Is is Value Visiting Okinawa in Winter?

I attempt to not blame different folks for my dangerous journey selections, identical to I don’t give them an excessive amount of credit score for my good ones. On the finish of the day, I’m the one who pulls the set off.

Certainly, when good friend of mine spoke a few years in the past a few surprisingly heat winter journey to Okinawa, I ought to’ve been extra skeptical. This individual is fantastic and an intrepid traveler in their very own proper; they’re additionally not particularly educated about Japan, and had no body of reference for his or her characterization.

I’m right here to provide the robust love I want I’d had. Particularly, that it’s best to solely go to Okinawa in winter if you happen to’re comfy with the potential of the worst-case state of affairs (which—belief me—could be very, very dangerous).

My Okinawa Winter Journey Wasn’t What I Anticipated

As I described on the time in an essay on my different web site, the Okinawa winter left so much to be desired. On the plus aspect, the species of cherry blossoms that blooms in Okinawa (which, I ought to notice, are totally different from the somei yoshino which are widespread on Japan’s predominant islands) had been in full bloom in the course of the entirety of my journey there, which came about in the course of the “kiss” between January and February.

On the minus aspect…effectively, the place do I start? Though it had been sunny and comparatively gentle in Naha once I landed, it began raining just a few hours into my journey and by no means stopped. It was so frigid at instances (notably once I was close to the water) that I truly questioned whether or not I used to be in Okinawa in any respect. Definitely, I wasn’t swimming or snorkeling, just like the good friend I discussed within the intro claimed she’d achieved there at roughly the identical time of 12 months.

5 Issues to Know About Visiting Okinawa in Winter

It may be extraordinarily chilly

 

Should you’re below the impression that you simply’ll be sunning your self on the seashore in Okinawa in January or February, enable me to pour chilly water on you. And I do imply chilly. I do know from private expertise–I’ve the screenshots of my “Climate” app—that Okinawa might be near-freezing in winter, even in the course of the center of the day.

(And wet)

 

I imply water, too! Actually, except my first few hours in Naha at Shuri Fortress (earlier than it was burned down), my expertise of winter in Okinawa was utterly moist. Generally it was a drizzle; different instances it was a downpour; however there was all the time a persistent, thick quilt of clouds over your entire scene.

There is likely to be cherry blossoms

 

The one silver lining of those clouds was the truth that Okinawa’s native sakura (a species referred to as hikanzakura or Ryukyu kanhizakura) had been at full bloom your entire time I used to be there. Nonetheless, that is solely realiably the case in late January and early February, so be aware about if you go to if you happen to do.

Okinawan delicacies is warming

 

One other doubtlessly vivid spot of your Okinawa winter itinerary? From classics like Okinawa-no-soba and taco rice to extra obscure dishes, Okinawan delicacies is decidedly warming. Actually, throughout summer time journeys, I usually really feel unable to eat very a lot due to this reality.

You would possibly need to hire a automotive

 

On nearly all my journeys to Okinawa, from Ishigaki to Miyako, I’ve rented vehicles. Nonetheless, once I visited Okinawa in winter, I made the error of not doing so. Okinawa’s public transportation is questionable at any time of 12 months; ready for the bus when it’s chilly and wet is particularly depressing, even when renting a automotive in Japan might be, too.

When is the Greatest Time of 12 months to Go to Okinawa?

Okinawa is a difficult vacation spot as a result of, as I do know first-hand, the winter isn’t all it’s cracked as much as be. However, the remainder of the 12 months will also be wet (if not chilly), notably in months like September and October, when typhoons are widespread. I’ve had luck visiting Okinawa’s islands in Could; I’ve Japanese pals that swear as an alternative on visiting in July or August.

So, what’s the reply? Whereas I might keep away from an Okinawa winter journey if you happen to may help it (or except you completely must see sakura right here), one of the best technique is to combine Okinawa into no matter journey you’re taking in probably the most harmonious means doable. You say you’re flying to Japan solely to go to Okinawa? Properly, let’s simply say I hope you’re coming from elsewhere in Asia (in any other case that’s a protracted journey to make for seashores, even very stunning ones).

Different FAQ About Visiting Okinawa in Winter

Is it value visiting Okinawa in winter?

Should you get very fortunate with the climate, Okinawa is usually a nice vacation spot to go to within the winter. That is additionally the case if you happen to are available late January or early February, when the archipelago’s cherry blossom species is in bloom. However, I do know from private expertise that Okinawa might be downright chilly and depressing in winter, so I like to recommend treading rigorously.

Is Okinawa chilly in winter?

Okinawa isn’t all the time chilly in winter, however it may be. After I visited for just a few days in January and February, daytime temperatures weren’t excessive above freezing, a tragic indisputable fact that unrelenting clouds and fixed rain made unimaginable to disregard. It was actually one of the vital depressing journeys I’ve ever taken in Japan, weather-wise.

Is it time to go to Okinawa in January?

January just isn’t time to go to Okinawa if you wish to go to the seashore—or, god forbid, snorkel. It might be time for indoor sightseeing, for a foodie journey or, if you happen to go to in late January, to see Okinawa’s native cherry blossoms.

The Backside Line

I received’t mislead you: Okinawa in winter was an absolute nightmare for me. Whereas it’s true that I used to be particularly unfortunate, with near-freezing temperatures and fixed rain for all however just a few hours of my journey, it revealed simply how depressing Okinawa might be within the wintertime. And I believe, if you happen to plan to go within the winter, you have to be ready for this chance. Definitely, you shouldn’t expect to swim or snorkel, and even to have the ability to stroll exterior with out a jacket or umbrella. Want customized assist assembling your Okinawa journey? Fee a customized Japan itinerary at this time!