Quick Picks: Okinawa’s Best by Region & Theme

Naha (South): Shuri Castle, Kokusai Street, Makishi Market, Naminoue Shrine & Beach.
Central Coast (Onna/Yomitan/Uruma): Cape Manzamo, Blue Cave (Cape Maeda), Cape Zanpa, Zakimi Castle, American Village, scenic Kaichu Road.
North (Motobu/Yanbaru): Churaumi Aquarium, Bise Fukugi Tree Road, Kouri Island Bridge, Nakijin Castle, Hiji Falls, Daisekirinzan, Cape Hedo.
Outer Islands:
- Keramas (Tokashiki, Zamami) – Snorkel, sea turtles, whale watching (Jan–Mar).
- Miyako – Yonaha Maehama Beach, Sunayama arch, Irabu Bridge, cave diving.
- Yaeyamas (Ishigaki, Taketomi, Iriomote) – Kabira Bay, Taketomi village, Iriomote jungle/river, Yonaguni ruins + hammerhead sharks.
By Interest:
- Beaches – Maehama, Furuzamami, Emerald, Sesoko.
- Snorkel/Dive – Blue Cave, Keramas, Ishigaki manta rays, Miyako caves, Yonaguni ruins/sharks.
- Culture/History – Gusuku castles (Shuri, Nakijin, Katsuren, Zakimi), Sefa-Utaki, pottery villages, Eisa festivals, WWII Peace Park.
- Food – Okinawa soba, taco rice, goya champuru, umibudō, Makishi Market seafood feast, Orion beer, awamori, beni-imo tarts.
- Family – Aquarium, Zoo & Wonder Museum, Pineapple Park, American Village, glass-bottom boats, playground beaches.
- Rainy Day – Gyokusendō Cave, Okinawa World, museums, DMM Aquarium, malls, craft workshops, karaoke, onsen.

Naha & Southern Okinawa

Shuri Castle Park – Ryukyu Kingdom’s Jewel

Shuri Castle, the heart of the old Ryukyu Kingdom, remains Okinawa’s most important historic site. Although a 2019 fire destroyed the main hall, reconstruction is underway with completion expected by 2026. Visitors can still tour the castle park, see reconstructed gates, walls, and observe rebuilding. The site is UNESCO-listed and full of history, from ornate red palace structures to panoramic city views.

Location: Shuri district, Naha (15 min walk from Shuri Station).
Admission: Park free, paid zone ¥400 adults (as of 2025).
Tip: Visit in morning or sunset for cooler temps and fewer crowds.

Kokusai Street & Makishi Public Market – Food & Souvenirs

Okinawa’s busiest shopping street runs 1.6 km through central Naha, packed with souvenir shops, restaurants, izakayas, and bars. It’s lively day and night, with street performers and colorful signs. Makishi Market, the “Kitchen of Okinawa,” sits just off Kokusai and is the best place to see local ingredients: colorful reef fish, pork, island vegetables. Buy seafood on the ground floor and have it cooked upstairs.

Don’t Miss: Taco rice, sata andagi donuts, beni-imo tarts, Orion beer.
Tip: Go early for shopping, evenings for street-food stalls and izakaya hopping.

Naminoue Shrine & Beach – Ocean Meets City

Perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, Naminoue Shrine is Naha’s guardian shrine. At its base lies Naminoue Beach, the only central Naha swimming beach – not the most beautiful, but very convenient if you want a quick dip before or after sightseeing.

Peace Memorial Park & Himeyuri Monument – WWII History

Located in Itoman (south of Naha), this somber site commemorates the Battle of Okinawa. The Peace Park has stone walls inscribed with names of all who perished, while the museum details the tragic battle and its civilian toll. Nearby, the Himeyuri Monument honors schoolgirls conscripted as medics. These sites are moving and provide context to Okinawa’s resilience.

Central Coast (Onna / Yomitan / Uruma)

Cape Manzamo – Scenic Cliff Vista

Iconic elephant-trunk-shaped coral cliff overlooking turquoise seas. Easy 5-min walk from parking lot, safe for kids. Best at sunset. Free entry.

Cape Maeda & Blue Cave – Snorkeling & Diving

Snorkel or dive into the famous glowing Blue Cave. Stairs lead into the sea. Great for fish-watching, but very crowded – go early morning. Free entry, parking ¥100/hour.

Cape Zanpa & Lighthouse

Windy cape with a 30 m lighthouse you can climb. Panoramic views, especially at sunset. Lighthouse entry ¥300.

Zakimi Castle Ruins – UNESCO Site

15th-century gusuku fortress with double stone walls. Free to enter, quiet atmosphere, panoramic views.

Katsuren Castle Ruins

Another UNESCO gusuku ruin, perched dramatically on a limestone ridge overlooking the Pacific. Free entry, 10-min hike.

American Village (Chatan) – Shops & Nightlife

Colorful entertainment complex with Ferris wheel, neon signs, U.S.-style diners, arcades, shopping, and Sunset Beach next door. Great for evening atmosphere.

Ryukyu Mura – Cultural Theme Park

Recreated Ryukyuan village with craft demos, traditional dance, and Eisa drum shows. ¥1,500 entry.

Scenic Drives

Kaichu Road (Uruma): 5 km causeway over turquoise water to Henza & Ikei Islands.
Kouri Bridge (north): 2 km free bridge to Kouri Island with beaches and Heart Rock.

North (Motobu / Yanbaru)

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium & Ocean Expo Park

World-famous aquarium with whale sharks in the massive Kuroshio Tank, manta rays, coral reef displays, deep-sea creatures. Surrounding park has dolphin shows, turtle pools, Tropical Dream Center gardens, and Emerald Beach.

Admission: ¥2,180 adults.
Tip: Arrive at opening for fewer crowds. Save ticket for same-day re-entry.

Bise Fukugi Tree Road

Village lanes shaded by tall fukugi trees forming leafy tunnels. Peaceful, photogenic stroll near aquarium.

Kouri Island & Bridge

Romantic island with “Heart Rock” coral formations, beautiful beaches, shrimp burger stalls, and ocean tower. Free bridge access.

Nakijin Castle Ruins

14th-century gusuku ruin with long curving stone walls. Famous for cherry blossoms in Jan–Feb.

Hiji Falls Nature Trail

1.5 km forest hike with suspension bridge and 26 m waterfall. ¥500 entry. Wear good shoes.

Daisekirinzan Park & Cape Hedo

Karst rock formations with short forest trails at Okinawa’s northern tip. Nearby Cape Hedo offers dramatic ocean cliffs and views of Yoron Island on clear days.

Yanbaru Mangrove Kayaking (Gesashi Bay)

Guided eco-tours paddle through Okinawa’s largest mangrove forest. Great for bird and crab spotting.

Outer Islands (Kerama, Miyako, Yaeyama)

Kerama Islands – Zamami, Tokashiki, Aka

Tokashiki: Aharen Beach, snorkeling, 35 min ferry.
Zamami: Furuzamami Beach (coral gardens), Ama Beach (sea turtles).
Aka: Quieter, Kerama deer.
Tip: Reserve ferries early in summer. Whale watching Jan–Mar.

Miyako Island

Yonaha Maehama Beach: 7 km white sand, gentle sea.
Sunayama Beach: Rock arch cove.
Bridges: Irabu Bridge (Japan’s longest free bridge), Kurima Bridge.
Diving: Famous for underwater caves and Yabiji reef.
Food: Miyako soba, mangoes.

Yaeyama Islands – Ishigaki, Taketomi, Iriomote, Yonaguni

Ishigaki: Kabira Bay (scenic), Yonehara Beach (snorkel), Ishigaki beef.
Taketomi: Traditional red-roof village, buffalo cart rides.
Iriomote: 90% jungle, mangrove rivers, Pinaisara Falls hike/kayak. UNESCO heritage site.
Yonaguni: Japan’s westernmost island, hammerhead sharks, mysterious “ruins.”

By Interest: Beaches & Viewpoints

Family-Friendly Beaches

Emerald Beach (Motobu)
Sunset Beach (Chatan)
Naminoue Beach (Naha)

Secluded Beaches

Mibaru (Nanjo)
Sesoko (Motobu)
Star Sand Beach (Taketomi)

Viewpoints

Cape Manzamo (Onna)
Cape Zanpa (Yomitan)
Cape Hedo (North)
Nakagusuku Castle (Central)
Tamatorizaki Observatory (Ishigaki)

Snorkeling & Diving

Best Snorkel: Cape Maeda Blue Cave, Minna Island, Zamami, Aharen, Yonehara (Ishigaki), Aragusuku (Miyako).
Best Diving: Keramas (turtles, 30 m visibility), Ishigaki (manta rays), Miyako (caves), Yonaguni (ruins + hammerheads).
When to Go: Year-round, but peak summer (July–Sept) for warmest waters; winter for whales/sharks.
Tip: Never touch coral, use reef-safe sunscreen, and never snorkel alone.

Waterfalls, Rivers & Caves

Hiji Falls: 1.5 km forest hike to 26 m falls.
Ta-Taki Falls: River trek adventure in Ōgimi.
Todoroki Falls: Easy walk, family-friendly.
Pinaisara Falls (Iriomote): Okinawa’s tallest, kayak + hike.
Caves:
- Gyokusendō (Okinawa World) – 5 km limestone cave, 21°C year-round.
- Ishigaki Limestone Cave.
- Pumpkin Cave (Miyako) – kayak + short climb.

Tips: Wear water shoes, bring bug spray, beware land leeches in wet season (May–Sept). Always leave no trace.

Culture & History

Castles: Shuri, Nakijin, Katsuren, Zakimi, Nakagusuku.
Sacred Site: Sefa-Utaki (Nanjo).
Traditional Arts: Yachimun pottery, Ryukyu glass, bingata dyeing, sanshin music, Eisa dance.
Village Walks: Taketomi (Yaeyama), Bisesaki, Kijoka weaving, Shuri old lanes.
WWII Sites: Peace Memorial Park, Himeyuri Museum, underground shelters.
Etiquette: Shoes off indoors, quiet at shrines, reciprocate drinks, basic Uchinaaguchi greetings (Haisai, Mensore).

Food & Markets

Must-Try: Okinawa soba, taco rice, goya champuru, umibudō, rafute, Ishigaki beef, Agu pork.
Makishi Market: Pick seafood downstairs, cook upstairs.
Other Markets: Tomari Iyumachi (fish), Chatan Farmers Market (tropical fruits).
Sweets: Beni-imo tarts, sata andagi donuts, seasonal fruits.
Drinks: Orion beer, awamori, shikuwasa juice, sanpin-cha tea.

Family-Friendly Picks

Aquarium & Ocean Expo Park – whale sharks, dolphins, kids’ areas.
Okinawa Zoo & Wonder Museum – zoo + science exhibits.
Pineapple Park (Nago) – cart ride through plantation, kids love it.
Beach Playgrounds: Sunset Beach, Toyosaki Seaside Park.
Rainy Day Crafts: Glass blowing, bingata dyeing, Shisa painting.
Tips: Baby rooms common, strollers OK in cities/malls, car seats required under 6.

Rainy-Day Ideas

Caught in a tropical downpour or a passing typhoon? Don’t worry – Okinawa still offers plenty to do when the weather isn’t beach-friendly. Rainy days can lead you to some of the island’s coolest indoor (or underground) attractions.

Gyokusendō Cave & Okinawa World

Perfect for a wet day since you’ll be underground (21°C and dry year-round). After the 30–40 min cave walk, Okinawa World has covered workshops, Eisa drum shows, and a habu snake museum.

Museums

Prefectural Museum & Art Museum (Naha) – history and rotating exhibits.
Tsuboya Pottery Museum (Naha) – small but informative.
Karate Kaikan (Tomigusuku) – birthplace of karate, exhibits, and sometimes live training.
Himeyuri Peace Museum (Itoman) – moving WWII history.

Aquariums

Churaumi Aquarium (Motobu) – whale sharks, manta rays.
DMM Kariyushi Aquarium (Tomigusuku) – modern, digital art + live marine displays inside a mall.

Workshops & Classes

Cooking classes, sanshin lessons, Ryukyuan dance, karate intros, or resort cultural activities.

Shopping & Entertainment

AEON Mall Rycom (giant mall with VR arcade and food park), PARCO City (Urasoe), Kokusai Street arcades, karaoke, Round1 (bowling, arcade, karaoke).

Cafes & Coffee

Relax at kissaten coffee shops or trendy cafés, try Okinawan zenzai (sweet red bean dessert), or enjoy live music café culture.

Onsen & Spa

Ryukyu Onsen Senagajima (ocean view hot springs), EM Wellness Center, Loisir Hotel. Great on a rainy day.

Ready-Made Micro-Itineraries

Half-Day Itineraries

Option A: Naha Culture Sprint – Shuri Castle → Kokusai Street → Makishi Market → Fukushuen Garden → Blue Seal ice cream.
Option B: Central Coast (Onna) – Cape Manzamo → Cape Maeda snorkel → Zanpa Beach → local curry lunch.
Option C: North Coast Taster – Churaumi Aquarium → Dolphin Show → Bise Fukugi Tree Road → Nakijin Castle.

1 Full Day Itineraries

Naha + Beach Sunset: Morning Shuri Castle → Kokusai Street lunch → afternoon at American Village → Sunset Beach.
North Highlights Loop: Naha → Kouri Bridge → Aquarium → Cape Manzamo → burger or steak dinner.
Kerama Island Day Trip: Ferry to Zamami → Furuzamami Beach snorkel → Ama Beach sea turtles → return by evening.

2–3 Day Itineraries

Main Island Sampler: Naha (culture) → Onna (beach + Cape Manza) → Motobu (aquarium + castle + beach).
Kerama + Naha Nights: Tokashiki snorkel day trip → izakaya in Naha → Prefectural Museum or Senagajima sunset.
Yanbaru Road Trip: Hiji Falls → Daisekirinzan → Cape Hedo → Motobu mangroves/aquarium → castle ruins → return via Uruma & Kaichu Road.

4-Day Itineraries

Classic Highlights: Naha → Central beaches → North nature → Kerama day trip.
Dive-First: Kerama dives → Ishigaki manta dives → Iriomote jungle + reef → relax in Naha.
Family-Friendly: Okinawa World & Zoo → Aquarium → Pineapple Park → Ryukyu Mura + American Village.

Practical Tips (2025 Essentials)

When to Visit

Best overall months: April–May and late Oct–Nov (warm water, mild weather).
Rainy Season: May–June (daily showers, lush landscapes).
Typhoon Season: July–Oct (watch forecasts, plan buffer days).
Winter: Dec–Feb, mild and cultural sightseeing friendly, cooler for swimming.

Getting Around

Car rental: Most convenient, IDP required. Compact car ~¥6,000/day.
Expressway tolls: Naha to Nago ~¥1,020. Route 58 is toll-free but slower.
Buses: Yanbaru Express Bus to aquarium ~3 hrs. Naha one-day pass ¥700.
Monorail (Yui Rail): Airport–Shuri line, 24-hr pass ¥800.
Taxis: Start ~¥620, ~¥3,000 for 30 min ride. Jumbo taxi ~¥35,000/day for group tours.
Ferries/Flights: Keramas ferries daily; flights to Miyako/Ishigaki ~1 hr.
Cycling: Fun for Naha or short distances, but hot and hilly elsewhere.

Costs & Money

Accommodation: Guesthouses ¥2,500–4,000, mid-range hotels ¥10,000–15,000, resorts ¥20,000+.
Food: Soba ¥600–800, izakaya dinner ¥2,500–4,000, markets cheap.
Transport: Rental car ~¥6,000/day, monorail ¥800 pass, ferries ¥2,500–6,000.
Attractions: Aquarium ¥2,180, Okinawa World ¥2,000, Peace Museum ¥300.
Cash vs Cards: Many small eateries are cash only. 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards.

Etiquette & Safety

Shoes off indoors, quiet at shrines.
Don’t touch coral or collect shells.
Hydrate and protect from strong sun.
Watch for habu snakes in northern forests.
Strong DUI enforcement – don’t drink and drive.
Respect sacred sites: dress modestly, no disturbing rituals.

What’s New in 2025

Shuri Castle Reconstruction: Ongoing, roof restored, main hall expected 2026. Visitors can view construction up close.
Makishi Market Reopened: New building with atrium and dining area.
New Attractions: Little Universe Okinawa (digital art), Koi no Terrace WORLD (Senagajima).
Conservation: Iriomote daily tourist cap (1,200/day). Coral recovery progress.
Transport Updates: Naha Airport second runway open, more direct flights from Asia.
Festivals: Naha Tug-of-War, Eisa Drum Festival, Shuri Castle Festival with illuminations.
Language Revival: More signage in Uchinaaguchi (Okinawan dialect).

FAQs

Q1: Must-sees for a first visit? Shuri Castle, Churaumi Aquarium, at least one beach, Kokusai Street & Makishi Market, Cape Manzamo or Hedo, and a Kerama Islands day trip.

Q2: How many days? 3 days for highlights, 5–7 days for balance, 10+ days for multi-island exploration.

Q3: Best beaches & when? Emerald, Furuzamami, Yonaha Maehama. Snorkeling at Blue Cave, Yonehara, Aharen. Best times: April–June, Sept–Oct.

Q4: Is driving easy? Yes – left side driving, English signs. IDP required (1949 Geneva type).

Q5: Where to stay?

Naha for nightlife and food.
Onna for resorts.
Motobu/Nago for aquarium and quiet.
Outer islands for pristine beaches.

Q6: Can I day trip Keramas? Yes, 35–50 min ferry. Reserve in summer, use shuttles to beaches.

Q7: What if it rains? Gyokusendō Cave, museums, aquariums, craft workshops, malls, onsen.

Q8: Kid-friendly? Yes – aquarium, zoo, pineapple park, playground beaches. Strollers OK in cities/malls. Car seats required under 6.

Q9: Book tours in advance? Yes for peak activities (Keramas, whale watching, diving). Rental cars must be booked early in summer.

Q10: Free things in Naha? Naminoue Shrine/Beach, Shuri Castle outer grounds, Tsuboya pottery street, Kokusai festivals, sunset spots.

Q11: Typhoon forecast – cancel? Not necessarily. Swap in indoor activities, stay indoors during storm. Hotels are safe; skies clear quickly after.

Q12: Etiquette at shrines, markets, beaches?

Shrines: modest dress, bow-clap-bow prayer.
Markets: polite, no aggressive haggling, thank vendors.
Beaches: cover up when leaving sand, dispose trash properly.

Things To Do in Okinawa – Top Activities & Must-See Spots (2025 Guide)