Experience Japan like never before through the islands of Okinawa! Credits: Vladimir Haltakov on Unsplash
The great thing about the Land of the Rising Sun is that each region is a gem waiting to be explored. So if you’re wondering where to go in Japan, consider visiting its southernmost prefecture, Okinawa! It’s blessed with 150 distinct islands, hundreds of miles from the mainland—many of which have pristine and untouched beaches.
Because of its location, it’s also warm and temperate even during winter, earning the prefecture the moniker “the Hawaii of Japan.” So if you want to travel to Japan’s secret tropical paradise, check out this one-week itinerary with all the essentials to make your trip a breeze: the perfect time to visit, transportation, and the best things to do in Okinawa:
Best Time To Visit
For those who want to bask in the summer sun on the beaches of Okinawa, July is one of the best months to go, along with September, October, and December. Okinawa’s peak season is August and Golden Week (late April to early May), so while the weather is fair, expect more crowds than usual.
January or February are excellent for those who prefer less crowds. Okinawa has spring weather during this time, so you can feel warm and cozy while the rest of Japan experiences winter.
Transportation
Okinawa’s quirky monorails add a dash of fun to traveling! Credits: Roméo A. on Unsplash
The seaside city of Naha will be your access point to all of Okinawa, as most visitors fly in through Naha International Airport. There are buses, monorails, trains, and taxis on the main island, but a convenient way to travel is by renting a car (or even bike!) since there’s less traffic than in other cities. Plenty of ferries also take you to different islands within the prefecture.
1 Week Okinawa, Japan Itinerary
DAY 1 & 2 - Let the FUN begin in Okinawa!
Behold the majestic giants of the sea at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium! Credits: Erik on Unsplash
As soon as you arrive, you can get a head start on the best things to do in Okinawa with the Klook Fun Pass, which gives you access to up to four activities—and that's only using one pass!
You can choose from any of these attractions:
- Churashima Open Top Bus Tour
- DINOSAUR BBQ & PARK OKINAWA STEM RESORT
- DMM Kariyushi Aquarium
- Electric-Assisted Bike Rental
- Kouri Ocean Tower Observation Deck
- Mangrove Kayaking and Fishing Experience
- Nago Pineapple Park
- Neo Park Okinawa
- Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
- Okinawa World Ticket
- Ryukyu Mura Village
- Shuri Ryusen Coral Dyeing Workshop
- Southeast Botanical Gardens
- Yambaru National Park Daisekirinzan
- Yukata and Kimono Rental in Okinawa
DAY 3 - Hop Aboard the Hip Hop Bus Tour
This charming pineapple-themed garden will have you smiling from ear to ear! Credits: Klook
The exploration of Okinawa’s very best sights and stops continues, but now all you have to do is sit back and relax on the Hip Hop Bus Tour. Meet the prefecture’s bustling aquatic life at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (and even catch a free dolphin show), admire the tropical gardens of Nago Pineapple Park, stroll along the stunning Manza Beach and more!
You can choose between two packages with different destinations. Tip: some activities, like the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, can also be accessed with the Klook Fun Pass, so consider this when choosing attractions.
DAY 4 - Snorkeling at Kerama Islands
The best way to appreciate the crystal clear waters is to dive into them. Credits: Klook
Kerama Islands are the prefecture’s best-kept secrets, with 22 islands boasting top-tier beaches with white sands, glimmering emerald waters, and abundant sea life. One of the best things to do in Okinawa is on these islands: delve into the waters and see the colorful fish, sea turtles, and coral formations on the full-day Kerama snorkeling experience.
DAY 5 - Need for speed
This fun-packed ride will take you to the verdant terrains of Okinawa! Credits: Klook
What better way to satisfy your need for speed and explore Okinawa in two different terrains than by ATV riding or go-karting? On this ATV adventure, you can learn to ride with the help of a pro and speed through Okinawa’s gorgeous mountainous terrain—it’s so easy even children can do it!
Speed through the city streets dressed as your fave character! Credits: Klook
Go from the muddy forest to the paved city roads on this street go-karting experience, which is one of the best things to do in Okinawa simply because you can rent out a costume and be Batman, Superman, or even a Minion! You only need a local or international driver's license to speed in style.
DAY 6 - Way of the Okinawa Waters
Explore the colorful tropical fish and coral reefs in the sea and swim with the turtles Credits: Klook
Okinawa’s waters are blessed with beauty and biodiversity, so it’s worth spending a day to admire. If you’re visiting during winter, then this Diving experience is perfect! Get up close and personal with variety of creatures and watch them swim, breech, and play.
Be the captain of your kayak and paddle through the mangroves of Okinawa! Credits: Klook
From the deep sea, go to the calm, clear, and emerald waters of mangroves. This mangrove kayaking and fishing excursion is one of the best things to do in Okinawa, as you can paddle away and encounter the diverse wildlife. You can opt for kayaking, fishing, or both—or go on the sunset kayak experience for immaculate views as the sun sinks beneath the horizon.
DAY 7 - Until we meet again
Make your last day in Okinawa a sweet one by visiting one or two more destinations or trying more of the prefecture’s unique cuisine. Try Okinawan-style stewed pork or rafute, a sweet and salty pork belly with awamori or Okinawan liquor and soy sauce. Sea grapes or umibudo, locally dubbed green sea caviar, is also a must-taste! Then you can hop on the plane with nothing but good memories from Japan’s slice of tropical paradise.
Now that you know what to do in Japan, specifically in Okinawa, aren’t you excited to embark on your journey? Explore the seas, shores, forests, and fun attractions in summer or winter! So what are you waiting for? Japan’s island getaway awaits!
