April is the perfect month in Okinawa for experiencing its best features.
The weather during this time of year is generally mild and pleasant, making it often a perfect day for sightseeing.
That way, spending time outdoors becomes more enjoyable, and you're sure to create even more meaningful memories!

So, this time, I'd like to introduce some of the must-see sights in Okinawa, perfect for a trip in April.

I'll also touch on what to wear and what the weather is like during this time of year, which is neither winter nor summer, so please use this as a reference!

Table of contents

1. Recommended tourist spots
1-1. Japan's westernmost point! Yonaguni Island, where you can see Japan's last sunset.
1-2. Take a stroll around the village with its red-tiled roofs! "Taketomi Island"
1-3. A hidden gem with breathtaking views! Enjoy the spring breeze at Chinen Castle.
2. Events in Okinawa in April
2-1. Dates and locations of the opening of beaches in Okinawa
2-2. There are other great events!
~April's biggest event!!~
3. Weather and clothing to consider when traveling to Okinawa in April
Afterword

Cheapest Okinawa tours departing in April

Okinawa is a great place to travel year-round, but this time of year is actually the perfect opportunity to visit the outlying islands!

For example, during the rainy season or typhoons, the only means of transportation, the high-speed ferry, is suspended...
On the other hand, high-speed ferries get extremely crowded during the summer.

So, why not take a trip to an outlying island this April?

Therefore, I would like to introduce two island tourist spots where you can fully enjoy yourself while being surrounded by cheerful weather.

For those wondering, "What about Okinawa Main Island?", we have the perfect place for you.
I'll also introduce some hidden gem spots with stunning views that you can explore while enjoying the cheerful atmosphere♪

1-1. Japan's westernmost point! Yonaguni Island, where you can see Japan's last sunset.

Yonaguni Island is Japan's westernmost island and one of the Yaeyama Islands.
It's a wonderful island where you can even see the latest sunset in Japan!

As the westernmost point, it is the furthest point from Ishigaki Island, and is surprisingly close to Taiwan, at only 111 kilometers away.
That's a bit surprising, isn't it?

You can go by plane, but you can also go by ship.

It takes time, but since the weather is so stable, I recommend taking a leisurely boat trip while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the islands!

~A little bit of information~
*It takes about 30 minutes by plane from Ishigaki Airport, or about 4 hours by ferry from Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal.

Yonaguni Island is also famous for its free-range Yonaguni horses.
The Yonaguni horse is actually a native breed of horse that is a natural monument, with only about 80 individuals remaining on this island.

She is small in stature and has a gentle personality, so she is kind to tourists.
If you're thinking, "I'd love to play with some horses!", you can also try horseback riding at the "Yonaguni Horse Interaction Square" located by the sea, so if you're interested, why not stop by?

Children and adults alike can enjoy playing in the sea with horses!

And even now, visitors continue to flock to the area as a filming location for the drama "Dr. Koto."
It is said that the drama's immense popularity at the time was partly due to the beautiful scenery of Yonaguni Island.

The clinic set that appeared in the play is still there, so why not pay a visit to see it as well?

Furthermore, "Tindabana of Yonaguni Island," covered in deep green, is the island's top tourist attraction.
This natural observation deck exudes an overwhelming presence, but it is said that it was actually the residence of the female chieftain Sanai Isoba.

At the end of the 15th century, Sanai Isoba lived on Yonaguni Island, where she had been shipwrecked with a male dog. Later, a man who had drifted ashore fell in love with Isoba at first sight and killed the dog, which he considered a nuisance.

He lived with Isoba and their seven children without ever telling her where he buried the dog, but one day he accidentally tells Isoba where he buried the dog.

Then Isoba disappeared, and the next day she was found dead, clutching a dog's bones...

There are many famous legends about the ancestors of dogs, such as the legend of the Eight Dog Heroes of Satomi, but Yonaguni Island also has a sad and tragic story like this.

It is now called Tindabana and is cherished as a sacred place where spring water is drawn at the beginning of the year during the Alamidi (New Water) ritual, which takes place every year in the eighth month of the lunar calendar.

Yonaguni Island also has many other famous tourist spots.

There are plenty of sights to see, including Tategami-iwa (Tategami Rock), where it is said that someone climbed to the top of Tategami-iwa in search of bird eggs, but couldn't get down and was able to return after praying to the gods, and the underwater ruins discovered in 1986!

Considering the risk of train service cancellations, Yonaguni Island is often perceived as a difficult place to visit, even for those who want to go.
Please take this opportunity to consider it!

1-2. Take a stroll around the village with its red-tiled roofs! "Taketomi Island"

Taketomi Island is characterized by its red-tiled roof villages, which are symbolic of the Yaeyama Islands, and it is easily accessible, just about 10 minutes by high-speed ferry from Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal!
It's the closest island to Ishigaki Island, making it possible to visit on a day trip, and it's a very popular spot among the Yaeyama Islands.

Recommended ways to spend your time include renting a bicycle and cycling around the town, or taking a leisurely stroll to any places that catch your eye...
Some models even come with booster seats so children can ride along, making them perfect for families to enjoy!

Furthermore, efforts are being made to protect the landscape of the red-tiled roofed villages that can be seen on Taketomi Island.
Because it has been designated a "National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings," it's wonderful that resort hotels and other establishments are mindful of not spoiling the scenery.

You can even take a tour of the village, which is preserved by the islanders' love for their homeland, by riding in a water buffalo cart, so I highly recommend trying it.

One of the great things about Taketomi Island is that you can enjoy the unique atmosphere of the island while riding in a water buffalo cart, listening to stories from the old man and the sound of the sanshin (Okinawan stringed instrument).
You might feel like you've stepped into a completely different world from the scenery you normally see.

And as for the sea, Kondoi Beach and Kaiji Beach are exceptionally beautiful, so be sure to enjoy a fantastic stroll around the island!

◇Click here for more information about Taketomi Island◇
https://okinawa-labo.com/taketomi-island-signtseeing-5085

1-3. A hidden gem with breathtaking views! Enjoy the spring breeze at Chinen Castle.

Chinen Castle is a gusuku (Okinawan castle) located in Nanjo City on Okinawa Island.
It's a shame that this place isn't more well-known, as the contrast between nature and the castle is truly magnificent.
It's very close to Seifa Utaki, so I recommend stopping by and seeing both.

First and foremost, the main attraction of Chinen Castle is the arches of the main gate and the back gate.
The curves are very beautiful, and it consists of an old castle (kogusuku) built with rough stone masonry and a new castle (miigusuku) built with cut stone.

The old castle was built in the late 12th or 13th century, while the new castle is said to have been built in the late 15th century.

The outer walls of the fortified city, which have been preserved through restoration, are well worth seeing.
This is a must-visit place for castle lovers.

Chinen Castle, though small in scale, retains traces of its former appearance and offers views of Kudaka Island from its hilltop.

Because it's a hidden gem, there aren't many people around, so you might be able to have the scenery spread out before you all to yourself.
That means it's a perfect photo opportunity!
You can capture the beautifully towering Chinen Castle and the surrounding scenery to your heart's content with your camera!

*Seifa Utaki has two designated rest periods per year to provide an opportunity to consider improving manners and protecting the natural environment.
Please be careful when you go.
The rest days for the 2016 academic year are as follows:
*Old calendar: October 1st-3rd ⇒ New calendar: October 5st-November 7nd
*Old calendar: October 1st-3rd ⇒ New calendar: October 31st-November 2nd

During this time of year, various events take place in Okinawa.

The main event is definitely the "opening of the beaches" held in various locations.
Most of these events have grand opening ceremonies, so if they fit your travel schedule, tourists can definitely participate!

So, I'd like to introduce the beaches scheduled for April, including those on remote islands, in chronological order.
Some places host unique Okinawan events, so why not stop by while you're sightseeing?

2-1. Dates and locations of the opening of beaches in Okinawa

In recent years, some beaches have even started opening for the season in March.
Beaches like Kariyushi Beach and Sun Marina Beach typically open for the season in March, and generally, beaches frequently used by guests staying at resort hotels tend to open earlier.
Public beaches are generally open throughout April.
For more details, please refer to the article below♪
2020 Edition! Summary of Beach Opening Information for Okinawa Main Island | 20 Major Beaches

~Okinawa Islands~
The Yaeyama Islands, including Ishigaki Island and Taketomi Island, hold a joint beach opening ceremony in March.
The location of the event rotates annually, and in 2021 it was held on March 20th at Kondoi Beach on Taketomi Island.

Also, Miyako Island holds its annual beach opening ceremony on the first Sunday of April.
In 2021, it was held on Sunday, April 4th at Yonaha Maehama Beach.

Eef Beach (Kumejima Island) - Typically the first Sunday of April
Ama Beach (Zamami Island) - Typically the second Saturday of April
Aharen Beach (Tokashiki Island) - Typically a Saturday in mid-April

2-2. There are other great events!

Flowers are in full bloom!

◇March 1st (Tue) - Early May◇
Bios Hill Urizun Flower Festival (Bios Hill)

◇March 20th (Fri) - April 12th (Sun)◇
Irukanda Flower Festival (Oishirinzan)

◇April 16th (Thu) - April 19th (Sun)◇
The 8th Okinawa International Film Festival

~April's biggest event!!~

◇April 11th (Sat)◇
The 16th Ryukyu Sea Fire Festival 2020
*This is a grand event where 10,000 fireworks will light up the night sky!
Tickets are scheduled to go on sale in late February. Stay tuned!!
Click here for information on the Kaien Festival tour.

3. Weather and clothing to consider when traveling to Okinawa in April

Now that we've covered Okinawa in April, you're probably wondering what the weather is actually like.
Therefore, I created a graph showing the temperature changes in April 2015, as announced by the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Data provided by: Japan Meteorological Agency

There is generally very little rain, and the average daily temperature is between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius.
April in Okinawa is said to be the most pleasant time of year, as it is the season known as "Urizun."

There isn't much temperature difference during the day, but it gets chilly in the mornings and evenings, with temperatures ranging from 16 to 19 degrees Celsius.
Also, the UV rays are strong during the day, so you'll need to take appropriate precautions.

So, what kind of clothing should you wear? I've summarized it below.

During the day, you can get by in a short-sleeved T-shirt, but when you go into castles (gusuku) or forests, there is more shade and the perceived temperature drops.

Therefore, it's a good idea to keep something to wear over your clothes, like a cardigan, in your bag.
I think it's a good idea to bring it with you if you're going out into downtown Naha at night.

For the lower half, considering that you might be walking through bushes, long pants are the right choice.
If you feel hot, we recommend a lightweight fabric that can be easily layered!

Wearing a jacket is fine, but you can't really throw something on your bottoms, so I think it's a good idea for insect repellent and UV protection!

Afterword

April in Okinawa is enjoyable no matter where you go, but we recommend sightseeing outdoors, such as island hopping in the Yaeyama Islands or visiting famous spots on the main island.

However, UV rays are getting stronger and stronger, so be sure to protect yourself by applying sunscreen and wearing a hat!
To protect your eyes, it's a good idea to wear UV-blocking sunglasses when you're outdoors.

Make sure you're well-prepared and have a wonderful trip in April!

Cheapest Okinawa tours departing in April

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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