Day 1: Naha City
When traveling to Okinawa, most visitors will arrive at Naha Airport. Thus, it’s a great idea to start your journey in Naha City, the political and economic center of Okinawa. Naha is rich in history and culture, with its unique blend of Okinawan, Japanese, and American influences. It is home to many museums, temples, and shopping streets.
For the first day in Naha, it is recommended to stay in a hotel close to Kokusai-dori, the main shopping and entertainment street in Naha. There are many hotels to choose from, such as Okinawa NaHaNa Hotel and 海滩旅游攻略美食推荐 Spa, Mercure Okinawa Naha, and Kariyushi Urban Resort Naha.
After checking in, head out to Kokusai-dori to explore the city’s local flavors and unique culture. Try the local sweet potato tart, Sata andagi, or Okinawa soba, a bowl of noodles served with pork belly and fish cake. Walk along the street, and you will see many souvenir shops selling local Okinawan crafts such as Shisa, Ryukyu glassware, and Bashofu textiles.
If history and culture are what you are looking for, Naha has many museums and landmarks to discover, such as the Shuri Castle, the former royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and the Okinawa Karate Kaikan, the birthplace of Karate.
Day 2: American Village and Sunset Beach
American Village, located in the central part of Okinawa Island, is a popular tourist attraction for both locals 广东烟台美食攻略旅游 and visitors alike. The village is inspired by American culture, with many shops, restaurants, and entertainment facilities that feel like they’re straight out of California.
For those who wish to stay overnight around this area, there are plenty of hotels and guesthouses to choose from, such as Vessel Hotel Campana Okinawa, Hotel Sunset Terrace, and Condominium Chatan Plaza.
During the day, visitors can enjoy various activities, such as bowling, arcade games, and mini-golf. There is also a Ferris wheel where visitors can get a panoramic view of the ocean and American Village. The beach is just a short walk away, where visitors can rent parasols, sunbeds, and water sports equipment.
As the sun starts to set, the beach transforms into a beautiful sunset spot, where visitors can enjoy the sea breeze and watch the sun go down. Make sure to try the local Okinawan beer, Orion Beer, which pairs perfectly with the picturesque view. After the sunset, head back to the village to enjoy a dinner in one of the many American-style restaurants.
Day 3: Miyako Island
Miyako Island, located in the southern part of Okinawa prefecture, is a must-visit for anyone who loves beaches and nature. It is known for its clear blue waters and splendid coral reefs, making it a great spot for snorkeling and diving.
Since it takes about 1.5 hours by plane from Naha to Miyako Island, it is recommended to stay at least one night on the island. Miyanoura Beach Resort, Shigira Bayside Suite Allamanda, and Hotel Atollemerald Miyako are some excellent options for accommodations.
Start your day exploring Maehama Beach, often regarded as one of the best beaches in Japan. The crystal-clear waters and white sandy beach make it the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and playing various beach sports.
In the afternoon, head to Irabu Island, connected to Miyako Island by a bridge. Rent a car or motorbike and drive along the scenic road, enjoying the ocean view. The highlight of Irabu Island is the Irabu Ohashi Bridge, the longest toll-free bridge in Japan and a spectacular sight to see.
Before ending your day, make sure to visit Higashi-hennazaki, the easternmost point of Miyako Island. The cliff-top view of the turquoise sea and the rocky coastline is breathtaking.
Finally, end your Okinawa journey with a traditional Okinawan dinner, such as Okinawa soba or Goya Chanpuru, at a local restaurant in Miyako Island.