Things to Do in Okinawa: Your Complete Guide

Okinawa generally refers to Okinawa Prefecture, which includes Okinawa Main Island, as well as the surrounding islands such as the Miyako Islands and the Yaeyama Islands. This article focuses on Okinawa Main Island, the most visited part of the region.

Getting to Okinawa

There are direct flights to Okinawa from cities such as Fukuoka, Osaka, and Tokyo.

• Fukuoka to Okinawa: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Osaka to Okinawa: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Tokyo to Okinawa: 2 hours 45 minutes

Where to Stay in Okinawa

If you want convenient access to transportation, consider staying near the Tomari Wharf ferry terminal：

Hotel Aqua Citta Naha
★★★ Location 8.5 | Facilities 8.6 | Value for money 8.6

• It’s about a 2-minute walk to Tomari Wharf (there is also a bus stop called “Tomaritaka Bridge 泊高橋” nearby for the Yanbaru Express Bus that goes to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium).
• It’s an 8-minute walk to the Miebashi monorail station and about a 15-minute walk to Naha Kokusai Dori Shopping Street.

HOTEL STRATA NAHA
★★★ Location 9.3 | Facilities 9.1 | Value for money 8.9

• It’s about a 15-minute walk to Tomari Wharf.
• It’s a 1-minute walk to the Miebashi monorail station and about a 10-minute walk to Naha Kokusai Dori Shopping Street.

Prince Smart Inn Naha
★★★ Location 8.9 | Facilities 9.0 | Value for money 9.1

• It’s about a 8-minute walk to Tomari Wharf.
• It’s a 5-minute walk to the Miebashi monorail station and about a 13-minute walk to Naha Kokusai Dori Shopping Street.

If you’d like to stay at a resort with a beach right outside, consider staying in the Onna area：

Rizzan Sea Park Hotel
★★★ Location 8.6 | Facilities 8.0 | Value for money 8.3

Hotel Monterey Okinawa Spa & Resort
★★★ Location 9.3 | Facilities 9.2 | Value for money 8.4

Map and Sample Itinerary for Okinawa

Okinawa Map:

Sample Itinerary (Leisurely/Priority for Family Travel):

• Day 1 – Arrive in Okinawa in the afternoon, visit Naha Kokusai Dori Shopping Street in the evening, and stay in Naha City.
• Day 2 – Full-day island-hopping tour, with Nagannu Island as the first choice; if unavailable, visit Tokashiki Island instead.
• Day 3 – Move to a seaside resort in Onna area in the morning, and take a taxi to visit Cape Manzamo or the Ocean Expo Park in the afternoon.
• Day 4 – Relax at the resort in the morning, then spend the entire afternoon at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.
• Day 5 – Relax at the resort in the morning, return to the city in the afternoon, and fly out of Okinawa.

Sample Itinerary (Active/Water Activities Focus):

• Day 1 – Arrive in Okinawa in the afternoon, visit Naha Kokusai Dori Shopping Street in the evening, and stay in Naha City.
• Day 2 – Drive, hire a car, or join a bus day tour to visit Cape Manzamo, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, and Kouri Island.
• Days 3/4/5 – Fly to Ishigaki Island for even more stunning ocean views.

Getting Around Okinawa

Driving is the most convenient option. You can find rental car prices here. This section primarily focuses on public transportation.

From the Airport to Naha City Center

• Taxi
  This is the most convenient option, with a travel time of about 15 minutes and a fare of 1,500–2,000 yen. Follow the airport signs to queue for a taxi; the drivers can speak basic English.

• Okinawa Monorail (Yui Rail)
  Naha Airport to Miebashi Station (get off here for recommended hotels like Aqua Citta, Hotel Strata, and Prince Smart Inn ). The travel time is 14 minutes, with a fare of 230 yen for adults and half-price for children under 12. See the route map and schedule here. Tickets can be purchased from the automatic ticket machines, which accept Suica and other electronic transit cards. One-day passes are also available (800 yen for adults, 400 yen for children).
  Selected Video:那覇空港からのゆいレールの乗り方

From the Airport to the Onna Area

• Taxi
  Approximately 50 km, with a travel time of about 1 hour and 10 minutes, costing 11,000–14,000 yen.

• Airport Limousine Bus (Lines C and CD)
  Board at Bus Stop No. 12 at the airport. For Hotel Monterey Okinawa Spa & Resort, the travel time is 1 hour and 4 minutes, with a fare of 1,530 yen for adults and half-price for children. For Rizzan Sea Park Hotel, the travel time is 1 hour and 15 minutes, with a fare of 1,630 yen for adults and half-price for children. See the official website for the schedule and route map. Tickets are not sold on the bus and must be purchased at the airport counter or booked through Klook.
  Selected Video: 那覇空港からの空港リムジンバスの乗り方

• Okinawa Airport Shuttle
  Board at Bus Stop No. 1 at the airport. If heading to Hotel Monterey Okinawa Spa & Resort, the travel time is 1 hour and 20 minutes, and you should get off at Tiger Beach Mae (タイガービーチ前). For Rizzan Sea Park Hotel, the travel time is 1 hour and 23 minutes, and you should get off at Sun Marina Beach Mae (サンマリーナビーチ前), then walk 400 meters (about 6 minutes). The fare to these stops is 1,400 yen for adults and half-price for children. Tickets can be reserved in advance or purchased on the bus. See the timetable here.

From Naha City Center to the Onna Area

• Taxi
  Approximately 45 km, with a travel time of about 1 hour, costing 8,000–11,000 yen. You can ask the hotel front desk in the city center to call a taxi for you.

• Airport Limousine Bus (Lines C and CD)
  Board at the Naha Bus Terminal (located next to the “Asahibashi” monorail station). For Hotel Monterey Okinawa Spa & Resort, the travel time is 54 minutes, with a fare of 1,430 yen for adults and half-price for children. For Rizzan Sea Park Hotel, the travel time is 1 hour and 5 minutes, with a fare of 1,530 yen for adults and half-price for children. See the official website for the schedule and route map. Tickets are not sold on the bus and must be purchased at the airport counter or booked through Klook.

• Okinawa Airport Shuttle
  Board at Kencho Kitaguchi (next to the “Prefectural Office” monorail station). For Hotel Monterey Okinawa Spa & Resort, the travel time is 1 hour and 6 minutes, and you should get off at in front of Tiger Beach Mae (タイガービーチ前). For Rizzan Sea Park Hotel, the travel time is 1 hour and 9 minutes, and you should get off at Sun Marina Beach Mae (サンマリーナビーチ前), then walk 400 meters (about 6 minutes). The fare to these stops is 1,400 yen for adults and half-price for children. Tickets can be reserved in advance or purchased on the bus. See the timetable here.

Seasons in Okinawa

Okinawa has a subtropical oceanic climate. It is warm year-round, with January being the coldest month (average temperature of 18.9°C) and July the hottest (average temperature of 29.6°C).

April to May: Days are hot, making it great for water activities, but sudden temperature drops may occur due to cold fronts.
June to September: This is the hottest period and ideal for water activities, but typhoons can be a risk.
October: Days remain hot and suitable for water activities, but temperature differences begin to increase.
November to March: It can be warm on sunny days, but there are many overcast days with lower water temperatures, making it unsuitable for swimming.

Top Attractions in Okinawa

Kokusai Dori Shopping Street

Kokusai Dori refers to the approximately 1-kilometer-long road stretching from the “Makishi” monorail station to the RYUBO Department Store. Shops along the street mainly sell local specialties and small goods, as well as featuring drugstores and restaurants. Although the products are often low-end or similar to each other, its convenient location makes it great for tourists to stroll around or buy small souvenirs like fridge magnets.

Recommended Duration: 1 hour
Things to Do:

• Take a leisurely walk and try sea salt ice cream or other snacks.
• For anime lovers, there is a small Animate store on the street, and near the “Miebashi” station, there is a larger Surugaya store.
• For those who particularly want seafood, you can visit the First Makishi Public Market (the first floor is a market, and the second floor features restaurants for processing).

Public transportation:
Take the monorail to “Prefectural Office” station, then walk for 3 minutes.
Website: Naha Kokusai Dori Shopping Street

Selected Video: 車道の真ん中を歩いて観光『那覇国際通り！！』

Selected Video: Makishi Public Market - Okinawa

Nagannu Island

Nagannu is an uninhabited island located closest to Okinawa’s main island, it offers stunning sea views and is perfect for snorkeling.

Boat ride: 25 minutes
Schedule:

• Year-round departure at 9:20 AM, return at 2:50 PM
• From late June to September, an additional departure at 10:40 AM and return at 4:10 PM

Fees:

• Boat ticket + lunch (fried noodles/curry rice): 6300-7400 JPY per person
• Boat ticket + BBQ: 9800-10900 JPY per person
• Book via the official website or Klook

Departure Location:

• 3-chōme-14-2 Tomari, located at a street-side shop next to Tomari Wharf (look for the signs “Nagannu” in English or “ナガンヌ島” in Japanese). Be sure to arrive 30 minutes before departure.
• 10-minute taxi ride from Naha city center, approx. 1000 JPY
• Take the monorail and get off at “Miebashi” station, then walk 10 minutes
• Take the bus and get off at “Tomaritaka Bridge,” then walk 1 minute
• There is parking nearby, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons. See here for more details.

Paid Activities on the Island:

• It’s recommended to visit the Service Counter as soon as you arrive on the island to book activities. Cash only.
• Snorkeling trip: 4000 JPY per person (includes full equipment). The snorkeling area is reached 5 minutes by boat, and the snorkeling time is 20-30 minutes.
• Banana boat: 1500 JPY for 10 minutes (snorkeling + banana boat package: 5000 JPY)
• Parasailing: 7000 JPY for 8 minutes
• Small cabins: 5000 JPY per day

Island Facilities:

• beach chairs, umbrellas, showers, and lockers are free.
• Rental snorkeling masks, snorkels, fins, and life jackets are available for 1500 JPY (you may bring your own equipment).
• Life jackets can be rented separately for 500 JPY (required for shore snorkeling, free for boat snorkeling).

Shore Snorkeling:
There is a free swimming area by the shore with very clear water, but there are few corals and fish, so it is not suitable for snorkeling.

Things to Bring:
Swimsuit, towel, beach shoes, sunscreen.

Important Notes:

• Bringing food to the island is prohibited. Water and food are available for purchase on the island (in addition to free meals, you can buy snacks like fries and beer).
• Shampoo, body wash, and other chemical products are not allowed in the showers.
• The sea can be rough, and the boat ride may be bumpy. It’s recommended to take seasickness medication in advance.
• If the boat is canceled due to weather conditions, you will be notified via phone or email.

Selected Video: 那覇から20分で行けるリゾートアイランド

Selected Video: ナガンヌ島でシュノーケリング

Tokashiki Island

Tokashiki Island is located about 30 kilometers from Okinawa’s main island, with a permanent population of around 750 people. The sea views are similar to those of Nagannu Island.

Boat ride:

• Fast boat (Marine Liner Tokashiki) 40 minutes,
• Slow boat (Ferry Tokashiki) 70 minutes

Schedule: See here
Ticket prices:

• Fast boat round trip: 4810 JPY/adult
• Slow boat round trip: 3210 JPY/adult
• Children half price

Reservation and Ticket Collection:

• Fast boat tickets are in high demand, but slow boat tickets can be purchased on the day.
• Online reservation is recommended (pay and pick up tickets at the pier on the day of departure).

Ticket Collection Location: Tomari Wharf ferry terminal building 泊ふ頭旅客ターミナル Boarding Location: Ferry terminal North Shore, about a 7-minute walk from the Tomari Wharf ferry terminal building.

Important Notes:

• Be sure to board 10 minutes before departure. Fast boats start boarding 30 minutes in advance, slow boats start boarding 1 hour in advance.
• The fast boat weighs 197 tons, while the slow boat weighs 499 tons. If the sea is calm with no waves, the slow boat is more stable and less likely to cause seasickness.
• The boats will operate in the rain. If the waves are higher than 3 meters, the fast boat will be canceled. If the waves exceed 4 meters, the slow boat will be canceled. If you book online, you will be notified by email if the boat is canceled.
• The Tomari Wharf ferry terminal building is a 10-minute taxi ride from Naha city center, approx. 1000 JPY.
• Take the monorail and get off at “Miebashi” station, then walk 10 minutes.
• Take the bus and get off at “Tomaritaka Bridge” then walk 1 minute.
• There is parking at the pier, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons. See here for more details.

Transportation on the Island:

• Although Tokashiki Island is large, most visitors only go to Aharen Beach, which is the main destination for leisure.
• There is a bus from the Tokashiki Port to Aharen Beach, a 15-minute ride, with a fare of 400 JPY, half price for children. See here for the schedule.

Paid Activities on the Island:

• Snorkeling trip to a deserted island: 5500-6000 JPY per person, including snorkeling equipment and shower. It takes 5 minutes by boat to reach the deserted island (about 800 meters, named Hanari Island), with the entire trip lasting about 1 hour.
• Jet skiing: 4000 JPY for 10 minutes
• Banana boat: 5000 JPY for 2 people for 10 minutes, 6000 JPY per person for 10 minutes

Island Facilities:

• There are restaurants near Aharen Beach, offering reasonably priced meals suitable for lunch.
• Rent 2 beach chairs + 1 sunshade for 3000 JPY.
• Rent a sunshade alone for 1500 JPY.
• Rent snorkeling mask + snorkel + fins + life jacket for a total of 1200 JPY (you can bring your own). Renting a life jacket alone costs 500 JPY (life jackets are required for shore snorkeling).
• Showers cost 300 JPY for 5 minutes, lockers cost 300-500 JPY per day.

Shore Snorkeling:
It is possible, but there are fewer corals and fish compared to the deserted island mentioned above.

Things to Bring:
Swimsuit, towel, beach shoes, sunscreen. The sea in this area can be rough, and the boat ride may be bumpy. It’s recommended to take seasickness medication in advance.

Selected Video: [4K] Tokashiki Island Okinawa Japan

Selected Video: 渡嘉敷島無人島シュノーケルツアー

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is the largest and most famous man-made attraction in Okinawa.

Hours: 8:30am - 6:30pm, extended to 8pm in July and 9pm in August; closed on the first Wednesday of December.
Admission: Adults 2,180 yen, High school students 1,440 yen, Elementary and Junior high school students 710 yen. Tickets can be purchased on Klook.

Recommended Duration: 2 - 4 hours
Things to Do:

• Highly recommended to dine at the Ocean Blue Café with a window seat for a special experience (window seats incur an additional 500 yen charge).
• Don’t miss the feeding sessions at the Kuroshio Sea exhibit. Check the schedule on the official website.
• The dolphin show is average. If you’re short on time, consider visiting the Tropical Dream Center instead.

Address: Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, 424 Ishikawa, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa Free parking available

Public Transportation:

• Private Car Charter starting from 22,801 yen.
• Okinawa Hip Hop Bus Tour starting from 7,000 yen
• You can also take a bus by yourself, such as the Yanbaru Express Bus (from Prefectural Office Station or Tomaritaka Bridge 泊高橋 in Naha), Okinawa Airport Shuttle (from Prefectural Office Station in Naha or resorts in Onna area), or AIRPORT LIMOUSINE (from Asahibashi Station in Naha or resorts in Onna area).
• Taking a taxi is not cost-effective as it’s too far, and the one-way fare is almost the same as a private car charter.

Official Website: Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Nearby Accommodation: The Orion Hotel Motobu Resort and Spa
Selected Video: Discover The Wonders Of Churaumi Aquarium

Selected Video: One of the most dreamy cafe in Japan

Tips: The Ocean Expo Park where the aquarium is located is also worth exploring!

For example:

Emerald Beach (エメラルドビーチ)
Selected Video: エメラルド色の海と真っ白なビーチ　エメラルドビーチ

Kid’s Adventure Land: Free to play and perfect for young children.
Selected Video: 海洋博公園～遊具～

Tropical Dream Center (熱帯ドリームセンター):
Exhibiting over 2,000 orchids, with greenhouses and an observation tower (it’s recommended to take the stairs up the tower for a surprise sea view).
Admission: Adults/High school students 760 yen, Junior high school students and below free.
Recommended to spend about 30 minutes.
Selected Video: 海洋博公園 熱帯ドリームセンター

If you have more time, the Okinawa Village (a replica of Ryukyu-era buildings, free to visit) and the Oceanic Culture Museum Planetarium (introducing maritime knowledge with educational videos – English translations available) are also worth exploring.

Optional Attractions in Okinawa

Cape Manzamo

This is a great spot to enjoy stunning cliffside views of the ocean.

Hours:

• March to October: 8am - 8pm
• November to February: 8am - 7pm

Admission: 100 yen
Recommended Duration: 10-15 minutes
Address: Free parking is available at Cape Manzamo, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa
Public Transportation:

• If you’re staying in Naha, it’s convenient to visit by private car charter, but it’s not necessary to make a special trip.
• If you’re staying at a resort hotel in the Onna area, you can take a taxi, which costs around 2,500 yen. Alternatively, take a bus and get off at “Onna Son Yakuba mae 恩納村役場前” (an 800-meter/15-minute walk from the stop).

Website: Cape Manzamo
Selected Video: 沖縄・ナビービーチ〜万座毛【空撮・4K】

Selected Video: A spectacular view of ZOU-NO-HANA at Manzakage

Busena Marine Park

In addition to its beach, the park offers two attractions:

• Underwater Observation Tower: Descend 4 meters underwater to view coral and small fish through 24 observation windows.
• Glass-Bottom Boat: A 20-minute ride where you can observe the underwater world through the boat’s glass floor.

Hours:

• April to October: 9am - 6pm
• November to March: 9am - 5:30pm

Ticket Prices:

• Observation Tower: ¥1,050 (Adults), ¥530 (Children)
• Glass-Bottom Boat: ¥1,560 (Adults), ¥780 (Children)
• Combo (Tower + Boat): ¥2,100 (Adults), ¥1,050 (Children)
  Cash only.

Recommended Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours
Tips:

• Bring some change for fish food (¥200 per portion).
• It takes about 7 minutes to walk to the boat boarding area and 12 minutes to the observation tower. You can also take the free shuttle bus (every 20 minutes).
• The park has a restaurant, and the nearby beach is also great for play.

Address: Free parking is available at Busena Marine Park 1744-1 Kise, Nago, Okinawa
Public Transportation:

• If you’re staying in Naha, it’s convenient to visit by private car charter, but it’s not necessary to make a special trip.
• If you’re staying at a resort hotel in the Onna area, you can take a taxi, which costs around 2,500 yen. Alternatively, take a bus and get off at “Busena Resort Mae ブセナリゾート前”, then walk 5 minutes.

Website: Busena Marine Park
Selected Video: ブセナ海中公園プロモーション動画

Kouri Island

Also known as “Love Island”, Kouri Island is located in the northern part of Okinawa and is connected to the main island by a 2-kilometer bridge. It’s perfect for a stop during a self-drive tour or charter.

Recommended Duration: 2 hours
Things to Do:

• Enjoy the beach by Kouri Bridge.
• Take a scenic drive around the island (the island road is 8 km long), and visit the Heart Rock and Kouri Tower (which has a shell museum and an observation deck offering great sea views). The tower is open from 10am to 6pm. Entry fee: ¥1,000 for adults (16+), ¥500 for children (6-15). Tickets are available on Klook.

Public Transportation: Please check the YKB Yonaguni Line Bus for details.
Selected Video: ドローン空撮　4K絶景映像

Selected Video - Kouri Tower: 沖縄散歩「古宇利島オーシャンタワー」

Selected Photo - Kouri Beach:
by Finn

Selected Photo - Heart Rock:
by Skaterlunatic

  Thank you for reading, and may you have a wonderful journey!
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