Day 1 in Okinawa
Welcome to Okinawa! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!
We recommend you get acquainted with the city, take a leisurely walk around Naha the Island`s capital which is the entrance into Okinawa. Take a stroll down `Miracle Mile` aka Kokusai Street which is filled with over a mile of shops, restaurants, cafes, and pubs, this is a great place to grab some lunch and a refreshment to fuel up for the afternoon.
Make your way over to explore the Shurijo Castle which represents the glory of the Ryukyu Kingdom and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Wander the traditional gardens and grounds on the hilltop setting, and check out the Japanese style architecture and the spectacular views over Naha.
Head to the Tsuboya Pottery Museum which showcases the history of Tsuboya pottery, Okinawa is famous for its traditional pottery and this area is known as the pottery district. Stroll along the paved streets and do some window shopping at the quaint pottery shops found here.
From here visit the Okinawa Prefectural Museum featuring Okinawan art, natural history, human history, crafts, and folklore, here you can learn about the countries unique history and culture.
On your first evening in Okinawa head to the vibrant bustling main street in Naha, the capital city has plenty to offer with restaurants, cafes, and clubs. The nightlife here is said to be some of the best on the entire island, visit Sakurazaka which is a great area for bar hopping or check out Matsuyama which is situated close to Kokusai Street and packed with pubs, clubs, and bars with a vibrant island atmosphere.
Day 2 in Okinawa
Start your day exploring some more of the Ryukyuan `gusuku`s` (castles) of Okinawa, the Zakimi ruins are located on the west coast on a hilltop in Yomitan. Another UNESCO World Heritage site, originally building in the 1400`s only the walls and some of the foundations are still standing most of which have been restored. Explore the ruins along the walking trails and enjoy the stunning viewpoints that the site has to offer. You may also capture worshippers who gather here for their morning prayer while watching the sunrise.
Head further up the coast to Motobu Peninsula where the Nakijin Castle ruins lie, this was the second largest castle on the Island and the first Shuri Castle in Naha. The grounds here cover 14 acres with a mile long stretch of the castle walls if you are visiting between the middle of January and early February you will be able to view the breathtaking blooms of the Hikan cherry trees.
Also located on the Motobu Peninsula is Pineapple Park, a pineapple themed park filled with information on the history of the pineapple which was first grown commercially on the Island of Ishigaki back in the 1930`s. Take a tour on board a pineapple cart, enjoy plenty of free samples of pineapples dishes and drinks or visit the Palm Tree restaurant on site for traditional Okinawan cuisine and a special pineapple dessert.
The Okinawa Churamumi Aquarium sits within Ocean Expo Park on the Peninsula; this world-class aquarium is the second largest in the world and features one of the largest tanks in the world which is home to giant whale sharks measuring over 28ft long.
Emerald Beach sits right next door to the aquarium, a beautiful white sand beach with sparkling emerald green waters splashing on shore. This is the perfect setting to sit back and relax and enjoy the islands abundant beauty. Swim in the warm waters, sunbathe on the soft sands or enjoy water sports and beachside activities. Grab a bite to eat at the beachside snack shack and have a picnic in paradise.
Make your way south to Cape Manzama situated in Onna Village on top of a steep limestone cliff standing at 65ft tall. This is the perfect location to watch an Okinawan sunset, enjoy the breathtaking views from this symbolic nature spot with views of the transparent East China Sea.
After sunset head to the Mihama American Village located in the beachside area of Chatan, here you will find plenty of entertainment options for a fun night out. The American military bases are located close by and the village gives a home away from home vibe for the troops and their families. You will find American themed restaurants, a mall, a bowling alley, a movie theatre and a giant Ferris wheel. Eat dinner here and explore the village.
Day 3 in Okinawa
Start your day with a visit to the Okinawa Prefectural Peak Memorial Museum located in Itoman, on these grounds is where the final battle in Okinawa took place during the Second World War, which claimed the lives of 240,000 military and civilian personnel during the Pacific War in 1945. Explore the vast grounds where 32 memorial monuments can be found and see the artifacts held inside the grand museum.
Head over to Naha and check out the bustling Makishi Public Market, this is the largest and most popular market in the city. There are two floors in the building and the first floor is filled with fresh food including meats, seafood, and colorful produce all locally caught or grown on and around the island. The second floor is filled with Okinawan style eateries where you can sample local dishes and delicacies; you can also take your newly purchased food and have it cooked by the chefs (for an additional fee).
After lunch take a walk over to the Shikina-en Gardens which sit on a small hill in Naha, the land here covers over 10 acres filled with woods, gardens, walking trails, Chinese style pavilions and ponds. The gardens once belonged to the Okinawan Royal Family back in the late 1700`s and were awarded a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
For the rest of your afternoon and evening head to one of Okinawa`s famous beaches for a relaxing afternoon. There are plenty of beaches to choose from on this beautiful island some worth visiting are Sesoko Beach which is said to be one of the most beautiful in Asia, located on Sesoka Island surrounded by the stunning clear green waters and soft white sands, a great family beach with a shoaling beach. Yonehara Beach offers expansive lush coral reefs filled with vibrant marine life, a great snorkeling and diving destination.
Alternatively, you can head out to one of the surrounding islands for the afternoon. Zamimi Island sits around 24 miles west of Naha, a large island featuring beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters with visibility that goes down to 30 meters at times making this the perfect destination to swim, snorkel, scuba or fish. Visit Zamami Village with restaurants, shops, and attractions, explore the island`s lush forested interior by bicycle or motorcycle as there are no cars allowed. If you visit between January and March go on a whale watching excursion, Humpback whales travel to these waters each year to give birth and raise their young. Spend your last evening in a relaxing beachside environment where you can enjoy the sunset, some cocktails and a traditional Okinawan meal under the stars.
Additional Days in Okinawa
Should you be able to spend additional days in Okinawa be sure to check out the Okinawa Zoo which is home to over 1,000 animals including elephants, lions, mammals, reptiles, and birds with three different zones including a Children`s Wonder Museum, Nature Land and Children`s Center.
Visit Sefa-utaki which translates to a `Purified Place of Utaki` this is an important sacred site of the indigenous Okinawan religion. Situated on Cape Chine overlooking Kudaka Island with a shrine set on the hillside that overlooks several rock formations and caves, another of Okinawa`s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Your Last Day in Okinawa
Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.