The remote Okinawa islands in the Pacific Ocean are often called the Hawaii of Japan. However, they remain relatively undiscovered as a holiday destination. Many of the islands are quiet and serene, despite their tropical climate, beautiful beaches, fascinating history and delicious food. A few years ago, I visited Okinawa as part of a 3 week Japan trip. In this post, I will share my top tips on how to create the perfect Okinawa itinerary for 7 days.
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Quick overview of a 7-Day Okinawa itinerary
- Day 1: Naha for Shuri Castle and shopping in Kokusai Dori
- Day 2: Peace Memorial Park and Sefa-Utaki sacred site
- Day 3: Beach day on Ikei Island
- Day 4: Onna for Ryukyu Mura and snorkelling the famous Blue Cave
- Day 5: Nago for Churaumi Aquarium and Pineapple Park
- Day 6: Day trip to the Kerama Islands for scuba diving
- Day 7: Return to Naha for departure
- Transport: Car rental is essential
What makes Okinawa special?
Okinawa isn’t like the rest of Japan. These islands have their own thing going on – they’re tropical, laid-back and feel more like Hawaii than Tokyo. The beaches are pristine, with clear water that’s perfect for snorkelling.
What’s interesting is how different cultures have shaped the place. You’ve got the islands’ ancient Ryukyu kingdom origins and the more recent World War II history. There’s mainland Japanese influence, relaxed island culture and an American flavour from the military bases. The food is different too – lots of dishes you won’t find anywhere else in Japan. So you end up eating taco rice one minute and Spam the next.
The pace is slower here, which is exactly what you want on a beach holiday.
How many days in Okinawa is enough?
So, how many days in Okinawa do you really need? Seven days is perfect if you want to hire a car and explore the main island properly. This gives you enough time to experience the beach culture, learn about the fascinating history, and discover some of the more remote spots that make Okinawa special. You won’t feel like you’re constantly rushing from place to place, which is exactly how travel should be. With a full week, you can take day trips to nearby islands and still have time to simply relax on those incredible beaches.
Where to stay on your Okinawa itinerary
If you’re wondering where to stay in Okinawa, you have a number of options. The best place to stay in Okinawa depends how long you’ll be there and what you want to do.
You will need to bear in mind that the main Okinawa island is long. Even if you hire a car, the maximum speed limit is 60 km per hour (around 37 miles per hour). You will find it takes a while to get to each of the beaches and Okinawa tourist attractions. You can read more about all the best places to go in Okinawa below.
For the full overview, check out Lonely Planet’s travel guide book for Japan, including Okinawa, here.
Naha – the capital city
The capital city of Naha is a great place to go shopping and it’s close to the airport. One of the main places to visit in Okinawa for shopping is Naha’s Kokusai Dori Street. Also known as International street, it’s full of bars, shops and restaurants.
Best places to stay in Naha
If you choose to stay in Okinawa’s capital city of Naha, there are some great hotels here. The boutique-style Mercure Okinawa Naha hotel is conveniently located less than ten minutes from the airport by monorail. Its Bistro de La Mer restaurant offers French dishes paired with excellent international wines.
If you are backpacking Okinawa and looking for a hostel, The Kitchen Hostel Ao is a fabulous place. In a great location, it has friendly staff, mixed and female-only dorms, and a cool ambiance.
Browse and book the best accommodation deals in Naha for your dates by exploring the map below:
Chatan – American Village
We stayed in Chatan, around an hour north of the capital city, Naha. There is an affordable shuttle bus that travels between here and the airport, or you can book a private transfer.
As well as a beach, in Chatan there’s a lively area known as American Village. This colourfully-lit area has a retro, Americana feel and is completely different from the rest of Japan. With many restaurants, shops and entertainment venues, it’s popular with the Americans stationed on the island’s large U.S. military base. Its blend of Japanese and US culture is unique.
Best places to stay in Chatan
The shuttle took us straight to our hotel, the gorgeous DoubleTree by Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort. It has sea views, three swimming pools, a spa and a restaurant. The staff there are amazing too, super helpful and friendly.
Other hotels in Chatan, Okinawa include the fabulous Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort, a short walk from American Village. Guests rave about its sea views and friendly staff.
If you’re looking for a hostel in Chatan, try the hipster AIEN Coffee & Hostel. Solo travellers rate it highly for its location and nice vibe. The colourful Seawall Hostel is two minutes’ walk from the beach and also great for an Okinawa backpacking trip.
Check out the latest deals on hotels in Chatan for your dates by exploring the map below:
Onna and Nago – further north
North Okinawa is home to awesome scuba diving spots, as well as fun and unusual tourist attractions in Okinawa.
Best places to stay in Onna
In Onna you will also find one of the best Okinawa beach resorts. The superb ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort hotel is surrounded by the ocean and has a private beach. The Hotel Monterey Okinawa Spa & Resort and the Sheraton Sunmarina Okinawa Resort offer activities for families and sports lovers.
Backpackers in Okinawa should head to the Akachichi Guesthouse in Onna, which has garden views and serves a delicious breakfast.
Check out the latest accommodation deals for your dates in Onna by exploring the map below:
Best places to stay in Nago
One of the top-rated hotels in Nago is the Kanehide Kise Beach Palace, which has large rooms and sea views. If you’re looking for a guest house in Nago, the beachfront Stäy Hotel has a rooftop pool and free bikes.
Check out the latest accommodation deals for your dates in Nago by exploring the map below:
Planning your 7 day Okinawa itinerary
Sadly, there isn’t yet a good public transport infrastructure in Okinawa. Taxis here are expensive, so the best way to travel around in Okinawa is to hire a car.
The fantastic staff at our hotel organised our Okinawa car rental so we could enjoy an Okinawa road trip.
In Japan, people drive on the left and the roads have a relatively low speed limit. For this reason, even with a car, we found it took longer than expected to visit places. However, in general the local drivers are calm and polite. This makes driving in Okinawa pleasant, even if you are not used to driving on the left. Read on for the ideal 7 day Okinawa self-drive itinerary.
Day 1: Naha – Shurijo Castle and shopping
Begin your Okinawa adventure in Naha, the capital city that blends traditional Ryukyu culture with modern Japanese life.
Start your day by visiting Shurijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the heart of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The castle’s vibrant red architecture and intricate designs reflect a unique fusion of Japanese and Chinese influences. Take a guided tour through the castle grounds, explore the museum, and enjoy panoramic views of Naha from the hilltop. Despite suffering damage during World War II, the restored castle remains a powerful symbol of Okinawan resilience and heritage.
Afterward, head to Kokusai Dori Street for lunch and some shopping. This lively avenue, known as “International Street,” is lined with restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops where you can sample local Okinawan specialties like goya champuru (bitter melon stir-fry) or taco rice, a fusion dish combining American and Japanese influences.
Stroll down the street to Makishi Public Market, where vendors sell fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and unique Okinawan products. It’s the perfect place to soak up the local atmosphere and start your trip with a vibrant, cultural experience. You can even have fresh fish from the market prepared at one of the nearby eateries. End the day by wandering the side streets of Naha to discover hidden gems, from artisan shops to quaint cafés.
Book a guided e-bike tour of the 12 Zodiac Temples in Naha here.
Day 2: History and Spirituality – Peace Memorial Park and Sefa-Utaki
Start your day with a visit to Okinawa’s Peace Memorial Park, a 40 minute drive from Chatan and 30 minutes south of Naha. It is one of the most thought-provoking places to go in Okinawa.
Here, you can pay your respects to the many lives lost on both sides of the Battle of Okinawa. In World War II’s last major battle, over 180,000 American troops invaded Okinawa island to defeat Japan. There is a museum here where you can discover the devastating impact of the war on Okinawa and its people.
As you explore the park, you’ll find monuments dedicated to the fallen, offering a solemn reminder of the immense human cost of the battle. It’s a place of reflection and remembrance, where the tragic history is preserved in hopes of promoting peace and understanding.
In the afternoon, continue to Sefa-Utaki, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, about 40 to 45 minutes by car from Peace Memorial Park (approximately 18.5 miles/30 km).
I loved Sefa-Utaki. For thousands of years, people have come here to worship in Okinawa’s native Ryukyuan religion, which honours our ancestors as well as the gods and spirits of the natural world. According to Ryukyuan texts, Sefa-Utaki was where the goddess of creation, first set foot on Okinawa.
Winding staircases and footpaths lead through lush jungle surroundings to shrine areas and notable rock formations. The last place you reach is the most sacred. Here, two huge rocks lean against each other, forming a triangle-shaped space, like a natural cathedral.
The peaceful surroundings and spiritual energy make it a powerful place to end your day.
Day 3: Relax at Ikei Island’s Oodomari Beach
As part of our Okinawa travel itinerary, we couldn’t wait to experience some of the best beaches in Okinawa, which are known for their beauty and tranquility. Oodomari Beach, located on the remote Ikei Island, is a hidden gem with hardly any people.
The drive to Ikei Island, about an hour from Chatan or 1.5 hours from Naha, is an adventure in itself. You’ll cross several bridges that connect the smaller islands to the main Okinawa island, for a scenic and enjoyable drive.
On many Okinawa beach trips, you’ll find that private beach owners charge a small fee for access, and Oodomari is no exception. However, they do provide basic facilities like showers. The crystal-clear water is teeming with tropical fish, making it ideal for snorkelling and swimming.
Day 4: Ryukyu Mura and snorkelling at the Blue Cave in Onna
On Day 4 of your Okinawa adventure, it’s time to go to Onna Village, about an hour’s drive from Naha. Here, you can visit Ryukyu Mura, a popular Okinawa cultural theme park. In the afternoon, explore the crystal-clear waters of Blue Cave, one of the most popular snorkelling and diving spots in Okinawa.
Start your day with a visit to Ryukyu Mura, a popular Okinawa cultural theme park where you can step back in time and experience life as it was in the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom. This traditional Okinawan village showcases authentic architecture and folk performances. You can try your hand at local crafts, watch dynamic drum performances and learn about Okinawa’s pottery and textile techniques.
The Blue Cave is an underwater cave famous for the magical blue light that illuminates the cave’s interior, creating a surreal experience. The waters here are ideal for both beginners and experienced divers. After exploring the cave, take some time to relax on the nearby Maeda Flats Beach or grab a bite at one of the local seaside cafés.
Book your place on a magical snorkelling trip to Blue Cave here.
Day 5: Nago – Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and Pineapple Park
On Day 5 of your week in Okinawa, head to Nago, a beautiful destination in northern Okinawa, to explore two of the most popular attractions in the region.
Start with a visit to the world-renowned Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, one of the best aquariums in Japan. Its iconic Kuroshio Sea Tank is home to giant whale sharks and manta rays. The nearby underwater observatory at Busena Marine Park is another one of the best places to visit in Okinawa.
Afterwards, make your way to the charming Nago Pineapple Park. It’s a fun and interactive experience perfect for all ages. Learn about Okinawa’s thriving pineapple industry as you tour the park’s fields in a pineapple-shaped cart and indulge in delicious pineapple-themed treats.
Okinawa has its own brand of American-style beer, called Orion. It has been widely consumed on the island for the last 60 years. You can also visit the Orion Happy Park in Nago and tour the factory where Orion beer is brewed.
Book a guided one-day tour of Nago’s Churaumi aquarium and Pineapple Park here.
Day 6: Kerama Islands Day Trip – Snorkelling & Scuba Diving
Wrap up your Okinawa 7-day trip with a visit to the stunning Kerama Islands, known for their crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches and colourful coral reefs. We headed from Naha to Kerama National Park on our scuba-diving trip or you can choose a snorkelling tour.
After your snorkelling or diving session, spend the rest of your day relaxing on one of the area’s beautiful white-sand beaches, such as Furuzamami Beach on Zamami Island or Aharen Beach on Tokashiki Island.
Book your one day introductory diving trip from Naha to the Kerama Islands
Day 7: Return to Naha
On your final day, return to the capital city of Naha for your departing flight from the international airport.
Why not go back one last time to Kokusai Dori Street – it’s ideal for picking up last-minute souvenirs of your week in Okinawa, like shisa statues or purple sweet potato treats.
When to visit Okinawa
The best time to visit Okinawa, is from March to April and again in October. Temperatures on the Okinawa islands average around 20°C all year round, thanks to the subtropical climate. In Okinawa, the beaches are open from March to October.
Okinawa’s main rainy season is from May to June, with intermittent downpours and a humid atmosphere. Typhoon season in Okinawa, with heavy rain and strong winds, is typically from July to September. There are also occasionally typhoons in October but they are less intense.
The summer months of July and August see average high temperatures around 31–32°C (88–90°F), though its rare for temperatures to exceed 35°C. The coldest weather is from December to February, at closer to 20°C/68°F, but it also has the lowest amount of rainfall.
Don’t go without Lonely Planet’s essential Japan and Okinawa travel guide book – buy it here.
How to get to Okinawa
The main Okinawa airport is in Naha. There are different sections depending on whether you are flying to or from Japan or internationally. Airlines such as ANA operate cheap flights to Okinawa from the main islands of Japan.
Flights from Tokyo to Okinawa can cost as little as US$60 and take almost three hours.
From Osaka to Okinawa takes just under two hours and flights can cost from around US$45. From Kyoto to Okinawa it’s two hours and 15 minutes, priced from around US$80 depending on the time of year.
The flight time from Hong Kong to Okinawa is two hours and 40 minutes and costs from around US$100. Meanwhile, Singapore to Okinawa flights take five hours and are closer to US$300.
If you are wondering how to go to Okinawa from Malaysia, flights are from Kuala Lumpur and stop in Taiwan. Costing around US$225, it takes 7.5 hours.
Check the latest prices for your date for flights to Okinawa here.
What to eat in Okinawa
Okinawan cuisine is a unique fusion of Japanese, Chinese, and American influences, creating flavours and dishes you won’t find anywhere else in Japan. Here are a few must-try dishes and highly-rated local restaurants where you can enjoy authentic Okinawan food.
One of my favourite Okinawa restaurants is called Oshino in Chatan’s American Village. Here, each table has its own teppanyaki grill, where your food is cooked in front of you.
Everything we ate here was good but my favourite was a Tex-Mex take on Japan’s famous okonomiyaki savoury pancake dish. It’s an Okinawan speciality – you won’t find this anywhere else in Japan.
Frequently asked questions about an Okinawa itinerary
Is 7 days enough for Okinawa?
Yes, seven days is perfect for experiencing Okinawa’s highlights on the main island. You’ll have time to explore historical sites, relax on beautiful beaches, visit the famous aquarium, and take day trips to nearby islands without feeling rushed.
How many days do you need in Okinawa?
Seven days is ideal for first-time visitors to fully experience Okinawa. Three days feels too short and you’ll miss key attractions, while 5-6 days is good but limits your island-hopping opportunities. For a comprehensive experience, stick with a week.
Where should you stay for your first time in Okinawa?
We stayed a in Chatan and loved the dining and entertainment in its American Village. Otherwise, the capital of Naha is a great choice thanks to the city’s public transport network, shopping and historical attractions.
Can you do Okinawa without a car?
While possible, Okinawa without a car severely limits your options. Public transport is limited, and you’ll miss the beautiful remote beaches and attractions further away. Car rental is essential for the best Okinawa experience.
Final thoughts on creating the perfect Okinawa itinerary
Okinawa remains a relatively overlooked part of Japan and many visitors do not venture down to these tropical islands. It’s understandable when there are so many amazing things to do in Japan.
While there are some fabulous hotels, the islands are not yet set up to be major tourist destinations. One example of this is the lack of public transport across the region. However, this is part of Okinawa’s charm. If you are interested in culture, food, history and beaches, Okinawa is a fascinating and rewarding place to visit.
Next, read about how to create a three-week itinerary in Japan that you will remember forever.
