Okinawa had been on the travel list for quite some time. In fact, we had previously bought tickets to come to this island last year through had awesome Peach Air flight deal. Long story short the flight deal was only offering one-way flight deals and so we bought the tickets in hope we could make the trip work. Turns our we couldn’t, but it was worth the wait!
There are many amazing things to see in Okinawa and with multiple islands to travel to it really depends on the amount of time you have and the budget you are working with. Many of the attractions are quite spread out on the island and so the biggest hurtle you’ll face is how you can get around on the island(s).
Listed below in the order we visited, were the highlights of our trip!
Explore Kokusai Street
This was one of my favourite areas in Okinawa. I recommend going in the evening as the bright lights and energy certainly makes the whole experience! There are many amazing foods to try in Okinawa and many of them can be found in this area! We explored through the neat shops and had many tasty treats! Curious as to what we ate? See this post for more details on sweet treats!
Go for a Ride with Mari Car
Cost: 5000 JPY (if you “like” them and leave a review) + 500 JPY insurance
If you are a big fan of go-karts and costumes, then Mari Car is where you want to be! Not only do you get to go-kart on the streets of Okinawa, but you also get to dress up as one of your favourite characters and superheros! You have two options on the length of experience you want. A driver leads the way and your crew simply follows behind. Quick tip, if you want to be near the front of the pack you can volunteer as a “bad driver”, otherwise you’ll be placed near the back. You stick together and drive as a group. It was honestly so much fun! You’ll need to have either a Japanese drivers licence or an International Driver’s Licence in order to be able to drive. Enjoy!
Interested? Check out their website here!
Visit the American Village
If you are looking for a taste of Western food then the American Village is where you want to be! Filled with many western restaurants, bars, and shopping stores, you could easily spend an afternoon/evening there. You’ll have options for bowling, playing at the arcade and even an option to go on a ferris wheel ride!
View Elephant Rock
To think that we almost didn’t include Cape Manzamo in our road trip journey! What a mistake that would have been! We arrived at Elephant Rock shortly after sunrise and loved the way the sun captured the view. We stood in awe, capturing as many photos as we could, just trying to take it all in. The path from the parking lot only takes a couple minutes to reach the view point, and it is completely flat. This is an easy place to add to your list and definitely should not be missed!
View the Kourdi Bridge
If you are looking to capture one of the most stunning waters that Okinawa has to offer, then make your way to Kourdi Island! There is a bridge that connects Kouri Island to the main island and at this bride there is a lookout point that offers one of the best views! We weren’t the only ones to learn about this hidden gem, as there were a handful of tourists so taking in the scenery. There is also a restaurant to over look the emerald-like green waters. Not a bad view for a meal!
Explore Cave Okinawa
Cost: 500 JPY
Quite unknowingly did we stumble upon Cave Okinawa. We were actually heading down to Gyoku Sendoto check out the cave towards the southern area of the island. As we were travelling from the midway through the island we saw a sign just off the side of the road reading “Cave Okinawa”. Intrigued, as we were literally heading to one anyways, we pulled in and sure enough there was a limestone cave waiting to be explored. This cave is off of one of the main roads, but was not busy at all. In fact, we were the ONLY ONES exploring through the caves. The worker walked us to the entrance and left us to explore on our own. What an incredible experience this was. If you are in the area and are able to stop here, I strongly recommend it!
Go for a Kayak and Snorkel Excursion
Cost: 35 USD
Run by Kayak Club Good Life, this excursion was our absolute favourite thing we did while visiting Okinawa. By booking this tour online prior, we saved about $20! With this tour you are provided with a wet suit, water shoes, and snorkeling gear! The tour lasts about 3 hours, with a total snorkeling time of about 45 minutes. You travel in 2-person kayaks and there are two break points for you to get out of the kayak. You’ll have some time to check out a hidden beach, and for your second stop you’ll get out to snorkel. The snorkel was both amazing and heartbreaking at the same time. The coral and fish that you see is fascinating, however you’ll also snorkel over areas where the coral is dying. Certainly was an eye opening experience!
Interested in this excursion? Check out their website for more details!
See here for more tours!
Visit the Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters
Cost: 400 JPY
It was an interesting experience visiting the former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters in Naha. We knew we wanted to visit here to learn more about the history that occurred on this island. We walked through the bunker area and also the museum as well, looking at artifacts from the past. As we move forward into the future, it is important that we never forget the past and learn from the horrors of war.
Go on a Road Trip
I left this one for last because this is the method that we used in order to see almost all of the sights that were listed above. Okinawa is an amazing island for a road trip and as you can see there are many things that you can explore and experience.
