5-Day Okinawa Road Trip — Not your typical Japan Itinerary

Picture this: Japan, but with epic beaches and a comfy tropical weather almost all year round. That’s Okinawa, a cluster of islands located in the southern part of Japan — the perfect sun and sea travel destination. So if you’re looking to embark on a lesser-known summer vacay with pristine beaches and unique capes, here’s a useful five-day Okinawa road trip itinerary!

 

Day 1: Island Hopping & Snorkelling 

Photo credit: Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau

 

Okinawa is all about the sun, sand and sea. Besides the main Okinawa Island, there are also several islands — accessible either via land, air, or sea — that have beaches just as beautiful, if not even more so. One of our favourite islands is Miyako Island, a 45-minute flight away from Okinawa’s Naha International Airport. There are more than a dozen direct flights between Okinawa’s Naha International Airport (OKA) and Miyako Airport (MMY) daily, with around one departing every hour.  

 

Snorkel with adorable marine creatures at Yoshino Kaigan Beach

Photo credit: Veltra 

 

A must-visit there is Yoshino Kaigan Beach, a beautiful white sand beach that's also a great snorkelling spot. Bring along your own snorkel equipment or rent from the nearby beachfront stores and enjoy swimming with the many adorable fishes. If you’re lucky you might even spot sea turtles! 

 

If you’re new to snorkelling in the open seas, we recommend going to a licensed snorkelling tour operator instead. The professionals have the equipment you’ll need, and know the best locations for fish and sea turtle spotting.

 

Sea turtle snorkelling in Miyako Island

Cost: From ~S$59/pax

 

Admire panoramic ocean views at Cape Higashi-Hennazaki

Photo credit:  Japan National Tourism Organization

 

Although Miyako Island isn’t that big, we recommend renting a car to cut down on travelling time. After the refreshing snorkel at Yoshino Kaigan Beach, head to Cape Higashi-Hennazaki — a short 8-minute drive away. The cape is long and scenic, boasting breathtaking panoramic ocean views. 

 

Drive across Japan’s longest toll-free bridge

Photo credit: Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau

 

Miyako Island is also connected to surrounding smaller islands via bridges. The Irabu Bridge connects Miyako to Irabu Island, and it’s the longest toll-free bridge in Japan at 3,540m. As you drive across the bridge, you can see expansive turquoise blue waters on both sides! 

 

Take a guided Jungle Night Tour of Miyako Island

Photo credit: Klook

 

Finally, try spotting nocturnal creatures on a guided tour into the shallow jungles of Miyako Island. The night tour is conducted by an experienced local who’ll bring you through one of Miyako Island’s subtropical jungle. You’ll see elusive critters and plants such as the giant coconut crab! Besides, as Miyako Island is still pretty untouched, it’s the perfect place for stargazing. On clearer cloudless nights, it’s possible to see the milky way with your naked eyes!

 

Photo credit: Klook

 

And do not worry about having to pack a ton of things for this night adventure – all safety equipment, torch lights and long boots will be provided by the tour operator. You’ll just have to bring along a pair of socks, a towel, and bottled water to keep yourself hydrated during your night expedition. 

 

Spend a night on Miyako Island before heading back to the main island the next day. 

 

Starry Sky & Subtropical Jungle Night Tour

Cost: ~S$42/pax

Timing: 8PM

Venue/Meeting point: Varies, dependent on weather  

 

Day 2: Back to Okinawa Island

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

Naha is the modern and lively capital of Okinawa! It’s also where most non-driving tourists base themselves because it’s well-connected with the public rail system. However, with a car, you can explore areas further away from the city. Renting a car in Okinawa is easy as there are a number of rental companies within Naha airport itself.

 

Chill and sip at Mediterranean-style Senagajima Umikaji Terrace

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

Just a 15-minute drive from the airport, a beautiful Mediterranean-style Senagajima Umikaji Terrace sits by the oceanfront. The terrace features more than 40 shops, including restaurants and cafes, so you can chill and fuel up before starting your journey northwards.

 

For an ultimate beachside sip and chill afternoon, check out Hammock Cafe la Isla. This café lets you sip icy drinks in a swaying hammock while soaking in the ocean breeze.

 

Hammock Cafe la Isla

Opening hours: 11AM – 9PM

Address: 174-6 Senaga, Tomigusuku, Okinawa 901-0233, Japan

 

Learn about Okinawa’s marine life at DMM Kariyushi Aquarium

Photo credit: DMM Kariyushi Aquarium via Facebook

 

Not many people know this but there’s a smaller aquarium located just 20 minutes away from Senagajima Umikaji Terrace, making it the perfect alternative to the more popular and packed Churaumi Aquarium. 

 

Photo credit: DMM Kariyushi Aquarium via Facebook

 

DMM Kariyushi Aquarium opened in 2020 and houses unique exhibits such as a huge cylindrical tank dedicated to jellyfishes, with a spatial presentation such as digital projections, lighting effects and soundscapes that changes with time. There are up to 190 species of aquatic and non-marine animals such as saltwater and freshwater fishes, otters and even snakes too!

 

DMM Kariyushi Aquarium

Entrance fee: S$20/pax

Opening hours: 9AM – 8PM

Address: 3-35 Toyosaki, Tomigusuku, Okinawa 901-0225, Japan

 

Immerse in the Ryukyuan Culture at Okinawa World

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

Next up is Okinawa World. Think of it as a big cultural theme park, where you can explore and learn about local culture. There are traditional Eisa dance performances, as well as craft workshops such as Ryukyuan glass-making and indigo dyeing. 

 

Explore the second biggest cave system in Japan

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

Within Okinawa World, there’s also the Gyokusendo Cave — the second biggest cave system in Japan at 5km long! Visitors can walk through 850m of the cave, featuring limestone stalagmites and stalactites that are over 300,000 years old.

 

Okinawa World

Cost: S$17/pax

Opening hours: 9AM – 5:30PM

Address: Maekawa-1336 Tamagusuku, Nanjo, Okinawa 901-0616, Japan

 

Visit the most sacred place in Okinawa

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

Lastly, end the day with a visit to Okinawa’s most sacred site — Sefa Utaki. This place of worship is located on a forested hillside, and doesn’t look like the typical Japanese shrine or temple. Instead, Sefa Utaki is a collective of six sanctuaries, sacred areas among nature, where religious rituals have been performed for centuries. 

 

The holy site is still the most revered in Okinawa today, so do adhere to rules and regulations on site and don’t stray from the designated trails.

 

Day 3: Experience Okinawa’s sun, sea and sand a little differently

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

It's no secret that Okinawa’s clear blue waters make it a popular place for snorkelling and diving. But if you’re looking for something more exciting, check these out.  

 

Parasail over Okinawa’s clear seas

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

Start the morning by parasailing over Naha. After a short boat ride out from the Naha Miegusuku Port, you’ll be sent flying 50m into the sky, overlooking Okinawa’s glistering sea and coastline. 

 

Parasailing Experience from Naha

Cost: ~S$67/pax

Timing: 11AM – 12:30PM

Address: Naha Miegusuku Port, 3 Chome-20 Nishi, Naha, Okinawa 900-0036, Japan

Meeting point: Naha Miegusuku Port meeting room

 

Kayak amongst mangroves

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

Or explore a different side of Okinawa on a kayak! 

 

The Hija River is a quiet and tranquil stream located around the Yomitan area, where you can find a swampy mangrove area teeming with wildlife along the tidal flats. Do remember to wear sun protection for this activity!

 

Mangrove Kayak Tour

Cost: ~S$42/pax

Timing: Various

Meeting point: Kadena Port. 566-7 Mizugama, Kadena, Nakagami District, Okinawa, Japan

 

Check out Kouri Island

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

Next, head to Kouri Island via the Kouri Bridge, a 2km-long bridge that offers a stunning scenic drive across the emerald sea. 

 

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

Kouri Island is affectionately known as “Love Island”. According to local folklore, it was once home to two lovers who lived in the sea cave. Here, you can find one of the most photographed spots of Okinawa – the twin heart-shaped rocks by the beach. This natural wonder is the result of years of natural erosion by the waves hitting the coast. 

 

Go stargazing

Photo credit: Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau

 

When night falls, the blue sky turns into a canvas filled with dazzling stars. And if you’re at the right place at the right time, you might just be able to spot the milky way. There are many stargazing spots in Okinawa due to its relatively low light pollution, such as Cape Hedo and Cape Zampa. For the best experience, join a stargazing tour led by certified astronomy guides, as they are equipped with telescopes and the know-hows of star-spotting in Okinawa!

 

Day 4: Explore the lesser-visited Northern Okinawa

Hike to Okinawa’s tallest waterfall

Photo credit: FUN! Japan

 

Beautiful beaches aside, Okinawa also has a sub-tropical forest in the northern region that’s home to endemic wildlife. The Yanbaru area is where the elusive Okinawa Rail (a native, flightless bird species) resides. As Yanbaru is located far north, we recommend putting aside a full day to explore it. 

 

The Hiji Waterfall in the Yambaru National Park is Okinawa’s tallest falls at 25.7m high, and is accessible by an easy 1.5km walking trail along the Hiji River. You might spot interesting floral and fauna on the trail, such as the flying spider-monkey tree fern, the mucuna macrocarpa wall, and the Ryukyu robin. 

 

Visit a healing stone forest

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

Afterwards, head further up north to the Daisekirinzan Stone Forest, a karst area said to possess healing powers. There are three relatively easy round-trip hiking trails within the forest – the Panoramic Trail (60mins), the Forest Trail (30mins), and the shortcut route (about 30mins).

 

Yambaru National Park Daisekirinzan

Cost: S$10/pax

Opening hours: 9:30AM – 5:30PM

Address: 1241 Ginama, Kunigami, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-1422, Japan

 

Stand atop Cape Hedo, the northernmost point of Okinawa

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

From the Daisekirinzan Stone Forest, it’s a short drive to the northernmost point of Okinawa. You’ll find an expansive cape area with stunning rocky formations and cliffs. Spend some time here taking in the mesmerising views of the East China Sea from Cape Hedo.

 

Day 5: Okinawa, the unexpected shopping paradise

While Okinawa is a tropical island paradise filled with adventurous activities, there are fun shopping areas too! 

 

Explore thrift shops at the American Village

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

American Village is a large shopping complex located in the Chatan area with local craft stores, thrift shops, and cafes. You can easily spend up to half a day browsing through the many characteristic shops within the complex.

 

American Village

Opening hours: Varies, but most shops operate from 10AM – 10PM

Address: Mihama, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0115, Japan

 

Souvenir-shop at International Road

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

In Naha City, there are also two major shopping areas where you can get Okinawan food and knick-knacks. The Kokusai Dori, or International Road, is the main tourist and shopping street of Naha. The street is lined with restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops, perfect for some last-minute shopping. 

 

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

One of the must-buys is beni imo products! Beni imo is the purple sweet potato from Okinawa, and it’s not difficult to find many snacks or food made with it — the perfect souvenir to buy home!

 

Eat fresh seafood at Makishi Public Market

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

And within walking distance of Kokusai Dori, there’s the Makishi Public Market with local vendors selling produce such as seafood and meat. Visitors can purchase fish from the market located on the ground floor and have them prepared by the restaurants on the second floor for a fresh and wholesome meal. 

 

Makishi Public Market

Opening hours: 8AM – 9PM

Address: 2 Chome-10-1 Matsuo, Naha, Okinawa 900-0014, Japan

 

Zip through Naha’s streets on a go-kart

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

After all the shopping and eating, it’s time to end your trip on a high note! Dress up in your favourite cartoon character’s onesie and experience the thrill of driving on a go-kart along actual roads around Naha city. 

 

There are 1-hour and 2-hour drive options available, and we recommend doing the shorter one as it gets warm driving around in onesies, especially if you’re visiting during the summer months! FYI, you’ll need a Japanese or international driver’s licence to drive the go-kart.

 

Okinawa Street Go-Karting Experience

Cost: From ~S$62/pax

Address: 2-chōme-6-12 Kumoji, Naha, Okinawa 900-0015, Japan

 

The flight departing Okinawa for Singapore flies out early in the morning the following day, so it’s best to find accommodation around Naha city to save on travelling time.

 

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