okinawa japan tourist attractions

• Destinations

25 Best Things to Do in Okinawa

What to Do in Okinawa: Bucket List

Okinawa Prefecture is subtropical islands in southern Japan (stretches between Kyushu Region of Japan and Taiwan). The prefecture consists of over 160 islands (including 49 inhabited islands) which are divided into three major island groups: the Okinawa Islands, the Miyako Islands and the Yaeyama Islands.

Okinawa is the most popular beach and summer vacation destination in the country attracting millions of visitors through the year. The top attraction in Okinawa Prefecture is the stunning white sand beaches, turquoise blue water and the warm subtropical climate that allure divers and beach lovers from Japan and around the world.

Apart from the beaches, Okinawa offers visitors plenty more tourist attractions such as world-class resorts, serene remote islands, the unique traditional culture and the outstanding local food culture.

In this article, I’d like to introduce the best things to do in Okinawa. If you are considering to visit Okinawa soon, you should definitely plan your trip with this Okinawa Bucket List!

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

1. Hit Okinawa’s Picture-Perfect Beaches

Okinawa beaches are known for its best features such as white sand, crystal clear water and coral reefs, and they can be enjoyed through the year under the subtropical climate with hot-warm temperature. There are hundreds of beaches on Okinawa Main Island and remote islands with a plenty of beach activities and the world-class beach resorts aside.

Related article:  Okinawa Beaches: Best Time to Visit 

2. Shuri Castle

Okinawa used to be one independent country called Ryukyu Kingdom for several centuries before becoming a prefecture of Japan in 1879. Therefore Okinawa’s history and culture is quite different from the rest part of Japan.

Shuri Castle or Shurijo Castle (首里城) is the most significant monument to present Ryukyu Kingdom which used to serve as a royal palace. After being destroyed during the World War Ⅱ Battle of Okinawa in 1945, the castle was reconstructed in early 90s, and designated as the Castles of the Ryukyu Kingdom sites on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s one of the most visited tourist sites in Okinawa today. Shuri Castle is located in Naha City, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture.

*Important Notice* Nine structures in Shurijo Castle Park were destroyed due to the fire in 2019 and Okinawa government plans to complete rebuilding them by 2026.

Map: http://bit.ly/2YkqIXq

3. Churaumi Aquarium

Churaumi Aquarium (美ら海水族館) is the largest aquarium in Japan located at the Ocean Expo Park in the northern Okinawa Main Island. It’s considered as Japan’s best aquarium and welcomed over 20 million visitors so far since opening in 2002.

The best highlight of the aquarium is the Kuroshio Sea, the massive fish tank holds 7,500,000 liters of water with whale sharks, manta rays and hundreds of other sea creatures swimming freely. It’s one of the best tourist attractions in Okinawa on a rainy day.

Map: http://bit.ly/2TqOzkM

Book Tickets ▶ Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

4. Stay at World’s Class Resort

Okinawa is home to numbers of high-end hotel resorts located on the seaside of Okinawa’s main island and remote islands. Nothing better than relaxing by the world-class beaches and staying at luxurious accommodation with top-notch service, right?? Spoil yourself at one of the most prestigious Okinawa’s beach resort 😉

Related articles:  10 Best Beach Resorts in Okinawa

5. Snorkeling and Diving

Snorkeling and diving is definitely the top attraction in Okinawa as it’s famous for the beautiful, clear waters with coral reefs and colorful tropical fish. The remote islands such as Miyako Island and Ishigaki Island are well-known diving spots attracting divers from all around the world.

Numbers of tour agencies in Okinawa offers snorkeling and diving tours through the year. Don’t miss a chance to explore Okinawa’s beautiful under water world!

Recommended tour: Nagannu Island Swimming Experience from Okinawa

6. Okinawa Peace Memorial Park

One of the most cruel battles during World War Ⅱ , the Battle of Okinawa has taken the place in Okinawa’s main island, causing a few hundred thousands deaths and huge destruction. Okinawa Peace Memorial Park (沖縄県平和祈念資料館) is the memorial to the Battle of Okinawa which represents the history to remember.

The park is located in Itoman City at the southern tip of the main island of Okinawa. There are several more monuments within the area relating to the war memorial such as Peace Memorial Museum and Himeyuri Monument.

Map: http://bit.ly/2Yir2WU

7. Mihama American Village

Mihama American Village (美浜アメリカンビレッジ) , a large shopping complex in Okinawa, is a perfect spot for various travelers who want to shop souvenirs, eat Okinawa’s regional dishes, give their children some attractions and so on. The America-themed gorgeous facility is symbolized by the giant Ferris wheel and the high-rise building of The Beach Tower Okinawa.

In addition to a wide range of gourmet and shopping options, Mihama American Village is also popular for a nice location to see the sunset over the sea from the neighboring beach and the illumination of the whole complex and the Ferris wheel. Its movie theater has been also loved by local residents. Located in the Chatan are, Mihama American Village is about half an hour by car from the center of Naha.

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/YPgG6vKhfsv75qDB9

8. Okinawa World

Okinawa World (おきなわワールド) is a theme park dedicated to Okinawan culture which is located at south of the main island. The park is themed as a traditional Okinawan village, introducing the culture and tradition of Okinawa with architecture, food, crafts, music and hands-on activities.

The best highlight of the park is the Gyokusendo Cave, the 300,000 years old limestone cave which stretches about 5 km. Visitors can go into this mysterious cave and stroll on the walk way for 890 meters. Okinawa World is a great option for a rainy day, too.

Map: http://bit.ly/2HCZhDa

Book Tickets ▶ Okinawa World

9. Kokusai Dori Street

If you are going to visit Naha, the capital city of Okinawa Prefecture, Kokusai Dori Street (国際通り) is definitely worth stopping by. The shopping street stretches for about 2 km in the heart of Naha City, lined by hundreds of hotels, souvenir shops, restaurants and bars which are open till late.

Kokusai Dori Street is the mecca of tourists in Okinawa, just like Khaosan Street in Bangkok, and it’s highly crowded and touristy, yet it’s a perfect place to complete your shopping and fulfill your appetite within a short time!

Map: http://bit.ly/2UYLb2d

10. Cape Manza

Cape Manza or Manzamo (万座毛) is a spectacular scenic spots located around Onna Village in the northern part of Okinawa Main Island. The 20 m tall scenic cliff facing the East China Sea is formed by rock formation and offers the dramatic view. It’s especially popular to visit during the sunset time.

Map: http://bit.ly/2JBJu9E

11. Pokemon Center Okinawa

Japanese anime and games have been more popular worldwide lately, led by the leading title Pokemon. There are Pokemon themed shops including Pokemon Center and Pokemon Store all over Japan for every fan of it, and a new branch opened in Okinawa in August, 2022. Pokemon Center Okinawa offers exclusive Pokemon items that are available only at the Okinawa’s branch. Some cute Pokemon like Pikachu and Arcanine await visitors at the entrance.

Related article: Pokemon Center Okinawa’s Opening

12. Driving

The best and the most common way to get around Okinawa is self driving . The public transportation in Okinawa is okay but if you wish to travel from place to place, driving a car is the best way to save time and travel efficiently. Also Okinawa is considered to be one of the best places in Japan to enjoy scenic driving as there are numbers of spots by the coasts offering the spectacular scenery.

Okinawa’s roads are generally wide and safe, and the traffic is not heavy. Renting a car is not particularly expensive which costs around 5,000 yen per day.

▶ Hire a rental car in Okinawa

13. Okinawan Food

Okinawa cuisine is very different comparing to typical Japanese cuisine since the islands developed their very own food culture which are influenced by Japan, Chine, SE Asia and lately USA. Okinawa has many unique dishes and many of them are considered to be very healthy such as Goya Champuru (Bitter Melon Stir Fry), Okinawa Soba, Umi Budo (Sea Grapes). The best place to enjoy authentic Okinawan food is definitely local Izakaya.

Okinawa has also its own drinking culture. The most significant Okinawan alcohol drinks are Orion Beer, the popular local beer and Awamori, the local spirit contains 40% alcohol.

Related article:  What to Eat in Okinawa

If you wish to learn the deep food culture of Okinawa, it’s highly recommended to join a local cooking class! From classic Sushi to authentic Okinawan cuisine, various cooking classes are available in Okinawa today! Check out the link below to find the best Okinawa cooking classes today!

Book Online:  Best Okinawa Cooking Classes

14. Rare plants at Southeast Botanical Gardens

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/9f4uyi3gWPgC5UX39

15. Beautiful sunrise and sunset

There are a lot of well-known and hidden spots to see a picturesque sunrise and sunset with the sea in each island of Okinawa. Chinenmisaki Park in Nanjo City and Uppama Beach in Higashi Village are famous for the beautiful sunrise. On the other hand, Cape Manza in Onna Village, Chatan Park Sunset Beach next to Mihama American Village and Zanpa Misaki in Yomitan Village are perfect for the breathtaking sunset. In addition, kayaking tours to view the sunset with mangrove are popular in Isigaki Island.

16. Taking a rest at roadside stations Michi no Eki

If you know what Michi no Eki is in advance, your journey in Okinawa will become easier and more interesting. Michi no Eki, which means “roadside stations” in Japanese, is rest stops located around Okinawa. Not only for drivers to take a break but for all tourists to enjoy regional specialty products, it is recommended to use the various themed rest stops while traveling. Each Michi no Eki serves local fresh fruits and vegetables as well as Okinawa’s signature dishes made with them. For example, Nakayukui Market in Onna, Roadside Market in Kyoda, Road Station Yuiyui Kunigami in Kunigami, etc.

17. Shopping Okinawa’s Specialties

Since Okinawa has its own distinctive culture and tradition, you may enjoy shopping their unique local products for souvenir . The most significant crafts from Okinawa is the Shisa statues, the Gardian Lions of Okinawa usually sold as a pair.

Okinawa’s popular snacks for souvenirs are Chinsuko, the traditional biscuits and Beni Imo Tart made with Okinawa’s purple potatoes. The best places to shop Okinawa souvenirs are Kokusaidori Street, the famous shopping street in Naha City or Naha Airport .

Related article:  What to Buy in Okinawa 

18. Kouri Island & Kouri Bridge

Kouri Island or Kourijima (古宇利島) is a small island located about 1km away from the northeast of Okinawa Main Island. Despite it’s a remote island, Kouri Island can be easily accessed from the main island since it’s connected by Kouri Bridge (古宇利大橋) , one of the most spectacular bridges to cross in Japan. The island has one of the most beautiful beaches in Okinawa with white sand and transparent emerald green water.

On the north shore of the island, there is a popular scenic spot “the Heart Rock” the heart shaped rocks formed by a coupled rocks. Kouri Island can be accessed within 1 hour from Naha City by car, and it’s a perfect side trip destination on the Main Island of Okinawa.

Map: http://bit.ly/2HAzgEJ

19. Miyakojima Island

Miyako Island or Miyakojima (宮古島) is a remote island of Okinawa which belongs to the Miyako Islands group. It’s located about 300 km southwest of the main island of Okinawa. The island is best known for the astonishing beaches surrounded by coral reefs and a popular destinations especially among divers.

Yonaha Maehama Beach on the southwest of the island has been chosen as Japan’s best beach for multiple times. Numbers of beach resorts are located on the island

Map: http://bit.ly/2Om9wwh

Related article:  Miyako Island: 10 Best Things to Do 

20. Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki Island or Ishigakijima (石垣島) belongs to the Yaeyama Islands group which is the southernmost of Okinawa Islands. Ishigaki Island is the second largest and the most populated island in the group, serving as the transportation hub of the region with large ferry port and airport connecting several islands surrounding such as Iriomote Island and Taketomi Island.

Ishigaki Island itself has numbers of tourist attractions including the stunning beaches, rich nature, cultural and historical monuments and beach resorts. Comparing to the main island of Okinawa, Ishigaki Island has more relaxed and less touristy atmosphere.

Map: http://bit.ly/2uoQSKP

Related article:  Ishigaki Island: 10 Best Things to Do

21. Iriomote Island

Iriomote Island or Iriomotejima (西表島) is the largest island of Yaeyama Islands, which can be accessed by speed boat from Ishigaki Island in about 40 mins. The island is known for its untouched wild nature as 90% of the island is covered by jungle and mangrove forest, and the island itself is a national park.

The top activity on Iriomote Island is exploring its rich and abundant nature by sea kayak, paddle board and hiking. The island is also famed for wildlife animals including the Iriomote Cat which is critically endangered animal found only on this island. Iriomote Island is also home to several amazing beaches with white sand and crystal clear water.

Map: http://bit.ly/2HCctIn

22. Taketomi Island

Taketomi Island or Taketomijima (竹富島) is a small island of Yaeyama Islands group which is located only 4 km south of Ishigaki Island. It’s one of the most attractive islands in Okinawa Prefecture, best known for the well-preserved Ryukyu village with charming traditional Okinawan houses and stone walls.

Taketomi Island is a small island that you can easily walk through or rent a bicycle to explore. Taking a water buffalo cart is also a popular way to get around the island.

Map: http://bit.ly/2FuwUVm

23. Kohama Island

Kohama Island or Kohamajima (小浜島) is a small island located between Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island, which belong to the Yaeyama Island groups. Ever since Kohama Island was set as the stage for a famous drama series “Churasan” on NHK in 2001, many viewers were fascinated by this beautiful island.

The rustic island has stunning beaches, untouched nature and the serene countryside scenery with sugar cane fields. A few beach resorts are also located on this small island. It’s a great destination for those who wish to spend holiday in quiet and and relaxing atmosphere.

Map: http://bit.ly/2UTphgz

Related article:  Kohama Island: A Hidden Beach Resort in Okinawa

24. Zamami Island

Zamami Island (座間味島) is an island of the Kerama Islands, which is a group of small islands about 40 km from the west of Okinawa Main Island. Zamami Island is one of the most popular remote islands to visit from the main island especially for snorkelling and diving, and the speed boat is available from Naha City.

Furuzamami Beach is the island’s most popular beach which is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Okinawa. Zamami Island is also a popular site for whale watching during winter. The island also has several hills which are ideal for hiking and observing the beautiful scenery of the island.

Map: http://bit.ly/2HBOQQf

25. Kume Island

Kume Island or Kumejima (久米島) is an island of the Okinawa Islands group which is located about 90 km west of Okinawa Main Island. Kume Island is often said to be one of the most beautiful islands in Okinawa with the astonishing beaches and the unspoilt scenery.

The top attraction of the island is Hatenohama Beach which is a 7 km long beach formed by white sand bar lies at the east of Kume Island. The beach can be accessed only by tour boat.

Map: http://bit.ly/2HQy5jy

▽Want to check more Bucket Lists in other popular areas in Japan??▽

▶️30 Best Things to Do in Japan ▶︎Top Things to Do in Tokyo ▶︎Top Things to Do in Kyoto ▶︎Top Things to Do in Osaka ▶︎Top Things to Do around Mt Fuji ▶︎Top Things to Do in Hokkaido ▶︎Top Things to Do in Western Japan

How did you enjoy the list?? Okinawa is definitely one of the most attractive places on earth, don’t you agree?? If you are planning your trip to Okinawa soon, take a look at these articles below, suggesting travel itineraries in Hokkaido with the best highlights and how to get around!

▶︎ Top 5 Remote Islands in Okinawa ▶︎ Okinawa Restaurant Guide: 7 Best Restaurants in Okinawa ▶︎ 10 Best Beaches on Okinawa Main Island

▽Related Articles▽

▶︎ OKINAWA Itinerary for 3 Days ▶︎ Best Okinawa Tours and Activities ▶︎ 5 Best Beaches in Japan apart from Okinawa

"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, I have lived and explored countries around the world. As a resident of Japan and based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling Japan with my readers. I hope my story will help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan 🌈

• Things to Do

52 Best Things To Do In Okinawa (Japan)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: July 31, 2019  - Last updated: October 15, 2023

Okinawa is a prefecture located in Japan surrounded by coral reefs, tropical beaches, and 160 neighboring archipelagos.

It sits in the East China Sea between Taiwan and Japan’s mainland.

Okinawa’s lustrous nature, clear waters, and tropical climate make it one of the most prominent tourist sights in the world.

Whether you are dining out, sightseeing, shopping, or engaging in an adventure, Okinawa offers something entertaining for everyone.

Here are 52 fun things to do in Okinawa.

Table of Contents

Marvel At Okinawa’s Ancient Traditions And Customs

When you visit Okinawa, Japan, you’ll notice many historical references to the Ryukyu Kingdom and Battle of Okinawa, Japan’s final battle during World War II.

Visitors to Japan love Okinawa for its flourishing architecture, art, and breathtaking landscapes.

Exploring Okinawa can be an all-day excursion. Japan offers many fun things to see, especially when you travel to Okinawa.

Shurijo Castle

torasun / Shutterstock

Japan rebuilt the 18th Century Shurijo Castle after the Americans destroyed it during the war in 1945.

The castle perches atop a small hill that overlooks the Naha regions in Japan.

Visiting the castle requires hiking its lofty hills and walking on roads created from paved stone.

The Shurijo Castle is a symbol of Okinawa’s culture, which is why it was restored to represent the era of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

In the year 2000, they entered the Shurijo Castle as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Address:  1 Chome-2 Shurikinjocho, Naha, Okinawa 903-0815, Japan

Peace Memorial Park

Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

One of Okinawa’s most recognized monuments is located in the Peace Memorial Park .

The Peace Memorial Park is a public area commemorating the lives lost during the Battle of Okinawa WWII.

It exhibits wartime photographs and objects in memory of those who perished during the Battle of Okinawa.

The names of those who died during the war are also inscribed on the Cornerstone of Peace.

When you stroll through the park, the Peace Prayer Memorial Statue comes into view.

It symbolizes prayers for world peace and the souls of the dead.

The Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum offers permanent exhibits and a library.

Address:  444 Mabuni, Itoman, Okinawa 901-0333, Japan

Cape Manzamo

In the northern region of Okinawa’s mainland, Cape Manzamo sits on the Onna Village.

This famed rock developed like an upside-down elephant trunk is one of the most seen scenic rocks in Japan.

Many tourists come to Okinawa to see the cliff that overlooks the deep-blue East China Sea.

During the sunset, this rock formation makes a spectacular background.

Take photos or videos of this rock formation and make it a souvenir of your trip to Japan.

Address:  Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0411, Japan

Nakagusuku Castle

okimo / Shutterstock

Nakagusuku Castle and its ruins are one of Okinawa, Japan’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This marvelous castle sits on a plush hill formed of Ryukyu limestone.

The city of Ginowan and the East China Sea overlook the west side of the castle. The Katsuren Peninsula and Yomitan face the north.

During your excursion of the castle, you’ll come across many artifacts.

As one of the best-preserved castles in Japan, Nakagusuku Castle is one of the must-do things to do in Okinawa.

When you visit the grounds, you must take the proper precautions to avoid slipping and falling.

It is advised for tourists to wear protective shoes that are anti-slippery.

There is also no lighting installed at the castle site so you must be careful when exploring on your own.

Address:  503 Ogusuku, Kitanakagusuku, Nakagami District, Okinawa 901-2314, Japan

Katsuren Castle Ruins

PENGIN0204 / Shutterstock

When visiting Okinawa, going to the Katsuren-Jo Site is a must-do.

The Katsuren-Jo Site stands on the Katsuren Peninsula, on the island of Uruma.

It comprises Gusuku (castle ruins) from the Ryukyu Kingdom era.

Strolling this property is an all-day venture.

Touring the grounds includes four enclosures, three staircases, springs, caves, palace ruins and more.

From the Ichi-no Kuruwa Castle Gate to the Ushinujigama (cave), the UNESCO World Heritage Katsuren-Jo Site offers marvels to see.

Tourists are advised to wear protective shoes that are anti-slippery.

Address:  3908 Katsurenhaebaru, Uruma, Okinawa 904-2311, Japan

Shikinaen Royal Garden

Thitinan Ananchaiphattana / Shutterstock

The Ryukyu Kingdom built Shikinaen Royal Gardens in 1799 to welcome the delegates of the Chinese Emperor.

It flourished as an intermediary between countries to sustain healthy relations between China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia for trade.

As you walk through the property, the stone-paved road introduces you to its Ryukyu limestone.

This stone is very common around many of Okinawa’s sites. A tunnel leads you through the woods until you arrive at the gardens.

The majestic shapes of trees against the open water and little bridges are the reasons many tourists visiting Okinawa Prefecture, Japan stop here.

Address:  421-7 Maaji, Naha, Okinawa 902-0072, Japan

Sonohyan-utaki Stone Gate

Joyja_Lee / Shutterstock

The Sonohyan-utaki Stone Gate was built in 1519 from Ryukyu limestone.

The Chinese and Japanese limestone architecture features smooth-flowing curves at the end of the temple’s roof.

The door is built from wood. Keeping with Okinawa tradition, the temple was used by the royal family to pray whenever the king left the castle.

Take a stroll around the gate and notice the roof’s tiles shaped like a flaming jewel and killer whale.

When you visit the Utaki, you’ll also notice sacred rocks and trees dedicated to Gods.

Okinawa World

Mix and Match Studio / Shutterstock

Explore Japan’s Ryukyu Kingdom era when you visit Okinawa World .

This village carries all the traditional customs from the Ryukyu reign.

Visit the traditional crafts village comprising old local houses decorated with red-roofed tiles.

Wonder through the limestone cave made from a coral reef.

Stop at the tropical orchards and admire the various tropical trees and fruits. You’ll find rare seasonal flowers and fruits.

Take a stroll inside the Habu Museum and learn from the snake and reptile exhibit.

When you stop at the souvenir shop, purchase Okinawa beer or gifts to remember your visit to Okinawa World.

Address: 1336 Tamagusuku Maekawa ,  Nanjo 901-0616,  Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum

Isaac Mok / Shutterstock

Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum is the first Okinawa Prefecture art museum showcasing Japan’s pre-and postwar era.

The Art Museum drives in encouraging artistic endeavor while becoming an international center for promoting Asia-Pacific arts and cultural projects.

Among its permanent displays are fossils of whales, ammonites, and diverse creatures of the ancient seas.

Archeology, arts and crafts, natural history, history, and folk customs are some sub-exhibitions.

The museum likewise carries an inner courtyard exhibition that reveals the restoration process of a traditional Okinawa farmhouse and a traditional Okinawa storehouse.

Address:  3 Chome-1-1 Omoromachi, Naha, Okinawa 900-0006, Japan

Tamaudun Royal Mausoleum

ESB Professional / Shutterstock

The Ryukyu family built the Tamaudun Royal Mausoleum in 1501.

They constructed the mausoleum with large stone chambers that remain closed to the public.

When you visit the mausoleum, the ticket includes entrance to the museum.

In the museum, you can see images of what the Tamaudun looked like before and after the war.

This is the smallest museum in Okinawa and it’s listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The mausoleum is within 20 minutes from Shuri Castle.

It’s five minutes from the Shuri Station Monorail so it’s easy to get to.

MaruokaJoe / Shutterstock

When you travel to Okinawa, make a stop at the Sefa Utaki.

Sefa Utaki is on the southeastern side of Okinawa Honto.

During the 16th century, Sefa Utaki became the center for religious ceremonies and rituals.

Its emphasis on worshipping nature imitates that of Shinto.

As you stroll the forested hillside, you’ll notice the oceanic rock formations connected side to side on the walking trails.

Sefa Utaki is also one of Okinawa’s World Heritage Sites because of its significance to Okinawa’s indigenous religion.

Address:  Kudeken-455 Chinen, Nanjo, Okinawa 901-1511, Japan

Visit The Best Places In Okinawa

When you visit Japan, you’ll find a plethora of things to do in Okinawa.

From snorkeling to swimming with sharks, Okinawa is open to many adventures.

Explore the various isolated and inhabited islands of the Okinawa Prefecture.

You’ll see why so many tourists from around the world visit Okinawa, Japan all year long.

Okinawa Zoo and Museum

潘立傑 LiChieh Pan / flickr

The Okinawa Zoo and Museum is home to over 1000 animals and approximately 150 species.

Animals native to Okinawa, such as the Yonaguni horse and a baby lion Arusha, were born at the zoo and are Okinawa’s great attraction.

Besides animal exhibits, the Okinawa Zoo offers visitors horseback riding on the weekends and holidays.

The zoo also features a petting zoo, ride-on-cars for kids, and a merry-go-round.

The Wonder museum located inside the premises contains workshops and interactive exhibits so children can have hands-on experience.

The Okinawa Zoo & Museum is the only zoo in Japan catered to children.

Address:  5 Chome-7-1 Goya, Okinawa, 904-0021, Japan

Karate Museum

Juga Paazmaya / flickr

Karate continues to be one of Japan’s most fascinating sports.

If you love martial arts, the Okinawa Prefecture Karate Museum will amaze you.

It is one of three national sports museums in Okinawa.

The Director and founder, Tetsuhiro Hokama, hosts the museum.

Mr. Hokama is a 10th Dan Gojuryu Karatedo Hanshi and the president of the Okinawa Gojuryu Kenshi Kai Karatedo Kobudo Association.

He displays his exhibits on the second floor; where over 500 martial arts items including weapons, and tools, and photos of Karate Masters hang on the wall.

The museum preserves the meaning behind Karate.

It places most research on the origins of Karate during the Ryukyu regime.

Address:  2-chome-17 Uehara, Nishihara, Nakagami District, Okinawa 901-2101, Japan

Oceanic Culture Museum

Joel Abroad / flickr

Okinawa’s Ocean Expo Park is state-owned and houses many popular attractions.

One of these attractions is the Oceanic Culture Museum .

This museum in Okinawa exhibits items from the 1975 Okinawa International Ocean Expo which convey the oceanic culture of the Asia-South Pacific region of the 1970s.

The Oceanic Culture Museum provides a heritage link between the sea, Japan, and Okinawa.

Walk over to the 13 canoe exhibits and learn about French Polynesia Tahiti to Samoa Upolu Island.

They pack the museum halls with a plethora of historical references attributing to Okinawa’s cultural diversity.

You’ll learn about the lifestyle of Oceania people, including but not limited to fishing, dance, faith, and music.

Address:  Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0206, Japan

Ryukyu Glass Village

Vassamon Anansukkasem / Shutterstock

The Ryukyu Glass Village is the largest glass factory in Okinawa.

Learn how blown and cased-glass is made at Okinawa’s glass factory.

When you visit the Ryukyu Glass Village, you can observe how Ryukyu artisans make their masterpieces.

You’ll find an extensive variety of vibrant glasswork at this village in Okinawa.

Find sentimental keep-sakes, traditional Okinawan crafts, and sweets at the different shops.

Address:  169 Fukuji, Itoman, Okinawa 901-0345, Japan

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

leungchopan / Shutterstock

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is the world’s largest aquarium housing multiple whale shark breedings.

It has also been prosperous in breeding multiple species of Bayou Mantas.

The museum supports projects designed to teach people the approach to environmental issues.

Get splashed at the Oki-chan Theater Splash Time dolphin show. Or, touch and feel the Charumi creatures.

You’ll learn about the 70 species of coral living in Okinawa’s waters.

The Churaumi Theater shows films that teach about Japan’s desire to help its sea creatures.

Address:  424 Azaishikawa, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0206, Japan

Valley of Gangala

PixHound / Shutterstock

The Valley of Gangala is a subtropical forest excavated from a cave that collapsed years ago.

It is believed to have been once the home to Minatogawa, a human fossil discovered in 1970.

When you visit the Valley of Gangala, you need to figure out how to plan your trip .

The tour runs about a one hour and twenty minutes hike that includes climbing stairs and no bathroom.

Wear comfortable sneakers, one of the many travel hacks that work whenever traveling on foot.

Address: 202 Tamagusuku Maekawa ,  Nanjo 901-0616,  Okinawa, Japan

Onna Seaside Civil Park

Northimage / Shutterstock

If you are looking for adventure, then the Onna Seaside Civil Park offers a variety of things to do in Okinawa.

Ride on a banana boat from the beach to the snorkeling location.

While in the water, you’ll become acquainted with the colorful clownfish.

This is the perfect location to pull out your underwater camera and click away.

There is no need to worry if you can’t swim because the tour provides each passenger with a strong life jacket.

The park also offers kayaking in the clear water and barbecuing on an LP gas-fired bbq inside a cottage styled with Okinawan red tiles.

Address: 419-4 Onna ,  Onna-son, Kunigami-gun 904-0411,  Okinawa, Japan

Kouri Island & Kouri Bridge

Kouri Island is an inhabited island located north of Japan’s Yagaji Island.

It is part of Okinawa’s Nakijin Island and distances about 5 miles to and from the Kouri Bridge entrance.

The shallow seawater is ideal for swimming and gazing at the stars at night.

You can capture photos of the bridge in various stages of the day.

Bring a light jacket because the wind tends to be cool.

The best time to go Okinawa is in April and May when the temperature is considered comfortable.

You can stroll the island in 10 minutes.

Kabira Bay Glass Bottom Boats

In Ishigaki Island, Kariba Bay is home to green coral gardens separated by an emerald blue sea and white sands.

It is one of the nine uninhabited islands in Okinawa, Japan that offers spectacular views of the sea life below.

Take a tour of the surrounding Okinawa islands via a glass-bottom boat and get a glimpse of sea turtles, clams, and clownfish underneath you.

Okinawa does not allow swimming at Kariba Bay because it cultivates black pearls.

Address:  1054 Kabira, Ishigaki, Okinawa 907-0453, Japan

Busena Marine Park

FS11 / Shutterstock

The Busena Marine Park is the only underwater observatory in Okinawa.

Submerged five feet below Okinawa’s clear subtropical sea, the room is designed with twenty-four window panes that form a 360-degree view.

Visitors can view out the windows to catch a glimpse of the sea bottom covered with a coral reef, clownfish, and more.

If the weather in Okinawa permits, you can also take a cruise on a glass-bottom boat shaped like a whale.

You’ll capture the view of proliferated coral reefs and the fish hiding in narrow crevasses.

Address:  1744-1 Kise, Nago, Okinawa 905-0026, Japan

Ryukyu Mura

Zieger (Z哥) / flickr

One of Okinawa’s most popular theme parks is Ryukyu Mura .

The park offers Okinawan cultural experiences such as folk songs and free shows.

This Okinawa theme park hosts the Ryukyu Village Summer Festival every year.

Enjoy bingo games, dinner buffet, or watch the fireflies.

The park has many interactive attractions.

Learn how to make coral lamps, paint sculptures of sea animal, or carve beach sandals.

Address:  1130 Yamada, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0416, Japan

Taketomi Island

TAKAHIRO KUBO / Shutterstock

Visit the old remains of the Taketomi Island townscape.

Houses are decorated with limestone walls and adorned in hibiscus and bougainvillea.

Okinawa’s traditional red-tiled roofs are visible from afar.

The government of Japan has preserved this district as one of Okinawa’s traditional neighborhoods.

Take a stroll down the coral sand streets or take a ride on a buffalo carriage.

Learn about the Asatoya Yunta, an Okinawan folk song that remains strong in Okinawa.

As the sun goes down, take photos of the sunset as it casts behind the red tiles of these traditional homes.

Sea Turtle Museum of Kumejima

Ho Yu Hsuan / Shutterstock

For those who love turtles, the Sea Turtle Museum of Kumejima offers a plethora of species to see.

The museum specializes in turtles of the Ojima (Ou Island).

Out of the seven varieties of sea turtles, the museum specializes in the green sea turtle, the hawksbill turtle, and the loggerhead sea turtle.

During a few times a year, they allow visitors to the museum to touch a sea turtle.

If you dive the waters of Kume Island, you might be lucky and spot a turtle.

Address: 170 Ou, Kumejima, Shimajiri District, Okinawa 901-3106, Japan

Naha Whale Watching

OttoPhoto / Shutterstock

Whale watching is one of the most exciting things to do in Okinawa.

Book half-day tours at Naha, Okinawa to watch humpback whales migrating from Alaska to Kerama Islands.

These humpbacks only migrate every January to March.

Watch the whales swim next to their babies in a dynamic movement.

Many facilities throughout Okinawa provide whale watching.

Studio-B Okinawa

When visiting Okinawa, experience the Okinawan nightlife.

Get to know Okinawa’s lifestyle when you travel to Japan.

Studio-B is a fun Karaoke and social bar that provides music and dancing.

The bar offers first-rate Japanese and English music and free Karaoke.

Also, Studio-B creates a safe environment for its locals and military guest.

They ensure that when people visit their establishment in Okinawa, their guests have fun.

Address:  1 Chome-11-20 Chatan, Nakagami-gun, Chatan-Cho, Okinawa 904-0116, Japan

Explore Authentic Traditional Okinawa Dining

During Japan’s reign of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Okinawa was a hub for maritime trade.

Trade between the East, Southeast Asia, and the Malacca Sultanate resulted in Okinawa’s adoption of flavors comprised of fruits, herbs, and spices that define Okinawa cuisine today.

When you travel throughout Japan, you’ll recognize the difference between Japan’s mainland cuisine and Okinawa’s.

Awase Fish Market

One of the most cultural things to do in Okinawa is to taste Japan’s amazing seafood.

The Awase Fish Market offers a vast category of fish for all your culinary needs.

You can find fish, octopus, lobster, clams and more. Visuals next to each fish help you identify the food.

Also, the market sells rice, spices, and other items.

The market writes the menu in both English and Japanese, so ordering and paying for your food is easy.

Once you pay, you can enjoy eating in the dining areas inside or outside the market’s building.

Address: 1-11-34 Awase ,  Okinawa City 904-2172,  Okinawa, Japan

Ufuya Restaurant

In Okinawa, Japan, the Ufaya restaurant resides in a 100-year-old historical house that lights up at night.

In traditional Okinawan architecture, the red tiles on the rooftop accentuate the adjacent forest.

Japan’s Ryukyu cuisine comes in the taste of the Agu pork dish and beef from Japan.

While you enjoy your meal, you can hear the gentle forest sounds and softness of the waterfall.

After dinner, take a stroll through the straw-shaped canopy that faces the vibrant courtyard.

Address:  90 Nakayama, Nago, Okinawa 905-0004, Japan

Kamimura Shuzo Distillery

Kamimura Distillery

Awamori, an alcoholic drink indigenous to Okinawa, derives from distilled long-grain, Indica rice.

In Okinawa, Japan the Kamimura Shuzo Distillery makes its Awamori from matured kusu that has aged three or more years.

Shurei and Danryu are their most popular Awamori, but they also make an assortment of other flavors.

Owners of the Kamimura Shuzo Distillery established it in 1882.

You are welcome to tour the factory if you make an appointment.

When you buy your kusu, they allow you to store it for 5 or 10 years.

You may attach a personal message to it.

If you are an Awamori connoisseur, you’ll appreciate visiting the Kamimura Shuzo when you visit Japan.

Yachimum & Cafe Gunjo

Yachimun & Café Gunjo offers authentic Italian cuisine served on Tsuboya Yaki pottery.

The cafe is next to Masakazu Soma, the cafe owner’s father/owner of the Toshin Gama kiln in Zakimi, Yomitan Village.

The cafe’s interior wall concrete design and wooden floors create a spacious contemporary look.

Large windows inside the restaurant create a brightly lit modern atmosphere.

This eloquent dining location plays music delivered through a Tsubo (pot) Speaker designed by Toshin Gama & Onkyo Ashitomi.

Live Okinawan folk and jazz concerts occasionally perform on the roof.

The cafe offers over eight varieties of pizzas including Margherita, Quattro Fromage, and Oven-Baked Island Vegetables (Altonara), their most popular dish.

When you visit Okinawa, Japan, stop at the Yachimum & Cafe Gunjo for a treat.

toto1116ra / Shutterstock

When you visit Okinawa, Japan, you must try chinsuko cookies.

These pastries are made from wheat flour, sugar and lard.

Their biscuit-like texture is soft but not very sweet.

Chinsuko was once the favorite of royals during the Ryukyu Dynasty. Only aristocrats ate the long, thin cookies.

In 1966, chocolate coating was added to chinsuko, and that led to other coatings such as cheese and pineapple.

Traditional chinsuko today have many shapes, sizes and flavors.

First Makishi Public Market

If you are a foodie, one of the top things you should do is visit Okinawa’s First Makishi Public Market .

This market holds a plethora of items, meats, fish, ingredients and more.

Established at Naha in 1972, this market has become a popular tourist attraction.

What attracts tourists the most is the market’s ability to cook the food they buy.

The food is bought on the first floor and cooked on the second floor.

There are over 150 shops inside the market, so Okinawans and tourists have top choices on seafood, vegetables, meat, condiments and more.

The market conveniently resides within walking distance of the Makishi and Miebashi monorail stations.

Address:  2 Chome-10-１ Matsuo, Naha, Okinawa 900-0014, Japan

funny face / Shutterstock

Taco rice is a Japanese tradition born in Okinawa in the 1960s.

It is a blend of Mexican tacos and Japanese rice that has become a symbol of Okinawan tradition.

Taco rice is a product of the brand Omutako and can be eaten with Fuwa Toro eggs, vegetables, mozzarella cheese, avocado or whatever toppings you desire.

The Onna village store in Okinawa is one of many shops that sell taco rice.

When in Okinawa, Japan make sure to try this traditional cuisine loved by the Okinawan people and all over Japan.

Kajinho Cafe

The pizza cafe sits atop a small hill in the town of Motobu.

This cozy and traditional cafe offers a scenic view of Esoko and Minnajima Islands.

They use water from the Okuni-rindo spring which is credited for giving their foods its unique flavor.

This water comes from the Daikoku Forest Road, known to Okinawan’s to be blessed by Yamabara.

This spring water arrives from all over Okinawa, so at times it takes more than two hours to collect.

They will wait to collect the water. No matter how long it takes, they wait to use the spring water to make their pizza and coffee.

Their priority is to maintain the integrity of their food’s flavor.

Address: 1153-2 Yamazato ,  Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun 905-0219,  Okinawa, Japan

Bamboo Cafe

One of the many things to do when you visit Okinawa, Japan is to dine at one of its most popular restaurants.

The Bamboo Cafe is one of Okinawa’s favorite restaurants renowned for its Jamaican jerk chicken.

They serve their food as a full dinner, wings, or sandwiches.

The Bamboo Cafe’s signature jerk pork is made from Okinawan meat.

Other favorite recipes include a mixture of Jamaican flavors such as jerk chicken fried rice, Thai curries, and jerk salmon.

Address:  3 Chome-1-9 Central, Okinawa, 904-0004, Japan

Shop For Traditional Okinawan Souvenirs

Japan offers a plethora of souvenirs and reminders of your stay.

When you visit Okinawa, traditional styles of clothing, furniture, and items will impress you.

Perusing the markets and many shops are a fun way of getting to know the Okinawan culture.

Here are a few shops and markets in Okinawa where you will find gifts for everyone.

Kokusaidori Yataimura

If you are not sure what to do in Okinawa, visit the Kokusaidori Yataimura.

This International Street Stall Village dwells in Naha City and introduces traditional Okinawan dishes and liquor to the public.

This open space welcomes family fun. Comprising several stalls, each vendor offers 3 cups of liquor and knobs set at a price.

If you are looking for cultural relics and gifts, walk over to the Rito Marushe.

Grab a coffee and observe performances of classic Okinawan dances and songs.

The Makishi Monorail Station is three minutes from the International Street Stall Village so getting around is easy.

Address:  3 Chome-11-16,17 Makishi, Naha, Okinawa 900-0013, Japan

Ashiya Street

If you contemplate what to do in Okinawa, Japan, visit Ashiya Street. It is the central hub for tourists in Naha.

As you stroll down the street, you’ll notice the traditional architecture of Okinawa.

The street is full of shops where local Okinawa vendors sell antique replicas.

Go to Yakimun, a splendid cafe in Okinawa. Or, stroll to the Ashiya folk art shop and peruse the Ashiyayaki potters and other pottery.

If you are creative, try the Iku Ceramic Garden Yachimun Dojo.

Learn how to make pottery with Rokuro at the Sakai shop.

This is one of the most entertaining streets in Okinawa.

Mihama American Village

tutae / Shutterstock

In Okinawa, the Mihama American Village is one of the top places to visit.

They dedicate the village to central, south and north American fashion and products.

Stop at the Titicaca grocery store for groceries and clothing.

The Titicaca is the only retail outlet in Japan with outlet prices.

Stop at the American Depot and find fun things themed in the American lifestyle.

Other American stores include Outlet-J where you can find popular casual wear, chic styles and more.

Address:  15-69 Mihama, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0115, Japan

Tsuboya Yachimun Street

If you love the crafts, then Tsuboya Yachimun Street will introduce you to Okinawan pottery.

In Naha, Okinawa, the streets are home to cobblestone and red brick houses next to pottery dealers and shops.

Tsuboya Yachimun Street has a 300-year history of potters.

At the Shisa and Ikutoen workshops, you can take pottery courses and indulge in creative fun.

One of the top things to do is to stop at an antique shop and admire the carvings.

Address:  1 Chome-16 Tsuboya, Naha, Okinawa 902-0065, Japan

National Theater Okinawa

Coca coco / Shutterstock

One of the cultural traditions in Okinawa is Okinawan theater.

The National Theater Okinawa produces Okinawan group dances, Ryukyu dance, Sansen music, and Okinawa plays.

Performances include group dances composed of serifs, music, acts, and dances.

They are classical dances, kozou, and creative dance. Dances evolved from folk music are considered cross-dance.

If you love Asian music, the theater has Sanshin performers that play three-line folk music.

Okinawan acts are stories of the common people told as operas and dialect.

If you love the arts, then the National Theater Okinawa has much to offer.

Address:  4 Chome-14-1 Jitchaku, Urasoe, Okinawa 901-2122, Japan

Diving Is A Must Do While Visiting These Okinawa Islands

Okinawa has spectacular places to go snorkeling and diving. These are a few places in Okinawa that are popular with tourists.

Miyako Island

Japan Miyako Island in Okinawa

When visiting Okinawa, Japan, one thing you must do is to travel to Miyako Island.

The Miyako Archipelago rests southwest of Naha City and northeast of Ishigaki Island.

Travel to its large and small islands and examine their Ryukyu Limestone.

Miyakojima Island makes 70% of the archipelago’s center and is one of Okinawa’s most frequented places for tourists.

If you love to dive, seek diving services such as 24°NORTH , the first diving service in Miyakojima since 1977.

Or, join Maehama Ocean Leisure for snorkeling, diving, and marine time experiences.

Nagannu Island

David Carillet / Shutterstock

For an entire day excursion, visit Nagannu Island in the Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.

The waters are transparent and make a wonderful display for sea life.

Diving or snorkeling in Nagannu Island is one of the perfect top things to do when visiting Okinawa.

The island is a bird and animal sanctuary protected by the Okinawa prefecture regulations.

Because the island is also a spawning area for sea turtles, Okinawa does not allow tourists to enter Nagannu Island during the breeding season May to October.

Kerama Islands National Park

Kerama Islands are north of Naha, on the island of Okinawa, Japan.

Divers and snorkelers consider these islands the most fascinating diving locations in Okinawa because of the sea turtles and whales that inhabit it.

Japan designated Kerama Islands as its 31st national park to protect the 250 species inhabiting the island’s amazing coral reefs and pristine waters.

Ishigaki Island

shikema / Shutterstock

Okinawa has many diving and snorkeling facilities that sell diving gear and also offer tours.

If you love the outdoors, snorkeling is one of the things to do in Japan.

The Yaeyama Islands, Miyako Islands, and Okinawa Islands comprise the main island chains of the Okinawa Prefecture.

Ishigaki Island is the most populated island of the Yaeyama Islands with several beautiful beaches surrounded by coral reefs.

Every beach on the island is open to snorkeling.

If you decide to go diving, make sure to capture photos of the manta rays. They dwell at the Manta Scramble near the Kabira Bay.

Zamami Village

aindigo / Shutterstock

Located at Shimajiri District in the Okinawa Prefecture, Zumami Village is the most popular tourist attraction in Japan.

The clear blue-green waters have been nicknamed Kerama Blue and are popular for kayaking all year long.

Paddle along the clear water on a one or two-seat kayak. Dive or snorkel the surrounding islands for a glimpse of sea turtles or anemone fish.

These are one of the best areas in Okinawa to take clear photos of sea life.

After exploring the ocean, travel to Ama Beach and rent a cottage to stay overnight.

There is only one campsite located in the Youth Travel Village Campsite.

Encounter tropical fish, sea turtles, and manta rays when you swim the Kerama Blue waters.

Zamami Village advises diving with guides who know the terrain including sea creatures.

They can guide you through the calm Kerama Sea and away from tidal currents that could endanger your life.

Tarama Island/Minna Island

SHEN ANWEN / Shutterstock

Tamara island sits between Miyako and Ishigaki Islands. The island is famed for the vast sugar cane fields formed by coral reefs.

The town has remained as a traditional village that contains narrow streets know as tuburi. They make a path from the town to the sea.

Minna Island is home to coral reefs and white sand. Visit Japan in August for the harvest festival in Tarama Island.

The village landscape is made from fukugi trees based on the Feng Shui tradition.

Tarama Island’s streets and villages are recognized as the most beautiful villages in Japan.

The streets and villages on Tarama Island are laid out on a grid with a windbreak of fukugi trees based on the concept of Feng Shui.

This is a result of ancestors carefully organizing a method to minimize the damage caused by typhoons, which often strike the island.

With its stunning landscape, the villages remain much in their original form, it is the only village in Okinawa to be recognized as one of the most beautiful villages of Japan.

Minna Island’s transparent waters are home to an abundance of sea turtles.

Dive alongside these majestic creatures and take the opportunity for many ops.

Iriomote Island

tororo reaction / Shutterstock

As one of the second’s largest island in Okinawa, Iriomote Island, is 90 percent covered by dense jungle and mangrove forest.

In Okinawa, most of this geographical area belongs to the Iriomote Ishigaki National Park.

The island is popular with nature lovers who take tours of Iriomote’s abundant nature.

Explore the ocean via sea and river kayaking, sailing, or fishing. T

his Okinawa island offers snorkeling and hiking as well.

Swimming with Whale Sharks

Dudarev Mikhail / Shutterstock

Indulge yourself in one of the life-time adventures by swimming with the whale sharks.

Diving is done outside the Yomitan shore.

Whether you chose to dive or snorkel, you’ll have the opportunity to have an intimate close look encounter with the largest fish in the world.

The whale shark is a gentle giant that is used to swimming alongside divers in Okinawa.

If you are a licensed diver, you will be able to swim alongside them too.

Diving the USS Emmons

Masahiro Suzuki / Shutterstock

Many diving facilities around Okinawa provide a diving buddy, diving lessons, or take you to various sites.

With so much history on land, diving the deep seas of Okinawa allows you to face with secrets of the deep.

One such secret of the deep is the USS Emmons.

In 1944, the USS Emmons was assigned to clear mines off the coastal waters of Okinawa.

The ship got caught amidst five kamikazes so the U.S. Navy sunk it to avoid its capture.

Diving to the USS Emmons takes you down 120-150 feet Okinawa’s waters.

Strong currents make the dive challenging so you should only attempt to dive with a buddy even if you are an expert diver.

If you are a novice, seek out many of the diving facilities in Okinawa.

Yonaguni Monument

Yong Hoon Choi / Shutterstock

The Yonaguni Monument is an ancient monument located 32 feet below Okinawa’s sea level.

The shallow dive is tricky because of strong currents.

To get to the monument, you must enter a small tunnel that takes you to the ruins.

Once you arrive, you’ll tour the platforms, coral reefs and come across turtles and moray eels.

If you are an inexperienced diver, hiring a diving company to take you is your best choice.

You should always dive with a buddy when diving in the deep waters of Okinawa.

Blue Cave Diving

divedog / Shutterstock

Blue Cave Diving is the most popular diving in Okinawa.

Blue caves are located at Cape Maeda in Onna Village of Okinawa Island.

The semi-submerged caves produce a mysterious blue hue haze when the sunlight hits it.

As a result, the refracted sunlight creates this blue phenomenon that attracts divers worldwide.

You also find Blue Caves in Hokkaido, Miyakojima, Ishigaki.

However, the Cape Maeda in Onna Village in Okinawa, Japan is the most popular location.

Swim with Dolphins

NataSnow / Shutterstock

Swim with dolphins in Okinawa. Motobu Genki Village offers many programs for adults and children.

They offer diverse dolphin programs and orientations.

After each orientation, you’ll be paired with a dolphin and shown to swim with it by holding on to its dorsal fin.

You can touch and play games with the dolphins in shallow water just like the trainers.

Start Planning Your Trip To Okinawa And The Rest Of Japan

After you leave Okinawa, Japan, take a few stops to enjoy Okinawa’s neighboring cities and islands.

Find fun things to do in Tokyo .

Watch Sumo or relax and have a cup of coffee at an animal cafe.

Or, visit the Osaka Castle Tower as one of the things to do in Osaka , Japan.

Stop at Sapporo, Hokkaido’s capital, as one of the things to do in Hokkaido , Japan.

Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum for its historic background, beer tasting, and beer garden.

Your final stop before you leave Japan should be Kyoto.

Visit the many temples, shrines, and museums as some of the few things to do in Kyoto .

Kyoto is known for the city that maintains the heart of Japanese tradition.

20 Epic Things to Do in Okinawa, Japan [2024 Guide]

• Last Updated: January 26, 2024

From diving with sharks to sailing through a chain of islands to relaxing on a beach, here are 20 of the best things to do in Okinawa, Japan.

The Okinawa prefecture is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan and comprises over 160 islands. The chain of islands is south of Japan’s main island and is arguably Japan’s best-hidden gem.

The islands are surrounded by the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean so they can be accessed fairly conveniently from several regions throughout Asia and not just Japan.

Okinawa Honto is the Okinawa main island and is the most popular among tourists. Despite being only 110km long and 11km wide, there are plenty of sights to see and a list of fun activities in the Okinawa main island.

With its warm and comfortable climate year-round, you can enjoy the Okinawa prefecture in any season. In January, the coldest month, the average temperature in Naha (Okinawa’s capital city) is a cool 17℃, much warmer than the rest of Japan.

We recommend avoiding travelling to the Okinawa prefecture in May and early June due to heavy precipitation during the rainy season. In late June, once the rainy season has passed, it’s hot and sunny for the next few months.

You’ll fly into Naha Airport near Okinawa city and can continue exploring from there.

READ MORE: Check out our complete travel to Japan guide.

Table of Contents

1) Dive With Sharks or Whales

2) or try freediving instead, 3) trek to tadake falls, 4) surfs up, 5) visit one of okinawa’s most sacred sites, 6) learn about okinawan culture at okinawa world, 7) visit war memorials and monuments, 8) continue on to the former navy underground headquarters, 9) visit a pineapple-themed park, 10) enjoy west coast vibes at mihama american village, 12) visit shuri castle of the ryukyu kingdom, 12) try the traditional ryuku costume, 13) stroll through makishi public market, 14) enjoy traditional folk performance over dinner, 15) sign up for a sailing or kayaking trip, 16) go whale watching, 17) bird watching on kume island, 18) dive the yonaguni ruins, 19) completely relax at aka island, 20) swim with rays at ishigaki island, the best hostel in okinawa – my place guest house, the best budget accommodation for couples – naha west inn, best mid-range hotel – hotel wbf art stay, best luxury hotel in okinawa – hyatt regency naha okinawa, best restaurants in okinawa, top things to do in okinawa.

While the Okinawa islands provide a lot of water-based activities, there are still many other things to see in Okinawa if that’s not for you.

See the Shuri Castle of the Ryukyu Kingdom, visit Okinawa Peace Memorial Park, explore Naha city, and more. There is so much fun to be had when visiting Okinawa Japan.

The biggest draw for tourism in the Okinawa prefecture is easily the diving. Okinawa is famous for some of the most stunning dive sites around the world, boasting awesome opportunities to dive with whale sharks and hammerhead sharks in the wild.

While it might seem counterintuitive to travel to an island paradise in winter, from January to March, it’s possible to see humpback whales.

Japanese companies do not bait marine animals but always double check with your diving school to be sure.

As with all things in nature, sometimes you find them and sometimes you don’t!

Even if you aren’t keen to dive with the big animals, you can still enjoy snorkeling or diving among beautiful coral reefs and maybe spot some sea turtles.

As freedivers ourselves, we know firsthand how wonderful the freediving life and experience is.

If you enjoy snorkelling and want to help improve your skills to dive down and spend a little longer with marine life, consider taking a course in the Okinawa islands.

You’ll learn how to safely breath-hold, dive and optimise your energy while out. in the water. Imagine all the wonderful fish and coral reefs you can see!

The marine life in Okinawa is rich in biodiversity and impresses even the more experienced divers. Make sure to rent diving gear – this is an Okinawa must see.

For one of the more adventurous Okinawa activities, trek your way deep into the Northern Okinawa jungle. Here, you’ll find a stunning and remote waterfall called Tadake Falls.

Like some of the best things in life, you have to earn this one. Dedicate an entire day to this adventure as you hike, river trek, water slide, jungle swing and rope climb your way through the jungle.

Expect a muddy trek, to get soaking wet and a pretty tough trail. Not for the fainthearted but a lot of fun if you’re willing to give it a shot.

The waterfall isn’t among the best in the world but the journey to get there makes it something that can’t be missed.

READ MORE: Check out our list of the best places to visit in Japan .

We know that the most fun things to do in Okinawa involve water so it’s no surprise that surfing is pretty popular here.

Beginner-friendly waves make the Okinawa prefecture the perfect destination to try surfing for the first time.

The only thing to keep in mind is that the waves here usually break over reefs. This means that they tend to be shallow and can be dangerous if you’re completely new to surfing or are inexperienced.

We recommend going through a surf school so that you have someone showing you the proper technique, how to read and catch waves and to prevent potential injury.

Surfing is popular on the beaches around Okinawa Honto but you can also find some great waves off the coast of some of the smaller islands.

Of the places to visit in Okinawa, Sefa Utaki is one of the most sacred. It is an important sacred site of the indigenous Okinawan religion which emphasises the worship of nature.

In the early 16th century, Sefa Utaki came into prominence when it became one of the main locations for religious ceremonies and rituals.

Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sefa Utaki is located on a hillside along the ocean and features several rock formations connected by walking trails.

READ MORE: Don’t miss our guide to the best things to do in Japan !

One of the more popular Okinawa attractions is Okinawa World, a touristy theme park dedicated to culture on Okinawa’s Main Island.

The main attractions at Okinawa World are a Gyokusendo Cave, a craft village and snake museum at Habu Park.

Gyokusendo Cave at Okinawa World is five kilometres long and is the second longest cave in Japan. Only 850 metres of the cave is open to the public and here, you can see spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.

Outside the cave are a number of souvenir stalls selling local trinkets including snake liquor, a delicacy in Okinawa.

You can learn about the habu, an aggressive and lethally venomous snake most commonly seen submerged in bottles of awamori.

In Habu Park, visitors can learn more about the snakes in various snake-themed exhibits that provide information on the ecology and history of snakes and reptiles.

This amazing museum and immersive theme park offers you a look into the culture of Okinawa. You can spend a full day exploring Okinawa World, from the Okinawa Cave to Nanto Brewery. Book your tickets here !

Some of the more popular places of interest in Okinawa are important historical sites like various war memorials.

Towards the end of World War II, Okinawa Honto became the sites of one of the war’s bloodiest battles with an estimated 200,000 people killed in battle from April to June 1945.

There are a number of monuments and museums relating to the period. Some of the larger monuments have been constructed in the south of Okinawa Main Island where the worst fighting of the battle took place.

The main memorial to the Battle of Okinawa is the Okinawa Peace Memorial Park, located near the southern tip of the island. The Peace Memorial Museum offers a sobering overview of before, during and after the battle and how Okinawa was reconstructed.

Various monuments such as the Cornerstone of Peace and the Himeyuri Monument also commemorate fallen civilians and soldiers.

The Peace Memorial Museum is also a popular place to check out. Okinawa War Memorials are a must-see on Okinawa’s Main Island.

This is not a happy place to visit. For history buffs or those fascinated with WWII, this sombre museum is interesting and eye-opening.

The Headquarters consists of several hundred metres of underground corridors and rooms that served as the Japanese navy’s headquarters during the war.

On 6 June 1945, commanding officer Rear Admiral Ota sent a lengthy telegram to Tokyo commending the bravery and fierce resistance that Okinawans had shown in the long battle.

A few days later, he and his other officers, totalling over 175, sadly died by suicide (considered an ‘honourable death’) in the tunnels.

Yep, that’s right, pineapples. If you’re ever wondering what to do in Okinawa, it’s celebrating pineapples of course. And what other way than a theme park completed dedicated to them!

Pineapples were cultivated in Okinawa as an agricultural product for around a century but the arrival of lower-priced imported pineapples has seen the industry suffer.

The solution? Promote the fruit as a tourist attraction!

The Nago Pineapple Park is a small theme park that includes a ride on a pineapple-shaped vehicle through pineapple fields, a tropical garden and a. souvenir shop where visitors get the chance to sample some pineapple products.

At certain times of the year, you can also observe how pineapples are peeled, cut and canned in a small factory on site.

The Mihama American Village is built on former US Forces airfield and the idea behind the entertainment complex came from Seaport Village, a mall in San Diego.

At the Mihama American Village, you’ll see an instant resemblance to the West Coast of the US.

Find a unique mix of shops with anime goods stores, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, karaoke studios and a cinema at the Mihama American Village.

One of the top locations for sightseeing in the Okinawa prefecture is Shuri Castle, home to the rulers of the Ryukyu Kingdom and the name of the former capital.

Originally built in the late 1300s, Shuri Castle played an integral role in the political unification of Okinawa island. Over the centuries, wars and fires destroyed the castle multiple times with the most recent during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945.

It was restored in 1958 and 1992 so visitors could continue to appreciate and enjoy the gusuku architecture of the castle which is built in the traditional Okinawan style.

Unfortunately, Shuri Castle was devastated in another fire in 2019. Nine buildings, including the Main Hall, were destroyed.

All of Japan is helping to support Okinawa rebuild the magnificent palace , and local volunteers are putting in commendable effort. Visitors to Okinawa can view the progress of the palace’s reconstruction, though it is still relatively in shambles.

Shuri Castle is meant to be finished in 2026, though there is no guarantee. However, we have left it on this list of the best things to do in Okinawa because it is still a beloved landmark and the locals are very passionate about restoring it.

Shuri Castle has risen from the ashes numerous times already, so there is a good chance this will happen again.

The gardens around the castle are still open to enjoy as well, so it may still be worth a visit!

The palace is currently closed for restorations. Read this article for more info!

The traditional costume from the era of the Kingdom of the Ryuku is different from the common kimonos seen today.

Visitors can try on the costumes, take photos and tour the castle. Ladies get full professional hair styling and make-up which takes around an hour.

Strolling through the complex dressed up gives you a bit of a visual idea of what it was like for the royal family in the Old Kingdom. This is a cool thing to do when you visit Okinawa.

The market is a maze of tiny alleys that interconnect into a large space of food stalls. Here, you can find a variety of ingredients including fresh fish, meat, vegetables, dried foods, daily groceries and liquor.

For a chance to sample some fresh seafood, try the mochiage system where you purchase seafood on the first floor of the market and ask for a staff of a restaurant to cook it and serve it to you on the second floor. The cost for cooking is around 500 yen each.

Zizake Yokocho is an izakaya (a restaurant where you order smaller share style dishes) on Kokusai Street. It serves Okinawan cuisine, local sake Awamori and has traditional folk song performances.

Singers take to the stage three times a day and requests from guests are welcomed. You’ll find lyrics to the folk songs that represent Okinawa on the tables to better understand the music.

And if you’re in the mood, get up and dance!

Sailing hasn’t been that popular in Okinawa but more recently, it’s experiencing an upward trend.

There are now various sailing companies that offer trips to cruise around different islands in Okinawa.

Alternatively, if you are a budding sailor, you can charter your own boat and go island hopping at your own pace.

This way, you can stop by different islands in the East China Sea- many of which are uninhabited – and enjoy your own secluded paradise.

Another way to enjoy a day on the water is kayaking. For a gorgeous day paddling through the water, book a kayaking tour .

If you’re wondering what to see in Okinawa, how about some humpback whales?

A cannot-be-missed activity in Okinawa Japan is whale watching. Between January and March, the area is infamous for spotting humpback whales that swim in the waters off the southern coast.

The whales migrate from Alaska to Japan and one of the best places to see them while whale watching is around the Kerama Islands.

You can book whale watching tours which take you out on a boat to get close to these magnificent animals.

For nature enthusiasts, Kume Island is one of the best places to visit in Okinawa. Here, you’ll find a wide range of local plant and wildlife.

Kume Island is also a national park so one of the top activities to do is to trek through the lush foliage

The island is also a national park and one of the top activities here is the chance to go trekking through the lush foliage that covers much of Kume.

Avid birders will also love Kume because the central part of the island contains natural wetlands with bird watching opportunities.

You’ll find a large number of local species that congregate around the area and hide in the tall grasses and bushes.

While this isn’t something to do from Okinawa Honto, it’s a must if you’re in the area and looking to do some other outer Okinawa travel on some different islands.

Yonaguni island is actually closer to Taiwan than it is to Japan’s main island of Honshū. Of the different islands in Okinawa, this is one of the most famous for its scuba diving sites.

Yonaguni is known for its incredible underwater ruins and many of the ruins here are made of solid rock, with some dated back to 8,000 years old.

If you’re an intermediate or experienced diver, this is one of the best things to do in Okinawa and can’t be missed.

There are legends about the origins of the ruins and are say that they are apart of a lost continent called Mu. Here, you’ll find rock formations that look like staircases, rooms and walls.

If you’re looking to explore some Okinawa activities away from the main island, hop over to Akajima Island, also known as Aka Island.

This picturesque and peaceful island is relatively small. It’s well known for its observation towers which offer some stunning views across the islands and wider Okinawa.

You’ll find some spectacular photo opportunities around the island. You can also go swimming, hike across the island or just relax in paradise.

Ishigaki Island is another one of Okinawa’s incredible islands, and it is famous for manta rays.

Ishigaki Island was listed in the Michelin Green Guide Japan and is the number one place for swimming with manta rays in Japan.

You’ll find crystal clear water in spots like Manta Scramble and can easily find majestic rays swimming through the seas. Snorkeling at Ishigaki Island is truly a dream!

You can dive or snorkel in the area and just enjoy observing and sharing the sea with these graceful creatures.

Okinawa Travel Guide

To help you make the most of your time in Okinawa, we’ve put together a little travel guide for you to choose where to eat and where to stay in Okinawa. You’ll want to stay on the main island of Okinawa for convenience.

Best Accommodation – Where To Stay in Okinawa

Since there are many different areas and places to stay in the Okinawa Main Island of Okinawa Honto, we’ve made some suggestions based around Naha, Okinawa’s capital.

You’ll fly into Naha Airport near Okinawa City. From Naha Airport you can easily get public transport or a hotel transport to a hotel near the city.

Operated by a well-known diving ship in Okinawa, My Place Guest House is the best place to stay in Okinawa Honto if you’re planning on doing any of the marine activities.

The hostel provides free reliable WiFi throughout, a spacious common area, fully equipped shared kitchen and a wide living room that you can use 24 hours. There are even hammocks!

My Place has a range of different rooms from dorms to privates, and is the best budget place to stay on the main island of Okinawa.

Naha West Inn offers clean and comfortable budget accommodation for couples looking for something private in Naha city.

The hotel has plenty of parking available, is opposite a Family Mart and walking distance from public transport. Location wise, it’s very central and convenient for visiting Okinawa sights.

The hotel has a modern and sleek design, rooms are spacious and clean and the beds are large. And as an added bonus, coffee is free!

This funky hotel combines the concept of culture and art into a 10-floor hotel.

Hotel WBF Art Stay is a special place that celebrates imagination and in itself is one of the awesome Okinawa attractions of Naha city.

Rooms on levels 3 to 10 are decorated with drawings by the ‘Ban Rom Sai’ in Thailand, a home for children who have lost their parents due to AIDS or have contracted HIV from their parents.

The other rooms on the second floor are decorated with artworks of active artists from different countries.

Located centrally among all the action in Naha city near the Naha Airport, there are many surrounding restaurants open late and the morning markets are only a 5-minute walk away.

For those who want to splash out and enjoy some luxury in Okinawa city, check out Hyatt Regency in Naha. It’s near Naha Airport as well!

The hotel is stunning with a classic modern look, decorated stylishly with elegant finishes.

There’s a gym, spa, large outdoor pool with timber decking and nice lounge areas. Rooms are spacious, comfortable and elegant.

If you’ve stayed at any Hyatt Regency hotels before, you’ll know to expect fine-tuned luxury and this hotel is no different.

Hamaya Soba is a soba specialty shop that offers Okinawa soba, a classic noodle dish in Okinawa cuisine. It’s affordable, delicious and unique to the region.

Meat eaters wanting to try some delicious high-quality Japanese Wagyu should go to Yakiniku Hana , a BBQ restaurant serving mouthwatering Ishigaki beef, one of the best types of Wagyu beef in Japan.

Marutama serves its own twist on taco rice, an Okinawan fusion food of taco-flavoured minced beef on white rice. Here, you’ll find it with a homemade miso and salsa sauce, taking the dish to another level.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Amanda Tran

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

Love Travel?

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for the best travel tips, ideas and deals!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

READ MORE...

19 BEST Things to Do in Osaka, Japan [2024 Edition]

The Perfect 3 Days in Tokyo Itinerary

The Best Day Trips from Every City in Japan [2024]

Related Posts

19 cool things to do in nagoya, japan, the ultimate travel guide to nakatsugawa, japan (2024), 18 awesome things to do in sapporo, japan (2024 guide), the 15 best places to visit in japan (2024 guide), leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Tours & Experiences
• Tailor-made Trips
• Bahasa Indonesia

We are happy to see you again!

Continue with

Or use email.

No Account? Create one

Create account

Already have an account? Sign in

Quickly Sign up with

I agree to Japan Travel's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Terms of--> and acknowledge that Japan Travel's Privacy--> applies to me.-->

Email reset password link

Please check your inbox and click the link we will send to you.

Tropical paradise and a unique culture

Top attractions in okinawa.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Naminoue Shrine

Cafe Gallery Doka Doka in Onna

Yagiya Soba in Nanjo City

Around okinawa.

Naha in the south of the main island of Okinawa is the capital city of the Prefecture and the center of business, culture, arts, entertainment and politics. Nearly all visitors will begin their..

Kadena is a small town of about 13,000 residents on the East China Sea along the western shoreline of the main island of Okinawa. More than 80% of the towns land is leased by the Japanese Ministry..

Yomitan Village on the East China Sea in Central Okinawa is well known for its pottery, beaches, castle, agriculture, and lighthouse. Known as Yomitan Son to the Japanese, Yomitan prides itself..

About Okinawa

Although each Japanese prefecture is unique in its own way, tropical Okinawa Prefecture (沖縄県, Okinawa-ken ) is by far the most distinct, almost like a different country. And that assessment is true to a certain extent; Okinawa, known then as the Ryukyu Kingdom, was independent from Japan until 1879, and was part of US territory from 1945 to 1972. As a result, the culture, food, and even the language (although many do speak standard Japanese) differ vastly from those of any other region.

On Okinawa Island, places of note are the Chura-umi Aquarium , one of the largest aquariums in the world and home to the whale shark, as well as ancient Ryukyu castle ruins, most notably Shuri-jo . Buy your souvenirs at Kokusai-dori, Okinawa’s main street.

Off the main island, the Yaeyama and Miyako Islands have Japan’s most pristine beaches, while retaining traditional Okinawan culture. 

• Things to Do in Okinawa

Okinawa Top 10

• Recommended

Okinawa Winter Escape 2023 Day Two

Okinawa Winter Escape 2023

Okinawa Winter Escape 2023 Day Three

Four Seasons Steak House

Okinawa Winter Escape 2023 Day Four

Oriental Hotel Okinawa Resort & Spa

Tsushima Maru Memorial Museum

Okinawa Tea Tasting

Okinawa Goat Misaki

Tokashiki Island Ferry

Naha Tug-of-War Festival

Ryukyu Lantern Festival

Orion Beerfest in Koza

Paantu Festival in Okinawa

Okinawa Tropical Illuminations

Ogimi Village

Okinawa Zento Eisa Festival

Hoshinoya Okinawa in Yomitan

Upcoming okinawa events.

Southern Island Star Festival 2024

The annual Southern Island Star Festival is a celebration of Ishigaki Island's sparkling night skies, and the event includes..

Where to eat in Okinawa

Cafe Doka Doka is a pottery store and cafe restaurant in Onna. The breakfast options are delicious and the seaside views stunning...

Yagiya Soba is a traditional Okinawan soki soba restaurant in Nanjo City. The food and setting is quintessential Okinawa and worth..

A&W Restaurants

A W is no longer a part of the Yum! family of brands but has a loyal following in Okinawa

Places to stay in Okinawa

Hoshinoya Yomitan is a stunning seaside resort in the peaceful Yomitan Village neighborhood. This is a wonderful place to stay with..

If you’re looking for a curated and unforgettable experience in Nago, Okinawa, look no further than the Oriental Hotel Okinawa..

Beach Rock Village

Choose from nomadic tents, easy going campsites and cottages, which are powered by 100% renewable energy.

Latest Okinawa Reports

King Tacos in Kin Town

Uminchu Shokudo in Yomitan

Uminchu Shokudo is a cafeteria style restaurant located in the Yomitan Village Fishermen's Cooperative Store. It is worth a..

Mikasa Matsuyama in Naha

Mikasa Matsuyama is a traditional Okinawan homestyle restaurant in downtown Naha. The food is simple and inexpensive and incredibly..

Let us know how we can help.

• Okinawa at a Glance
• World Heritage
• Traditional Culture
• Food & Longevity
• Wonderful Nature
• Beach information
• Okinawa Main Island
• Kume Island
• Kerama Islands
• Miyako Islands
• Yaeyama Islands
• Nature & Wildlife
• Heritage & Tradition
• Flavors of Okinawa
• Shopping & Relaxation
• Activities & Experiences
• Okinawa Life
• Recommended Trips
• Getting to Okinawa
• Getting Around
• Useful Information
• When to Visit
• Accommodations

Enjoy the islands the way you want

Experience the raw natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Okinawa, from the castle ruins and heritage sites of the main island to the secluded coves, vibrant reefs, and clear waters of the Kerama and Yaeyama islands. Discover Okinawa at your own pace, island by island, moment by moment.

• Beach Information

TRAVEL INSPIRATION

With so much to see and do across 160 different islands, deciding what to do is not always easy. Browse recommended trips, new and trending attractions, travel stories and guides. Be inspired by Okinawa.

Okinawa Main Island (Okinawa Honto)

The center of the former Ryukyu Kingdom, Okinawa Main Island (����{��, Okinawa Hontō) is by far the largest and most populous island in Okinawa Prefecture and the regional transportation hub. The prefectural capital Naha and most of the US military bases are located here.

While much of the central part of Okinawa Honto is urbanized, the southern tip and the northern third of the island are less densely populated, while the northernmost Yanbaru Region remains mainly covered by forested hills and small fishing and farming villages.

Top attractions in Okinawa Island

Okinawa Island by interest

Getting there and around

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Hotels around Okinawa Island

Experiences around Okinawa Island

Home » Travel Guides » Japan » 25 Best Things to Do in Okinawa (Japan)

25 Best Things to Do in Okinawa (Japan)

Okinawa is the name for a prefecture in Japan which is also an archipelago of some 160 islands, some of which are inhabited and the vast majority of which are not. As Okinawa lies off the coast of Kyushu, it enjoys a mostly subtropical climate and is known as one of the best places to come in Japan if you are looking for some sand, sun and surf.

Okinawa is also known for having a distinct feel to the rest of Japan as it is so far south and it is makes a refreshing change from the big cities for which the country is always associated with such as Tokyo and Osaka.

It is slightly more laborious to make the trip to Okinawa than a number of other places in Japan, but if a change of pace and some fantastic outdoor scenery is what you are after, then this is an excellent choice.

Here are the 25 best things to do in Okinawa …

1. Start at Okinawa Honto

Okinawa Honto is the largest island in Okinawa which is why it is often used as a starting point to any trip to this part of Japan.

This island also used to be a military based during World War Two and you will still find an American base here to this day which carries out drills, so don’t be surprised if you see planes racing overhead when you visit.

The main city on the island is Naha which is where you will find a clutch of attractions such as museums that will fill you in on some of the military background of Okinawa Honto.

2. Go spelunking at Okinawa World

Okinawa World is located on Okinawa Honto and is a theme park which also encompasses the Gyokusendo Cave.

The chamber spans almost 900 meters and is filled with stunning stalagmites and stalactites.

Outside the cave you will find a number of souvenir stalls where you can pick up some local trinkets including snake liquor which is one of the delicacies in Okinawa.

To see the snakes before they got turned into liquor, you can also visit the neighboring snake exhibition which is close to the cave.

3. Have an adventure on Iriomote

If you want to get the most out of a visit to Okinawa and like to be active while you are on holiday, then make sure you head to Iriomote.

This island is close to Ishigaki Island and it is known for having an interior which is covered in thick jungle.

On a trip here you can trek through the jungle as part of a hiking tour, or you can also choose to kayak around the island.

As a result, this is the best island to choose if you want to see a bit more of the rural side of life in Okinawa, as some of the other islands are better known for their beaches and diving options rather than bushwhacking.

4. Dive at the underwater ruins of Yonaguni

The island of Yonaguni is known for its amazing underwater ruins, so if you are in search of some exceptional diving in Okinawa then this is the place to come.

Many of the underwater ruins here are made of solid rock and some experts have put the pieces at around 8,000 years old.

Legends even abound that some of the ruins are part of a lost continent called Mu, and you will find rock formations that look like staircases as well as rooms and walls.

One thing to note is that the currents around the ruins can be strong and changeable so diving here is mostly recommended for intermediate and experienced divers.

5. Try the local food

One of the great delights of Okinawa is that it has a completely different cuisine to many other parts of Japan.

Many people will tell you that Okinawan cuisine is similar to that of Taiwan and pork is a staple of many dishes served here.

You will also find that many dishes use ingredients such as purple yams and bitter melon and, as this is a tropical part of Japan, you can also sample a range of delicious tropical fruit such as papaya, dragon fruit, calamansi and papaya.

6. Go whale watching

If you are visiting Okinawa then one of the best things to do is go whale watching.

From January to March the area is known for its humpback whales which swim in the waters off the southern coast have migrated to Japan from Alaska.

One of the best places to see the whales is around the Kerama Islands and you can book a whale watching tour which allows you to go out in a boat and get as close to these spectacular animals as possible.

7. Visit Shuri Castle

Shuri Castle is one of the main attractions in Naha City on Okinawa Honto and would have been the home of the rulers of the Ryukyu Kingdom in the days of old.

The main reason to come here is to enjoy the gusuku architecture of the castle which is built in the traditional Okinawan style.

Unfortunately the castle has been destroyed several times and had to be restored in both 1958 and 1992, so the building that stands now is not the original.

8. Enjoy bird watching on Kume

Kume Island is one of the best islands to visit in Okinawa if you want to take in a wide range of local plant and wildlife.

The island is also a national park and one of the top activities here is the chance to go trekking through the lush foliage that covers much of Kume.

As much of the central part of the island is given over to natural wetlands, many people come here for the bird watching opportunities as a huge number of local species congregate here and hide in the tall grasses and bushes.

9. Try the noodles on the Yaeyama Islands

Okinawa is known for its unique cuisine which you won’t find across most of Japan, but even across the islands you will find some traditional dishes that don’t exist in other places.

If you are traveling to the Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa then you need to make sure that you try the Yaeyama soba which are different to traditional soba noodles in Japan and are made of white wheat.

They are then cooked in a pork broth and topped with more pork, fish cakes and aromatic ginger.

10. Go sailing

Until recently sailing was not a particularly popular activity around Okinawa, although now it is experiencing something of a boom.

For this reason, if you are a budding sailor then you shouldn’t miss the chance to sign up for a sailing trip with one of the local sailing companies and you can either cruise around some of the islands here such as the Kerama Islands as part of a tour, or you can charter your own boat and island hop at your leisure.

This gives you the chance to check out any islands that take your fancy, many of which are uninhabited, letting you feel as if you have your own private island paradise for the day.

11. Explore the local villages on Taketomi

Taketomi Island is one of the smallest islands in Okinawa so it is a good choice if you want to see a lot in a short space of time, as you can get around most of the island quite quickly.

If you choose to trek around the entire island, then you only need to leave a few hours, but you will also be able to take in the little traditional villages here at the same time and see how people have lived and worked in this part of Japan for centuries.

To that end, you can even choose to travel according to the traditional form of transportation here which is on a cart pulled by a lumbering local buffalo.

12. Take in the views at Akajima Island

If you have a little time to explore Okinawa then one of the most picturesque islands is Akajima Island which is often simply referred to as Aka Island.

The island is relatively small, but it is well known for its observation towers which you can scale and which give you unparalleled vistas across the islands and across wider Okinawa.

This is also the place to come if you want to take some spectacular photographs of Okinawa and you can also go swimming here or hike across the island as part of a day trip.

14. Try ocean walking on Nagannu

Nagannu Island is part of the southern island chain in Okinawa and you can get to it from nearby Naha if you take the ferry across.

This island is known for its delightful and clean sandy beaches, so if you just want a relaxing beach holiday then this is a good choice.

The sands beneath the sea however are equally pretty which is why Nagannu is now known as one of the best places to come if you want to try ocean walking in Okinawa.

You can strap on some weights here as well as a helmet and then walk along the ocean floor and take in all the colorful marine life here as it swims all around you.

15. Go fishing

Okinawa is known for its fishing industry and one of the main attractions here is the chance to enjoy some of the most amazing offshore fishing opportunities in the world.

A great activity if you are a keen angler is to charter a boat and then go out to fish in the azure seas around the many islands here, and the waters teem with a range of exotic species.

These include varieties of fish such as tuna, marlin and mahi mahi, and many fishing trips also come with fishing equipment so that you do not need to rent your own in advance.

16. Visit Nago

Nago is one of the cities on Okinawa Honto and it is worth a visit to see some of its signature attractions such as the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.

The aquarium is part of the larger Ocean Expo Park and is known for having a tank that measure over 7,000 cubic meters.

Just some of the marine life on show includes sharks, rays and turtles, and this can be a good place to come if you don’t plan on diving in Okinawa.

17. Try the local tipple at Yonaguni

Yonaguni Island is known for being one of the furthest inhabited islands from Japan and when the weather is clear you can even look across to Taiwan from this island.

Many people come here for the diver as the waters are untouched and as such do not suffer from pollution or over fishing, meaning that they are amazingly clear and also teeming with marine creatures.

The main reason to come here is to try the local tipple for which this island is so well known which is named awamori and which is made from distilled long grain rice.

18. Dive with sharks

The main reason that many people come to Okinawa is for the diving, and one of the best things you can see when you are under the sea if the shark life for which the islands are famous.

These include both whale sharks and hammerhead sharks and you can either go out on a boat tour to the islands where you are most likely to see the sharks, or swim out from the shore to some of the famous shark spots.

19. Check out the history at Itoman

Itoman on Okinawa Honto is a town that is known for its history and you can visit spots here such as the Okinawa Peace Park which commemorates the legendary Battle of Okinawa.

The Peace Park is made up of several areas including a memorial called the Cornerstone of Peace which has engravings of the names of the men and women who died here during the battle.

You can also check out the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum at the same time which will fill you in on some of the history of the battle.

Finally there is also the Okinawa Peace Memorial Hall which has a tower and art work that commemorates the battle.

20. Go surfing

If you like surfing then Okinawa is widely said to be one of the best places in Japan to take to the waves.

One thing to keep in mind however is that the waves here usually break over reefs which means that they tend to be shallow and can be dangerous if you are not an experienced surfer.

Many people surf the beaches around Okinawa Honto but you can also surf off the coast of some of the smaller islands depending on your experience levels.

21. Shop at Makishi Market

Makishi Market is located on Okinawa Honto and has the nickname ‘The Kitchen of Okinawa’ which tells you all you need to know about the array of produce on sale here.

The market dates back to the Second World War and now there are some 400 shops here where you can browse and pick up some of the most famous products in Okinawa such as preserved sea snake and seaweed.

There are also a number of cafes and restaurants here which serve traditional Okinawan dishes made with local ingredients not found in other parts of Japan, so it is well worth a visit for this alone.

22. Swim with rays at Ishigaki

If you like diving then you will be spoilt for choice in the waters around Okinawa.

If you want to swim with manta rays in particular then you need to head to Ishigaki Island which was listed in the Michelin Green Guide Japan and is known for its crystal clear seas in spots like Kabira Bay.

If you want to find the graceful rays however then you need to head to a place known as Manta Scramble where you can dive or snorkel and glide through the water with these amazing aquatic creatures.

As well as its famous rays, Ishigaki Island is also known for its sand, as the grains here are shaped like stars.

23. Visit Yonaguni Ethnographic Museum

Located on the island of Yonaguni is the Yonaguni Ethnographic Museum which is one of the few museums on the islands.

The museum is run by a local resident and the collections feature many of her own personal memorabilia and artifacts which tell the story of the history and culture of Yonaguni.

You can even learn about the unique language and writing systems of the island here and the museum really is a treasure trove of information about this little known part of Japan.

24. Enjoy the nightlife at Naha

Naha is the capital of Okinawa Honto and this is one of the best places to indulge in a little nightlife, as many of the other islands can be rather sleepy in the evenings.

One of the great things about the nightlife on Naha is that there are a huge number of venues to choose from, and many of these play traditional Okinawan folk music which will give you an insight into the local culture of these islands.

25. Relax on Miyako-jima

Miyako-jima is known for being one of the prettiest islands in Okinawa and many tourists flock here to see what all the fuss is about.

The main reason why Miyako-jima is so famous is that it has some of the most beautiful beaches in the region, which is saying something, and as such this island makes the perfect spot if you just want to relax in an island paradise for a few days and soak in some sun.

Of course you can also go diving and snorkeling here as well as kayak around the various pristine beaches.

25 Best Things to Do in Okinawa (Japan):

• Start at Okinawa Honto
• Go spelunking at Okinawa World
• Have an adventure on Iriomote
• Dive at the underwater ruins of Yonaguni
• Try the local food
• Go whale watching
• Visit Shuri Castle
• Enjoy bird watching on Kume
• Try the noodles on the Yaeyama Islands
• Explore the local villages on Taketomi
• Take in the views at Akajima Island
• Try ocean walking on Nagannu
• Try the local tipple at Yonaguni
• Dive with sharks
• Check out the history at Itoman
• Shop at Makishi Market
• Swim with rays at Ishigaki
• Visit Yonaguni Ethnographic Museum
• Enjoy the nightlife at Naha
• Relax on Miyako-jima

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Destinations

• Plan Your Trip

Okinawa Starts Here

Unsurprisingly, many of the things to do in Okinawa center around the water, whether you’re swimming where it meets the islands’ sugary shores, or scuba diving under it. However, there’s plenty to enjoy in Okinawa that has nothing to do with the beach, or even the outdoors.

Trust me—I know. My first trip to Okinawa took place in the winter, and in spite of what well-meaning friends had told me, saw the archipelago plunged into conditions that were absolutely frigid, with only about three hours of sunshine over the course a 72-hour trip. As a result, I had little choice but to seek out Okinawa attractions that were weather independent.

On the other hand, this Okinawa travel guide won’t simply name places to visit if you happen to come when it’s pouring rain and barely above freezing. I’ll also discuss activities that you can enjoy on the hottest and sunniest of summer days, so don’t you worry!

The Best Time to Visit Okinawa

When is the best time to travel to Okinawa? Officially, Okinawa is a 365-day per year destination, but my personal experience contradicts this . While my initial research suggested that early February was near the top of the list of when to visit Okinawa, the conditions I encountered were appalling—I’m talking thick clouds, heavy rain, howling wind and temperatures between 3º-5ºC. I can’t in good conscience recommend that anyone visit Okinawa between about November and March as a result, in spite of the fact that things to do in Okinawa in March are theoretically similar to what you could do in May or September.

On the other hand, since so much of what to do in Okinawa is outdoor, and the archipelago also experiences a long monsoon and typhoon season between about June and October, this is also not an ideal time to visit Okinawa, at least not on paper. In practice, I’ve found that rain comes and goes quickly in Okinawa during the Japanese summer ; apart from this, April and May are generally OK months to visit Okinawa. My latest visit to Okinawa took place in September and apart from some haze on Tokashiki island , the weather was perfect.

My Favorite Things to Do in Okinawa

Hit the beach (or at least look at it).

The bad news? Coming up with even a short list of the best beaches in Okinawa can be difficult, especially if you have the time and inclination to go island-hopping. The good news? If you’re planning a shorter trip in Okinawa, add Ishigaki ‘s Kabira Bay and Aharen Beach on Tokashiki island (which sits just to the north of the main island) to your list. Note that in the case of Kabira Bay, which is protected, you won’t be able to get in the water (but you can still get some awesome pictures!).

Go Under the Sea (or Boat on Top of It)

Okinawa diving is some of the best in Asia (and almost by default, the best in Japan), though this can be a more expensive activity than you’ve found it to be elsewhere. Top diving spots in Okinawa include the Kerama Islands , which sit just off Okinawa main island, as well as the Yaeyama region, which includes Ishigaki. Note that Japan is very strict about diving licenses; if you don’t have yours when you arrive to Okinawa, your only option will be to snorkel. Another way to enjoy Okinawa’s beautiful water is to rent a canoe or kayak.

Take a Hike

Although it’s home to the best beaches in Japan, many things to do in Okinawa have nothing to do with water. In particular, Okinawa is a hiking paradise. Sticking close to the main island, some of my favorite hikes include the relatively short one up to the ruins of Nakijin Castle , or up to the keep of Shuri Castle in Naha city (which, due to a 2019 fire, is still mostly destroyed, I warn you). Outside the main island, Mount Gusuku on Ie  offers stunning views, while Mt. Omoto on Ishigaki couples amazing panoramas with crystalline waterfalls.

Eat Your Way Through Okinawa

Although neither as ubiquitous as sushi nor as trendy as ramen , the best Okinawa food will nonetheless have your mouth watering. Try Okinawa Soba , which sees classic soba noodle soup paired with tender pork belly with just the right amount of fat. Or head down to the Kokusai-dori international street in Naha city, and sample Taco Rice, a quirky dish that’s said to be the brain child of the American troops controversially stationed in the archipelago.

Stick to the City

None of which is to say you have to strap on hiking boots or don a swimsuit to enjoy Okinawa sightseeing. In fact, there’s plenty to enjoy in Naha itself, from the aforementioned Shuri Castle, to peaceful Shikina-en park, to the mysterious Naminoue Shrine , which rises above the city. Naha city is also home to Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum , where you can learn the story of the once-sovereign Kingdom of Ryukyu, which ruled over Okinawa before it was absorbed into the Japanese Empire.

Where to Stay in Okinawa

Okinawa is primarily a leisure destination for Japanese travelers, which leads some to believe that all the best Okinawa hotels are fancy beach resorts (if not ones stuck totally in the 80s, as is often the M.O. for hotels in Japan). Not so, at least not completely. While travelers seeking such properties can choose an accommodation like Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island , Okinawa is home to plenty of smart and even boutique-style city hotels, from West Inn in Naha to Ishigaki’s Hotel WBF Porto .

On the other hand, I wouldn’t worry yourself too much over where you stay in Okinawa. Notwithstanding the fact that so many of the things to do in Okinawa will keep you far outside your hotel room, even the location is somewhat superfluous, since you are likely to rent a car when you travel to Okinawa. To echo a sentiment I’ve brought up throughout this article, I believe your primary concern when visiting Okinawa should be the weather.

Is Okinawa Overrated?

Is Okinawa worth visiting? After my disastrous winter trip to the former Ryukyu Kingdom, I certainly didn’t think so. I was angry and I felt cursed, especially since so much of the rest of my 2018 Asia travel saw unseasonably wet and cold conditions. Thanks climate change! Further travel to Okinawa (it looks so beautiful under sunny skies—almost like Hawaii, which is ironic since so many Japanese shirk these islands in their own backyard for it) has proven me wrong, somewhat.

Which is to say that I wouldn’t recommend cutting short a trip in the rest of Japan—what to see in Okinawa, apart from the beaches, doesn’t compare to even the smallest city on Honshu, Shikoku , Kyushu or Hokkaido—or going out of your way at all, really, to visit Okinawa. The islands are honestly best visited on a weekend trip if you’re staying in Japan (or a nearby Asian country, like Taiwan ) for a while.

Other FAQ About Things to Do in Okinawa

Does okinawa get cold.

I know from personal experience that Okinawa gets cold! When I took my first trip to the archipelago, in January 2018, it was absolutely frigid, to say nothing of how rainy and windy it was, with almost constant cloud-cover. When is the best time to visit Okinawa? In my opinion, it’s not between December and March.

Do you tip in Okinawa?

As is the case throughout Japan, tipping is not customary in Okinawa. If you do try to tip, Okinawan people will assume you accidentally left the money behind, and chase after you with it. Save yourself the awkward exchange and don’t bother trying to tip in the first place!

What is the best area to stay in Okinawa?

The most convenient place to stay in Okinawa is in Naha city, preferably near the Yui monorail. Likewise, in Ishigaki, staying near Ishigaki Port allows you to easily access boats to outlying islands in the Yaeyama Archipelago.

The Bottom Line

The good news? Many experiences in my Okinawa travel guide have nothing to do with the beach, especially in Naha, the capital of the prefecture and largest city on its largest island. The bad news, conversely, is that needing to stay indoors is relatively likely in Okinawa, whether you make the mistake of visiting in winter like I did, or are unlucky enough to have a summer trip to the archipelago coincide with a typhoon making landfall. Need more help figuring out where Okinawa fits into your larger Japan trip, or determining the best Okinawa things to do? Consider commissioning a custom Japan itinerary!

Plan Your Japan Trip

Subscribe to email updates!

Words, images and design ©2018-2024 Robert Schrader, All rights reserved. Read Privacy Policy or view sitemap .

7月 13, 2017

Top 10 Tourist Attractions & Best Things to Do in Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa is a very popular holiday destination, as you can enjoy the resort mood very easily. Even if you say “Okinawa”, in a word, there are various types of other islands in Okinawa. The sightseeing spots are also many, especially the beautiful sea and the magnificent sceneries. Whereever you go, you can find a different face of Okinawa. Let’s start!

1. Churaumi Aquarium

The most popular place is this Churaumi Aquarium. It has the largest water tank in the world. The grandness and the beauty overwhelm visitors. In this aquarium, many unusual fish have been breeding, such as Whale Sharks and Tropical Manta-ray. You may meet rare creatures for the first time in your life.

There is an area where the coral reef in the sea of Okinawa has been reconstructed. Also, you can come into touch with the creatures, in a shoal, starfish for example. Even people who can’t swim or small children can have a close touch of the beautiful sea of Okinawa.

2. Kouri Big Bridge

The Kouri Island is only 2km away from the Okinawa Main Island. Recently, the Big Bridge was completed between the Main Island and the Kouri Island. So, you can drive over the bridge in your rent-a-car. On the Island, there is the Adam and Eve legend, but the latest attraction is the Kouri Big Bridge.

The straight Bridge over the Emerald Green sea draws you into the feeling that you are going up in the air from the sea. When you look around, all you can see is the beautiful sea of Okinawa. It is not hard work now to go to the Kouri Island thanks to the Big Bridge. Why don’t you experience the dreamy world?

3. Shuri Castle

The “Shuri Castle” used to be a castle for a king when Okinawa was a Ryukyu Kingdom. It was the center of the politics and the culture.

The building has the Ryukyu Dynasty Era architecture style. It was influenced by the Chinese culture. The vermillion red appearance of the building makes a beautiful contrast with the blue sky and the sea. The Shuri Castle is located on the hill, so you can see the beautiful scenery around the Castle as well.

→Top 10 Tourist Attractions & Best Things to Do in Naha, Okinawa

4. Zanba Cape

The “Zanba Cape” is sticking out 2km towards the sea which is shining with the Emerald Green colour. The cliff is 30m high above the sea and you can see clear across the beautiful blue sea spreading out in front of you, the nearby islands and even the Kerama archipelago.

At the tip of the Cape, there is the white light house. Its white colour makes a wonderful contrast with the blue sky and the sea. It is just the right spot for a photo opportunity. It is a little far from the center of the town, but it’s worth visiting. You can monopolize the splendid seascape of Okinawa from the Zanba Cape!

5. Star Sand Beach

The “Star Sand Beach” is on the Iriomote isolated Island and it is very popular with sightseers. The secret of the popularity is all about the star-shaped sands on the beach. How cute they are! Enjoying those star-shaped sands, walking on the Beach viewing the beautiful sea will be a feast to your spirit.

Actually, these sands are the dead bodies of Sango-warms and they are washed up on the Beach. Each one of them has a romantic star-shape. As they are so cute, some people take them back home as souvenirs. You can’t miss seeing them, can you?

→The 10 Best Beaches You Must Visit in Okinawa, Japan

  You May Also Like: →The 10 Best Places to Eat in Naha, Okinawa

→The 10 Best Places to Eat in Ishigaki-jima Island, Okinawa

6. Mihama American Village

The “Mihama American Village” is a complex commercial facility which was created on the site of the former American Base. It is in the north part of the Okinawa Main Island. On the huge site, you can enjoy a lot of shops for shopping, delicious gourmet and the amusement park with a large Ferris wheel. From this Ferris wheel, you can see clear across the beautiful sea and the landscape from the overwhelming height.

Some shops in the Mihama American Village have been selling the goods imported from America. You can strongly feel an American atmosphere there. You can see a different aspect of Okinawa. Why don’t you visit there and enjoy shopping and gourmet?

→TOP 3 Outlet Malls You Must Visit in Okinawa

7. Gyokusendo

The length of this limestone cave is 5,000m, which is the longest one in Japan. It has been developing even now since 300 thousand years ago. You can see the trace of ticking time. Even people who visited other caves will be astonished with its scale and its beauty.

The “Okinawa World” is created, around the attraction of this limestone cave. So, if you visit the cave, you can enjoy the “Okinawa World” as well. That’s the regular pattern of the sightseeing course. You can enjoy the tropical fruits garden and the Habu (snake) museum. You can enjoy yourself all day long there.

8. Kabira Bay

In the Ishigaki Island, the “Kabira Bay” is the most popular sightseeing spot. You can see the Emerald Green sea as well as the beautiful scenery of the islands with the abundant nature around the sea. It has been selected among the 100 famous Japanese views. At the low tide, you can see the magnificent coral reef, which is the synonymous with Okinawa.

Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed in the Bay, because the tidal waves are too fast to swim. However, you can enjoy looking into the sea from the glass-bottom boat. It will be a different enjoyment from swimming. Please enjoy yourself, viewing the beautiful colour of water from the land and the sea-world on the boat in the Kabira Bay.

9. Kami-no-hama Observation Deck

You can enjoy the southern peaceful atmosphere in the Kerama archipelago. This “Kami-no-hama Observation Deck” from where you can see clear across the beautiful seascape with islands floating in the sea, is located on the hill. The sea which you can see from the plain is beautiful, but the sea from the hill is showing off its distinct beauty.

Here, you can enjoy not only the shining blue sea in the daytime, but also the fabulous sinking sun into the East China Sea. You can also see the Kume Island and Tokashiku Island from this Observation Deck.

10. Sunset Beach

As the name shows, from this Beach, you can see the wonderful sunset. The sea of Okinawa glowing red in the light of the sunset is a highlight. You can’t take your eyes off it! As it is close to the Mihama American Village, you can enjoy the exotic atmosphere to the full.

This beautiful sunset is well known as a power spot for love. It is highly recommended for young couples and married couples. The romantic atmosphere will envelop them. In the daytime, you can enjoy BBQ on this Beach. I hope you can enjoy both the daytime and the evening, there.

→The 10 Best Places for Stargazing in Okinawa, Japan

Let’s Enjoy the Tourist Attractions in Okinawa!

The beautiful sea and the magnificent landscape of Okinawa will make you excited even when you are planning a trip. Surrounded by such a beautiful scenery, breathing the fresh air will release your day to day fatigue! Referring to this information, why don’t you make a plan immediately? It will be a wonderful trip. That’s for sure.

Please share this article for your friends!

Want to Go for Shopping in Okinawa? The Most 10 Popular Shopping Spots in Okinawa!

• Seeing Japan Staff
• ｜ 4,420 view

The 10 Best Hot Springs (Onsen) You Must Visit in Okinawa, Japan

SeeingJapan Staff

• ｜ 42,083 view

The Best Restaurants In Mihama American Village! The Top 10 Restaurants In Okinawa!

• ｜ 8,082 view

The Best 10 Ramen Shops You Must Eat in Okinawa

• ｜ 23,097 view

The 10 Best Places to Eat in Naha, Okinawa

• ｜ 19,548 view

TOP 3 Outlet Malls You Must Visit in Okinawa

• ｜ 27,036 view

The 11 Best Must-Buy Souvenirs at Naha Airport of Okinawa

• ｜ 8,426 view

The 10 Best Izakaya You Must Visit in Okinawa

• ｜ 8,771 view

The 10 Best Yakiniku Restaurants You Must Eat in Naha, Okinawa

• ｜ 6,538 view

If you want to eat the exquisite Okinawa ramen in Kokusai Street, visit there! 10 recommended ramen restaurants popular to locals!

• ｜ 1,817 view

Good Old Places of Japan! 10 Best Must Visit Attractions of Japanese Heritage Town, Tomonoura!

When thinking about Hiroshima, a west part of this prefecture, that...

Explore around Japan Heritage of Hiroshima, “Tomonoura”! Best 7 Experiences to Add to Y...

Fukuyama is a central city of Hiroshima prefecture. At 14 km south ...

You cannot take your eyes off the view! 5 photogenic spots in Ehime prefecture./Ehime prefecture

Are you a lover of photo-shooting? Or perhaps you think that you ar...

5 tourist spots you must visit if you come to Kagawa, also known as “Udon prefecture”!

You might imagine that “udon” is the most popular thing in Kagawa p...

5 tourist spots in Tokushima prefecture which will surprise you.

“The attractiveness ranking of prefectures in Japan” from “The Area...

5 sightseeing spots in Shimonoseki, where you can see amazing views!/Shimonoseki-shi, Yamaguchi prefe...

“Sekichu-Kei,” the miraculous gorge. “Sekichu-kei” (stone pillars g...

A roundup of the attractions in Onomichi, such as superb views, nice food, and accommodations!/Onomic...

Onomichi is the city full of places where you might like to visit i...

Shops and cafes with cute foods in Okayama, where girls really want to go! /Okayama Prefecture

Okayama is known as a city which has many attractive and unique caf...

7 tourist spots where you can enjoy great views and foods on Awaji-shima!/Awaji-shima, Hyogo

Awaji-shima Island is the biggest island in the Setouchi Inland Sea...

Best Unagi Restaurants In Japan! The Top 10 Unagi Restaurants You Must Try!

With a good smell and a sauce - Unagi (eels) is what you must love ...

Copyright © 2018 IID, Inc.

• Things to Do

50 Things to Do in Okinawa

• tsunagu Japan

Okinawa, one of the most popular beach resorts in the whole of Japan. Its emerald blue seas and white sand beaches attract people from all over the country. Once the Ryukyu Kingdom, Okinawa has a unique culture and history that differs from the mainland. Here in this article we are going to introduce 50 great things to do in Okinawa.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

21. Minna Island (Northern Region) [Activity]

Minna Island is an inhabited island about 15 minutes from the mainland of Okinawa by ferry. Known as “Croissant Island” due to its shape. It is a small island with a perimeter of only 4 km. It is a great unknown sport for snorkelling and diving, only visited by about 60,000 people a year.

HP: www.minna-beach.com/ (Japanese Only)

22. Kokusai Dori (Southern Region) [Shopping]

If you are looking to buy some souvenirs in Okinawa, this is the place to go. This 1.6 km long street is lined with souvenir shops. On Sunday, the streets are often opened to pedestrians and you can enjoy watching the traditional eisa dances performed by youth associations from each region. There are many monorail stations on the street as well, making access to and from the airport easy.

HP: www.naha-navi.or.jp/kokusaiDori.html  

23. Sonohyan-utaki Stone Gate (Southern Region) [Sightseeing]

Sonohyan-utaki Stone Gates is sacred place to which the king of the Ryukyu Kingdom would come to worship. The stone karahafu gates are a particular feature of the site. Before leaving on travels, the king would visit the Sonohyan-utaki to pray for safety on his journey. It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 200

HP: www.churashima.net/shima/okinawa/isan/20010301/04.html (Japanese Only)

Address: 3 Shuri Tounokura-cho, Naha City, Okinawa ( Google Map )

24. Ryukyu Village (Central Region) [Activity]

If you want to experience Ryukyu culture and arts, this is the place to go. They offer workshops and classes on a wide range of topics, including traditional Okinawan dyeing, making Shisa, playing the shamisen, and making lamps from coral. It’s a great place to make your own souvenirs. You can also take a tour of a traditional house, and enjoy performances of traditional eisa dances and folk songs. 

HP:  http://www.ryukyumura.co.jp.e.ls.hp.transer.com/

Address: 1130, Yamada, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa ( Google Map )

25. Tacorice [Food]

Tacorice is a gourmet dish combining tacos from Mexico with rice that originates from Okinawa. Mexican tacos were originally brought into Okinawa during the American occupation, it was rearranged to meet local tastes and became taco rice. A popular dish with the people of Okinawa.

26. The Ruins of Nakijin Castle (Northern Region) [Sightseeing]

A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Okinawa, Nakijin Castle was built by the king of the Hokuzan principality in the 14th century, before the start of the period ot the Ryukyu Kingdom. Famous as a sakura, or cherry blossom, viewing spot in Okinawa, the castle ruins are visited by large numbers of tourists every year in January when the cherry trees blossom.

HP: nakijinjo.jp/english/index.html 　（英文）

HP: nakijinjo.jp/ (日文)

Address: 5101 Imadomari,Nakijin-Village, Kunigamigun, Okinawa ( Google Map )

27. Sea Grapes [Food]

A type of seaweed grown in the seas of Okinawa. Sometimes called “green caviar” for its similar texture. Known for its benefits for health and beauty, it is a popular souvenir from Okinawa. You can store it at room temperaturee.

HP: www.onnagyokyou.com/?page_id=15 (Japanese Only)

28. Blue Cave (Northern Region) [Activity]

The most famous and popular diving spot on the mainland. Every year, countless fans come from both Japan and abroad to enjoy the mystical blue world of the caves. Even beginner snorkelers and divers can dive here, so it’s one place we really recommend! 

HP: okinawa-aonodoukutu.com/ (Japanese Only)

29. Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom (Central Region) [Shopping]

One of the largest shopping malls in Okinawa. Opened in April 2015. The shopping center features 220 stores selling a wide range of products, from fashion to souvenirs and a 9-screen cinema complex. This mall, with its Rykyu palace style design, is incredibly popular as a shopping spot with tourists.  

HP:  http://en.okinawarycom-aeonmall.com/

Address: Block 4, Kitanakagusuku Awase land planning and consolidation business area, Kitanakagusuku, Nakagami District, Okinawa ( Google Map )

30. Sata-andagi [Food]

One of Okinawa's sweets, passed on from China to Okinawa in the ancient times. Very similar to donuts, they are very popular as souvenirs. Recently, various stores are offering different flavors of sata andagi, such as pumpkin and purple yam.

31. Onna Seaside Civil Park, Nabee Beach (Northern Region) [Activity]

About 1 hour by car from Naha Airport. Nabee Beach is famous as the beach with the clearest waters on the Okinawan mainland. As well as snorkelling and diving, you can enjoy all sorts of marine activities, such as bay fishing and glass boat rides. BBQs on this beautiful beach are also very popular. Rental of a BBQ set (without ingredients) will cost you 4,000 yen.

HP: www.nabee.info/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 419-4 Onna Village, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa ( Google Map )

32. Sefa-utaki (Southern Region) [Sightseeing]

Sefa-utaki is said to be Okinawa’s most sacred place. In the period of the Ryukyu Kingdom, miko, or shrine maidens, in service of the king would practice here, and it was forbidden for citizens or men to enter the area. Nowadays, there are no such restrictions, and the site has become famous as Okinawa’s greatest powerspot. In 2000, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

HP:  http://www.city.nanjo.okinawa.jp.t.bh.hp.transer.com/

Address: Chinenkudeken, Nanjo City, Okinawa ( Google Map )

33. Kishimoto Shokudo (Northern Region) [Food]

Established in 1905, Kishimoto Shokudo is a long-standing Okinawan soba restaurant. Every year, the restaurant is visited by countless people looking to try traditional Okinawan soba. The soba is known as “mokutan soba” or charcoal soba, due to the fact the water the noodles are made with has had ash from burning of wood from the schima wallichii tree in it. If you’re looking to try real Okinawan soba, this is the place to go. 

HP: www.odnsym.com/ta/kisimoto.html (Japanese Only)

Address: 5 Toguchi, Motobu, Kunigami district, Okinawa ( Google Map )

34. Tamaudun (Southern Region) [Sightseeing]

Tamaudun is a mausoleum built in 1501 by King Sho Shin to house the remains of his father Sho En. Two shisa are placed on the left and right sides to guard the mausoleum. This is an ideal tourist spot to come to learn about Ryukyu history and culture. In 2000, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

HP: www.city.naha.okinawa.jp/kakuka/kyouikubunkazai/bunkazai/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 1-3 Shurikinjocho, Naha City, Okinawa ( Google Map )

35. Kinjocho Stone Paving (Southern Region) [Sightseeing]

You can experience the history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom while taking a stroll along this sone paved road that was originally used as a main path in the 16th century. The red-tiled roofs of the traditional houses liking the road are a great sight to see, and if you are feeling tired, why not take a break at the Shinju stone paving tea shop on your way?

HP: www.naha-navi.or.jp/kinjoIshiTatami.html (Japanese Only)

Address: 1-2, Shuri Kinjocho,Naha-City, Okinawa ( Google Map )

36. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (Northern Region) [Activity]

With about 2 million visitors per year, it is Japan’s most popular aquarium. In the main tank known as the Kuroshio Sea, you can enjoy watching the whale sharks and manta rays calming swimming around the tank. Also, in the surrounding area, there are a number of other great sites to visit, including the Emerald Beach, the Tropical Dream Center and a planetarium.

HP:  http://oki-churaumi.jp/zh/index.html

Address:Okinawa Expo Park, 424, Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Okinawa  ( Google Map )

37. Kerama-shoto Islands (Kerama Islands, Tokashiki Island, Zamami Island) (Outer Islands) [Activity]

The sea surrounding the islands has come to be affectionately known by divers as the “Kerama Blue.” In March 2014, it was designated as a national part, and since then has grown even more popular with divers. The white sands and clear blue seas make this place a great spot for snorkeling and diving. 

HP:  http://www.vill.zamami.okinawa.jp.e.gz.hp.transer.com/

38. Cafe Kurukuma (Southern Region) [Food]

A restaurant where you can enjoy authentic, mainly Thai, Asian food. From the terrace of the cafe, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the emerald green ocean, which makes this a popular spot for dining. Why not refresh yourself by enjoying some delicious food while taking in the fantastic Okianawan scenery.

HP: www.nakazen.co.jp/cafe/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 1190 Chinen, Nanjo City, Okinawa( Google Map )

39. Daisekirinzan (Northern Region) [Activity]

If you want to try hiking or trekking in a subtropical jungle, this is the place we recommend. It is the only area in Japan with subtropical Karst topography. For outdoor people who have had their fair share of the sea, why not come and enjoy the mountains of Daisekirinzan? The hiking course is about 20-30m and the view of the sea from the mountain is spectacular. You can also camp here.

HP: www.sekirinzan.com/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 1241 Ginama, Kunigami Village, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa ( Google Map )

40. Okinawa Outlet Mall Ashibinaa (Southern Region) [Shopping]

An outlet mall with about 100 stores where you can buy popular and high class brand products at a reasonable price. Conveniently located about 20m away from the airport by car, and accessible from the airport by a shuttle bus. Why not enjoy a bit of shopping there before your departure?

HP:  http://ashibinaa.okinawa/index.html?lang=en

Address: Toyosaki 1-188, Tomigusuku city, Okinawa ( Google Map )

Next： No.41-50 Further exciting spots and activities in Okinawa

The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

tsunagu Japan Newsletter

Subscribe to our free newsletter and we'll show you the best Japan has to offer!

About the author

Related Articles

Related interests.

• Sports & Outdoors
• Onsens & Spas
• Museums & Art Galleries
• Japan at night
• Flowers & Trees
• Tourist Spots & Attractions
• Theme Parks
• Nature & Scenery
• Parks & Gardens

Restaurant Search

Tsunagu japan sns.

Subscribe to the tsunagu Japan Newsletter

Sign up to our free newsletter to discover the best Japan has to offer.

Connect with Japan through tsunagu Japan

Let us introduce you to the best of Japan through our free newsletter: sightseeing spots, delicious food, deep culture, best places to stay, and more!

• Online check in
• Manage booking
• Flight status
• Contact us and FAQs
• Travelling with animals
• Travel requirements

No messages.

Known for their balmy weather and pristine beaches, the islands that make up Japan’s Okinawa prefecture are a paradise for travellers seeking nature, relaxation, and a spot of adventure. If you’re already fantasising about dipping your toes into white sand and crystal-clear waters, start planning your summer holiday in Japan with the help of our Okinawa travel guide. 

Credit: Raicho/Getty Images

Credit: Jui Chi Chan/Getty Images

Credit: momo11353/Getty Images

Off-shore activities

Seaside stroll  With stretches of powdery white sand running along its coastline, Okinawa is synonymous with beaches . So, what are the top sandy spots in the archipelago? 

Naminoue is the only beach in the city of Naha. Home to the famous Naminoue Shrine , which sits atop a cliff of Ryukyu limestone, it’s perfect for both sightseers and aqua addicts. At Kouri Beach, you’ll find a more modern landmark, Kouri Bridge, which stands in striking contrast against the beach’s white sand and turquoise ocean. Meanwhile, Yonaha Beach in Miyakojima boasts a seven-kilometre-long natural shoreline, giving you endless views of rolling waves and azure sky.

Credit: nukopic/Getty Images

Credit: Petesphotography/Getty Images

Snorkelling and scuba diving 

The aquamarine waters of Okinawa are a haven of marine biodiversity, with an abundance of coral and fish. It’s no wonder travellers come from all corners of the world to come from far and wide to dive in them. 

If you’re a dedicated diver, it’s worth island-hopping to explore multiple sites. However, those on a tighter schedule need go no further than Okinawa’s main island -  its most popular dive site is the Blue Cave of Cape Maeda , an otherworldly spot where beams of sunlight turn the water an electric blue.  

Elsewhere, the Kerama Island chain is another top diving destination, easily reached by ferry from Naha and with sites that are suitable for divers of all levels. As a protected park, it is home to many marine animals, including turtles, as well as more than 200 types of rocky reefs. 

Credit: manpuku7/Getty Images

Credit: Ippei Naoi/Getty Images

Glass-bottom boat 

Good news for non-swimmers or those who travel with family: the glass-bottom boat s on Ishigakijima Island will take you out of your depth to explore a kaleidoscope of marine life without having to get wet. As you glide over coral reefs, look out for manta rays, turtles, clownfish, damselfish, and sea slugs.

Credit: koichi/Getty Images

On-shore sightseeing

Cape Manzamo is a must-visit spot in Okinawa thanks to its famous “elephant’s trunk”: a natural rock formation whose peculiar shape is the work of centuries of coastal erosion. As you stroll along the cape, you’ll be afforded sweeping vistas of rugged coastline and cobalt-blue ocean that stretches as far as the horizon. 

Credit: Harvey Hung/Getty Images

Credit: xPACIFICA/Getty Images

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium   If you’re travelling with little ones, be sure to pay the  Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium  a visit. In this giant fishbowl – one of the world’s biggest – you can get up close with over 700 marine species, including the 8.8-metre-long whale shark. 

Summer festivals

Ocean Expo Park Summer Festival 

If it’s an evening spectacle you’re after, mark the Ocean Expo Park Summer Festival in your calendar. Held every July at the stunning Emerald Beach, the festival is responsible for putting on Okinawa’s biggest pyrotechnic display, featuring some 10,000 fireworks. It’s guaranteed to put you in a party mood. 

Credit: zorazhuang/Getty Images

Food and shopping

Makishi Public Market  Lovingly dubbed the “kitchen of Okinawa”, the Makishi Public Market in Naha sells the freshest catches of the day, as well as Agu pork, Ishigaki beef, and many other specialty produce of Okinawa. For both freshness and authenticity, you can select your catch on the market’s ground floor and let the restaurants on the upper floor cook it for you.  

Be sure to also try umbibudo (sea grapes) – a tasty specialty and a great choice of gift to take home.

Credit: kuremo/Getty Images

American Village  

A slice of 1950s Americana in Japan, the American Village is a reminder of Okinawa’s history. Bringing together independent shops and restaurants, a cinema, and entertainment facilities, the village is an all-weather attraction for a colourful day out.

Marine Corps

• Coast Guard
• Space Force
• Archive photo of the day
• - Schedules Europe
• - Scoreboards Europe
• - Schedules Pacific
• - Scoreboards Pacific
• - Pacific Sports Blog
• - WW II Podcast
• - Military Matters
• - Force for Hire
• Out of Uniform
• - WW II Videos
• Communities
• Stripes Europe
• Stripes Guam
• Stripes Japan
• Stripes Korea
• Stripes Okinawa
• Our Other Websites
• In Memoriam
• Month of the Military Child
• Best of Germany
• Best of the Pacific
• Letters to Santa

Marine Corps command on Okinawa responds to Pride post critics on Facebook

Marine Corps Installations Pacific has pushed back at critics of its recent social media post recognizing Pride Month with the headline, “Pride In All Who Serve.”

“This #PrideMonth, we recognized the LBGTQ+ #Marines that raised their right hand and earned the title ‘Marine,’ ” the Okinawa-based command wrote Thursday on its official Facebook page. “The business of fighting and winning battles requires diverse and inclusive teams, and the #USMC takes #pride in building strength through #diversity.”

The command has oversight and control of Marine bases across the Indo-Pacific.

The post endorsing Pride Month didn’t go over well in some of the 63 comments and 108 emojis attached to it as of Friday afternoon in Japan.

“The USMC does not take pride in a sexual agenda that continues to be shoved down our throats,” Eduardo Flores wrote Friday morning. “Servicemembers do not wish to continue being associated with a sexual movement that has nothing to do with the military and what we do.”

The command posted a response to Flores starting with, “Once a Marine, always a Marine,” before citing the Corps’ regulation addressing policies and procedures regarding sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying and other activities.

“All Marines and Sailors will treat one another with dignity, care, and concern,” the command wrote, quoting from the regulation.

Marine Corps Installations Pacific has pushed back at critics of a recent social media post recognizing Pride Month. (U.S. Marine Corps)

It then cited the regulation on prohibited discrimination: “Any conduct whereby a Service member knowingly, recklessly, or intentionally and with a nexus to military service discriminates, including disparate treatment, of an individual or group on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, or sexual orientation that is not otherwise authorized by law or regulation and detracts from military readiness.”

Minutes later, the command wrote and pinned another comment that further addressed the criticism.

“We understand that this is an issue that many people feel strongly about, and we appreciate you sharing your perspective. However, supporting Pride aligns with the Marine Corps’ values of honor, courage, and commitment,” the command wrote. “It takes courage to stand up for what is right and to support all members of the military community.”

Flores did not immediately respond Friday to a Facebook message seeking comment.

His post drew a series of other responses, including one from Heather Raquel, who wrote: “(S)peak for yourself. Being supportive of all of the Marines to my left and right IS important…. So please don’t attempt to speak for us all.”

Another commenter said Flores is free to speak his opinion — a point agreed upon by a command spokeswoman.

“Marine Corps Installations Pacific acknowledges and supports everyone’s right to freedom of speech,” 2nd Lt. Kelsey Enlow told Stars and Stripes by email Friday. “MCIPAC finds strength in diversity and inclusivity.”

Other commenters took a neutral or positive view of Pride Month.

“I’m living for these comments,” Haili Shimko wrote. “Happy pride to all my brothers and sisters in arms!”

Sign Up for Daily Headlines

Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets from around the world.

Sign Up Now

More From Forbes

10 hotels with unforgettable nighttime activities around the world.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Milky Way Over The Genesee Arch Bridge And Upper Falls At Letchworth State Park In the Finger Lakes ... [+] region

Gone are the days when your nights at your hotel were just for sleeping. Recently hotels across the globe are now inviting guests (especially night owls) on exciting nocturnal adventures. Whether you’re looking to embark on an enchanting 'Night at the Museum' journey or venturing through the mysterious trails on a Jungle Night Walk in Costa Rica, here’s a look at some of the most unique nighttime experiences offered by resorts and hotels, inviting both adults and children to explore the magic that unfolds when the lights go out.

This hotel features El Gabinete Del Barco, an indigenous gallery and museum that encourages young ... [+] guests to actively engage with the history of the Baja region.

Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos , Mexico

This hotel features El Gabinete Del Barco, an indigenous gallery and museum that encourages young guests to actively engage with the history of the Baja region. One of the most prized artifacts includes a whale fossil that appears to float from the ceiling. The exhibit also features ancient maps of the Americas, 360˚ virtual photography, video interviews with archeologists, and replicas of harpoons, knives, and other tools from the region. Recently, Solaz introduced ‘A Night at the Museum,' adventure, which is an entrancing tour of the museum where history comes alive through the use of engaging narratives. The evening also includes a delicious dining experience that is specially tailored to youngsters.

Marriott Marquis Houston , Houston, Texas

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024.

An urban oasis in the center of Houston, the hotel not only lays claim to the famed Texas-shaped lazy river, but some offers some fantastic after-dark programming. Newly introduced Full Moon Soirees bring guests together once a month to dance under the glow of the moon with live entertainment and a “Bites of the Moon" food tasting experience. You can also enjoy Concerts Under the Stars.

Inns of Aurora, Finger Lakes

Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa , Aurora, New York

Located in the beautiful Finger Lakes region, Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa is a luxury boutique resort with six lovingly restored historic homes. Each home is impeccably decorated and comes with in-room fireplaces, private balconies and breathtaking views of Cayuga Lake. The waterside resort features a plethora of daytime and nighttime guest activities. At dusk, guests can participate in a Lantern-Lit Sunset Hike led by resident outdoorsmen along the outdoor trail system up to the Overlook Platform (which looks out on Cayuga Lake) for an evening bonfire that comes complete with s’mores and stargazing.

The Foundry Hotel , Asheville, North Carolina

The Foundry Hotel, an 87-room luxury boutique hotel, is a historic renovation of Asheville's old steel foundry. In partnership with Asheville Wellness Tours, guests at The Foundry Hotel can explore the magic of the night in the Blue Ridge Mountains through a unique menu of experiences including Blue Ghost Firefly Forest Bathing. Led by knowledgeable guides, forest bathing is a therapeutic practice that encourages mindfulness and connection with nature, while also allowing participants to witness the elusive Blue Ghost firefly species lighting up the forest.

Guests can explore the rainforest at night guided by certified experts from Crocodile Bay. From ... [+] exotic insects and night birds to caimans, snakes, and kinkajous, each step unveils a new marvel of the nocturnal world.

Botánika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton , Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica

Discover the nighttime beauty of the Osa Peninsula at the luxurious eco-resort’s Jungle Night Walk. Guests can explore the rainforest at night guided by certified experts from Crocodile Bay. From exotic insects and night birds to caimans, snakes, and kinkajous, each step unveils a new marvel of the nocturnal world. You may also spot the famed, red-eyed tree frogs and other elusive species that come to life under the cover of darkness. Unlike daytime hikes, these nighttime excursions offer a slower pace, allowing for immersive exploration and close encounters with the rainforest's nocturnal inhabitants.

Club Med Québec Charlevoix , Québec, Canada

Club Med introduces "Elevation," a summer festival at Club Med Québec Charlevoix, celebrating culture and cosmos with an "Astro-Circus" theme from mid-July to August. Highlights include planetarium shows, stargazing, Astro Yoga and a Space Movie Night. Special booking offers are available. Located in Le Massif de Charlevoix, this all-inclusive, family-friendly resort is Club Med's first four-season mountain resort in Canada, featuring local cuisine, luxury spaces, and stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and mountains.

Get the night started with your own personalized Star Sign cocktails on the hotel’s rooftop bar ... [+] underneath a hand-painted astrological mural.

The Memphian , Memphis, TN

This hotel really embraces the night with its Astrological Overnight experience. Get the evening started with your own personalized Star Sign cocktails on the hotel’s rooftop bar underneath a hand-painted astrological mural. Next, look upwards and feast your eyes on the night sky as you take in a stargazing sessions on the rooftop terrace with an expert guide from The Memphis Museum of Science & History. You will also receive personalized zodiac gifts from local boutique Paradox at Peco.

Lakehouse Resort , San Marcos, California

After a long day of outdoor activities head to one of the hotel’s firepits where you can enjoy a complimentary s'mores kit. To up the ambiance of the fireside experience, this summer the resort is introducing a ‘Guitar Concierge’ complete with the use of complimentary guitars and a curated list of songs that are ideal for fireside get-togethers.

View of Pinaisaara Falls and mangrove forests from kayak, Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, Okinawa, ... [+] Japan

Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Kohamajima , Okinawa, Japan

From June 1 through July 31, 2024, the hotel invites guests to immerse themselves in the wonders of the night sky at Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, Japan's first dark sky preserve. The property, which is located in the national park, has a unique "Tingara Trampoline" experience that allows guests to bounce on a trampoline set up on the adjacent beach.

Hoshino Resorts KAI Aso , Oita, Japan

The hotel offers Horse Riding Under the Stars where you can revel in the beauty of the Milky Way and other spectacular celestial performances. Located in a Global Geopark, KAI Aso is a hot spring ryokan featuring just twelve private villas.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Join The Conversation

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. 

Forbes Community Guidelines

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

• False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information
• Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind
• Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
• Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms.

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

• Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
• Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments
• Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
• Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms.

So, how can you be a power user?

• Stay on topic and share your insights
• Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across
• ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view.
• Protect your community.
• Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service.

• Latest Latest
• The West The West
• Sports Sports
• Opinion Opinion
• Magazine Magazine

Tourist fees are taking over popular destinations. Will they impact your next big trip?

Tourist hot spots are implementing measures against overtourism. will this impact your next trip.

By Caroline McDonald

With the summer travel season approaching, popular tourist spots are planning ahead with new rules and fees to control crowds. This is according to The New York Times , which outlined recent measures taken by Bali, Amsterdam, Paris and Milan — all popular destinations for tourists.

The amount of visitors in some towns has ballooned since the COVID-19 pandemic, per The Independent — rising above the observed tourist levels in 2019. Now, multiple cities are taking action to prevent against overtourism.

Why are there tourism fees?

A common reason for the increased fees is to protect both the environment and the infrastructure of buildings.

Bali, for example, has asked visitors to the island to pay a levy of approximately $9.49, or 150,000 Indonesian rupiahs. According to The New York Times , the money will serve “to support the preservation of cultural and natural assets on the island, where tourism has brought major challenges related to litter, water supply and overcrowding.”

The Galápagos Islands and Hawaii have proposed similar measures. The Galápagos Islands now charges a $200 entry fee to “be used to support conservation, improve infrastructure and fund community programs.”

In Hawaii, Gov. Josh Green proposed a “climate impact fee,” per The New York Times , reasoning that “$25 per visitor could raise $250 million a year, which the state could use to guard against climate disasters, manage erosion, strengthen infrastructure and protect parks.”

This year marks the third year the measure has failed, per Honolulu Civil Beat . Efforts to use visitor funds to protect the environment have persisted.

According to The Independent , the following locations have also implemented measures to prevent against overtourism:

• Venice, Italy.
• Portofino, Italy.
• Rome, Italy.
• Hallstatt, Austria.
• Athens, Greece.
• Boracay, Philippines.
• Maya Beach, Thailand.
• Okinawa, Japan.
• Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
• Machu Picchu, Peru.
• Barcelona, Spain.

What should travelers know?

Some of the fees only apply if tourists exhibit disruptive behavior. According to The Independent , tourists in Rome will be fined if they eat messy foods around attractions, particularly the Trevi Fountain.

In Portofino, tourists who overstay their welcome in viral Instagram spots for photo-taking may be charged a fine “for creating a dangerous situation.” Circumstances like these can be avoided.

As for the other tourist taxes, it looks like visitors will need to be extra sure to do their research beforehand.

“All of this may pose headaches for travelers, although in most cases, the new fees or tax increases represent only a tiny fraction of the total cost of a trip,” according to The New York Times .

“All tourism is dependent on beautiful natural and cultural resources. You have to protect those resources in order to be a viable tourism destination — and if you don’t, they degrade,” Megan Epler Wood, managing director of the Sustainable Tourism Asset Management Program at Cornell University, told The New York Times.

• Media & Industry
• Meetings & Events
• Select Language 简体中文 繁體中文（香港） 繁體中文（臺灣） India (English) Bahasa Indonesia 한국어 ภาษาไทย Tiếng Việt Singapore (English) Philippines (English) Malaysia (English) Australia/New Zealand (English) Français Deutsch Italiano Español United Kingdom (English) Nordic countries（English） Canada (English) Canada (Français) United States (English) Mexico (español) Português العربية Japan(日本語) Global (English)
• India (English)
• Bahasa Indonesia
• Singapore (English)
• Philippines (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Australia/New Zealand (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• Nordic countries（English）
• Canada (English)
• Canada (Français)
• United States (English)
• Mexico (español)
• Global (English)
• Fujiyoshida
• Shimonoseki
• Ishigaki Island
• Miyako Island
• Kerama Island
• Tokyo Island
• Koka & Shigaraki
• Hida Takayama
• Ginza, Nihonbashi
• Beppu & Yufuin (Onsen)
• Ginzan Onsen
• Nagasaki Islands

• Kumano Kodo
• Shikoku Karst
• Amami Oshima
• Hachimantai
• Omihachiman
• Aizuwakamatsu

• Diving in Japan
• Skiing in Japan
• Seasonal Flowers in Japan
• Sustainable Outdoors
• Off the Beaten Track in Japan
• Scenic Spots
• World Heritage
• Home Stays & Farm Stays

• Japanese Gardens
• Japanese Crafts
• Temple Stays
• Heritage Stays
• Festivals and Events
• Theater in Japan
• Japanese Tea Ceremony
• Cultural Experiences in Japan
• Culture in Japan

• Local Cuisine Eastern Japan
• Local Cuisine Western Japan
• Local Street Food
• Japan's Local Ekiben
• Japanese Whisky
• Vegetarian and Vegan Guide
• Sushi in Japan Guide
• Japanese Sake Breweries

• Art Museums
• Architecture
• Performing Arts
• Art Festivals
• Japanese Anime and Comics
• Japanese Ceramics
• Local Crafts

• Scenic Night Views
• Natural Wonders
• Theme Parks
• Samurai & Ninja
• Iconic Architecture

• Wellness Travel in Japan
• Japanese Ryokan Guide
• A Guide to Stargazing in Japan
• Relaxation in Japan
• Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)

• Experiences in Japan
• Enjoy my Japan
• National Parks
• Japan's Local Treasures
• Japan Heritage
• Snow Like No Other
• Wonder Around Japan

• Visa Information
• Getting to Japan
• Airport Access
• COVID-19: Practical Information for Traveling to Japan
• Anime Tourism
• Countryside Stays
• Accessible Tourism
• Hokkaido Great Outdoors
• Scenic World Heritage in Tohoku
• Shikoku’s Nature and Traditions
• Southern Kyushu by Rail

• Traveling by Rail
• How to Travel by Train and Bus
• JR Rail Passes
• Scenic Railways
• Renting a Car
• Sustainable Travel in Japan
• Travel Brochures
• Useful Apps
• Online Reservation Sites
• Eco-friendly Accommodation
• Luxury Accommodations
• Traveling With a Disability
• Hands-free Travel
• How to Book a Certified Tour Guide
• Volunteer Guides
• Tourist Information Center

• Japanese Manners
• Spring in Japan
• Summer in Japan
• Autumn in Japan
• Winter in Japan
• Cherry Blossom Forecast
• Autumn Leaves Forecast

• Japan Visitor Hotline
• Travel Insurance in Japan
• Japan Safe Travel Information
• Accessibility in Japan
• Vegetarian Guide
• Muslim Travelers
• Safety Tips

• JAPAN Monthly Web Magazine
• Arts & Cultures
• Nature & Outdoor
• Festivals & Events
• Insider Blog
• Things to do
• Local Guides
• Food & drink
• Traditional
• Hokuriku Shinetsu

My Favorites

${v.desc | trunc(25)}

Planning a Trip to Japan?

Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp

DISCOVER JAPAN DESTINATIONS

• Destinations

From the great white north to the sub-tropical south—and everywhere in between

Please Choose Your Language

Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages

7 Best things to do in Japan in 2024

A s a travel enthusiast starts planning a 2024 travel itinerary, Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, ticks all the boxes. It is the ultimate travel destination thanks to its historic streets of Kyoto, savoring delicious street food in Osaka, exploring the religious shrines, or staying at the ryokans . From the age-old cherry fields to the peaceful country roads, this place is a feast for the senses.

Springtime being this place's truly magical venture, Japan comes alive with color and energy, and visitors are feasted on a lot of enjoyable destinations to explore. Its rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty offers an array of adventures for every travel enthusiast.

Disclaimer: This is purely the writer's opinion, and might have missed some favorite destinations.

The top activities to experience in Japan in 2024

Whether the avid traveler is a history buff, a food enthusiast, or a nature lover, Japan is the perfect place for their visit in 2024.

Ahead, Team Sportskeeda has thoughtfully created a list of the seven best things to do in Japan in 2024 and make the most of their visit.

• Explore Kinkaku-ji at Kyoto
• Enjoy Hanami in Tokyo
• Feed the deer at Nara
• Learn about the city's history at Hiroshima
• River cruise at Osaka
• Ski at Hokkaido
• Sun-bask on the shorelines of Okinawa

1) Explore Kinkaku-ji at Kyoto

Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan , is a must-visit spring destination for avid travelers. Considering that the best time to travel is in late March to early April, this holiday and sightseeing place is well-known for its cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Sight-seers should not miss the spectacular Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and the traditional Gion District. For lodging, one should consider staying at a classic ryokan to experience the hospitality at its best. Kansai International Airport, the nearest airport, can be easily commuted to thanks to local transportation.

Once in Kyoto, one should also make sure to try out the local cuisines, like kaiseki (a multicourse feast) and various matcha confectionaries. Noted diners like Nishiki Market and Pontocho Alley also rule the culinary delight list.

2) Enjoy Hanami in Tokyo

Be it the onset of autumn or spring, the metropolis of Tokyo, Japan, is always bustling with a unique blend of modernity and ritual. Including Senso-ji Temple and Meiji Shrine, this metropolis' main attractions are decorated with cherry blossoms, catering to a panoramic view.

Once in Tokyo, tourists can enjoy activities like hanami (flower viewing) picnics in Ueno Park and boat or yacht cruises along the Sumida River. For an unforgettable stay, visitors can select a hotel in the vibrant Shibuya or Shinjuku districts and indulge in a wide variety of delectable local cuisines, like sushi tempura and ramen at Tsukiji Outer Market, and the food stalls at Ameyoko Market.

Read more: 6 Best European countries to visit in Summer 2024

3) Feed the deer at Nara

Nara, well-known for its friendly deer and ancient religious shrines, it is always the perfect time for any travel enthusiast to visit this charming destination.

Visitors can engage in activities like feeding deer and exploring the picturesque Isuien Garden at Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple, the main attractions they shouldn't miss. Once here, a holiday enthusiast can stay at cozy homestays or ryokans for an authentic lodging experience. There are also sample local delicacies, like Kakinoha sushi and persimmon leaf sushi, at the best diners in the Nara-machi district.

4) Learn about the city's history at Hiroshima

Hiroshima, a Japan metropolis with a resilient spirit and a profound history, is best visited in early April. From the local Hiroshima Airport, courtesy of its travel-friendly communication, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Shukkeien Garden are the main places of interest that offer serene beauty. Here, tourists can engage in activities like visiting the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to learn about the city's history.

One can also plan their stay at comfortable hotels and savor local cuisines like okonomiyaki and oysters from the best diners like Okonomimura and Mitaki-en.

5) River cruise at Osaka

Considered one of the most vibrant cities, Osaka is famed for its lively environment and mouthwatering delicacies. The best time to visit is late March or early April. Once landing at the Kansai International Airport, a vacationer can enjoy their holiday by visiting the main attractions, like Osaka Castle and Dotonbori.

Thanks to its panoramic view, travelers can enjoy local activities like exploring the bustling Kuromon Ichiba Market and river cruising along the Okawa River. Planning a 2 to 3-day trip to Osaka, a vacationer can book their stay at downtown's trendy hotels and indulge in local cuisines like takoyaki , okonomiyaki , and kushikatsu at street food stalls, and best-eating joints like Mizuno and Kani Doraku.

Read more: 6 Best treks in the world

6) Ski at Hokkaido

Hokkaido, the northernmost island, is a must-see spring holiday destination in Japan, courtesy of its spectacular natural attractions. When hiring local transportation or pre-paid cabs from New Chitose Airport, the best time to visit is late April or early May. During this time, tourists can enjoy the main attractions, such as the vast fields of Shikisai-no-Oka and the majestic beauty of Shikisai Hill.

They can engage in activities like exploring Biei's charming beauty, skiing, Onsen (hot springs), enjoying a relaxing soak in the famous Noboribetsu hot springs, or staying at comfortable ryokans or motels with stunning mountain views. They can also savor these gastronomical delights in local delicacies like fresh seafood , spicy ramen, and tasty dairy products at the best diners like Ramen Yokocho and Nijo Market.

7) Sun-bask on the shorelines of Okinawa

Off-boarding at the Naha airport, Okinawa's gorgeous shorelines and rich history welcome avid travelers, making it an excellent destination year-round for all travel enthusiasts visiting Japan. Once here, travelers can explore the lively marine life at the Churaumi Aquarium and the Ryukyu culture of historical Shuri Castle.

They can rest and recoup at beachfront resorts like the Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa, or Halekulani, Okinawa, to experience the true essence of Okinawa, Japan. Visitors can also spoil their tastebuds with the local flavors of sample Okinawan soba, agu pork , goya champuru, and rafute pork.

Read more: 6 best Spring destinations in the world to take a family vacation

These are the seven best things to do in Japan in 2024 that promise an array of unforgettable experiences for travel enthusiasts. So, avid travelers can start backpacking to enjoy their adventure-packed holiday.