The most popular destinations for domestic travel departing from Hokkaido are Tokyo/Yokohama and the Kansai region. Not only are they popular, but they're also easily accessible on a whim, making them by far the most popular destinations for tour groups.
However, even within Japan, traveling to Okinawa is a different story.

Okinawa is a popular destination for trips originating from Hokkaido, even within Hokkaido itself.
However, since it's such a distant land, I have many questions.

How do I get there?
What should I be careful about?
What are the highlights of the trip?

So, this time, a writer from our sister site "Hokkaido Lab" will share some tips for traveling to Okinawa from the perspective of a Hokkaido resident.

<Table of Contents>
1. A recommended trip from Hokkaido to Okinawa!
2. How do you get from Hokkaido to Okinawa?
3. Which is better, a tour or independent travel?
4. Pay attention to your mode of transportation during your trip!
5. From the north to the south! What are some climate-related precautions?
6. What are some recommended spots for repeat visitors from Hokkaido?
6-1 Experience Okinawan culture casually with gourmet food at "Ufuyaa"
6-2 Enjoy the spectacular views unique to Okinawa at "Kouri Island Ocean Tower"
Summary

Hokkaido is a consistently popular tourist destination within Japan.

Hokkaido's seasonal natural beauty, hot springs, and delicious food are popular not only outside of Hokkaido but also within Hokkaido itself.
To be honest, many people might feel that Hokkaido is sufficient for domestic tourism and that other tourist destinations don't really appeal to them.

However, as someone who lives in Hokkaido, I believe Okinawa is the place that Hokkaido residents should definitely visit!

■Nature

Since it's the southernmost area, the nature is naturally quite different. Everything will appear fresh and new to the eyes of someone from Hokkaido.

The vibrant, colorful trees such as banyan trees and mangroves, as well as hibiscus, bougainvillea, and coral trees, will refresh your spirits just by looking at them!

■Culture

There are similarities in temperament between people from Hokkaido and people from Okinawa Prefecture.

We have a lot in common because we're both simple, easygoing, and do things at our own pace.

Also, in Hokkaido, Honshu is sometimes referred to as "Naichi," and the Okinawa region also uses the term "Naichi."

Although these two lands were not originally Japanese territory, many people from Hokkaido feel a connection to Okinawa and become repeat visitors!

As of November 2016, there is only one direct flight per day from Hokkaido to Okinawa: ANA, departing from New Chitose Airport and arriving in Naha.

When traveling from an airport in Hokkaido to Okinawa, you will almost always need to use a connecting flight.
If you're using a connecting flight, the main connecting airports are Haneda, Chubu Centrair International, Kansai, and Itami.

There are many flights from New Chitose Airport to each connecting airport, so you can create various flight schedules using ANA, JAL, and other low-cost carriers.

Now, most transfer patterns involve three airports: Haneda, Kansai, and Itami. Here's something to keep in mind.

At most airports, the boarding gates for flights to Hokkaido and Okinawa are quite far apart.
Especially at large airports like Haneda, you might have to travel from one end of the airport to the other.

While package tour brochures often state things like "Please allow at least 25 minutes for transfers," based on my experience as a repeat traveler, I recommend allowing at least an hour to be on the safe side.

If you're a first-timer on a tour to Okinawa, it's a good idea to check the transfer schedule with your travel agency.

Package tours allow you to efficiently visit tourist spots.

Independent travel allows you to create a flexible schedule tailored to your travel goals.
Which is better for a trip to Okinawa from Hokkaido?

From the perspective of someone from Hokkaido, traveling from Hokkaido to Okinawa is like "traveling abroad without using a passport."
For those new to traveling to Okinawa, we recommend starting with a package tour.

If you're departing from Hokkaido, the flight time is long, so a 2-night, 3-day tour will be over very quickly. We recommend a 3-night, 4-day or 4-night, 5-day tour.

Okinawa package tours include typical bus tours (with a tour guide) and free tours with (or without) a rental car. However, for Hokkaido residents living outside the Sapporo area, driving on Okinawa Island can be somewhat difficult due to the somewhat complex road network.

For those visiting Okinawa for the first time, who are worried about getting around, and who are traveling purely for sightseeing purposes, I recommend a bus tour.

Also, if you're comfortable driving, a package tour that includes a rental car is highly recommended, as it allows you to freely enjoy Okinawa by going wherever you want (for example, visiting various beautiful beaches, going to cafes with an Okinawan flair, etc.).

On the other hand, with independent travel, you will be responsible for planning your own flight schedule and accommodations.

By making good use of low-cost carriers (LCCs), it's possible to travel round trip between Sapporo and Okinawa for around 2 yen, and you can also book guesthouses or B&Bs for a more affordable stay.

However, in this case, if there are flight delays or problems at your accommodation, you will have to resolve everything yourself.
Independent travel is only recommended for those with some experience traveling both domestically and internationally.

Especially when traveling from Hokkaido to Okinawa, a major drawback is the numerous factors that can cause flight cancellations, such as Okinawa's typhoon season (July to October) and flight cancellations at Hokkaido airports during winter.

The most important thing for Hokkaido residents traveling to Okinawa is the transportation situation.
Particular caution is needed when traveling on a free-plan tour.

Whether on the main island or the outlying islands, traveling by means other than tour buses or rental cars takes a very long time.

Recently, variety shows featuring travel using local buses have become popular on television. I often see features on bus trips around Okinawa.
I, too, have experience traveling to Okinawa Island and its outlying islands using local buses.

While you can relax and enjoy the tropical scenery during the bus ride, many routes have infrequent service, so in reality, it results in a considerable loss of time.

Since I've come all the way from Hokkaido, I want to make the most of my time.

Therefore, I strongly recommend that people in Hokkaido utilize rental cars or tour buses.

Next, let's talk about the car situation.

Driving on the remote islands is perfectly fine if you drive with the same mindset as you would in Hokkaido.
However, the traffic situation on Okinawa Island is, frankly speaking, much worse than in the Sapporo area. Those living outside the Sapporo area should be especially careful.

In particular, be careful not to get stuck in traffic on Route 58, especially around Kokusai Street.

Also, be aware that there are many drivers who drive recklessly near U.S. military bases, so drive carefully.

Also, here are some things to keep in mind when asking locals for directions.

People in Okinawa consider a place that's only a 20-minute drive away to be "far."
"20 minutes by car"... For people from Hokkaido, that's actually quite close, isn't it?

When asking locals for directions, be sure to ask for specific travel times, such as "How many minutes will it take by car?"

When planning a trip from Hokkaido to Okinawa, the weather is the biggest concern!

Many people from Hokkaido feel that the climate in Okinawa is about three months behind.
While this isn't much of a concern for summer trips, it's something to be aware of when traveling in winter.

Even in Okinawa, a tropical paradise, the weather from January to February can feel cold, even to people from Hokkaido.
During this time of year in Okinawa, the wind from the sea is strong, so it often feels colder than the actual temperature.

For a winter trip to Okinawa, it's a good idea to pack the same clothes you would wear in Hokkaido from late October to early November.

If you're departing from Hokkaido, you need to be especially careful about what you wear between December and February.

It's the middle of winter in Hokkaido. I head to the airport wearing boots suitable for Hokkaido, a thick coat, gloves, and a hat.
...But this isn't necessary in Okinawa, is it?

Leave your coat, boots, and other winter clothing at the airport.
At New Chitose Airport, there are temporary baggage storage facilities on the 1st and 2nd floors of the domestic terminal building.

Quoted from the New Chitose Airport Terminal Building website.

Of course, don't forget to change into the coat you'll be wearing during your stay in Okinawa at the airport.
If you prepare a coat that you would normally wear from autumn until the first snowfall, based on the sensibilities of Hokkaido residents, you should be fine.

Now, let me introduce some of the tourist spots on Okinawa Island that are especially recommended by repeat visitors from Hokkaido.

6-1 Experience Okinawan culture casually with gourmet food at "Ufuyaa"

While "Ryukyu Village" and "Okinawa World" are well-known spots where you can experience Okinawan culture, if you prioritize atmosphere, "Ufuya," which is close to Churaumi Aquarium, is highly recommended.

Although it's an Okinawan restaurant, it's housed in a relocated and restored 100-year-old traditional Okinawan house.
You can enjoy delicious Okinawan cuisine while experiencing Okinawan culture.

You can also rent out traditional Okinawan clothing, "Ryusou," and take commemorative photos!

Landlord (Ufuya)
[Access information]
Address: 90 Nakayama, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture
Opening hours: Lunch: 11:00 AM - 17:00 PM (last order 16:30 PM), 18:00 PM - 22:00 PM (last order 21:00 PM)
Phone number: 0980-53-0280
home page:http://ufuya.com/

6-2 Enjoy the spectacular views unique to Okinawa at "Kouri Island Ocean Tower"

Kouri Island is an island off the coast of Okinawa Main Island that can be reached by car. You cross the Kouri Bridge, which opened in 2005, to get there.

Opened in 2013, the Kouri Island Ocean Tower is a hidden gem offering breathtaking views and is rapidly gaining popularity among Okinawa enthusiasts.

From an altitude of 82 meters above sea level, you can leisurely and fully enjoy the unique nature of Okinawa that you can't see in Hokkaido!

Kouri Island Ocean Tower
[Access information]
Address: 538 Kouri, Nakijin Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Open all year round)
Admission fee: Adults 800 yen, Junior and Senior High School Students 600 yen, Elementary School Students 300 yen
home page:http://www.kouri-oceantower.com/

Summary

What did you think?

Traveling from Hokkaido to Okinawa can sometimes be more challenging than traveling abroad.
However, the unique nature, cuisine, and culture offer fresh experiences and inspiring moments, and sometimes even a sense of familiarity.

In fact, there seems to be a common ground between the people of Okinawa (Uchinanchu) and the Ainu in their respect for nature as a sacred entity and their cherishing of their ancestors.

Since you live in Hokkaido, you should definitely try a trip to Okinawa at least once!

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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