Okinawa Japan
5
Day Itinerary •
Japan
Five days in Okinawa gives the complete experience of Japan's most extraordinary subtropical island chain, from the remarkable Naha Ryukyu heritage and the extraordinary Churaumi Aquarium to the finest snorkelling reefs of the Kerama Islands, the remarkable Yaeyama island wilderness and the extraordinary Ishigaki coral waters. This route covers the full Okinawa: the extraordinary Shuri Castle and Naha food scene, the remarkable Churaumi Aquarium and Cape Manzamo, the extraordinary Kerama Islands snorkelling, the remarkable Miyako Island beaches and the extraordinary Ishigaki Island coral reef diving.
Best Time To Visit
May to October for reefs and beaches. April and November are quieter.
Getting There
Fly to Naha Airport (OKA). Connecting flights to Ishigaki and Miyako.
Getting Around
Car in Okinawa main island. Ferries and local buses on outer islands.
Budget Per Day
Approx 90 to 180 euros per person per day
Difficulity
Easy , beaches, snorkelling and island hopping
DAY 1
NAHA
MORNING
SHURI CASTLE UNESCO HERITAGE
Shuri Castle is the most extraordinary Ryukyu Kingdom heritage site in Japan, its remarkable main hall in extraordinary red and gold lacquer giving the finest example of Ryukyu architecture in the world. The extraordinary UNESCO complex and the remarkable views over Naha and the East China Sea give the finest castle experience in Okinawa. Entry approx 820 yen. Drive: 20 min by monorail
MIDDAY
KOKUSAI STREET AND MAKISHI MARKET
Kokusai Street is the most extraordinary shopping street in Okinawa, its remarkable Ryukyu glassware, extraordinary awamori bars and the finest craft shops in the prefecture giving the finest street in Naha. The extraordinary Makishi Public Market gives the finest display of tropical fish and Okinawan produce in Japan. Free. Drive: 10 min walk
AFTERNOON
TSUBOYA POTTERY DISTRICT
Tsuboya is the most extraordinary pottery district in Okinawa, its remarkable traditional kilns producing the finest shisa ceramics and the extraordinary local craft traditions giving the finest heritage in Naha. The remarkable Naminoue Shrine on extraordinary cliffs above the sea gives the finest afternoon in the city. Free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Shikinaen Royal Garden in Naha is the finest Ryukyu royal garden in Okinawa, its remarkable Chinese-influenced design and extraordinary pavilions over the central pond giving the most atmospheric garden heritage in the prefecture. Entry approx 400 yen.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Naha soba restaurant Outstanding Okinawa soba with pork belly and the finest local noodle broth in Japan. | Lunch: Makishi Market second floor Outstanding Okinawan cuisine cooked from the extraordinary fresh market ingredients upstairs. | Dinner: Kokusai Street awamori bar Outstanding goya champuru and local awamori spirit in the finest street in Naha.
DAY 2
NORTH OKINAWA
MORNING
CHURAUMI AQUARIUM
Churaumi Aquarium is the most extraordinary aquarium in Japan, its remarkable Kuroshio Tank with whale sharks and manta rays swimming in the largest acrylic panel in the world giving the finest aquarium experience in Asia. The extraordinary coral reef section and remarkable dolphin shows give the finest marine life in Okinawa. Entry approx 2180 yen. Drive: 30 min drive
MIDDAY
CAPE MANZAMO
Cape Manzamo is the most extraordinary coastal viewpoint in Okinawa, its remarkable elephant-trunk limestone arch and the extraordinary turquoise Pacific water giving the finest cliff scenery in the prefecture. The remarkable views along the Okinawan coastline give the finest cape experience in Japan. Free. Drive: 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
NAKIJIN CASTLE UNESCO RUINS
Nakijin Castle is the most extraordinary UNESCO ruin in Okinawa, its remarkable 1.5km of coral limestone walls winding through the hilltop forest giving the finest Ryukyu fortification in the north. The extraordinary views over the East China Sea give the finest castle heritage in northern Okinawa. Entry approx 600 yen.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Okinawa Memorial Park surrounding Churaumi contains the finest tropical botanical garden in Japan with remarkable Ryukyu endemic plants and the fine ocean view promenade. Free with aquarium ticket.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Hotel breakfast before north drive Early start for northern Okinawa. Arrive at Churaumi before 9am for the finest whale shark experience. | Lunch: Restaurant near Churaumi Outstanding Okinawan lunch near the finest aquarium in Japan. Local sea grapes and taco rice. | Dinner: Return dinner in Naha Outstanding Okinawan pork dishes, goya vegetables and Orion beer on return to Naha.
DAY 3
KERAMA ISLANDS
MORNING
KERAMA ISLANDS FERRY
The Kerama Islands are the most extraordinary coral reef archipelago in Japan, their remarkable 30-metre visibility waters and extraordinary coral gardens giving the finest snorkelling in Asia. The remarkable sea turtle encounters at Zamami Island and the extraordinary whale watching from January to March give the finest island experience near Okinawa. Ferry from Naha approx 2000 yen. Drive: 30 min by ferry
MIDDAY
ZAMAMI ISLAND SNORKELLING
Zamami is the most extraordinary snorkelling island in the Kerama chain, its remarkable Furuzamami Beach and the extraordinary Ama Beach giving the finest coral reef experience in Japan. The remarkable loggerhead sea turtles grazing in the seagrass beds and the extraordinary coral formations visible at 1-metre depth give the finest snorkelling in Okinawa. Entry free. Drive: 20 min walk
AFTERNOON
AKA ISLAND AND RETURN
Aka Island is the most extraordinary small island in the Kerama chain, its remarkable resident deer swimming between islands and the extraordinary Nishihama Beach giving the finest deserted beach experience in the Okinawan archipelago. The remarkable clarity of the Kerama Blue water and the extraordinary sunset over the coral reef give the finest afternoon in the Kerama Islands. Free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Kerama deer are the finest endemic mammal in Japan, the remarkable Kerama shika deer swimming between the extraordinary islands and grazing on the beaches giving the most unusual wildlife encounter in Okinawa. Often seen on the Aka Island shoreline. Free.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Naha cafe before Kerama ferry Outstanding Okinawan breakfast before the extraordinary Kerama Islands ferry. Board at Tomari Port. | Lunch: Zamami Island beach cafe Outstanding fresh island food on the finest snorkelling island in Japan. Local fish and cold Orion beer. | Dinner: Zamami or Naha return dinner Outstanding seafood dinner on Zamami overnight or return to Naha for the finest Okinawan evening.
DAY 4
MIYAKO ISLAND
MORNING
MIYAKO ISLAND YONAHA MAEHAMA BEACH
Yonaha Maehama is the most extraordinary beach in Japan, its remarkable 7km of finest white sand and extraordinary emerald water ranked the finest beach in the country for decades giving the finest beach experience in all of Japan. The remarkable shallow water extending 500 metres from shore and the extraordinary coral reef beyond give the finest swimming and wading in Asia. Free. Drive: 30 min drive
MIDDAY
HIGASHIHENNAZAKI CAPE
Higashihennazaki is the most extraordinary cape in the Miyako Islands, its remarkable narrow 2km peninsula of extraordinary coral limestone giving the finest cape walk in Okinawa. The remarkable 360-degree ocean views from the extraordinary lighthouse at the tip and the fine sea turtle nesting beaches give the finest coastal scenery in the Miyako chain. Free. Drive: 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
MIYAKO ISLAND CORAL SNORKELLING
The Miyako Island coral reefs are the most extraordinary in Japan, their remarkable sea turtle populations, extraordinary manta ray encounter sites at Yabiji reef and the finest coral diversity in the country giving the finest marine experience in the Miyako chain. The remarkable guide-led snorkelling tours and the extraordinary manta ray sightings in April give the finest reef experience in Japan. Tours approx 5000 yen.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Ikema Island connected by bridge to northern Miyako is the finest hidden reef dive site in the chain, its remarkable Ikema Strait manta cleaning station and the extraordinary coral bommies giving the finest manta ray encounter in Japan from March to May. Dive tours approx 10000 yen.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Miyako Island cafe Outstanding Miyako breakfast with local papaya champuru and the finest tropical fruit before the extraordinary beach day. | Lunch: Beach cafe at Yonaha Maehama Outstanding Miyako lunch on the finest beach in Japan. Fresh Miyako seafood and cold tropical drinks. | Dinner: Miyako city restaurant Outstanding Miyako Island dinner. Local snapper, Miyako soba and the finest awamori produced in the Miyako chain.
DAY 5
ISHIGAKI ISLAND
MORNING
KABIRA BAY ISHIGAKI
Kabira Bay is the most extraordinary bay in the Yaeyama Islands, its remarkable turquoise water dotted with extraordinary forested islets giving the finest bay scenery in Japan. The remarkable glass-bottomed boat tours over the extraordinary black pearl cultivation beds and the fine beach give the finest bay experience in Okinawa. Swimming prohibited to protect the pearls but the extraordinary glass boats are the finest alternative. Boat approx 1500 yen. Drive: 20 min drive
MIDDAY
TAKETOMI ISLAND TRADITIONAL VILLAGE
Taketomi is the most extraordinary preserved Ryukyu village in Japan, its remarkable white coral sand streets and extraordinary traditional red-roofed houses each guarded by the finest shisa lion dogs in the Yaeyama chain giving the finest traditional island village in Okinawa. The remarkable water buffalo cart tours through the extraordinary village and the fine weavers of Minsa textiles give the finest heritage in the chain. Ferry approx 600 yen. Drive: 20 min by ferry
AFTERNOON
ISHIGAKI CORAL REEF DIVING
Ishigaki Island offers the most extraordinary coral reef diving in Japan, its remarkable manta ray encounter sites at Manta Scramble and the extraordinary Osaki coral garden giving the finest diving in the country. The remarkable hammerhead shark encounters at Yonaguni Island to the west and the extraordinary coral diversity of the Yaeyama reef give the finest diving experience in Asia. Dive tours approx 8000 yen.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Yonaguni Island 100km west of Ishigaki contains the finest underwater rock formation mystery in Japan, its remarkable submerged stone terraces possibly the oldest man-made structure in the world giving the most extraordinary dive site in Asia. Day trip from Ishigaki by charter flight or ferry.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Ishigaki cafe before Kabira Outstanding Ishigaki breakfast with local pineapple and Yaeyama soba before the extraordinary Kabira Bay boat tour. | Lunch: Taketomi Island restaurant Outstanding traditional Yaeyama cuisine on the finest preserved island in Japan. Local Minsa weaving tea ceremony. | Dinner: Farewell dinner in Ishigaki Outstanding final Okinawa dinner. Fresh Yaeyama seafood, local awamori and the finest reef fish in Japan.
Where To Stay
Naha, Nights 1 to 2 Best hub. Hotels from 70 to 160 euros. Monorail to Shuri Castle and connections to Kerama ferry. Zamami Island, Night 3 The finest island guesthouse experience. Local minshuku from 60 to 120 euros including dinner. Budget option Guesthouses in Naha from 40 euros. Outer island minshuku from 50 euros with local seafood dinner.
Top Tips
1. Kerama Islands: the extraordinary Kerama Blue water visibility is 30 to 40 metres year-round. Even non-divers can snorkel over the finest coral in Japan in 1-metre depth.
2. Miyako manta rays: the extraordinary Yabiji reef has the finest manta ray density in Japan from March to May. Book a guide in advance , the mantas are seasonal.
3. Churaumi Aquarium: arrive at 8.30am opening and go straight to the Kuroshio Tank. The extraordinary whale sharks are most active in the first hour before crowds arrive.
4. Ishigaki Manta Scramble: the finest manta ray dive site in Japan operates from April to November. The extraordinary mantas come to the cleaning station at predictable times.
5. Okinawan food rule: order everything. The extraordinary goya champuru, Okinawa soba, sea grapes, taco rice and awamori spirit are all unlike anything elsewhere in Japan.
6. Taketomi water buffalo: the extraordinary cart tour through the finest preserved Ryukyu village in Japan is led by a driver singing traditional Yaeyama folk songs. The finest 20 minutes in Okinawa.
Total Budget
90 to 180 euros/day