Comparison · Okinawa vs Taipei · Japan / Taiwan
Okinawa vs Taipei
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Image Science and Analysis Laboratory, NASA - Johnson Space Center. "The Gateway to Astron, Public domain
Quick answer
Choose Okinawa for Beaches and coral reefs, Churaumi Aquarium and beaches; choose Taipei for Taipei 101, Night markets and lower day-to-day costs. Taipei is generally less expensive, and the two are about 627 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 627 km
- Less expensive
- Taipei
- Best time for Okinawa
- April, June–July and October
- Best time for Taipei
- March–April and October–December
Side by side
| Okinawa | Taipei | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Japan | Taiwan |
| Known for | Beaches and coral reefs, Churaumi Aquarium and Ryukyu Kingdom castles | Taipei 101, Night markets and National Palace Museum |
| Best time to visit | April, June–July and October | March–April and October–December |
| Ideal stay | 6 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $140–$260 | $100–$200 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 32°C (90°F) | July, 34°C (93°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 20°C (68°F) | January, 19°C (66°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 9 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 7 |
| Beaches | Emerald Beach | — |
| Airports | OKA | TPE, TSA |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Okinawa for…
Beaches and coral reefs, Churaumi Aquarium and beaches. Okinawa Island, about 100 km long and the largest of Japan's subtropical Ryukyu Islands, was the centre of the Ryukyu Kingdom until 1879, and its food, music, crafts and stone gusuku castles still feel distinct from mainland Japan. Naha, the capital, has the…
Choose Taipei for…
Taipei 101, Night markets and lower day-to-day costs. Taipei is Taiwan's capital, a compact city of about 2.5 million people in a basin ringed by green mountains. The 508-metre Taipei 101 dominates the Xinyi skyline, the National Palace Museum holds one of the world's largest collections of Chinese imperial…
Top sights compared
| # | Okinawa | Taipei |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium | Taipei 101 Observatory |
| 2 | Shuri Castle | National Palace Museum |
| 3 | Kokusai-dori | Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall |
| 4 | Daiichi Makishi Public Market | Longshan Temple |
| 5 | Tsuboya Yachimun Street | Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) |
Food compared
| Okinawa | Taipei |
|---|---|
| Goya champuru | Beef noodle soup |
| Okinawa soba | Xiaolongbao |
| Rafute | Braised pork rice |
| Taco rice | Pepper bun |
Which is cheaper?
Taipei is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $100–$200 per person there, against $140–$260 in Okinawa (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Taipei on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Okinawa and Taipei are about 627 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 6 days in Okinawa and 5 in Taipei.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Okinawa or Taipei cheaper?
Taipei is usually less expensive: about $100–$200 a day mid-range against $140–$260 (estimates).
+Is Okinawa or Taipei better for a first trip?
Pick Okinawa for Beaches and coral reefs, Churaumi Aquarium and beaches, or Taipei for Taipei 101, Night markets and lower day-to-day costs.
+How far is Okinawa from Taipei?
About 627 km in a straight line.