この記事にはアフィリエイトリンクが含まれています。
- お土産を買う前にチェック！「沖縄でしか買えないお土産」特集！
- 自宅で沖縄気分！おうちが南国になるおすすめアイテム特集
- おすすめ【人気リゾートホテル特集】旅行前にこちらをチェック！
- 「ここは行っとけ！」おすすめ沖縄観光スポット45選！名所から穴場まで！
If you visit Okinawa during a break in the rainy season, you will find fresh nature that reminds you of the arrival of summer.
June in Okinawa is a time when everyone is looking forward to the full-blown summer season.
Let’s get a head start on that and enjoy the tropical charm of the area.
A recommended hotel in Onna Village, one of the best beach resorts in Okinawa, Japan!
In this issue, we will introduce you to travel sites that are easy to compare so that you can get the best deals on hotels for your special trip. Each site offers limited time discounts and special offers, and depending on the season, you may have the chance to stay at a top resort hotel for up to 20% off! We hope you will take advantage of them.
The first thing you can’t miss is the ocean! Snorkeling is an easy way to experience the beautiful ocean of Okinawa.
You will have the chance to see schools of colorful tropical fish swimming among the coral reefs, sea turtles, and manta rays. This is a popular activity for families.
For those who are not comfortable going into the ocean, sea kayaking is recommended.
Drifting in the shallow waters of Kura at a leisurely pace and gazing out at the emerald green sea is truly a moment of paradise.
Sea kayaking is easy to enjoy even for those who are not good at speedy marine sports.
In addition to marine sports, June also offers a chance to experience traditional Okinawan culture. The “Hurley” festivals held on the main island and remote islands allow visitors to get up close and personal with people singing and dancing in traditional costumes.
June in Okinawa can still be humid and sweltering, but you will be able to feel the arrival of summer after the rainy season clears up. Why not spend a trip to enjoy the unique charms of the tropics as soon as possible?
June Climate and Clothing
Weather and Climate
June is the wettest month of the year in Okinawa, with the highest humidity and precipitation.
The weather is unstable, and it is not uncommon to have sudden squalls just as the sun seems to be shining.
Precipitation increases, especially in the middle of the month, and the weather can be gloomy all day long. However, by the end of the month, the rainy season ends and sunny days become more common along with the summer heat.
You can find more information about the beginning and end of the rainy season here.
Physical Climate and Recommended Clothing
Men’s Clothing
During the rainy season, quick-drying T-shirts and polo shirts are recommended.
When outdoors, a long-sleeved shirt with UV protection can be worn to protect against sunburn. It is also a good idea to carry a light cardigan or hoodie to protect against air conditioning indoors.
Women’s Clothing
Breathable dresses and loose-fitting blouses are appropriate to avoid the heat and humidity.
It is helpful to bring a hat, sunglasses, and a stole with UV protection in case of strong sunlight. If you will be in an air-conditioned place for a long time, do not forget to bring a cloak.
Children’s Clothing
Children should be especially careful of the sun and insects; UV-protected T-shirts, hats, and lightweight long pants are appropriate. Since many of the activities are outdoors, it is a good idea to have a change of clothes ready that can get dirty.
Here’s how to choose a rental car that won’t fail on your trip to Okinawa
Tips for enjoying Okinawa in June
Okinawa in June offers great opportunities to enjoy the beautiful ocean and rich culture, but the weather can be unstable due to the rainy season.
When visiting Okinawa during such a time of the year, the following plans will help you enjoy your visit despite the rain.
Outdoor Activities: Sunny Day Options
Take advantage of the sunny days to enjoy Okinawa’s natural beauty. The following activities are recommended on sunny days in between the rainy season:
- Snorkeling: The crystal clear waters of Okinawa are the perfect place to observe coral reefs and colorful tropical fish. Famous spots include Cape Maeda and Kabira Bay on Ishigaki Island.
- Sea kayaking : Sea kayaking is popular among families and couples as a way to enjoy the scenery while paddling in the quiet sea. Especially around Iriomote Island and Miyako Island, you can enjoy the beautiful coastline.
- Beach Activities: The beaches of Okinawa have white sand and emerald green waters. Sunset Beach and Maeda Flat are perfect for sunbathing and beach volleyball.
Indoor Activities: Fun on a Rainy Day
Even on rainy days, there are many options for getting a deeper insight into Okinawa’s culture and history:
- Visiting museums and art galleries: There are plenty of intellectual places to enjoy even on rainy days, such as the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Shurijo Park, where you can learn about the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
- Traditional Craft Experience: There are many workshops where visitors can experience making traditional Okinawan crafts, and the experience of making Shuri textiles and Ryukyu glass can be a memorable sightseeing experience.
- Experience live Ryukyuan music: Live music venues and restaurants are perfect for rainy days, where you can enjoy local food while listening to live performances of sanshin, the traditional Okinawan music.
Participate in local events
You can get a deeper sense of Okinawan culture by participating in local events and festivals that are held even during the rainy season.
In June, many communities hold hurley (traditional rowing races), where visitors can enjoy interacting with the locals.
By making a list in advance of spots that can be enjoyed even on rainy days, you will be able to fully enjoy your trip to Okinawa without being affected by the weather.
A great way to reserve a rental car that locals also use!
June in Okinawa is the rainy season!
When you think of June in Okinawa, the word “rainy season” may be the first that comes to mind. Unlike the rainy season in Honshu, the rainy season in Okinawa usually begins in mid-May and ends in mid to late June.
Okinawa at this time of year is characterized by occasional heavy rainfall, often alternating between sunshine and rain in a single day.
However, even during the rainy season, there are ample sunny days, and the flowers and lively greenery that bloom during these times provide extremely beautiful scenery for visitors.
The rainy season is usually expected to begin around May 10 in a normal year, but it may be a little later or later depending on the year.
According to data from the Japan Meteorological Agency, once the rainy season is declared, rain generally lasts for about a month and a half. And the rainy season usually ends around the end of June.
However, in some years, the rainy season may not end until July. This seems to be especially the case in recent years due to the effects of climate change.
Here are spots where you can enjoy Okinawa 120% even on a rainy day
It is said that “the rainy season begins when the peach blossoms are in full bloom.
When does the rainy season end in Okinawa?
The end of the rainy season in Okinawa is very early compared to other parts of Japan, but the exact date varies from year to year.
In an average year, the rainy season is supposed to end around June 21, but this is only a long-term average. Looking at historical data, in the earliest years, the rainy season may end in early June, and in later years, the rainy season may continue until early July.
In Okinawa, it is standard for the rainy season to end around June 23, Memorial Day.
Just after the end of the rainy season, Okinawa experiences the heat of summer at once, and the sun shines strongly.
The ocean is beautiful at this time of year, providing the best conditions for marine activities such as snorkeling and diving. Also, with the end of the rainy season, the waters of Okinawa are much clearer and the underwater creatures are more active.
During the rainy season, it is a good idea to enjoy indoor activities, cultural experiences, and local food culture.
Then, when the rainy season ends, you can plan to enjoy Okinawa’s natural beauty to the fullest. When planning a trip to Okinawa, it is important to check the trend of the rainy season and make flexible plans. The end of the rainy season in Okinawa is a sign that the fun of summer is about to begin.
Be well prepared and enjoy the summer in Okinawa to the fullest.
For more information about the end of the rainy season, click here.
Major Events in Okinawa in June
Okinawa is home to a variety of cultural events throughout the year, especially in June, which celebrates local traditions and the sea Here are some of the major events taking place in Okinawa in June 2024.
Dorogama Cave – Okinawa Memorial Day Performance
- Date: Tuesday, June 18 to Thursday, June 27, 2024
- Venue: Himeyuri Peace Hall
- Description: Dorogama Grotto will present a total of 14 plays for peace during the period including Okinawa Memorial Day. The purpose of these plays is to remember the tragedy of war and convey a message of peace to the future.
Ishigaki Island Hurley (Sea God Festival)
- Date: June 9, 2024
- Venue: Ishigaki Island
- Description: Ishigaki Island Hurley is a traditional festival to pray for safe voyage and good catch. It is a popular event for both locals and tourists as it features a rowing competition between Sabani boats and kareyu boats.
Itoman Harley
- Date: June 9, 2024
- Location: Itoman City
- Description: Itoman Harley is a traditional event to give thanks and pray for the blessings of the sea and safe voyages. The entire community wishes for abundant catches of fish by decorating a big fishing banner. As an event rooted in the culture of Itoman City, many local residents and tourists participate.
Onna Village Hurley
- Date: June 9, 2024
- Location: Maekenku Fishing Port, Onna Village
- Description: Onna Village’s traditional “Kareyoryu Boat Race”, held on the fourth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, is a 100-year-old tradition to pray for bountiful catches and safe voyages. Local residents unite to row the boat and honor their connection with the sea.
A great way to reserve a rental car that locals also use!
June Okinawa’s Seasonal Dairy Products
Okinawa has a subtropical climate, and a variety of fruits can be enjoyed throughout the year, but especially in June, when many fruits are in season and at their freshest and most flavorful.
Here are some of the main fruits that can be enjoyed in Okinawa in June.
pineapple (Ananas comosus)
peach pineapple
- Characteristics: It has an attractive peach-like aroma and the flesh is very soft and sweet.
- Sugar content: 14+ degrees.
- Season: May to July.
gold-barrel pine
- Characteristics: A premium variety developed in Okinawa Prefecture. The pulp is rich and sweet, with abundant juice and almost no acidity.
- Season: July to August.
Snack Pineapple
- Characteristics: Weighing approximately 700 grams, it is small and easy to eat, and can be torn into pieces by hand. The flesh is soft, making it an easy variety to enjoy on a daily basis.
- Season: May to June.
cream pineapple
- Characteristics: It is characterized by its creamy flesh, which is very white. The flesh is soft and very sweet with a sugar content of over 15% and little acidity.
- Season: July to September.
N Pine
- Characteristics: This pineapple variety was born in Hawaii and has a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. The flesh is juicy and has a sweet and sour taste.
- Cultivation area: The “Yanbaru” region in northern Okinawa Prefecture. The red soil in this region is ideal for pineapple cultivation, and the fruits exposed to a lot of light are especially rich in juice.
- Season: May through August.
passion fruit (Passiflora edulis)
Passion fruit, which is widely cultivated in Okinawa Prefecture from the southern part of the main island to Onna Village, is popular for its unique sour taste and tropical aroma.
Its season is long, from June to August, and it is often enjoyed processed into juice and desserts.
apple mango
The “apple mango,” a representative of Okinawan summer, is grown on Okinawa’s main island, Miyako Island, and Ishigaki Island. Characterized by its sweet and juicy pulp, its season is from June to July.
If you visit Okinawa during this season, this is a must-try dish.
For more information about mangoes, click here.
Airline ticket prices in June
June airfare to Okinawa is generally stable during the rainy season, with no significant price fluctuations.
However, after the rainy season ends and the summer tourist season begins, prices tend to rise.
Air Ticket Price
- ANA and JAL: In addition to regular fares, there is an Early Purchase Discount that offers significant discounts if you book at least 75 days prior to your departure date. For example, a fare from Haneda to Naha that would normally cost 44,390 yen may be reduced to 13,920 yen with early purchase.
- Using LCCs: LCCs such as Peach allow you to fly from Narita Airport to Naha Airport for as low as 6,390 yen.
Points to keep prices low
- Take advantage of early purchase discounts: the earlier you book, the cheaper your ticket will be.
- Weekday Travel: Flights that fly on weekdays are generally less expensive than those that fly on weekends.
- Choose a flight in the afternoon or evening: flights in the late afternoon or evening are often less expensive than the first flight in the morning.
Hotel rates in June
June is the rainy season and hotel rates in Okinawa are relatively stable.
As the rainy season comes to an end, the number of tourists is expected to increase and rates are expected to rise.
Hotel market rate
- Typical hotel rate: 8,000 yen and up is the basic rate per night, but varies depending on location and hotel rank.
- High-class hotels: Hyatt Regency Naha and Kanucha Bay Hotel & Villas offer rates starting at approximately 20,000 yen per night.
Booking Tips and Savings
- Early Booking: Hotels may offer discounted rates by booking early.
- Check for events: prices are typically higher on days when large events are scheduled. Check the event schedule and avoid them to save money.
- Regional Discount Offers: Take advantage of regional discount offers.
summary
Climatically, Okinawa in June is in the middle of the rainy season, which is characterized by high humidity and occasional strong rainfall.
As soon as the rainy season ends, summer weather arrives and the best season for active outings begins. This is the time of year when activities such as swimming and snorkeling can be enjoyed.
On rainy days, it is also recommended to enjoy indoor museums where you can feel Okinawan culture and history, experience traditional crafts, and enjoy live Ryukyuan music.
As for clothing, choose clothing made of breathable and easy-to-dry materials due to the high humidity, and after the rainy season, sun protection is necessary. A hat, sunglasses, and a lightweight shirt with long sleeves will help you stay comfortable.
As for seasonal items, you can enjoy locally harvested fruits such as peach pineapple and gold barrel pineapple. These are fresh, and their unique Okinawan sweetness and flavor are a must-try when you visit.
If you want to enjoy Okinawa, get discount tickets online!
special feature article
Roadside Stations and Direct Selling Stations Special Feature!
Michi no Eki (Roadside Stations) and direct sales shops in Okinawa are very popular tourist attractions. Each has its own unique characteristics, making them 200% worth visiting! Please visit them!
Special feature on beaches on the main island of Okinawa!
The main island of Okinawa has many wonderful beaches that can only be found in the tropics. We will introduce each of them in an easy-to-understand manner, from the very secluded to the well-serviced executive beaches.
Typhoon Okinawa
We have compiled a list of points to keep in mind when a typhoon approaches so that you can respond without panic before or during your trip. We hope you will find it useful.
One of the best spots for lunch in Okinawa!
