20 Amazing Things to do in Okinawa
“Have you ever floated above water so clear, it feels like you’re suspended in air? I still remember my first time at Kabira Bay—watching starfish glide beneath the glass-bottom boat like something out of a dream.
That’s Okinawa for you: Japan’s tropical secret, where every turn reveals something magical, from UNESCO-listed castles to coral gardens teeming with sea turtles.Let
With over 160 islands, planning the perfect Okinawa trip can feel overwhelming (I’ve been there!). Should you snorkel the Kerama Islands, trek Iriomote’s jungles, or lose track of time in Naha’s Kokusai Street food stalls?
That’s why I’ve rounded up the 20 Amazing things to do in Okinawa—whether you’re craving adventure (swimming with manta rays!), culture (Eisa dance performances!), or that life-changing bowl of Okinawa soba. Trust me, the purple sweet potato ice cream alone is worth the flight. Ready to explore?”
1. Relax at Kabira Bay (Glass-Bottom Boat Tour)
One of the most memorable moments was looking through the glass-bottom boat at Kabira Bay; it felt as if I were floating above a living aquarium!
This postcard-pretty locale on Ishigaki Island is known for its impossibly clear waters, which are so transparent you can see all the way down to the sand when you’re even several meters aloft.
The bay is designated a protected marine park, so you can’t swim (to protect its pristine ecosystem), but that only makes the 30-minute dip-inducing, glass-bottom boat tour all the more special.
As we floated along the turquoise waters, I watched giant clams, school after school of friendly tropical fish and even a graceful stingray fluttering below.
It’s so clear you can shake your head and worry that someone put a giant filter in there! Local guides provide fascinating information about the marine life and coral formations you’re observing below.
Pro Tips for Your Visit:
- Book the first tour of the day (around 9am) when the water is calmest and visibility is at its peak
- Pair your boat tour with lunch at one of the bay-view cafes – their Ishigaki beef curry is legendary!
- Don’t miss the nearby Kabira Bay Observation Deck for breathtaking panoramic views
- Visit between April-June when the weather is perfect and crowds are smaller
The whole experience is blissfully low-key — no snorkel equipment required, just relax and let Okinawa’s underwater wonders come to you.
It’s the ideal way to experience Ishigaki’s amazing underwater world for the first time, particularly for families or those who may not feel comfortable getting wet but want to take in some marine beauty.
2. Snorkel or Dive in the Kerama Islands
Until this day, I can still recall the rush of adrenaline in me – my mask was fogging up simply because I was so excited to first get into the water of the Kerama Islands!
With some of Japan’s most spoken-of snorkeling and dive sites by far, González said, the islands are a quick 30-minute ferry ride from Naha. The visibility here is just unreal, masto reaching 50 meters on calm days — it’s like swimming in liquid glass!
Tokashiki Island is my personal favorite: there I had the stupefying experience of floating alongside elegant sea turtles at Aharen Beach.
The coral gardens here are alive with colour, with the blues of clownfish zipping in and out of anemone, electric-blue damselfish, and, if your luck is in, a majestic manta ray passing through.
The calmer currents lend themselves to optimal drift snorkeling, allowing visitors to effortlessly glide over underwater scenery deserving of a nature documentary.
Pro Tips for an Unforgettable Time:
No need to lug your own, rent good kit from beachside shacks (around ¥2,000 for full set)
Snorkel Routes At Aharen Beach Follow The Buoy Lines That Are Marked
Go: December-April, when migratory humpback whales often cross paths with guests
Catch the earlier ferry to avoid the crowds and the choppier waters
Let fish come to you and do not touch coral or chase marine life
Bring waterproof sunscreen, apply often — the tropical sun is strong Pack waterproof sunscreen, and apply regularly — the tropical sun is strong
For divers, the Keramas serve up spectacular wall dives and mysterious underwater caves. The famous “Kerama Blue” color of water has to be seen to be believed — it no longer looks even remotely similar to the shade of blue I’ve encountered in any of my previous dives. Whether you’re a novice snorkeler or a veteran diver, you will be completely awed by these islands.
3. Visit Cape Manzamo
When I turned around the corner to see Cape Manzamo for the first time, I actually gasped – it was that beautiful! This spectacular natural marvel on Okinawa’s main island features a giant elephant-shaped rock formation dramatically extending into the turquoise East China Sea.
Local legend says that members of the Ryukyu Kingdom used to gather here to perform sacred rituals, and standing on the edge of the cliff you can truly feel the spiritual energy of this special site.
What makes Cape Manzamo truly magical is the way the colors change as the day progresses. I had planned my visit so that as the sun dippe`d below the horizon my view was of the silky pink and orange cotton candy sky, perfectly framed by the silhouette of thetop of the cliffs. Hike to the top for breathtaking views that will keep your camera clicking - it’s all picture perfect!
Best Tips For an Unforgettable Experience:
TuPrioritize the Light – Arrive 60-90 minutes (or more) before sunset to get the prime view and witness the going from many hues to none.
🍦 Sweet Treats -Pick up a famous Blue Seal ice cream (purple sweet potato flavor highly recommended) from the vendor by the parking lot
📸 Photos – A KTMB train bound for Ipoh is seen on the left of Tanjung Malim platform as passengers poised to take the shot of so-called elephant-shaped rock formation
👗 Dress Smart – Bring a light jacket; it can be breezy on the cliffs, and wear comfortable shoes for the short walk
🚗 Transport Tip – Rent a car for flexibility or take bus #20 from Naha (1 hour approx)
🌊 Bonus View – The view of the little beach in the curve below the cliffs (you can get down to it via stairs)
Local Tip: Most tour groups visit midday, but savvy travelers realize the golden hour just before sunset is when Cape Manzamo comes alive. The ritual of enjoying Okinawan ice cream as the sun set behind that horizon is something I’ll never forget.
4. Explore Iriomote Island’s Jungle (River Cruise/Kayaking)
When my kayak first slipped into the dark mangrove tunnels of Iriomote, I half-expected a dinosaur to crash through the vines — such is the wild, primordial feel of this island!
Covering nearly 90 percent of Okinawa’s second-largest island, these dense jungles are home to rare beasts that can’t be found anywhere else on Earth, including the elusive Iriomote wildcat (of which only about 100 remain).
My favorite part of my Okinawa trip became the Urauchi River cruise and kayak adventure! As we paddled through the silent mangrove forests, our guide gestured to the well-designed home behind the iron gate:
The endangered Yambaru kuina birds’ electric-blue flash of feathers
Roots of mangroves twist like gargantuan sculptures
Freshwater crabs scurrying along the shores
The adventure peaks with a revitalizing hike to Pinaisara Falls, where you can swim in translucent jungle pools. I’ll never forget how jarring that first cold splash was after sweating my way through the humid woods!
Jungle Explorer’s Checklist:
🐊 Tour Tip: Select the 4-hour combo tour with both the river cruise and that hikes the falls
🌿 Clothes: Quick dry clothes, waterproof bag, solid water shoes (absolutely no flip-flops!)
🦟 Mosquito Protection: Powerful repellent (30% DEET and up) and long sleeves in mangroves
🧰 Camera prep: Waterproof case or dry bag — humidity is harsh on tech If you want to connect additional cameras, gardens, etc.
💦 Water: 2L each— jungle heat wil drain you faster than you think
🚤 Alternative: For less active voyagers, motorized boat tours can take you upriver.
Insider Tip: Go in May-June, when the falls are at their strongest, or September-October, when crowds thin but the weather stays nice. Morning tours fend off both the heat and the tourist buses coming from Ishigaki.
Whether it’s paddling through mangrove-maze labyrinths by kayak, searching for exotic wildlife with a camera or swimming under jungle waterfalls, Iriomote offers an adventure you’ll be talking about for years.
Keep in mind — this is not a manicured nature park, but a living and breathing wilderness that deserves respect (and lots of bug spray!)
5. Stargaze on Miyako Island – Where the Milky Way Dazzles
The first time I reclined on the velvety white sand of Yonaha Maehama Beach and gazed up, my jaw was literally on the ground — I’ve never seen so many stars in my life!
Miyako Island’s night skies are so clear and unpolluted that the Milky Way shimmers in blade-sharp clarity, a river of diamonds coursing through the heavens.
What really blew my mind? I could read this cosmic show perfectly with just the night mode of my mobile phone, no rockstar camera needed!
How to Get the Most Out of Celestial Viewing:
🌠 Prime Time: The best time is May-October when the galactic core is at its brightest (August’s Perseid meteor shower is out of this world!)
🌌 Best Viewing Areas: Yonaha Maehama Beach or Ikema Island Bridge for 360° unobstructed view
🔦 Essentials Packing List:
Red-lite flashlight (helps keep night vision)
Inflatable beach chair or blanket
Light jacket (might get windy at night)
Caraf of hot tea or coffeeThermos of hot tea or coffee
⏰ Timing is Everything: Arrive by 10pm, but stick around until 1-2am to experience the darkest skies and best visibility
Local Insight: The moon is a powerful player — time your trip for a new moon phase, when the sky is at its darkest. I made the mistake once of going during a half-moon, and, while still pretty, really doesn’t hold a candle to my moonless visit, when the stars felt close enough to reach out and touch!
Bonus: You can also pair stargazing with an evening kayak tour through neighboring coral reefs filled with luminescent plankton — it’s paddling through stardust!
6. Tour Shuri Castle – Step into Okinawa’s Royal Past
Walking through the splendid vermilion gates of Shuri Castle, the modern world melted away—until the excited chatter of students on field trips reignited my understanding that I was not, in fact, a royal of the Ryukyu Kingdom!
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, the political and cultural heart of the Ryukyu Kingdom from 1429 to 1879, was painstakingly rebuilt following its destruction in World War II and a fire in 2019, with every detail restored using traditional techniques.
Why Shuri Castle Is Special:
The Seiden (Main Hall)’s lacquer- and gold-laden decor is dramatic and completely different from mainland Japanese castles
The stone archway of the Kankaimon Gate, a curved structure with Chinese and Okinawan influence
The smooth stone pathways, worn smooth by centuries of royal processions
Pro Tips for Your Visit:
🎎 Cultural Performances: Daily Ryukyu dance shows (11am & 2pm) — arrive 30 mins early for front-row seats
📸 Best Photo Spots:
Kankaimon Gate, showing overhead view
Beneath the dragon pillars of Seiden’s grand staircase
At sunset the golden light hits the red roofs of the castle walls
🎧 Audio Guide Worth It? Absolutely! For just ¥500 the rental brings the castle’s history alive
🚌 Getting There: Yui Rail monorail to Shuri Station (15-min uphill walk)
Local Tip: If you go in April, visit during the Shuri Castle Festival, when the grounds are animated with traditional music and costumed parades. And don’t miss the nearby Shureimon Gate—it’s on the ¥2000 yen bill!
7. Walk Through Okinawa World & Gyokusendo Cave
When I first stepped into the gaping mouth of Gyokusendo Cave, I stopped in the opening to let my eyes adjust — not only to the dim lighting, but also to the sheer size of this underground wonderland! With over 5km of passages (850m accessible to the public), this limestone labyrinth contains:
💎 Formations of another world – Dripping stalactites like melted wax
🕊 Mirror in the water – Still waters reflecting ancient rocks
🌀 The “Golden Flowstone” — A Thrilling Golden-Shade of Waterfall of Stone
Above Ground at Okinawa World:
🎎 Experience the culture – Bingata dyeing (Okinawa’s colorful textile art), awamori distilling
🍍 Sample local flavors – Get adventurous with habushu (snake-infused liquor), or go for fresh pineapple wine
👹 Shisa workshops – Create your own Okinawan lion-dog guardian
Smart Visitor Strategies:
🎟️ Ticket hack: Buy the “All-Access Pass” (¥2,200) online in advance to avoid the ticket queues
⏰ Timing Tip: Head at opening (9am) to visit the cave crowd-free
👟 What to Wear: non-slip shoes (the paths get slippy) and a light jacket (21°C cave temp)
📸 Photo Spots:
The cave’s spectacular “Dragon Ceiling” chamber
The red-tiled roofs of the traditional Ryukyu village
The Habu Pit (if you can handle venomous snake feeding time!)
Local Secret: Visit during off-peak hours (weekday afternoons) when the cultural demonstrations are less crowded. The cave maintains a constant temperature, making it an ideal refuge from the midday heat that often descends on Okinawa or sudden rain showers.
8. Visit the Peace Memorial Park – A Profound Journey Through Okinawa’s WWII History
As I brushed my fingers over the endless rows of inscribed names covering the Cornerstone of Peace memorial, each representing a life lost during the Battle of Okinawa, the humid island air felt thick with history.
This sprawling, 50-acre park in Itoman is not merely a memorial, but rather a visceral dialogue between past and present, where quiet, expansive ocean views gnaw at the brutal history they observed.
What Makes This Site So Emotional:
• The Cornerstone of Peace — 240,000+ names etched into rippling waves of granite walls (including civilians and troops from all nations)
• The Peace Memorial Museum — Personal artifacts that tell the human stories behind the statistics
• The “Himeyuri Monument” — There is a monument for student nurses who died in the battle
• The Reimei no To Tower — for sweeping views that feel inaccessible from a battlefield this used to be
Planning Your Visit:
🚍 Transport tips: Bus #89 from Naha takes one hour (and is free) or drive (and free parking).
🎧 Essential Audio Guide: The free, multilingual device provides important context (on offer at museum entrance)
⏳ Time Required: 2-3 hours to thoroughly enjoy the site
🌅 Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon when the setting sun throws a golden hue on the memorials
💧 Bring: Water, tissues and good walking shoes
Local Tip: Make sure to go on June 23rd — Okinawa Memorial Day — when thousands of paper lanterns are floated offshore in remembrance, making it one of the most poignant sights you’ll ever see.
Peace Memorial Park Okinawa, Battle of Okinawa sites, Itoman historical sites, Okinawa WWII history, Japanese war memorials
Pro tip: Don’t skip the adjacent “Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum” (allows free admission) — its testimonials from survivors and relics from the war provide much-needed context.
Visitor Alert: “Although emotionally heavy,” the park’s design — its ocean views and quiet reflection spots — “offers moments of peace amid the painful history.” Be ready to reflect, learn, and remember.
9. See Nakijin Castle Ruins – Where History Meets Breathtaking Beauty
As I ascended the ancient stone steps of Nakijin Castle at dawn, my fingers brushing against centuries-old moss, I froze — a panorama of the East China Sea spread out before me, glowing gold in the morning light, framed to perfection by the castle’s iconic arched gate.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site from the 13th century isn’t another hole in the ground, it is a time machine to the Ryukyu Kingdom era, with treats waiting around every corner.
Why Nakijin Stands Out:
🌸 Winter Cherry Blossoms — Japan’s earliest sakura site (mid-January to February)
🌊 Dramatic Coastal Views — 360° vistas from 100m-high cliffs once patrolled by kings
🏯 Unique Architecture – The longest castle walls in Okinawa (1.5km) which combines Chinese style & Ryukyu style
🦅➕ Wild Animal Bonus — Ospreys and seagulls nesting in the cliffs below
Pro Tips for Your Visit:
📅 Best Time to Come:
January-February for cherry blossoms (opens 8am during bloom season)
Mornings on a weekday to avoid the crowds
Golden hour between sunset and twilight
📸 Photography Secrets:
Use the Nakanohashi bridge to create a leading line to the sea
Frame the ocean through the “Hokuden” gate
Close-up on crystal waters of sacred spring “Ufugui”
🚗 Getting There:
90-min drive from Naha (rent a car on a budget)
Alternatively, you can take bus #65/66 from Nago Bus Terminal
Local Insight: The castle is especially alive during the January “Nakijin Gusuku Festival,” when traditional Eisa dances take place against the castle’s floral backdrop. And check out the small museum — its scale model gives you an idea of the castle’s former grandeur!
10. Experience a Traditional Eisa Dance Show – Feel the Pulse of Okinawan Culture
Just that single, thunderous boom of the taiko drum resonating into my chest and I was hooked – Eisa dance isn’t a performance but a full-bodied cultural experience and it’ll have you moving regardless of whether you planned to!
I’ll always remember when I first got to see an Obon season show where colorful dancers in bright kimonos and rice straw hats (mingei kasa) twirled with such choreographic precision and strength that they incited the entire audience to go wild with spontaneous cheering.
Why Eisa Will Captivate You:
• The Heart-Pounding Rhythm – Synchronized drumming that vibrates through your bones
• Colorful Visual Spectacle – Dancers in traditional bingata-dyed costumes and demon masks
• Audience Participation – Many shows end with viewers invited to learn basic moves
• Spiritual Roots – Originally performed to guide ancestral spirits during Obon
Best Places to Catch a Performance:
🎪 Festival Highlights:
- Naha Orion Beer Festival (July) – Massive outdoor shows with free-flowing local beer
- Obon Celebrations (August) – Authentic neighborhood performances across Okinawa
- Shuri Castle – Regular cultural shows in an epic historical setting
🏡 Intimate Experiences:
- Ryukyu Mura – Daily shows where you can try the costumes afterward
- Local Community Centers – Smaller venues with passionate amateur groups
Pro Tips for the Best Experience:
👘 Dress: Light, breathable clothes (summer shows get HOT!)
📅 Timing: Arrive 30+ minutes early for front-row spots at popular festivals
📸 Photography: Ask before filming—some sacred dances prohibit recording
💃 Join In: Don’t be shy when they invite audience participation—the basic “kachashi” steps are easy to pick up
Local Secret: For a truly special experience, visit the Tondoukan Theater in Naha for professional evening performances paired with traditional Okinawan dinners.
11. Try Okinawa Soba – A Noodle Revelation You Didn’t See Coming
’ll admit it—I committed the ultimate foodie faux pas when I first saw Okinawa soba. “Where’s the buckwheat?” I asked, completely unprepared for the delicious deception.
What arrived instead was a steaming bowl of thick, wheat-based noodles swimming in a rich pork broth that smelled like a hug from a Japanese grandmother.
The first slurp was a revelation—tender fall-off-the-bone spare ribs, a perfectly boiled egg, and that signature pink-and-white spiral fish cake (kamaboko) that tastes way better than it looks.
Why This Dish Will Surprise You:
🍜 The Noodle Truth: Made from wheat (not buckwheat), these thick, chewy noodles are closer to udon than mainland soba
🍖 Signature Toppings:
- Soki (braised pork ribs) so tender they melt off the bone
- Koregusu – Okinawan chili oil that adds a slow-building heat
- Beni shoga – Those vibrant pink pickled ginger strips that cut through the richness
🥢 Cultural Twist: Originally a royal dish, now Okinawa’s ultimate comfort food
Where to Find the Best Bowls:
🏆 Yamagiya (Naha) – The gold standard since 1948, with broth simmered for 3 days
🍜 Kishimoto Shokudo (Nago) – Famous for their “Okinawa soba teishoku” set meals
🏝️ Local Secret: Small shops near Kokusai Street’s side alleys often have the most authentic versions
Pro Tips for First-Timers:
- Slurp Loudly – It cools the noodles and enhances flavor (really!)
- Customize It – Add shichimi pepper or extra koregusu to taste
- Try All Three Styles:
- Soki soba (with pork ribs)
- Teuchi soba (handmade noodles)
- Yaeyama soba (thinner noodles from Ishigaki)
12. Taste Goya Champurū – Okinawa’s Love Letter to Bitter Melon
I eyed the plate of wrinkled green goya (bitter melon) with grave suspicion — until my Okinawan host grandmother winked and said, “Just one bite.
That first bite was a flavor roller coaster: an initial bitter wallop that somehow turned into something savory, slightly sweet and entirely addictive when mingled among the fluffy eggs, crispy Spam and silky tofu. This stir-fry has become a weekly craving!
Why Goya Champurū Wins Hearts:
🥢 The Magic Alchemy – Bitterness balanced by:
• Creamy Okinawan tofu (softer than mainland versions)
• Salty Spam (legacy of American military influence)
• Sweetish egg binding it all together
🌱 Health Legend – Locals swear it prevents summer fatigue (science confirms bitter melon regulates blood sugar!)
🔥 Cooking Secret – Salt-rubbing the sliced goya reduces bitterness by 30%
Where to Try the Best Versions:
🏆 Daiichi Kosho (Naha) – Their “3-egg champurū” is legendary
🍳 Makishi Market 2nd Floor – Watch chefs whip it up at tiny counter stalls
🏡 Local Izakayas – Look for the sizzle sound and distinctive aroma
DIY Like a Local:
- Prep Hack – Buy pre-sliced goya at Makishi Market (look for lighter green = less bitter)
- Spam Tip – Use “Lite Spam” to avoid over-salting
- Tofu Trick – Press excess water out with paper towels for better texture
- Final Touch – A drizzle of katsuobushi (bonito flakes) adds umami magic
13. Sip Awamori – Okinawa’s Liquid History in a Glass
That first mouthful of awamori burned my throat like a tsunami as I cried and my elderly Okinawan bartender jiggled his eyebrows morosely and passed my a glass of water.
“Begin with mizuwari,” he recommended, diluting the clear liquor with ice and then water to dial down its intensity. What started as a bit of a challenge soon turned into an obsession as I uncovered the complicated world of Okinawa’s signature spirit.
Why Awamori is Unlike Any Other Drink:
• Ancient Roots – Distilled since the 15th century using Thai-style black koji mold
• Aging Magic – Some premium bottles mature in clay pots for over 25 years
• Versatile Flavors – From young, crisp varieties to aged “kusu” with caramel notes
How to Enjoy It Like a Local:
🥃 Beginner’s Order: “Mizuwari” (with water/ice) or “oyuwari” (with hot water in winter)
🍹 Cocktail Try: “Awamori sour” with local shikuwasa citrus
🧊 Purist Style: Neat in a tiny “chibuguwa” cup
Must-Visit Spots:
🏭 Zuisen Distillery (Naha) – See the 100-year-old kusu aging cellar
🍸 Bar Emix (Kokusai St) – Their awamori flight pairs with Okinawan tapas
🛒 Don Quijote (Naha) – Surprisingly great selection of rare bottles
Pro Tips for New Drinkers:
- Start Young – Try a 3-year “hanasaki” before graduating to aged varieties
- Sniff First – The aroma reveals earthy, tropical, or smoky notes
- Pair Right – Perfect with Okinawan pork dishes or bitter melon
- Bottle Hunt – Look for “kame” (turtle) symbols indicating premium aging
14. Visit Kokusai Street – Okinawa’s Sensory Overload Paradise
I stepped onto Kokusai Street expecting a typical tourist strip — what I got was a vibrant assault on the senses that found me at once devouring purple sweet potato-flavored Ice cream, weaving past energetic Eisa drummers and gawking at jars of habu snake sake (snakes and all still inside).
This mile-long “International Street” is the beating heart of Okinawa, its quirky personality animated beneath strings of red lanterns.
Why You’ll Fall in Love With Kokusai Street:
• Daytime Browsing – From traditional bingata textiles to T-shirts with sassy shisa dogs
• Nighttime Energy – Live Okinawan folk music spills from izakayas with no cover charge
• Edible Adventures – Sample everything from sea grape tempura to beniimo tarts
Must-Do Experiences:
🛍️ Shopping Secrets:
- Heiwa Dori Alley – Authentic souvenirs at half the main street prices
- Makishi Public Market – Watch them butcher entire tuna at 9am
- Duty-Free Stores – Great deals on Japanese skincare
🍢 Street Food Crawl:
- Start with rafute (slow-cooked pork belly) at Nishimura Shokudo
- Try “taco rice” – Okinawa’s ingenious mashup at King Tacos
- Finish with Blue Seal’s purple sweet potato milkshake
Pro Tips for Navigating Like a Local:
⏰ Best Times:
- Mornings (8-10am) for market action
- Evenings (6pm+) for free live music
🚶 Walking Hack: Use side streets to bypass crowds
💴 Cash is King – Many small vendors don’t take cards
🎁 Souvenir Idea: Small awamori bottles with habu snakes inside (yes, really!)
15. Enjoy Blue Seal Ice Cream – Okinawa’s Sweetest American Legacy
I strolled into Blue Seal vowing “just one scoop” — thirty minutes later, purple-stained lips and three empty cups sat in a stack before me.
What started as an American military PX treat in 1948 has grown into Okinawa’s beloved ice cream empire, where creamy perfection meets traditional island flavors.
And that first bite of beniimo (purple sweet potato) was a revelation — as if someone turned Thanksgiving pie into frozen velvet.
Why Blue Seal Beats Regular Ice Cream:
🍠 Local Flavors You Can’t Find Elsewhere:
- Beniimo – Earthy-sweet Okinawan purple potato
- Shikuwasa – Tart citrus that makes your mouth pucker happily
- Salt Lemon – Like a fizzy cocktail in ice cream form
🇺🇸 Nostalgic American Classics: - Rich “Super Chocolate” that puts stateside versions to shame
- Perfectly balanced “Vanilla” for purists
Must-Try Ordering Hacks:
🍦 The “Powerful” Cup – Five mini-scoops to maximize flavor testing
🍨 Secret Menu Item: Ask for “chinsuko crumbs” mixed in (Okinawan cookie bits)
🥥 Dairy-Free Option: Coconut milk-based pineapple flavor
Best Locations for the Full Experience:
📍 Kokusai Street Flagship – Try limited-edition flavors
🌊 American Village (Chatan) – Eat with ocean views from the rooftop deck
🛒 Naha Airport – Last-chance cones before your flight
16. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium – Where You’ll Feel Like You’ve Dived Into the Ocean
I’ll never forget that first moment entering the viewing area of the Kuroshio Tank — my neck craned and craning as a 8.5-meter whale shark glided silently overhead, the enormous shadow passing over my face like a living eclipse.
And this is not just an aquarium, it is one of the few places on earth where whale sharks (the gentle giants of the ocean) wash up in captivity, swimming with manta rays in a tank so enormous that other aquariums seem like goldfish bowls.
What Makes Churaumi Unmissable:
🐋 The Kuroshio Tank – Holding 7,500 tons of water with:
- 4 enormous whale sharks
- Dozens of majestic manta rays
- Schools of tuna that flash like silver torpedoes
🌊 Open Ocean Exhibit – Designed so you feel underwater with floor-to-ceiling glass
🎭 Daily Shows – Dolphins that leap to traditional Okinawan music
Secret Spots Most Visitors Miss:
🔍 The Coral Farm – Where they’re regrowing Okinawa’s dying reefs
🦈 Shark Research Lab – See scientists tag baby sharks
🌅 Sunset Deck – Best place to watch the tank glow golden at dusk
Pro Strategies for Your Visit:
⏰ Timing is Everything:
- 8:30am arrival beats 90% of crowds
- 10am/3pm feeding times = most active whale sharks
- Weekdays in rainy season (May-June) = empty viewing areas
🎟️ Ticket Hack: Buy the Ocean Park combo pass for aquarium + Emerald Beach
👶 For Families: Stroller rentals available, but go early before they run out
17. Whale Watching (Dec-Apr) – An Oceanic Symphony You’ll Feel in Your Bones
The instant our captain shut the engine 20 minutes offshore, I felt it — a deep rumble, a “OOOOOOH” that echoed in the hull of the boat before a 40-ton humpback erupted vertically from the ocean, its barnacle-scarred belly glistening in the winter sun.
More than 300 humpbacks descend on the warm waters of the Kerama Islands each winter to breed and nurse calves in what I would argue is Okinawa’s best wildlife performance.
Why This Experience Will Stay With You Forever:
🐋 Breaching Giants – Watch 15m adults launch 90% of their bodies skyward (December-February peak activity)
👶 Baby Whale Playtime – Spot curious calves practicing tail slaps (best March-April)
🎶 Hydrophone Magic – Hear their otherworldly songs through underwater microphones
Choosing Your Adventure:
🚤 Raft-Style Boats (Kerama Whale Club) – Gets you closest to the action
⛴ Larger Catamarans – Better for those prone to seasickness
🐬 Combo Tours – Some include dolphin spotting on return trips
Pro Tips For Best Viewing:
📅 Prime Time: Book mid-January to mid-March for calmer seas and active whales
🌅 Morning Tours – Calmer winds and better lighting for photos
🧴 Motion Sickness Prep: Take meds 1 hour before departure (trust me!)
📸 Camera Settings: Use burst mode – breaches happen in milliseconds
18. Manta Ray Snorkeling (Ishigaki) – Dance with Ocean Angels
I jumped off the boat backward into the deep blue the way I’ve done a thousand times before, but this time my heart was pounding (not even the cold water could quell the adrenaline) — and then a shadow appeared below me, darker than the ocean itself.
A 10-foot-wide manta ray, its wings rippling like a living cape, flew directly toward my face, banking just in time to avoid it. At Ishigaki’s legendary “Manta Scramble” cleaning station, these gentle giants get so close you can count the remoras grabbing rides on their bellies.
Why This is Okinawa’s Most Magical Marine Encounter:
🦈 Year-Round Action – Unlike seasonal whale watching, mantas visit daily
🌀 Cleaning Station Ballet – Watch small fish groom the mantas’ undersides
🤿 Accessible to All – Strong swimmers and newbies alike can enjoy (life jackets available)
Best Times & Spots:
🌊 Prime Conditions: May-Oct for calmest seas (but great year-round)
📍 Top Sites:
- Manta Scramble (most reliable)
- Kabira Bay outer reef (less crowded)
- Kuroshima Island (for adventurous divers)
Pro Tips for an Unforgettable Experience:
📷 Gear Up Right:
- Rent a GoPro with floaty handle (¥1,500)
- Use red filter for deeper colors
- Set to 4K/60fps for smooth footage
👙 What to Wear: - Full wetsuit (even in summer – you’ll float motionless for long periods)
- Bright fins/snorkel so your group can spot you
🐠 Etiquette: - Never chase or touch – let mantas approach you
- Minimize splashing – they’re sensitive to noise
19. Day Trip to Taketomi Island – A Living Postcard of Old Okinawa
As the wooden wheels of my water buffalo cart creaked over crushed coral streets, I pinched myself — was this for real? The time-capsule charm of Taketomi hit me like a ton of bricks: star-shaped sand creeping beneath my feet, ruby-red hibiscus flowers spilling over white limestone walls, and the twang of a sanshin (Okinawan shamisen) carried over the salty air.
This 3km-wide island, which sits next to Ishigaki, is so perfectly preserved to Ryukyu traditions it’s like wandering around in a Ghibli film come to life.
Why Taketomi Feels Magical:
🏡 Architecture Frozen in Time:
- Traditional red-tiled houses with shisa roof guardians
- Coral stone walls that glow at sunset
- White sand streets (no pavement allowed!)
🐃 Buffalo Cart Rides: The 30-minute tour includes Okinawan folk songs from your driver
Must-Do Experiences:
🌺 Rent a Bicycle – Pedal to secluded Kaiji Beach (10 mins from village)
🔍 Star Sand Hunting – Hoshizuna-no-hama beach’s tiny star-shaped fossils
🎨 Shisa Painting – Create your own at one of the family-run workshops
🌅 Sunset at Kondoi Beach – Powder-soft sand and emerald waters
Pro Tips for Your Visit:
⛴ Ferry Info:
- 10-min ride from Ishigaki (¥1,380 roundtrip)
- Last return ferry at 5:30pm
🚲 Transport: - Walk the village (tiny!)
- Rent bikes at the port (¥500/2hr)
- Skip the electric carts – too fast for this slow-paced island
20. Visit Zamami Island – Okinawa’s Secret Slice of Paradise
I had to pinch myself when I first set foot on Furuzamami Beach’s powder-soft sand — the water was so turquoise I wondered if I was still in Japan, or even if it was photoshopped!
Zamami: This small jewel in the Kerama archipelago offers Maldivian-quality beaches 50 minutes from Naha, without the crowds.
I spent one magical afternoon swimming over coral gardens alive with parrotfish, then hiking to panoramic vistas where the ocean stretched on to the horizon in every shade of blue.
Why Zamami Steals Hearts:
🏝️ Beach Bliss:
- Furuzamami – 700m of white sand with rainbow reefs just offshore
- Ama Beach – Secluded cove perfect for paddleboarding
- Tokashiku Lookout – Instagram-worthy vista of five beaches at once
🐢 Marine Magic: - Year-round sea turtle sightings (they nest May-Aug)
- December-April whale watching from shore
- Some of Japan’s best shore snorkeling
Local-Approved Itinerary:
⛴ Morning: Take the 8am Queen Zamami ferry
🤿 10am-2pm: Snorkel + beach time (rent gear at Marine House Seasir)
⛰️ 3pm: Hike to Takatsuki Viewpoint (25 mins uphill)
🍹 5pm: Sunset cocktails at The Moon beach cafe
🚤 Alternative: Book a glass-bottom boat tour if you don’t want to get wet
Pro Tips for Your Visit:
• Ferry Smart: Reserve Queen Zamami tickets online 3 days ahead (¥3,140 roundtrip)
• Pack Light: Coin lockers available at Zamami port (¥300)
• Beach Essentials: Bring reef-safe sunscreen – regular sunscreen harms the coral
• Hidden Gem: The tiny Zamami Whale Museum has fascinating exhibits (¥300 entry)
