Spring marks the start of beach, dive and water sports season in Okinawa, Japan's southernmost prefecture comprised of 160 sub-tropical islands - just three hours by air from Tokyo. The islands are home to more than 1,000 kilometres of coastline, leading to clear ocean waters abundant with vibrant biodiverse reefs. Whilst Okinawa's sub-tropical climate is pleasant year-round, spring and summer offer visitors the best conditions for exploring its shores, soaking up the sun on the golden sands and deep diving into the waters beyond.

Here, the team at Visit Okinawa summarises some of the best activities along the coast to enjoy in the warmer weather…

Snorkelling along the shore…
Okinawa is one of the world's most coral-rich regions, where more than 200 coral species can be found. Snorkelling is an excellent way to explore the biodiverse reefs, many of which can be seen from the shallows or accessed via a local boat tour. Top snorkelling spots include the Kerama Islands, the Blue Cave at Cape Maeda on Okinawa's main island, the Hatenohama sandbar off Kume Island and the Yabiji Reef off Miyako Island.

Deep diving into the depths…
Okinawa's deeper waters offer a myriad of different topographies to explore, from delicate arches and narrow crevasses to winding tunnels, grand caves, vast coral gardens, and submarine thermal springs. Diving is available across Okinawa, but some of the best spots can be found in its outlying islands where divers can expect to encounter sea turtles, manta rays, and hammerhead sharks. Dive specialists such as Cerulean Blue in Okinawa's capital Naha can help travellers plan an underwater excursion.

Adventure on the waves…
Paddleboarding, canoeing, jet skiing and parasailing are all popular pursuits on the waves of Okinawa, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike across the prefecture. By April, the water temperature is around 22 degrees Celsius, making it comfortable enough to take the plunge without a wetsuit whilst the beaches are still quiet compared to the peak summer months.

Wellness on the sands…
Okinawa's golden sands offer more than just a chance to sunbathe. Its tranquil island settings complete with the harmonious sounds of the ocean are perfect for a wellness experience, and resorts such as the RISONARE Kohamajima from Hoshino Resorts offer beach activities for mind, body and soul – such as morning beach yoga to stretch with the sunrise, and moon beach yoga for the ultimate yogi experience below the stars.

Coastal hikes in National Parks…
Okinawa is home to three stunning National Parks, each encompassing an impressive coastline. Spanning across the Kerama Islands, Keramashoto National Park offers coastal hiking trails with paths ascending to the highest points on Zamami, Tokashiki and Aka islands. In the primaeval landscapes of Yambaru National Park on Okinawa's main island dramatic coastal cliff formations can be found, and in the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park Japan's largest mangrove forest can be discovered along the shore. The parks are easily accessible with a range of guided tours, such as those from Sunny Coral in Tokashiki and Hirata Tourism in Yaeyama.

Teeing off by the ocean…
The mild temperatures of spring are a perfect time to take in Okinawa's coastal fairways, which beckon golfers from all over the world. Okinawa is home to over 20 resort and public courses, many of which are located along the shore, such as Chura Orchard, The Southern Links and the Bel Beach Golf Club on Okinawa's main island or Ocean Links Miyakojima on Miyako Island.

For more information on Okinawa, visit: www.visitokinawajapan.com 

ENDS 

About Okinawa:

Japan's southernmost prefecture, Okinawa, comprises 160 subtropical islands boasting a year-round warm climate comparable to Hawaii, Miami and Cancun. Just 3 hours by air from Tokyo and blessed with incredible natural beauty, from lush forests to crystal blue waters with abundant coral and golden sands, Okinawa is perfect for beach lovers and sports enthusiasts alike whilst still appealing to culture seekers thanks to its unique history and heritage. Using the bountiful fresh produce its natural environment produces, Okinawa's culinary culture is also unique and is believed to be a key factor in Okinawa's status as one of only five blue zones in the world recognised for longevity.

For further media information and images contact:
Be Okinawa - UK & Ireland Representative, Rebecca Pasha: E: rebecca@humewhitehead.co.uk / T: +44 (0) 203 375 4054