Okinawa blends cobalt-blue seas and white beaches with Ryukyu Kingdom heritage and distinctive island cuisine. From Kokusai Street to Churaumi Aquarium, Manzamo, and Kouri Island, highlights are within reach even without a car.
This model course uses the Yui Rail, local/highway buses, and optional ferries, following a relaxed 9:00–18:00 rhythm to cover main-island highlights in 2 nights and 3 days.
Overview (2 nights, 3 days)
- Transport: Yui Rail (Naha monorail), local/highway buses, optional ferries (Kerama Islands)
- Suggested bases: Night 1 = Naha / Night 2 = Onna Village or Nago area
- Sightseeing hours: depart 9:00 / arrive accommodation 18:00
- Budget estimate:
- Transport: approx. ¥4,000–8,000/day
- Meals: approx. ¥3,000–5,000/day
- Lodging: approx. ¥8,000–15,000/night
- Total (2 nights, 3 days): approx. ¥45,000–75,000/person
Itinerary
- Day 1: Naha & Shuri
- Morning: Shurijo Castle Park (Shureimon, Suimmon, etc.)
*Note: Shurijo Castle is under reconstruction and partially open until autumn 2026.* - Lunch: Okinawa soba (Shuri or Kumoji area)
- Afternoon: Kokusai Street & Tsuboya Pottery Street (crafts & snacks)
- 18:00: Stay in Naha
- Morning: Shurijo Castle Park (Shureimon, Suimmon, etc.)
- Day 2: Northern Highlights
- Bus to Churaumi Aquarium
- Lunch: sea grapes & tempura
- Afternoon: Kouri Island & bridge → Manzamo cliff view → Onna stroll
- 18:00: Stay in Onna/Nago
- Day 3 (options): Blue Cave / Kerama Islands / Southern Peace Route
- A: Maeda Misaki Blue Cave snorkeling → return to Naha (by 16:00–18:00)
- B: High-speed ferry to Zamami/Tokashiki → beaches & lookouts → back to Naha
- C: Peace Memorial Park & Himeyuri Museum → Sefa-Utaki → Chinen Misaki Park
- 18:00: Dismiss at Naha Airport / city
Seasonal Highlights (months)
- Spring (Mar–May): Beach season opens (~Apr), bougainvillea & deigo blossoms, mild temps
- Summer (Jun–Sep): Peak marine activities, Eisa & summer festivals, typhoon season (check advisories)
- Autumn (Oct–Nov): Comfortable for beaches & walks; great sunsets at Kouri/Manzamo
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Mild climate, aquarium & cafe hopping, whale watching (Jan–Mar)
Food & Souvenirs
- Food: Okinawa soba, goya champuru, rafute (braised pork), taco rice, mozuku tempura, soki, Blue Seal ice cream
- Souvenirs: chinsuko cookies, beni-imo tarts, black sugar, sea salt, Ryukyu glass, Yachimun pottery, Shisa figurines, awamori liquor