I flew from Narita International Airport (Tokyo, Japan) to Naha, the capital of Okinawa. Okinawa Island is a tropical island south of mainland Japan. Shortly after landing, I was approached by TV crew – asking for a short interview for the most popular TV show in Japan, “Why did you come to Japan?”! You must see it on YouTube. I didn’t even know it existed. Okinawa is fascinating! You’ll have an amazing time here, especially with these top things to do in Naha – the capital city of Okinawa (and beyond ;)).
Top things to do in Naha.
Visit the tourist information at Narita Airport to gain some practical transportation advice, city maps and travel folders.
Naha is a small airport but very beautiful and full of orchids. Unfortunately, Okinawa Island is totally American-style. Still exotic, but not purely Japanese style. After leaving the airport, I was walking toward the city centre, trying to find my hotel and looking with disappointment at the American architecture. It is so different from Japan’s mainland.
Get Klook Okinawa Pass for up to 54% off for major attractions!
How to get from Naha Airport to Naha center?
The Yui Rail monorail is the easiest, cheapest, and most direct option, running from Naha Airport Station straight to the heart of Naha.
Tickets are available at the station. Consider buying a multi-day pass, as you will be using the skyline to travel around the city and discover the most interesting things to do in Naha.
Naha hotels (Okinawa).
The best place to stay in near the downtown or the beach. Japan is not the cheapest destination but it is no longer as expensive as it used to be a few years back. Now you can get a great 4-star hotel for about ~ $120/per night. Here are the top recommendations:
- Located on Kokusai Street, Hotel Palm Royal Naha – great 4-star option!
- 5-star option Hewitt Resor Naha
- Hotel Cocktail Stay Naha
- Hotel Naha Port in Naha, 2 miles from the airport.
- Hotel Torifito Naha Asahibashi in Naha – located 2,5 miles from the airport ans 10 minutes from the beach.
Most of the hotels, department stores and restaurants accept VISA, Master, JCB, Amex. But if you are shopping in tiny local shops or kiosks, cash might be needed.
When to visit Okinawa?
I was traveling in Japan in November and December. November was quite cold. In Okinawa almost nobody speaks English 🙂 I asked a girl in the car how to get to one of the attractions, she googled the address and without any problem gave me a lift. It’s hard to believe how kind Japanese people are. And they never want money for any help, although we should not take it for granted.
The rainy season is typically between mid-May and late June.
Typhoon season starts from June and continues through November.
Is Okinawa friendly to tourist?
Japanese are the most friendly and generous people on earth. Even though Okinawa Island is very American-style, people remain extremely supportive and warm.
Even in such a busy environment as Japan mainland, Japanese people always remain friendly and kind. In Shinkansen trains, the conductor entering the carriage stands straight and gently bows before entering to check your ticket.
Okinawa Island history.
Just like the whole of Japan, Okinawa is very foreign-friendly. The fact that the island was under American administration until 1972 has huge consequences.
Almost everything feels American-style – shops, restaurants. The village hosts part of a U.S. military base (so don’t be surprised by F-16 fighter jets cutting through the sky above your head). At night, Naha seems to look completely different. It’s very colourful and sweet. There are hundreds of sushi restaurants and blinking shop window displays. The streets are very lively and vibrant, so don’t miss the night walk.
1. SHURI CASTLE
Among the most interesting things to do in Naha is visiting an incredible Shuri Castle, temples and amazing Japanese gardens. If you take a longer walk and explore the area, you will be rewarded with beautiful, hidden sacred places. You can sneak in and explore in private.
Shuri Castle was a Ryukyuan gusuku castle in Shuri, Okinawa. It was almost destroyed in wartime in 1945 but after the Okinawa battle, it reopened. Then rebuilt to become a university campus. And finally, in 2000, Shuri Castle became a World Heritage Site.
I took a long walk around the area, as the most amazing things are discovered while walking.
2. MEET THE WHALE SHARKS IN OKINAWA ISLAND CHURAUMI AQUARIUM
Travelling around the Island you need to see the Okinawa Churaumi aquarium, Nago and the caves.
To get to the aquarium, it is very convenient to travel by bus. Going to Hub Park: you need to take bus no 83 from Naha Bus Terminal (Centre) and stop at Gyokusendo-mae. It takes about 60 minutes from Naha and costs 580Y.
It is the second biggest aquarium in the world. I am not a fan of capturing animals in aquariums. This complex is highly devoted to the preservation of countless species, including one of the largest species of manta rays in the world – the whale shark. It is the experience the visitors will never forget, regardless of age 🙂
Get TICKETS HERE. All information on visiting the Aquarium is here: Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.
Highly recommended tour: Okinawa Car Rental with Driver – Customized Itinerary to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium / Shuri Castle – Chinese/ English/ Japanese Speaking Driver
or
3. HIT THE COBALT BLUE SEA IN EMERALD BEACH
Once you are at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, it’s a chance to visit the magnificent Okinawa coastline with lagoon beaches.
Enjoy walking while feeling the nature of Okinawa, the cobalt blue sea and the islands. Emerald Beach is only a short walk from the aquarium (500m). This amazing beach gets very busy during summertime for various local festivals and parties.
4. EXPLORE THE MAGNIFICENT GREEN OASIS OF FUKUSHUEN GARDEN.
Fukushūen is a stunning traditional Chinese garden, which should be on the top of the list of things to do in Naha. Seriously, it is magical, especially at nighttime.
Fukushuen Garden is a beautifully landscaped oasis in the heart of Naha. Designed in the classic Chinese style, the garden features koi ponds, rock formations, and various plants.
You can find it in the Kume area of Naha. It was created in 1992, now everyone knows it as a symbol of Okinawa’s close ties with China.
5. GYOKUSENDO CAVES IN OKINAWA ISLAND
Gyokusendo caves is an exotic underground world. The natural museum was carved over 300,000 years. It’s a limestone cave grown on a coral reef. There are several limestone caves located in Okinawa, with Gyokusendo being the largest, longest (900metres) and most beautiful
6. HABU MUSEUM
Habo Museum Park is definitely not a place for me, however, it is definitely one of the most adventurous things to do in Naha! This is where people keep the animals in tiny cages, boil snakes and put them into jars for the famous liqueur.
The name of this liqueur made in Okinawa is Habushu.
To receive the yellow colour of the alcohol, you have to mix the snakes with herbs and honey. Some of the bottles are incredibly expensive. Many believe that the strengths of the liquid pass on to those who drink the mixture.
7. JAPANESE CUISINE.
Okinawa cuisine is very much internationally influenced. It’s very different to the main island of Japan’s cuisine, meat and eggs lead here in traditional Okinawan dishes.
As a vegetarian had to skip most of the traditional dishes with meat (pork is dominating), but could still try purple potatoes and Hirayachi – a savoury pancake unique to Okinawa.
Sea food ans sushi are absolutely delicious, and preparing them just in front of your face makes it even more special. With reasonable prices for seafood, you can’t miss this food performance.
8. OKINAWA PERFECTURAL MUSEUM AND ART (Okimyu).
If you are into museums and art, visiting the Okinawa Prefectural Museum is one of the best things to do in Naha. There are plenty of permanent and temporary exhibitions.
9. DISCOVER KOKUSAI STREET.
No visit to Naha is complete without strolling down Kokusai Street, the city’s pulsating heart. This lively street is lined with various shops, restaurants, and souvenir stands. Sample local delicacies such as Okinawa soba and the famous taco rice. Don’t forget to pick up some unique crafts and gifts to take home! The vibrant atmosphere here is contagious; it’s an ideal place to feel the local spirit.
Tsuboya district is associated with traditional ceramics like shiisa (lion-dog figures).
10. PEACE MEMORIAL PARK.
A short trip from the city center leads you to Peace Memorial Park. This solemn yet beautiful park pays tribute to the lives lost during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II. Walking through the park provides a poignant reminder of the importance of peace. It’s the right place if you want to get a deeper understanding of the region’s history.
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