7-Day Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Naha – Stroll Kokusai-dori shopping street and sample Makishi Public Market street food. Tour the historic Shuri Castle (UNESCO site) in the afternoon. In the evening, explore Yatai-gai (street izakaya stalls) for dinner and Okinawan live music.

Day 2: South Okinawa – Pay respects at the Peace Memorial Park & Museum (Itoman). Continue to Okinawa World for the Gyokusendo Cave (5 km limestone cavern). Drive along the scenic coast to Cape Chinen for a panoramic sunset over Kudaka Island.

Day 3: Onna Coast & Capes – Drive to Onna (75–90 min from Naha). Visit Cape Manzamo’s elephant-shaped cliff and nearby Nabee Beach (netted, family-friendly). Relax on Onna’s white-sand beaches (snorkeling from shore) and enjoy fresh catches at Onna-no-Eki seafood market. Catch sunset from Cape Manzamo’s bluffs.

Day 4: Kerama Islands Day Trip – Ferry from Naha’s Tomari Port to Zamami or Aka Island (50–70 min high-speed ferry). Snorkel in Furuzamami Beach’s crystal waters (jellyfish nets in summer). Rent a bicycle or kayak to explore. If ferries are canceled (typhoon or rough seas), swap in a rainy-day plan (Okinawa Prefectural Museum, cafes).

Day 5: Motobu & Ocean Expo – Drive north to Kouri Island via its iconic bridge for morning views. Spend midday at Ocean Expo Park: see whale sharks at Churaumi Aquarium and stroll Bise Fukugi Tree Road. Enjoy Emerald Beach (has lifeguards, nets) for a swim.

Day 6: Yanbaru Nature – Explore Okinawa’s wild north. Hike to Hiji Falls (1.5 km jungle trail, last entry ~3–4pm) or visit Daisekirinzan Park’s unique rock formations. For adventure: go mangrove kayaking or SUP in Yanbaru’s rivers (April–Nov night tours feature fireflies/bioluminescence). Evening: stargazing on a quiet beach.

Day 7: Choose-Your-Own – A flexible day. Option 1: Beach hop at Zanpa or Sunabe for last swims. Option 2: Discover culture: Yomitan Pottery Village (Yachimun no Sato) and Zakimi Castle ruins (free, 24h). Option 3: History: tour Nakagusuku or Katsuren Castle ruins (UNESCO). Option 4: Café hopping and souvenir shopping in Chatan/American Village. Evening: relax at an onsen spa and enjoy a farewell Okinawan dinner.

Driving Summary: Total ~500 km. Toll expressway saves ~15–20 minutes per major leg (cost ~¥500–¥1000/day), but scenic coastal Route 58 is a beautiful alternative. Free parking is common at tourist sites, while city parking in Naha costs ¥100–¥600 per hour. Rental car (IDP required) recommended for flexibility; on Day 4 (Kerama) consider leaving the car in Naha due to ferry logistics.

At-a-Glance Table

Day	Base	Drive Time (via Toll / Free)	Major Stops & Activities	Food Picks	Family/Adventure Swaps
1 Naha	Naha city	– (walking day)	Kokusai-dori street; Makishi Market; Shuri Castle	Makishi Market seafood lunch; Izakaya alley dinner	–
2 South	Naha city	~40m Naha→Peace (no toll); 30m Peace→Gyokusendo	Peace Memorial Park & Museum; Gyokusendo Cave; Cape Chinen sunset	Café Kurukuma (Nanjo, sea-view Thai/Okinawan); Okinawa World market snacks	Family: Okinawa World Eisa drum show; Rain: Okinawa Prefectural Museum
3 Onna	Onna village	75m / 90m Naha→Onna; local drives 5–20m	Cape Manzamo cliff; Nabee Beach; Onna Beach snorkel	Onna-no-Eki Market (seafood tempura); Beachfront BBQ	Adventure: Blue Cave snorkel at Maeda; Rain: Ryukyu Mura
4 Kerama Is.	Onna or Naha†	10m to port; 50–120m ferry ride	Zamami/Aka beaches; Snorkeling, sea kayak; Island bike ride	Zamami port eateries (taco rice, soba); Pack a bento	Family: Glass-bottom boat; Rain: Day 7 options or Aeon Mall Rycom
5 Motobu	Motobu (north)	2h / 2.5h Onna→Kouri; 30m Kouri→Expo	Kouri Island bridge & beach; Churaumi Aquarium; Bise Fukugi	Aquarium Restaurant; A&W Burgers	Family: Nago Pineapple Park; Rain: Tropical Dream Center
6 Yanbaru	Motobu (north)	40m Motobu→Hiji Falls; 1h Hiji→Hedo	Hiji Falls hike; Cape Hedo or kayak; Stargazing	Okuma soba diner; Picnic by waterfall	Adventure: SUP/river trek; Rain: local markets
7 Flexible	Naha city	1h Motobu→Yomitan; 30m Yomitan→Naha	Yomitan Pottery Village; Zakimi/Nakagusuku Castles; Chatan cafes	Transit Cafe (Chatan); Steakhouse (Ishigaki beef)	Culture: Shikinaen Garden; Relax: Onsen spa

Detailed Day-by-Day Plan

Day 1 — Naha Orientation

Morning: Arrive in Naha. Drop bags at your hotel in central Naha (near Kokusai-dori). Begin at Kokusai-dori (“International Street”), a lively strip of souvenir shops, eateries, and markets. Walk south to Makishi Public Market (“Kitchen of Okinawa”). For lunch, choose fresh seafood from vendors and have it cooked upstairs – try tempura fish, goya champuru, and umi-budō (sea grapes).

Afternoon: Head to Shuri Castle Park in the hills of Naha. Drive 15–20 minutes or take the Yui Rail monorail. Explore Shuri Castle’s gates, walls, and rebuilt royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom. (Note: The 2019 fire destroyed the main hall; reconstruction is ongoing, but parts are open with reduced admission. Restoration work is viewable.) Parking at Shuri Castle costs about ¥400 per visit.

Evening: Back in downtown Naha, wander Kokusai-dori Yataimura, a cluster of food stalls, or Sakaemachi Market for an izakaya dinner. Must-try dishes: Okinawa soba, rafute (braised pork belly), and taco rice. Grab a stool at a yatai for yakitori and Orion beer. Overnight in Naha.

Parking Tip: In Naha, use coin lots – typical max ¥600–¥1000/day. Many lots use automated locks; pay before leaving. Once parked, explore on foot or monorail (use an IC card like OKICA).

Day 2 — South Okinawa Heritage & Coast

Morning: Drive 40 minutes south to Peace Memorial Park in Itoman. Walk through the Cornerstone of Peace monuments engraved with 240,000+ names. Visit the Peace Memorial Museum (open 9am–5pm, ¥300). Optional: stop at the Himeyuri Monument nearby.

Midday: Drive 30 minutes east to Okinawa World (Gyokusendo Cave). Explore Gyokusendo Cave, a 5 km limestone cavern (890m open to public). Constant 21°C, safe boardwalk (30–40 min walk). Hours: 9:00–17:30 (last entry 16:00). Above ground: Ryukyu village with crafts, habu snake museum. Lunch options: Okinawa World food court (try sata andagi donuts), Tonsen Okinawa farmhouse-style restaurant, or Cave Cafe.

Afternoon: Continue 15 minutes to Cape Chinen Park, offering sweeping views of Kudaka Island. Arrive by 4–5pm for sunset. Optional: Sefa Utaki (UNESCO sacred grove, last entry 17:30 summer). Drive 40 minutes back to Naha.

Evening: Dinner in Naha or en route. Options: Jack’s Steak House (retro diner), or Yunangi for Okinawan sets. Overnight in Naha.

Family Tips: Okinawa World has Eisa drum shows, but the cave requires stairs (baby carrier needed). Peace Park is outdoors with room for kids.

Rain Plan: Swap in Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum (Naha, closed Wed). Or head to Umikaji Terrace (Senagajima island) for shops/cafes with covered areas.

Day 3 — Onna Coast & Capes

Morning: Drive north to Onna Coast (expressway ~1 hr, coastal Route 58 ~1.5 hr). First stop: Cape Manzamo, a cliff with elephant-trunk rock. Free parking, short trail. Best early morning before tour buses.

Midday: Swim at Nabee Beach (public, lifeguards, jellyfish net in summer). Facilities: bathrooms, showers, rental gear. Alternatives: Maeda Beach (Blue Cave snorkeling), Zanpa Beach, or resort beaches. Lunch at Onna-no-Eki Nakayukui Market – fresh seafood bowls, tempura, taco rice, tropical fruits.

Afternoon: Snorkel at Cape Maeda or join a boat tour. Rainy option: Ryukyu Mura cultural park.

Sunset: Return to Cape Manzamo or head to Cape Zanpa lighthouse for west-facing sunset views.

Evening: Stay in Onna. Dinner at a local izakaya, resort restaurant, or drive to American Village (Chatan). Overnight in Onna.

Family Note: Onna’s resort beaches often have enclosed swim zones and water playgrounds.

Adventure Note: Onna is great for diving (Blue Cave).

Driving Tip: The expressway north of Yaka is toll-free as of 2025, but confirm current info.

Day 4 — Kerama Islands Snorkeling Day Trip

Morning: Early ferry to Zamami Island from Tomari Port (Naha). Queen Zamami 3 departs 9:00 (50–70 min). Be at port by 8:30. RT fare ~¥6,080. Parking ~¥1000/day. If based in Onna, depart ~6:30am to reach Naha. Alternatively, stay in Naha overnight.

Midday on Zamami: Rent a bicycle or scooter. Visit Furuzamami Beach (lifeguards and nets in summer). Another option: Ama Beach (turtles). Facilities include showers and cafés (seasonal). Lunch: local soba or taco rice cafes, or pack a bento.

Activities: Glass-bottom boat tours, kayak/SUP rentals, or diving tours. Aka Island option: Nishibama Beach.

Afternoon: Return ferry at 16:00, arriving Naha ~18:00. Large ferry option cheaper but slower.

Evening: Dinner near Tomari Port (e.g., Tomari Iyumachi Fish Market). Then return to Onna or head north to Motobu.

Contingency: If ferries canceled (typhoon, rough seas), do indoor activities: Churaumi Aquarium, DMM Kariyushi Aquarium, shopping malls, or cafe-hopping.

Family Tips: No convenience stores on Zamami/Aka – bring snacks. Ferry can be choppy – consider motion sickness meds.

Budget Tips: Bring snorkel gear to save rental fees. Environmental tax ¥100 added to ferry tickets.

Day 5 — Northern Okinawa (Motobu & Ocean Expo Park)

Morning: Explore the north (Yanbaru). Start with Kouri Island via the 2 km Kouri Bridge. Park near Kouri Beach (~¥500). Optional: drive to “Heart Rocks” on Tinu Beach (parking ¥100–¥300).

Midday: Visit Ocean Expo Park in Motobu. Highlights:

Churaumi Aquarium (¥2,180, open 8:30–18:30). See the Kuroshio Tank with whale sharks and manta rays. Plan ~2 hrs.
Okichan Theater (free dolphin show).
Emerald Beach (within park, netted zones, lifeguards).
Inoh Café (with aquarium view) or Restaurant Inoh for Okinawan meals.

Afternoon: Stroll Bise Fukugi Tree Road – an old village shaded by ancient trees. Rent a bicycle (~¥500/hr). Optional: detour to Nakijin Castle Ruins (¥400, open until 6pm).

Evening: Stay in Motobu/Nago. Dinner ideas:

Ufuya (traditional house restaurant, famous for soba and pork).
Local izakayas in Motobu.
BBQ if staying in a villa.

Family Tips: Aquarium is stroller-friendly; fewer crowds at opening or late afternoon. Also nearby: Tropical Dream Center (indoor greenhouses). Add-ons: Ferry to Ie Island or Minna Island for beach day trips (if you have extra time). Driving Note: Free parking at Ocean Expo Park.

Day 6 — Yanbaru Forest & Waterfalls

Morning: Drive 40 minutes north from Motobu to Hiji Falls. Entrance ¥500. 1.5 km forest trail with suspension bridge. Moderate difficulty. Last entry 3–4pm, closes by 5–6pm. Alternative: Daisekirinzan park near Cape Hedo – limestone rock formations, short easy trails (~¥1200 entry).

Midday: Lunch in Ogimi or Kunigami. Options:

Okuma Beach Café (burgers, BBQ).
Yanbaru soba shops.
Shikwasa juice stands (local lime specialty).

Afternoon Options:

Beach Time: Okuma Beach or Ji-nu-hama Beach.
Kayak/SUP: Gesashi Bay mangroves in Higashi. Night tours (Apr–Nov) feature glowing plankton.
Cape Hedo: Okinawa’s northern tip. Dramatic ocean cliffs, ~45 min north of Hiji. Combine with Daisekirinzan if you go that far.

Evening: Return to Motobu/Nago. Dinner at Pizza in the Sky Kajinha (sunset pizza view) or izakaya in Nago. Stargazing is excellent due to low light pollution. Possible bioluminescent plankton on summer nights. Overnight in Motobu/Nago.

Tips: Bring insect repellent, proper shoes, and swimwear. Kid Alternatives: Nago Pineapple Park or Neo Park Okinawa (interactive zoo).

Day 7 — Slow Day, Souvenirs & Departure

Option 1: Cultural: Visit Yomitan’s Yachimun-no-Sato (pottery village, closed Tue). Browse shisa statues, bowls, and cups. Then Zakimi Castle (free, scenic ruins). Continue to American Village for shopping, Blue Seal ice cream, and last-minute souvenirs.

Option 2: History: Visit Nakagusuku Castle Ruins (¥400, open 8:30–17:00) or Katsuren Castle (free, always open). Lunch at King Tacos (Kin Town).

Option 3: Beach & Chill: Relax at Zanpa, Nirai, or Sunset Beach (Chatan). Facilities, rentals, and cafés available.

Option 4: Onsen & Farewell: Refresh at Terme Villa Chula-U (Chatan) or Ryukyu Onsen Senagajima near the airport.

Evening: Final Okinawan dinner (rafute pork, taco rice, or Ishigaki beef). Buy souvenirs: beniimo tarts, chinsuko cookies, awamori, Ryukyu glass.

Departure: Return rental car full of gas (say “mantan” for full tank). Allow ~2.5 hrs before international flights.

Where to Stay by Base & Budget

Naha (Days 1–2):
- Budget: Guesthouses around Kokusai-dori (~¥2000).
- Mid: Daiwa Roynet Hotel (~¥8000–15,000).
- Luxury: Hyatt Regency (~¥20,000+).
- Cottage/Camp: Limited in city; opt for hostels or suites.
Onna (Days 3–4):
- Budget: Minshuku pensions (~¥6000).
- Mid: Rizzan Sea-Park (~¥12,000–18,000).
- Luxury: Halekulani Okinawa (~¥30,000+).
- Cottage: Coldio Pool Villas.
- Camping: Onna Youth Travel Village (~¥3000).
Motobu/Nago (Days 5–6):
- Budget: Guesthouses (~¥3000).
- Mid: Hotel Mahaina (~¥10,000).
- Luxury: Ritz-Carlton Okinawa (~¥50,000+).
- Unique: Traditional villa rentals.
- Camping: Oku Yanbaru Campground.

Getting Around & Costs

Car Rental: IDP required. ¥4,500/day average.
Tolls: Naha→Nago ~¥1000 (save 15–30 min). Coastal roads free & scenic.
Parking: Mostly free at tourist sites. Naha ~¥200–¥600/hr.
Fuel: ¥160–170/L. One week ~¥7000–8000 fuel.
Traffic: Left-side driving, polite drivers, 40–50 km/h limits.
Without Car: Possible but slow. Use buses, Yui Rail, or guided tours.

Food & Drink Essentials

Must-try dishes:

Okinawa Soba (Shimujo in Naha, Kajinho in Nago).
Goya Champuru (bitter melon stir-fry).
Taco Rice (King Tacos, Kin Town).
Rafute (braised pork belly).
Umibudō (sea grapes).
Sata Andagi (Okinawan donuts).
Blue Seal Ice Cream (beniimo, salt cookies).
Drinks: Orion Beer, Shikwasa juice, Awamori.

Etiquette: no tipping, cash preferred, pour drinks for others.

When to Go (Weather, Water, Typhoons)

Winter (Dec–Feb): 18–20°C, whale watching, not for swimming.
Spring (Mar–May): 20–25°C, blooming season, rain mid-May–June.
Summer (Jun–Sep): 30–32°C, peak beach season, typhoons possible.
Autumn (Oct–Nov): Warm seas, fewer crowds, ideal balance.

Packing Checklist:

Reef-safe sunscreen, rash guards, water shoes.
Light clothes, umbrella/raincoat, insect repellent.
Cash for small shops.

Culture, Etiquette & Responsible Travel

Learn greetings: Hai sai! (hello, men), Hai tai! (hello, women).
Respect sacred sites (Sefa Utaki, shrines).
Quiet at war memorials.
Carry trash; avoid stepping on coral.
Drive carefully, no drink driving.
Typhoon prep: stay indoors, follow hotel guidance.
Support locals: join cooking classes, Eisa shows, pottery workshops.
Embrace “Okinawa time” – slower pace, flexible mindset.

Variations & Add-Ons

4-Day Express: Day 1 Naha, Day 2 South, Day 3 Onna, Day 4 Kerama.
10-Day Extended: Add Ie Island, Tokashiki overnight, Kume Island, or Uruma’s islands.
Family: Pineapple Park, Neo Park zoo, aquarium shows.
Foodie: Awamori distilleries, cooking classes, night markets.
History Buffs: Navy Underground HQ, Tsuboya Pottery Museum.
Honeymooners: Sunset cruises, luxury resorts, bioluminescent night tours.
Car-Free: Possible with buses & tours, but limited flexibility.

FAQ

Is 7 days enough for Okinawa? Yes – covers highlights at a relaxed pace.
Where should I base? Split between Naha + Onna or Motobu.
Do I need a car? Highly recommended.
Can I avoid tolls? Yes, adds ~15–30 min per leg.
Which islands are day trips? Zamami, Tokashiki, Ie Island, Minna.
Safest family beaches? Emerald Beach, Naminoue, Sunset Beach, Nabee Beach, Zanpa.
What if a typhoon hits? Stay indoors, adjust schedule, have insurance.
Vegetarian options? Limited, but Ukishima Garden (Naha) is veg-friendly.
Cash vs cards? Cash for small shops, ATMs at convenience stores.
Is English spoken? Some, especially at tourist spots.
When is jellyfish season? May–Oct, nets at popular beaches.
Onsen/spas? Yes, near Naha (Senagajima), Onna, and Chatan.
Souvenirs? Shisa statues, Ryukyu glass, beniimo tarts, awamori, bingata fabrics.
How much does a week cost? Budget ¥6,000–8,000/day; mid-range ¥18,000/day; luxury ¥50,000+/day.
Can I do this without a car? Yes, but slower and limited.

Perfect 7-Day Okinawa Itinerary: Beaches, Culture & Food