🏖️ Day 1: Southern Okinawa (Culture, History, and Beaches)

08:00 –  Up and out early with breakfast at local café Marutama in Naha with Miso Rice breakfast. The miso soup is made from domestic soybeans and pakced with pork, shimeji mushrooms, island tofu, eggs and green veggies. The eggs are from Miyagi farm.

09:00 – After breakfast it’s on to Shuri Castle. Shuri Castle, located in Okinawa, was the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom for centuries, serving as a cultural and political center. Originally built in the 14th century, the castle was destroyed in World War II and later reconstructed. Tragically, in October 2019, a massive fire devastated the main buildings, reducing much of the reconstructed structure to ashes. Efforts to rebuild Shuri Castle are underway, reflecting its significance as a symbol of Okinawan heritage.

10:30 – Take a walk around Naha’s Tsubouya Pottery District. This is a great location for taking a walk around tiny back streets where pottery has been made for centuries. Visit some local workshops and you can also try making your own shisa! (Booking needed) It’s also a great location for picking up gifts.

12:30 – LUNCH – Okinawa soba lunch at Shimujo. Have a traditional soba noodles lunch in a beautiful old Okinawa house that is registered as a culturally important location & the noodles are delicious!

13:30 – Okinawa Peace Memorial Park & Himeyuri Monument. If you have interest in history, then a visit to these locations will be a reflective and moving experience. Learn about the battle of Okinawa & the sacrifices Okinawan’s made.

15:30 – Sefa Utaki. Sefa Utaki is one of Okinawa’s most sacred sites, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This spiritual sanctuary is deeply rooted in Ryukyu Kingdom history and mythology. Located on the Chinen Peninsula, the site consists of natural rock formations, caves, and dense forests, creating a serene and mystical atmosphere. Sefa Utaki was traditionally used for important rituals and ceremonies, especially by the priestess class of the Ryukyu royal family. Visitors today can explore its tranquil paths and ancient shrines, gaining insight into Okinawa’s spiritual heritage.

17:00 – Stop at Mibaru Beach or Hyakuna Beach for some chill time and to catch the last sun on less touristy beaches before heading towards Naha for dinner.

18:30 – Kokusai street & Izakaya dinner. Stroll down “International Street” and have dinner in a local Izakaya. Pickup some souvenirs after dinner and enjoy the music and atmosphere with maybe a local Orion beer.

🌅 Day 2: Northern Okinawa (Nature and Adventure)

Day two we’re up and out super early for a Northern Adventure!

06:30 – Yes it’s early BUT Okinawa traffic can be heavy despite it being a tropical island AND if you want to get as much crammed into 48 hours as you can it’s an early start an onigiri breakfast from Lawson 🙂

08:00 – Cape Manzamo is our first stop. Okinawa’s iconic ‘elephant nose’ rock formation is part of the Okinawa Kaigan Quasi-National Park, and a popular spot for picture taking.

09:00 – Scenic drive through Route 58 to Nago with stop along the way at some local roadside markets to try some Okinawan pineapple or maybe some purple sweet potato treats.

10:30 – Churaumi Aquarium and Ocean Expo Park. No visit to Okinawa is complete without this stop at the aquarium with the world’s 2nd largest tank with massive whale sharks! After the aquauirum there’s time to visit the nearby tropical gardens.

13:00 – Lunch at a Beachside Cafe like Cafe Kokuu. An amazing hidden local restaurant with sea views. 

14:30 – Explore Kouri Island (“Love Island”), a picturesque Okinawan destination known for its romantic Heart Rocks, ideal snorkeling spots, and panoramic views from the Ocean Tower. Stop off to visit the beach and rocks or take in the view from Ocean Tower with a cool journey to the top in a golf buggy!

17:00 – Sunset at Cape Zanpa. Stop on the way back down South to enjoy the sunset from one of the most scenic spots in Okinawa (timing may vary depending on time of year).

19:00 — Final Okinawan Dinner in American Village, Chatan. With a massive variety of eateries and shopping there is something here for every taste and is a perfect end to your Okianwa adventure. We can recommend a restaurant at every budget and cuisine and we recommend finishing the evening off with a drink with a view at Cafe San Francisco.