2024 Okinawa Prefecture Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)
Popular Attractions
Ocean Expo Park
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Kokusai-dori
Ryukyu Mura
Shuri Castle
🌟 Okinawa Oasis: A Tranquil Retreat in a Cliffside Villa 🏝️
Discover your slice of paradise at our favorite retreat in Okinawa, where tranquility meets luxury. Nestled on the cliffs of Kouri Island, our private villa offers panoramic ocean views, making it the ultimate sanctuary for relaxation. 🌅
Immerse yourself in serenity as you lounge in the infinity pool, where the sky meets the sea. Let the world fade away in the luxurious jacuzzi, basking in the sun with a refreshing drink in hand. 🍹
For a taste of local flavor, visit the nearby 'Studio Cafe.' Indulge in their signature Kouri Shrimp Garlic, a delight that promises to tantalize your taste buds. 🦐☕️
Every detail in this villa speaks of quality, from the fully-equipped kitchen to the warm, attentive care from the host. Experience the best of Okinawa in this cliffside haven, where each moment is a step into a serene, picturesque world. 🏖️✨
CR:giorgioteti
Trip.com Influencer_EN
Beautiful Island ~ Okinawa
Nov 2023
First time visit to Okinawa, memorable trip for me! Okinawa is a famous for beautiful sea and white sand beaches. Took us 5 days to see the sights on one island. Love the local food & Orion beer 🍺 🥰
and best viewing sunset here!
Take only memories, leave only footprints.”
#2024wish go to Finland
Hope my dream come true
Evelyn Kow
⛩Japan | Okinawa 🌟American Village
👣In Okinawa, there is an authentic American village with a unique American style. The American village is a microcosm of the lives of Americans who stay in Okinawa.
❣️The American Village is located in Chatan-cho, northeast of Naha City, and is a city-style leisure town with an American atmosphere.
➿The "complete set of five internal organs" American village has a variety of shops, supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, and many amusement facilities. The Western cowboy style on the streets allows people to appreciate the exotic style of the bustling American West Coast without traveling far.
🎡The most iconic feature in the American Village is the 50-meter diameter Ferris wheel🎡 at the entrance. The tall and striking Ferris wheel🎡 can be seen from any corner of the American Village.
Okinawa is surrounded by the sea 🌊, and at the end of American Village lies a vast beach.
🌟Travel Tips🌟
✅Address: 15-69 Mihama, Chatan-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.
🚕Transportation method:
1. Take bus No. 20 (Nago West Line), No. 28 (Yomitan Chubu Line), No. 29 (Yomitan Kinan Line), or No. 120 (Nago West Airport Line) from Naha city to "Kuwan" station, then walk for about 3 minutes to reach the destination. The bus fare is about 700 yen.
2. Joining a one-day tour is more convenient.
💰Ticket: Free (Ferris wheel 500 yen/person)
Opening hours:
⏰All day (American Village)
11:00-21:00 (shops and restaurants), 11:00-23:00 (Ferris wheel)
griffith_4254
#tripaway Okinawa is infamous for its peach. Why not trying momo plucking while travel? Momo is peaches in Japanese. I thought the momo tree would be as tall as mangosteen tree but it wasn’t. It’s only as small as rose apple (Jambu air) tree and the momo is easy to be plucked. Just choose the biggest one and pull it gently. At the farm, we can taste two momos each. Yummy!! The momos are cream and red in colours and their taste are sweeter than sweets. I had never tasted momo all my life. I was so happy that we could bring the momos we plucked home as they have to be kept for 2-3 days before the fully ripe and ready to be eaten.
#tripaway
LGKMY
I want to feel the depth of a city
must participate in the local festival
is really great!
with mommy and daughter wearing a yukata to participate in the
integration into the locals festivals to feel the warm atmosphere,
This is the one I saw most people
fireworks are like meteors near From the sky
sitting on the beach, we
too good 50 minutes, have the opportunity to come to Japan must experience once.
Sanalee.
Every time I take a baby's trip, I can't wait to put my home in the packing bag.
Compared to staying at the hotel, Sana prefers to stay at the hotel! This is a set of seaside villas that are rented by the sea when you are traveling in Okinawa. It is really convenient. Baby products are all available.
You can let the children play with the sand and play tired and go back to the room to take a shower/ Hh / interest, drilling into tatami or tents for children to flip
night with a cute projector baby sleeping
home location is also very convenient, because Okinawa is A long island,
chooses in the middle, no matter where you go to the top aquarium or the lowest
airport, it won't be too far away. There is also a nice name in the homestay:
SEA YOU LATER
There are many fun places nearby such as 10,000 dolls, residual wave
A, Ryukyu Village, Zhenrong Tianyu.. ..... are very close to the airport from the high-speed to less than an hour, to the aquarium is not more than an hour, the entire highway is not traffic jam. Convenience store where you can walk, there is a big supermarket and many restaurants within 5 minutes by car. It can be said that the location is perfect.
Sanalee.
[cp] It is by the sea, above the cliff, shaped like an elephant's nose, but it is a grassland that can accommodate thousands of people. This is the 10,000-seat wool of Okinawa, Japan. It is the location of the Hong Kong film "Love Okinawa" and has become the place where most Okinawa games must be played.
This is not very big. I drove to the parking lot and walked for five minutes. The opposite is the tens of thousands of hairs that look like elephants and noses. Looking down, the sea is slap on the reef, and there is a piece of it. The waves of the film, there are many people coming here, from the entrance to the exit is a line, you can go out slowly along the crowd.
Cynthia wei.
This world has such a store
boss wife handmade candles h
beauty do not want!
personally help me to do Thai massage, massage is finished, there is a boss, a ceramic cup made by myself and a very beautiful hot tea on the plate, which has cured my tired travel with the baby and the bosss hand painting. !! Every time I see such a shop, I will tell the children that you dont need to be too powerful, do what you like, you can support yourself, and you can be very happy. If you open a small shop like this in the future, it is enough.
Sanalee.
Okinawas "Everyone" has a history of more than 100 years. The ramen and puffs here are very famous. Local friend Xiao Dai told me that because this place needs to be driven by car, few mainlanders can come and queue up all day. This is also It doesn't matter, it is the location of love. The environment is so beautiful.
may line up, business is too good
imissqingqing.
It is a good choice to go to Okinawa on New Year's Day, and there will not be many tourists. The Qingliang Islands on the island is a very good choice. From Okinawa Island to Ajia Island, we helped us pack a yacht through the homestay administrator. Vacations, privacy is very important. I usually like the charter in the economically allowed situation~
The dinner on the boat is really my catch, such as fake replacement! Sea fishing is not the only purpose of my trip to the sea. Diving is also a must-see. The last time I went to Okinawa, I went to see whale sharks. This time I went to see clownfish and corals. well? Its a great thing to have an OW diving license. Of course, if you have a diving guide on board, is there any relationship with a diving certificate? Anyway, he/she will take you to experience. Safety? There is also a safer place than Japan
Oh, you ask me if the temperature is 16 degrees, will it be cold? 5mm diving suit silk is no pressure, I am still worried about heat stroke... Although heatstroke is a joke, it is definitely not cold.
In Japan, most golf clubs are membership-based, so how do non-members experience golf? The B&B I live in is simply a omnipotent existence. The administrators strange request for me is actually accepted, and I cant accept it!
Sicilia_Yuan.
This is a private beach in Okinawa, Japan, about 15 minutes away from the Gu Yuli Bridge. There are clean beach lawns and sun loungers. When the sun is good, you can lie down here for an afternoon to see the tides.
My_Travel_Vest.
First Time in Okinawa: A Self-Driving Trip with Blue Skies and Clear Weather
Okinawa has many islands 🏝️, and there are few transportation options. Buses 🚌 are infrequent and take a long time, making it suitable for self-driving trips.
My first self-driving trip in Okinawa 🚗 was blessed with blue skies and clear weather.
I fell in love 😍 with Okinawa's daily blue skies and white clouds!
One of the itineraries: @Manzamo @Cape Zanpa Lighthouse
For self-driving trips, be aware that it gets dark early, and many areas have no street lights. Drive carefully.
Sueスー
Okinawa kokusai dori shopping street
I recently visited the Kokusai dori shopping street in Okinawa and had an amazing experience. I savored the local food and fresh seafood, which was absolutely delicious. The market was bustling with activity, and I got to immerse myself in the vibrant local culture. The friendly vendors and the lively atmosphere made the visit truly enjoyable. It was a fantastic way to experience Okinawa's unique charm and flavors.#okinawa #okinawatrip #okinawatravel #kokusaidori #沖繩 #沖繩景點 #沖繩旅遊
Martino Ho
Okinawa trip
Holidays at Okinawa is great. Nice natural, food and places. Our trip is in the end of October. We faced a little rain. Nice weather but sometimes are too sunny. You should prepare an umbrella and a cap for your trip. During time in Naha, we used monorail and walking. Going to other cities, renting a car is the best way. Most places in outside Naha city are free for parking and easy to find a parking place. We visited the followings
- Umikaji Terrace Senagajima, to see airplane landing in Naha Airport. There are many cafes and restaurants which open since 11am. The place is looks old, not new and beautiful like the past. Food and drinks are tourist price.
- American village ( in afternoon is so hot, recommend visiting in evening or late afternoon)
- Churaumi aquarium (paid ticket, better to advance purchase from any agency:-Klook, Trip), it is in a part of Ocean park. Except the aquarium tank, there are also Dolphins show and turtles. If you have more time, should visit Native Okinawa Village (free) and Orchids garden (Paid ticket)
- Cape Manzamo (free) , beautiful cape looks like elephant
- Zakimi Castle ruins (free), a one of World Heritage. This place is less tourist, good natural and nice place
- Fukushuen garden in Naha city, ticket fee 209yen. Anyway there is a cafe next to the ticket gate. If you use the cafe, it can enter to the garden with free of charge.
Vna BKK
Gorgeous nature at the valley of gangala 😀
_TT***31
If you're looking to buy souvenirs in Okinawa, these are the spots to check out!
○ American Village ○
The American Village, where you can find shops selling Ryukyu glass accessories and locally made soaps and fragrances, offers beautiful sunsets that will make your trip exciting.
○ The Giant Aeon Mall in Rycom ○
This is the most American-style Aeon Mall I've ever seen! The aquarium features tropical fish, Loft has many cute items that would make great Okinawan souvenirs, and the sports goods section is rich with swim gear, perfect for Okinawa. The multicultural food court and the unique local feel make this Aeon Mall different from those on the mainland.
○ Uruma Marche ○
A roadside station packed with delicious Okinawan foods. You can buy many local souvenirs here. The food court is filled with tasty options.
○ Happy More Market Tropical Store ○
For those who prefer natural products, this is the place to get your souvenirs. This supermarket is filled with natural items that let you experience the local Okinawan vibe.
○ Yomitan Village Pottery Tour ○
If you want to buy Yachimun (Okinawan pottery), head to Yomitan Village. The vibrant blue and green pottery, including Okinawan Makai bowls, make perfect souvenirs.
AIRY GROUND
Ryukyu Village is a great spot for taking photos with its traditional and charming atmosphere.
Ryukyu Village
💫💫💫💫💫
This place is very unique and has a traditional Okinawan feel. You can watch traditional Okinawan dance and drum shows, which are worth seeing! The village showcases many traditional Ryukyu houses and daily life items. If you want to experience wearing a kimono and taking photos, this is a perfect spot. It's a great place for those who love exploring different cultures to deeply understand Okinawan culture and life.
周伯
📍Address:chattan Okinawa
Sunar bibek
#100WaysOfTravel#trip #okinawatrip
jekawai
There is a kind of blue called Miyako Blue
Miyako Island, a niche island
Miyako Island belongs to Japan's remote islands. You can fly directly from Tokyo or transfer from Naha.
Perhaps because it has just been developed, there are not many tourists, mainly local Japanese residents.
First, the advantages: The seawater is really like jelly, not inferior to other top islands. The islanders are generally friendly, and the consumption on the island is reasonable. There are few people, and the experience is good, which is the most important for a vacation.
Disadvantages: You need to have a basic knowledge of Japanese, as some islanders are not good at English, especially for activities like snorkeling and seaside fun, where communication is only in Japanese. Infrastructure is average, and transportation is not very convenient, so you need to rent a car. Everything else depends on your preferences.
EllaTurner
Travel to Okinawa in August, this article is enough! Explore Okinawa!
August is really suitable for visiting Okinawa, the weather is good, the temperature is also pleasant, and you can check in at the Okinawa Jelly Sea 🌊 for a seaside vacation, it's simply too relaxing!
🏝 Recommended Check-in Spots
▫ Manzamo
You can see the sea and cliffs here 🖼 The cliff is a vast grassy area, and you can also see the unique Manzamo limestone plant group here.
▫ Kouri Island
Kouri Island is an outlying island of Okinawa ⛵ You can lie on the beach and watch the glass jelly sea. It is also rich in sea urchins and sea grapes 🐠 If you have the chance, you can try them.
▫ Churaumi Aquarium
Check in at the beautiful sea world that Crayon Shin-chan visited 🐬 The giant whale shark is very impressive, and the dolphin show is also worth seeing.
🏝 Itinerary
1⃣ Line A: Northern + Central Okinawa
D1 Manzamo - Kouri Island - Aquarium - American Village
D2 Southeast Botanical Gardens - Hoshino Resort Scenic Restaurant - Cape Zanpa - Roadside Station Kadena - Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom - Chatan American Village
2⃣ Line B: Northern + Southern Okinawa
D1 Manzamo - Kouri Island - Aquarium - American Village
D2 Chinen Cape Park - Okinawa World Cultural Kingdom Gyokusendo - Itoman Fish Market - Outlet Mall - Senaga Island
ShadowDancer1111111
Discover the Enchanting Island Paradise of Okinawa
Okinawa, Japan, is a captivating archipelago known for its unique blend of tropical beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant history. Located in the southernmost part of Japan, this island paradise offers a myriad of experiences for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion.
Okinawa's pristine beaches, with their powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, are perfect for sunbathing, snorkeling, and diving. The coral reefs surrounding the islands are teeming with colorful marine life, making it a diver's paradise. For those interested in history, Okinawa's historical sites such as Shurijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Okinawa Peace Memorial Park provide deep insights into the region's past, including its pivotal role in World War II.
The island's unique Ryukyu culture is evident in its traditional music, dance, and crafts, which can be experienced at local festivals and cultural centers. Visitors can explore the vibrant markets of Naha, the capital city, to sample Okinawan cuisine, which features distinctive dishes like goya champuru (bitter melon stir-fry) and sata andagi (sweet deep-fried buns).
For nature enthusiasts, the lush forests and scenic landscapes of Okinawa offer ample opportunities for hiking, exploring caves, and enjoying panoramic views. Whether you're soaking up the sun on a tranquil beach, diving into the underwater wonderland, or delving into the island's cultural treasures, Okinawa promises an unforgettable journey.
#japantrip #travelanywhere
Okinawa is full of great foods and beautiful nature and sleepless night life ^^
I have visited Okinawa more than 10 times in my life....but always excited whenever I watch beautiful emerald beaches and enjoy Okinawa soba and other traditional Okinawa foods....and have a fun in drinking with new friends in there ^^##Okinawa
beziter
Makiyama Observatory in Okinawa.
Every autumn, the migratory grey-faced buzzards that come to Irabu Island are a symbol of the island. The Makiyama Observatory is located at the highest point of Irabu Island, and its structure is designed to resemble the soaring posture of the grey-faced buzzards, offering visitors a 360-degree bird's-eye view of the entire island's landscape. From here, one can not only gaze upon Miyako Island, Ikema Island, and Kurima, but also take in the entire view of the Irabu Bridge.
crystalbibee
Miss The Beach in Okinawa
Okinawa is known for its stunning beaches, with some of the most popular ones being Emerald Beach, Sunset Beach, and Naminoue Beach. Each offers its own unique charm and beauty, ranging from crystal-clear waters to picturesque sunsets. #Okinawa #冲绳 #awesomepic #nofilter
Shereen Cheah
Impressions of Okinawa
Okinawa is located between Kyushu Island in Japan and Taiwan Province in China. Centered on the Ryukyu Islands, it is composed of the Miyako Islands, the Yaeyama Islands, and other islands. Numerous small islands form an arc along the mainland of China, with a land area accounting for about 0.6% of Japan's total area, ranking 44th among the 47 prefectures. Okinawa Prefecture has been a vassal state of China since ancient times, and the two sides have maintained friendly exchanges for more than 500 years. In 1879, it was annexed by Japan and became Okinawa Prefecture of Japan. My good friend Sun Tao always shows me beautiful photos.
Lucy.Moore^36
Encounter the stars and the blue sea of Okinawa in a 6-day seaside trip
🔮Okinawa is often referred to as the 'Hawaii of the East', each island has its own unique charm🏖. Iriomote Island where wildcats dwell🐱, the primitive charm of Taketomi Island, and the historical ruins of ancient Ryukyu🏛, are like a treasure chest of nature satisfying all beautiful yearnings and aspirations.
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【Encounter on the way】
✅Yaeyama Islands|West Coast Pier, Kibouin, Water Buffalo Cart, Okinawa Shisa, International Dark Sky Reserve, Iriomote Island
✅Okinawa Main Island|Churaumi Aquarium, Ryukyu Ancient City Ruins, Manzamo, Yomitan Pottery Village, Blue Cave, Coral Ryukyu Dyeing
✅Marine Activities|Fishing, Diving, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, Paragliding, Whale Watching, Underwater Walk, Mangrove Canoeing, etc.
✅Okinawa Festivals|Dragon Boat Race (May-June), Tug-of-War Festival (July-October), Eisa Drum Dance (August-September), Seed Gathering Festival (October), Fireworks Festival (April/July/October), Ryukyu Lantern Festival (December-March)
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【Accommodation】
🏡Nijigennomori Okinawa|Located in Yomitan Village, Naha, all rooms face the calm and shallow sea surrounded by coral reefs and a long private coastline. Experience the Japanese tatami living room, special seawater bath, and enjoy the original scenery of Okinawa.
🏡Nijigennomori Taketomi Island|On the roof sit various Okinawan lucky mascots Shisa, the single-story wooden villa with red tiles and low eaves echoes the traditional architecture of Taketomi Island with white walls and red tiles. You can also participate in various local experience projects.
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【Delicious Food】
🐮Ishigaki Beef|Ishigaki beef is delicious, with a suitable fat ratio, the meat is refreshing and not greasy, even the lean part has a unique flavor.
🤴🏻Court Cuisine|Taste red flower branch cuisine, steamed black sesame pork slices, burdock root roasted pork rolls and other exquisite court dishes of the Ryukyu royal banquet.
🍤Okinawa Seafood|Okinawa's waters are rich in fish, you can enjoy authentic seafood dishes such as sushi, sashimi, tempura.
🍶Okinawa Awamori|Originated in the 15th century, it was both a tribute from the Ryukyu Kingdom to China and Japan, and a local celebration and event wine.
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【Itinerary Overview】
🛬D1 Encounter the Starry Sky|Arrive at Ishigaki Island, take a boat to Taketomi Island: Free marine activities, night star watching
🎨D2 Traditional Culture|Taketomi local cultural experience, Kibouin, West Coast Pier, free marine activities
🐂D3 Ox Cart Sightseeing|Iriomote Island Nakama River Cruise, Yubu Island Water Buffalo Cart, go to Okinawa Main Island
🐋D4 Magical Animals|Churaumi Aquarium, Nakijin Castle, Manzamo, free marine activities
🎏D5 Leisurely Roaming|Coral dyeing, free activities in Naha city area
👋🏻D6 Farewell Okinawa|Return/Continue traveling to other cities in Japan
Hazel.Simmons@84
This Island in Japan Will Get Popular in 2024
We visited this serene island in Japan this year end and this destination will become a very popular tourist spot in 2024! Forget the tourist crowds - 2024 is the year to discover Okinawa, Japan’s hidden paradise!
Okinawa isn’t just about turquoise waters and pristine sands. Dive into the fun attractions and unique culture with glassblowing workshops, coral painting, and mouthwatering local specialties (way cheaper than most of Japan!). It is also family and stroller friendly!
Do follow me as I would be sharing more of our adventures in Okinawa and travel tips!
#2024wish #japan