn’t experienced before.
We spent most of our time in Nago, and honestly, it started to feel like home by the end of our stay. The small-town charm, the unbelievably friendly locals, and the cozy little izakayas that felt like hidden gems — we were welcomed in like regulars. There was such a warmth and authenticity there that really hit us.
Now we’re back and missing everything — the pace, the people, the atmosphere 😩
So, I have to ask:
- Is there anywhere else in Japan that gives a similar vibe? Somewhere with a chill driving experience, kind locals, great little food spots, and that slow, welcoming small-town feel?
- Or, if we come back to Okinawa (which we 100% plan to), are there other towns or areas you'd recommend staying in for that same kind of local, lived-in experience?
Any suggestions would help ease the withdrawal a bit, and feel free to AMA anything about Okinawa if you are planning to visit.
by iceicebaby555
11 comments
felt the exact same way when we visited last November. the temperate weather was something we were used to back home and island life was amazing.
If you count all of the Ryukyu chain as Okinawa, then I’d say either Hokkaido (separate island from mainland not caring what mainland does and a subculture) or Gunma (the redneck West Virginia of Japan). I haven’t been to all of Japan and I’m an American, but that’s my take.
Living there and visiting there have two completely different feelings. I feel that in the northern part of Japan
Welcome to my life. I’m currently there for the 4th long-ish stay in 10 years and can’t think of a life where’s there’s no coming back to Okinawa.
Try going even more north next time, like Nakijin (but get a car or rent bikes if you do). You may find similar moods in countryside mainland, say for example Tokushima prefecture, or Kanazawa city, but you’ll never the same « edge of the world » feeling and tropical weather / waters. It’s really unique.
As someone from Okinawa, that makes me so happy 🙂 It’s not for everyone – very different from the rest of Japan, but I love when people love it as much as I do! Naha, Chatan, the area around the aquarium, all places I love. I have personally not found anywhere else in Japan that has the same charm!
No where that’s not inside the Ryukyu Kingdom.
I totally feel you. I’m from Europe and have been around many places and as far as I love Japan (and I’ll definitely go many more times to – I already can roughly sketch the next 4-5 visits xD) that says Okinawa is going to be first place in just 3 days we’ll be together with my wife visiting for the second time ever!. Been there last year on a detour from South Korea (as we didn’t visit it when we were in Japan two years ago) and now coming back for almost 3 weeks xD really can’t wait!
Not Japan, but have you considered Taitung in Taiwan? It’s a mildly more chaotic version of Okinawa (our sand is not as pretty).
Just was in Okinawa as well, probably overlapped with you. Spent time near Kouri island at Airbnb. I feel I could retire there…
I used to live in Naha, and when I went to Osaka, I’d say that was the closest vibe to feeling kinda like Okinawa’s city life, and chill relaxed people, and foreigner friendly types. Just on a much larger scale.
I used to live in Kawasaki for two years, which is known for having a large Okinawan population but it was not even close. I also used to live in Hawaii for a little bit. Bec