Ultimate Guide to Places to Visit in Okinawa
By Katie Huynh | November 12th, 2025
Japan isn’t all cities and countryside. If you travel South of Japan, you will be met with the most gorgeous beaches and beautiful culture. Welcome to Okinawa, the Hawaii of Japan: a true island paradise that isn’t talked about enough. This article will walk you through the best places to visit in Okinawa, from romantic getaways to family vacations.
This article is a part of our extensive series on Learning about Japan through Online Japanese Lessons at Japan Switch.
Preparing for Your Trip to Okinawa
Before embarking on your trip to Okinawa, there are a couple of essentials you should cover first.
When and Where to Book Flights
For domestic flights, it is recommended to book about two to three months in advance for the best prices. You can find prices as low as $70 USD, depending on what month you plan to arrive.
For international flights, I suggest booking at least four months before travel. Prices can spike up by hundreds of dollars if you wait too long. If flying from outside of Asia, expect prices to be around $950-$1500 USD as their lowest. While flying internationally can be expensive, Okinawa is a unique experience that makes the planning and expenses worth it.
Pro Tip For Affordable Flights
For affordable airlines within Japan, check out Peach Aviation and Jetstar Japan. Not only are the flights cost-effective, but they also have frequent discounts available. For instance, Peach Aviation holds a “Happy Peach Sale” every few months, and Jetstar Japan has their “Friday Frenzy” weekly, with limited-time sales every Friday evening on selected routes. If flying internationally, Skyscanner and Google Flights will be your best friend. You can track prices and compare across different airlines, allowing you to pick the most optimal flight for your needs.
The month you travel in also plays a huge part in the price of your plane ticket. The cheapest month to fly is December since it is off-season. Visiting Okinawa in December is ideal if you want to avoid crowds, however, activities will be limited. If you are interested in a more tropical-feel, consider going during peak seasons. Peak seasons are typically July to September, and flights around this time will be more costly due to greater demand. Additionally, if you are flying domestically, flights to Okinawa will be very expensive during Golden Week. To learn more about Golden Week, check out our article: Ultimate Guide to Golden Week.
How to Efficiently Plan an Itinerary
Once you book your flight, it is important to start planning your itinerary as soon as possible. If you are tech-savvy, you can organize all of your trip details in a spreadsheet. If you are looking for the easiest method possible, I suggest checking out Wanderlog, a free vacation planner. My favorite feature on Wanderlog is their map that shows the distance between all of the places you want to go to. It allows you to efficiently plan out your days by calculating how much time you need to commute, and by seeing what’s nearby. Imagine you have two places you want to go to, and you realize they are right next to each other. Now you can do both during the same day! For places to visit in Okinawa, this app is an absolute game changer, given that all of the popular destinations are spread apart. This feature specifically is a great time-saver, perfect for those who want convenience and efficiency.
How to Get Around in Okinawa
Unlike mainland Japan, Okinawa has a limited public transportation system, meaning that it is heavily reliant on cars. The most effective way to get around is driving, but how can we do that?
Obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP)
If you are visiting from outside of Japan, you will need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). In your home country, fill out an application and apply either in-person or by mail. You will need your home country-issued driver’s license. In the U.S., the best way to do this is through AAA. You will need to fill out an application and bring it to a nearby AAA with your driver’s license and two original passport photos. It takes just a couple of minutes to complete in-person, and costs $20 USD. Upon receival, the IDP will be valid for a year.
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Renting a Car in Okinawa
Now that you have your IDP, it is time to rent a car. You will definitely need it to see all of the places to visit in Okinawa. You can rent from major car rental companies either at Naha Airport or in Naha city center. However, the most efficient way to book is online. The most popular website for foreigners is Tabirai Japan, as it is English-friendly, compares all major Okinawa rental companies, and has free cancellation.
Before renting a car, there are some important tips to keep in mind.
There is an age requirement to rent a car.
While you need to be at least 18 to drive in Japan, most rental companies usually require you to be 20 or older, so be sure that you meet the age requirement or are traveling with someone else who does!
You will need to pay tolls.
Okinawa has one main expressway called the Okinawa Expressway (E58). You’ll pay tolls if you use this expressway, but most other roads on the island are free. There are two main options for you to pay tolls. The recommended option is with an ETC card, which will be provided by the rental company for an additional charge of around ¥330–¥550/day, or sometimes for free.
This is how to obtain an ETC reader.
All rental cars in Japan are already equipped with an ETC reader (the slot where the card goes). You just need to rent the card itself from the same place you rent your car. With the card, you can go through the ETC gate (purple lane) and the toll will automatically be charged without you doing anything. If you decide not to rent an ETC card, be sure to go through the green lane when driving. Take a toll ticket when entering, and pay cash when exiting.
Remember to fill up the gas tank.
When returning the car, be sure to refill the gas and keep the receipt in case the rental staff ask. You’re also expected to fill up at the nearest gas station to the return location, usually within 5–10 km. The receipt helps prove that.
Drive on the left side of the road.
This is the most crucial tip: remember to drive on the left side of the road! Practice safe driving and understand Japanese road rules.
Driving is a crucial part of your experience in Okinawa. Be sure to familiarize yourself with Japanese road signs before embarking on your journey. Read our Ultimate Guide to Japanese Road Signs to ensure maximum preparation!
Places to Visit in Okinawa for Families
Okinawa is a perfect getaway for families. Unlike Tokyo’s dense streets and packed trains, Okinawa is spacious and breathable. Okinawa’s calm environment allows for stress-free exploration. In addition, Okinawa has some of the most family-friendly activities in Japan.
Places to Visit in Okinawa: Nago Pineapple Park
Nago Pineapple Park is a tropical-themed attraction dedicated entirely to pineapples. The park offers a self-driving pineapple-shaped cart ride that takes you to fields of pineapples, lush gardens, and mini exhibits showing how the fruit is grown and processed. Inside, you’ll find a pineapple winery, a dessert café, and a gift shop selling pineapple-themed snacks, souvenirs, and even wine. This makes for a lighthearted activity for families.
Location: 1195 Tamemata, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture, 905-0005
Hours: 10:00-18:00 (last entrance 17:30)
Prices: ¥1,500 for adults (16+), ¥800 for children (4-15), free for children under 4
Website: https://www.nagopine.com/index.html
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Our affordable online Japanese lessons are built for busy learners with small groups, real conversations, and flexible schedules that work for you.
Places to Visit in Okinawa: Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is one of the world’s largest and most spectacular aquariums, making it one of the best places to visit in Okinawa. The name “Churaumi” combines the Okinawan words chura (beautiful) and umi (sea), which perfectly describes the crystal-blue ocean that surrounds the island. The aquarium features a wide variety of aquatic life. The highlight of the aquarium is a massive, 10-meter-deep tank home to giant whale sharks, manta rays, and hundreds of tropical fish. It is truly worth the hype, and is absolutely mesmerizing.
Location: 424 Ishikawa, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0206
Hours: 8:30-18:30
Prices: ¥2,180 for adults, ¥1,440 for children, ¥710 for elementary and middle school, free for children under 6
Website: https://churaumi.okinawa/en/
Places to Visit in Okinawa: Okinawa World
Okinawa World is a great way to balance your tropical vacation with Okinawan culture, which differs from mainland Japanese culture. This theme park highlights traditional Ryūkyū (a kingdom that ruled the islands of Okinawa for centuries before it became part of Japan) architecture, crafts, and performances. The main attraction here is the Gyokusendo Cave, a massive limestone cave stretching over 5 kilometers with beautiful stalactite formations and underground streams.
Location: Maekawa-1336 Tamagusuku, Nanjo, Okinawa 901-0616
Hours: 9:00-17:30
Prices: ¥2,000 for adults (15+) and ¥1,000 for children (4-14)
Website: https://en.gyokusendo.co.jp/okinawaworld/
If you want to learn more about the Ryūkyūan culture and religion, our Ultimate Guide to Japanese Culture covers that.
Traveling with family can be stressful, especially if nobody knows Japan. Even knowing the basics can help immensely, so check out our article on Top 1000 Japanese Words You Need to Know!
Places to Visit in Okinawa for Couples
Okinawa can be incredibly romantic. With beautiful ocean views, it is the perfect place to take your lover for a romantic getaway. To up the level of romance, consider visiting Okinawa during White Day (March 14th). In Japan, only women give gifts on Valentine’s Day. Men reciprocate that a month later on White Day. Taking your partner to Okinawa would be the best gift for White Day.
Interested in learning more about White Day? Check out our Ultimate Guide to White Day in Japan!
Places to Visit in Okinawa: Cape Manzamo
Cape Manzamo is one of Okinawa’s iconic landmarks. It’s famous for its elephant-trunk-shaped rock and stunning views of the ocean. While you cannot swim here, there are nearby beaches such as Manza Beach and Sun Marina Beach. Cape Manzamo makes for a great romantic spot in Okinawa, with its beautiful scenery overlooking the blue waters.
Unfortunately, you will need to pay a small entrance fee of ¥100 to access the main viewing area at Cape Manzamo, but it’s totally worth it for the dramatic coastal cliffs, turquoise water, and sunset views.
Location: Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0411
Hours: 8:00-20:00
Prices: ¥100
Website: https://www.manzamo.jp/
Places to Visit in Okinawa: Kouri Island
Kouri Island is a beautiful and romantic destination. The highlight of the trip is driving or biking across the Kouri Bridge, which connects Okinawa’s main island to Kouri Island. Located right by the bridge is Kouri Beach. Perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just lounging. You can rent beach chairs, umbrellas, and even kayaks or paddle boards in summer.
The island’s most famous landmark is the heart rock: two heart-shaped rocks standing side by side in the ocean. It’s a popular couple’s spot, often called the “Island of Love.” The Heart Rock is accessible via a short walk down to Tinu Beach, but note that there’s a small parking fee (¥300–¥500).
Pro Tip: Don’t miss Kouri Island Shrimp Wagon, a food truck famous for garlic shrimp bowls. There are also many cafés with ocean views, like L LOTA or Café Kokuu which offer great coffee and locally sourced meals.
Location: Kouri, Nakijin, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0406
Hours: Open 24 hours
Prices: Free
Website: https://visitokinawajapan.com/destinations/okinawa-main-island/northern-okinawa-main-island/kouri-island/
Okinawa has some of the most beautiful sights in Japan. If you are interested in sightseeing in other parts of Japan, you don't want to miss our Ultimate Guide to Sightseeing in Japan.
3 Places to Visit in Okinawa for Anyone
Who said Okinawa was only for families and lovers? Okinawa is for anyone and everyone! You can come here solo or with a group of friends. Regardless, you can expect to have a great time.
Places to Visit in Okinawa: Naha Kokusai Dori Shopping Street
Located right in central Naha is Kokusaidori Street, a major shopping and entertainment street. You can find cute stores like Snoopy’s Surf Shop and Aloha Outlet right around the corner. You can pick up some Hawaiian-inspired shirts and souvenirs to fit the island vibe perfectly. If you’re more interested in streetwear, stop by the Stussy Okinawa store to see if they have Okinawa exclusive shirts in stock. These shirts make great travel souvenirs and gifts, as you can only get them in Okinawa or resold online. If you walk further away from the street, you can find more local attractions. There are shops with fresh fruit, a great chance to get a tropical taste of fruit and really immerse yourself in the island experience.
Location: 3 Chome-2-10 Makishi, Naha, Okinawa 900-0013
Hours: 10:00-17:00
Prices: Free
Website: https://naha-kokusaidori.okinawa/en/shopping.html
Places to Visit in Okinawa: American Village
American Village is a large shopping and entertainment complex in Chatan-cho, Okinawa. It blends American and Okinawan culture together, making it an exciting place for tourists and locals alike. There are a plethora of Japanese and American fashion brands and restaurants. At night, the environment becomes super lively with music and a lit-up ferris wheel. If you are from America and feeling a little homesick, American Village is one of the places to visit in Okinawa that will make you feel right at home again.
The most popular restaurant here is Magic Ocean, with a 4.9/5 star rating from 6.3K reviews. The restaurant has live entertainment, featuring magicians, musicians, and more. The atmosphere here is that of a pirate ship sunken to the bottom of the sea.
Location: Mihama, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0115
Hours: 10:00-22:00
Prices: Free
Website: https://www.okinawa-americanvillage.com/en/
Places to Visit in Okinawa: Shuri Castle
Interested in Okinawan history? Shuri Castle is the place for you. It once served as the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, until the king was banished and the kingdom was annexed. From there, Ryukyu Kingdom became Okinawa Prefecture.
In World War II, much of the castle was destroyed. It was rebuilt, but unfortunately, it was destroyed again by fire in 2019. Reconstruction efforts are ongoing, and parts of the site remain open to visitors. Despite the construction, you can still enjoy the beautiful castle walls, explore exhibits on Ryukyuan history, and enjoy panoramic views of Naha. Visiting Shuri Castle offers a meaningful glimpse into Okinawa’s royal past and its enduring spirit of restoration and resilience.
Location: 1-2 Shurikinjocho, Naha, Okinawa 903-0815
Hours: Vary depending on area, but generally around 8:00-19:30
Prices: ¥400 (adult), ¥300 (high school students), ¥160 (elementary and middle school students), free for children under 6
Website: https://oki-park.jp/shurijo/en/
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Places to Visit in Okinawa for Outdoor Activities
Especially if you are visiting Okinawa in the summer, you have to try out their outdoor activities. It just hits different in Okinawa. It's the ultimate summer destination.
Curious about other sports and activities in Japan? Dive into our Ultimate Guide to the Most Popular Sports in Japan!
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling at the Blue Cave
H2O: Just Add Water and Mako Mermaids were my absolute favorite shows as a child. I dreamed of being a mermaid, and at the Blue Cave in Okinawa, I could finally live out that dream (if you’ve ever had a mermaid phase, you’d understand). The Blue Cave is magical, especially when sunlight hits the water at just the right angle, allowing the entire cave to glow a deep, electric blue. It is one of the most mystical places to visit in Okinawa.
You can book either a scuba diving or snorkeling activity here. The snorkeling tour is available for ages 3 and up, while diving courses are available from age 12 and up. Check out Klook for easy booking. Prices start as low as ¥3,465 for either activity, or you could bundle up and do both for around ¥8,000. Hours vary depending on your tour provider and weather and sea conditions.
This is a beautiful place to visit to see lots of sea life, however, it can get extremely crowded to the point where you can’t really embrace the nature anymore. I recommend going as early as possible to avoid crowds and to get the best experience possible.
Location: 469-1 Maeda, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0417
Hours: Depends on tour operator
Prices: Depends on tour operator
Website: https://blue-cave.okinawa/
Biking in Okinawa
If you want a relaxing and scenic way to explore Okinawa, biking is a fun activity to take on. You can rent a regular bike, e-bike, or do a cycling tour. Renting a bike typically costs ¥1,000 - ¥2,000/day while e-bikes cost around ¥2,500 - ¥3,500/day. The most popular cycling route is through Kouri Island. The road is mostly flat, making it easy for beginners or families. You ride across the Kouri Bridge, a scenic seaside bridge. Then, you circle the island to find hidden beaches, local cafés, and the famous “Heart Rock” at Tinu Beach. If you are traveling in the summer, it is recommended to ride early in the morning or near sunset to avoid the heat.
If you are looking for stress-free navigation, consider a guided cycling tour. Experienced guides will take you through the beautiful island of Okinawa and share the culture and history with you. You can ride through all of the best places to visit in Okinawa. If you are interested in this activity, you can find bookings on Klook or Google, with prices starting around ¥10,000 per adult.
Location: Depends on route
Hours: Flexible
Prices: Depends on bicycle and tour guide
Website: https://www.japan.travel/en/sports/cycling/courses/kouri-bridge-cycling-tour/
Trying Okinawan Food
Food is a huge part of travel. It allows you to expand your palette and experience a new culture. When visiting Okinawa, you have to try their food. Okinawa’s food is different from what mainland Japan offers. Its food is a blend of Japanese, Chinese, and Western flavors. In addition to signature savory Okinawan dishes, there are also fun Okinawan sweet treats you should try.
Here are some must-try Okinawan food:
- Okinawa Soba: Wheat noodles in a pork-and-bonito broth topped with braised pork belly and fish cake.
- Taco Rice: A post-war fusion dish. Taco-seasoned beef on rice, topped with cheese and lettuce.
- Goya Champuru: Stir-fry of bitter melon, tofu, pork, and egg.
- Rafute: Soy-braised pork belly, tender and sweet-savory, similar to Chinese-style stewed pork.
- Sata Andagi: Okinawan deep-fried doughnuts, crisp outside and fluffy inside.
- Okinawan Shaved Ice (Kakigori): Shaved ice with tropical fruits.
- Blue Seal Ice Cream: While Blue Seal has expanded to mainland Japan, it was originally created in a US military base in Okinawa. It has grown to become one of Okinawa’s most popular desserts.
If you are looking to try Okinawan food in a centralized location, check out Makishi Public Market, located in Naha. You can browse the food stalls selling fresh seafood, tropical fruit, and local delicacies.
If you want to learn more about Okinawan food and cuisine, check out our Ultimate Guide to Okinawan Food and Cuisine.
Island Hopping in Okinawa
Okinawa isn’t just one big island: it’s an archipelago of over 160 islands, each with its own charm. Island hopping is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the region. From Naha, the easiest islands to reach are the Kerama Islands (Tokashiki, Zamami, and Aka), which are just 30 to 60 minutes away by ferry from Tomari Port. Here, you can swim with sea turtles at Furuzamami Beach, relax on Aharen Beach, or rent a scooter to explore quiet seaside roads.
Ferries to Kerama Islands sell out fast, so be sure to book quickly. You can book tickets on Klook for either roundtrip or one-way. Ticket prices vary based on distance, but you can expect to pay around ¥4,000 for roundtrip and ¥2,000 for one-way tickets.
Okinawa Moby Dick Dinner Cruise
This family-friendly cruise offers gourmet cuisine, live music, and scenic views. “Moby Dick” is Okinawa’s largest restaurant ship. The second floor of the ship has a restaurant, while the third floor has a BBQ course. You can pick from five different courses: coral course (¥6,375 for adults), emerald course (¥7,500), sapphire course (¥8,750), ruby course (¥11,000), and diamond course (¥12,750). These five courses are buffet style on the second floor. The third floor consists of the BBQ courses, which are only available from April to November. The regular BBQ course costs ¥5,500 per person while the deluxe BBQ course costs ¥9,500 per person. Check out the Moby Dick Dinner Cruise on Klook.
Location: 2-1 Tondocho, Naha, Okinawa 900-0035
Hours: Depends on booking
Prices: Depends on course
Booking Site: https://www.klook.com/activity/11998-moby-dick-dinner-cruise-naha-okinawa/
Where to Stay in Okinawa
Finding the right place to stay in Okinawa depends on what kind of experience you want. The island has a wide variety of hotels and guesthouses that cater to every type of traveler, from families and couples to solo adventurers. Here are some of the most popular areas and options to consider.
- Hotel Sanrio Okinawa is perfect if you love Sanrio and want something unconventional. It is unique and absolutely adorable. It’s also close to the airport for convenience.
• Address: 1 Chome-2-25 Asato, Naha, Okinawa 902-0067
• Starting Price: ~¥20,330 per night - The Busena Terrace (Nago) is a classic Okinawan resort surrounded by turquoise water. Guests can enjoy snorkeling, spa treatments, and elegant rooms with balconies facing the sea.
• Address: 1808 Kise, Nago, Okinawa Prefecture
• Price per night: ¥40,000–¥70,000
- Estinate Hotel Naha is a modern yet affordable option. You can still get that luxury vacation experience while saving money. It is conveniently located in Naha so you can get fast access to the airport and the Kokusai-dori Shopping Street.
• Address: 2-3-11, Matsuyama, Naha, Okinawa, 900-0032
• Starting Price: ~¥13,758 per night
Heading to Tokyo after your Okinawa trip? Still want that strong cultural feel? Consider staying at a ryokan for your next trip. Our Ultimate Guide to Tokyo Ryokan outlines over 12 exceptional ryokan to stay at.
Final Thoughts
Okinawa is a multifaceted destination. Whether you want to explore a new culture or seek relaxation, there are many worthwhile places to visit in Okinawa. I highly recommend visiting Okinawa at least once, especially if you want a break from the bustling cities of mainland Japan!
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