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Your Travel Guide to Okinawa, Japan
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items If someone would ask me what to do in Okinawa, this is what I would recommend as someone who has been living in Okinawa for over a year! There are so much more places to visit than the normal tourist spots, believe me.
Sections
5
Before you arrive...
.. book your stay
.. look for once-in-a-lifetime activities
.. find what you can do
.. take a day trip to another island
Before you arrive...
A few things are better to sort out before you get there! Taking care of the basics ahead of time will make your trip a little easier.
There is no public transportation in Okinawa except a few buses, but trust me that renting a car will be your best idea if you want to visit the best spots on island.
... rent a car from the airport
I highly recommend to get an esim to be able to navigate the island. You probably have seen that there is free Wi-Fi a lot of places in Japan, and although it is true in public places, you do need to go to these places. And a lot of nice spots are up...
... get your eSIM for international travel
If you don't have travel insurance with your credit card, it is always a good idea to get travel insurance. Better safe than sorry!
... get travel insurance coverage for Japan
A great option if you’re looking for a suitcase that can handle longer trips without feeling like you’re playing Tetris every time you pack. The 29” size gives you plenty of room, while the clean design and maple color make it look a little more elev...
.. grab a suitcase: The Large Check-In Roller in Maple
If you like having everything you need within easy reach, this mini weekender is a great carry-on option. It’s compact enough for travel but still gives you plenty of space for the essentials, with a structured design that makes it easy to stay organ...
.. and a carry-on: The Mini Weekender in Maple
.. book your stay
There are a lot of different places you can stay at on the island. From a resort to a traditional guesthouse, everyone can be pleased with their stay depending on the type of vacation they want. Please remember that not all hotels in Japan are tattoo...
I love that every room has a private balcony with an ocean view, and there’s a huge pool, spa, gym, and plenty of restaurants on-site, so you can easily have a relaxing resort day without needing to go anywhere. It’s also a nice spot if you want to e...
Oriental Hotel Okinawa Resort & Spa, Nago (tattoo-friendly)
This hotel feels like a little escape of its own, with gorgeous ocean views, a private beach, and 3 swimming pools. I also love that you have several restaurants right on the property, so you can easily spend the day relaxing without having to leave....
Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island Okinawa, Onna (tattoo-friendly)
If you want a hotel in Naha that feels a little more polished and city-chic, I’d put this one on your list. It’s super convenient too, just a couple of minutes from Kencho-mae Station (the monorail) , so it’s a great option if you want to explore Naha without relying on a car. The pool and poolside bar give you that little resort moment, while the restaura...
The Royal Park Hotel Iconic, Naha
If you want something a little more peaceful and traditional than a big Okinawa resort, put this ryokan on your list. Every room has an ocean view, and the whole place has that quiet Japanese getaway feeling that makes you want to slow down for a cou...
Umino Ryotei Okinawa Nakamasou, Onna
If big resorts aren’t really your thing, I think this little guesthouse is such a cute find. It’s tucked away in Maeda, with just two private cottages, so it feels much more personal and peaceful than a typical hotel. You’re also within walking dista...
Akachichi Guesthouse, Onna
If you want to get away from the busier parts of Okinawa, this place is such a hidden gem. It’s a whole private house right on the beach in Ikei Island, with gorgeous sea views, a full kitchen, washing machine, terrace, and even a sauna. I love that ...
Asahi Vacation Home
If you want Okinawa but still like having a little bit of that familiar American feel, this is such a fun option. It’s right in Chatan, just a few minutes from American Village, so you have restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, entertainment, and the ...
DoubleTree by Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort (tattoo-friendly)
.. look for once-in-a-lifetime activities
All of these activities are a great way to discover Japan differently, highly recommend.
What a better activity to do in Japan than making sushi? And on an island surrounded by fresh fish! Highly recommend this experience.
Sushi Making Experience in Onna Village
This is my top 1 activity. I saw it everywhere online, and I definitively wanted to try. Always very random to see these carts in the middle of the streets, but love it.
Street Kart Experience in Naha
There are a lot of knifes shops in Japan, and it is an amazing souvenir to bring back home. What could make it better? One that you made yourself!
Authentic Knife Forging Experience at a Blacksmiths
If you are lucky enough to come during whale season (Jan-Apr), I definitively recommend to book a tour to see them.
Whale Watching
.. find what you can do
Okinawa is so much more than beautiful beaches! From exploring hidden spots to visiting cultural sites, trying local food, and enjoying the island’s slower pace, there’s always something fun to do. These are some of my favorite activities and experie...
It’s fun to see the huge whale sharksand manta rays up close, but I also love that you can turn it into a full day out since it’s part of Ocean Expo Park. Perfect if you’re exploring northern Okinawa and want something fun that works for both adults ...
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
If you want to experience a little bit of everything Okinawa has to offer, this is a fun place to add to your itinerary. You can explore the huge Gyokusendo limestone cave, walk through a recreated Ryukyu Kingdom village, watch a traditional Eisa per...
Okinawa World
Fun way to experience the island’s Yanbaru nature while getting a little more adventure in your trip, with attractions like the Dinosaur Safari, jungle treks, zip-line-style experiences, shows, and even a scenic spa. It’s a great pick if you want som...
JUNGLIA Amusement Park
f you’re exploring northern Okinawa, Nago Pineapple Park is such a fun little stop to add to your itinerary! You’ll ride through the pineapple fields, explore the tropical gardens, and of course find plenty of pineapple-themed treats along the way. I...
Nago Pineapple Park
If you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day in Okinawa, definitely keep it on your list! It’s an immersive indoor experience where you can interact with colorful digital art, explore different rooms, and get creative as you go. It’s a great ...
teamLab Future Park Okinawa
If you’re exploring northern Okinawa, Neo Park is a fun stop if you want to do something a little different from the usual beaches and sightseeing. It’s a relaxed, open-air animal park where you can see birds and animals from around the world, with some areas where you can get surprisingly close to them. It’s a nice option for families, animal lovers, or anyone looking for a more laid-back activ...
Neo Park Okinawa
.. take a day trip to another island
I highly recommend going on a day trip to one of these islands if you have enough time in Okinawa. There are crystal-clear blue beaches, just like in the pictures. Definitively better than the very touristy (brown) beaches around Ahara Beach on the m...
If you like snorkeling, I 100% recommend this tour! It is one of the best snorkeling view I have ever seen, a lot of colors, different fishes, and yes, sea turtles.
Snorkel in the Kerama Islands
Did someone say white sand and crystal-clear blue water? This is definitively the place to go. You can chill the whole day on one of the most beautiful beach I have ever seen. There are also additional activities on the beach like tubbing or snorkeli...
Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Tokashiki Island
Did someone say white sand and crystal-clear blue water? This is definitively the place to go. You can chill the whole day on one of the most beautiful beach I have ever seen. There are also additional activities on the beach like tubbing or snorkeli...
Enjoy the gorgeous beaches of Zamami Island