Once you are in Okinawa, you might never want to leave. On some of these other smaller islands it’s also possible to hike in the interiors in pristine jungle forest, or even kayak around them. If you have time then you could visit the beautiful islands nearby Okinawa (will cost more money naturally), or even head to some of Japans most southern islands like Ishigaki and others.įor example if diving is your thing the island of Yonaguni where there are some excellent ruins to see, and on Ishigaki you can dive with manta rays.Īkajima Island is easy to get to from mainland Okinawa and worth a visit for the beaches, and a possible hike if you feel energetic. There is much more you can get up to in Okinawa of course, but if you’re heading there for a short break, for a weekend perhaps from mainland Japan, then this makes a good basic itinerary. I guarantee you will be exclaiming “This is the life!” Watch dazzling dance performances to tropical music while you enjoy delicious food. My speculation is that they secretly hope you will fall in love with the beauty of the beach and hotel facility, and opt for a night’s stay (Exactly like what me and my partner did on our visit).Ĭonclude your packed two days in Okinawa with a relaxing buffet dinner at Moon Beach Hotel (You can still pay and eat here as a day visitor). But other visitors are allowed in as well. This gorgeous gem has little people, as it’s meant for hotel guests. If you still have any energy left after diving, drive 12 minutes to Moon Beach, a private hotel beach close to Maeda Point. This UNESCO World Heritage site is absolutely stunning, so make sure to take lots of photos. A great place to learn about the history and traditional culture of Okinawa. The palace was the home of the Ryukyu kings for centuries until Okinawa became a Japanese prefecture in 1879. In the afternoon, take the monorail to Shurijo Castle, a proud symbol of the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom in Okinawa.

If you like something you’ve eaten, you can likely get some to take home for your friends from many of the stores along the street. Try some Sata Andagi (Okinawa donuts), sea salt ice cream, sweet potato tarts, chinsuko (shortbread cookies) and more. It’s a great place to experience the local vibe, buy some unique souvenirs, and sample some more classic Okinawan tastes.It won’t be long until you are hungry again after all that walking. Literally meaning “International street” in Japanese, this is a massive strip of shops and restaurants. From Naha it takes between 1.5-2.5 hours depending on traffic.After breakfast, explore downtown Naha by strolling down the most famous street, Kokusai dori. As the expressway ends, continue on route 58/71, and trace the coast line along route 449. The Yanbaru Express also departs from the airport (2.5 hours).īy car: from Naha and the southern part of the island, take the E58 expressway (toll road) to Nago. Alternatively, from “ Naha Prefectural Office” you can take the Okinawa Airport Shuttle bus, or the Yanbaru Express bus. Alternatively, the Naha-Airport Limousine Bus can also be used.īus bus from Naha: from Naha Bus Terminal, take bus 117 to the stop “ Kinen Koen mae” (2 hours 10 minutes). Okinawa Motobu Guest House ☆ (backpackers choice)īy bus from Nago: from Nago Bus Terminal, take bus 65, 66, 70 or 117 to the stop “ Ishikawa Iriguchi “. Planning your visit HoursĬlosed 1st wednesday and thursday of December There is also a shark research center, where you can learn more about sharks, and observe the large tank which is home to numerous species of sharks, like tiger sharks and bull sharks. Unusual forms of life can be found here, including Bioluminescent organisms such as the splitfin flashlightfish, the pineconefish and luminescent jellyfish. Other tanks of special interest are the deep sea tanks, dedicated to the special creatures which live at the oceans most extreme depths. This tank gives a unique look into the life of a coral reef, the first place in the world where this has been done on a larger scale. Among Churaumi’s 77 tanks is the beautiful coral tank containing 80 types of living corals.

Okinawa churaumi aquarium 4k