1 Week Okinawa Japan Itinerary
This 1-week Okinawa itinerary will guide you through the island’s best spots, from serene beaches to exciting water activities, ensuring a blend of relaxation and adventure.
Why Go to Okinawa?
Okinawa boasts some of Japan’s most stunning beaches. Imagine soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, and perfect weather almost year-round. Away from the dense city life of Tokyo, this island offers a tranquil environment to relax, unwind, and recharge. Plus, if you love adventure, the island is a haven for water sports, including snorkeling and scuba diving. From fresh sushi to unique local dishes, the island offers an array of culinary experiences. Don’t miss the opportunity to try sea grapes, mango and tropical fruit desserts, and the local spirit, Awamori.
Where to Stay
Hotel Nikko Alivila
When we were in Okinawa we stayed at the Hotel Nikko Alivila. It was reasonably priced but also felt luxurious, with huge rooms overlooking the ocean, multiple restaurants and shops, pools, and a beach with chairs and umbrellas for use. The hotel’s strategic location makes it easy to access both the northern and southern parts of the island as it’s only an hour from Naha and an hour from the highlights of the Nago region. Plus, the hotel smelled amazing and provided amenities like Japanese house robes and slippers and great smelling bath products.
How to Get Around
Renting a Car
The best way to explore Okinawa is by renting a car. The island has an excellent road network, and driving gives you the flexibility to visit attractions at your own pace. Plus, parking is generally easy to find, even at popular tourist spots. Okinawa’s roads are well-maintained and road signs are in both Japanese and English, so you won’t have trouble understanding directions. However, remember that in Japan, you drive on the left-hand side of the road, which might take some getting used to if you’re from a country that drives on the right. Also, don’t forget to secure an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you leave home and familiarize yourself with local driving rules.
Foods and Restaurants Not to Miss
Sushi Minami
No trip to Japan is complete without indulging in some fresh sushi. Sushi Minami offers an exquisite selection, made in a more American style for rolls.
Kokopelli Pizza
You wouldn’t think that some of the best pizza of your life would be found in Japan, but Kokopelli Pizza offers incredible wood-fired pizza.
808 Poke Bowls
For a healthy meal, head to 808 Poke Bowls. Here, you can customize your own poke bowl with fresh ingredients – it’s a great option for a quick lunch, in Hawaiian poke style.
Menshin Maruyoshi
Warm up with a hearty bowl of ramen at Menshin Maruyoshi. Everything is vegan and the restaurant is very cosy up on a hill overlooking the sea.
Gordie’s
Gordie’s offers a unique blend of American and Okinawan flavors. Here’s where you can find an authentic American style burger with great milkshakes. After lunch, head over to the very strange and tacky American Village.
Yakizen Okinawa
Located in Naha, check out Yakizen Okinawa. This restaurant specializes in yakitori tapa style food. It’s an intimate setting and the food comes out fast, so go in hungry.
24 Sweets Shop
Satisfy your sweet tooth at 24 Sweets Shop. This dessert shop is open 24/7 and is on the honor system, meaning you pick out what you want and pay for it with no attendant or locked doors. It’s a pretty unique concept.
Okinawa Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation
Head to your hotel after renting a car and settle in for the day – if the weather is good, check out the beach and organize any watersports activities you want to do for the week with the hotel staff.
Day 2: Sesoko Beach and Cape Manzamo
Sesoko Beach
Start your day with a visit to Sesoko Beach, one of Okinawa’s hidden gems. Known for its clear waters and rocky cliffs, it’s a great spot for swimming and climbing. You can rent chairs and an umbrella, or go further away down the beach and find your own quiet corner
Cape Manzamo
In the afternoon, head to Cape Manzamo, a scenic cliffside area offering stunning ocean views. The dramatic cliffs and vibrant blue waters make it a popular spot for photos. Take a leisurely walk along the paths and soak in the natural beauty.
Day 3: Okinawa Aquarium
Exploring the Aquarium
Visit the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, home to a diverse range of marine life. The aquarium is famous for its massive Kuroshio Tank, which houses whale sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles.
Whale Shark Feeding
Don’t miss the chance to see the whale sharks up close, especially during a feeding. There are also dolphin shows and feedings of sea turtles. You can get pretty close to the wildlife in these exhibits, plus the aquarium is right on the ocean and offers great views.
Day 4: Watersports Adventure
Scuba Diving
Explore the underwater world with a scuba diving excursion. Okinawa is home to some of the best dive sites in Japan, including the famous Blue Cave. Discover vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish. We did a dive with Murunu-shi dive shop and appreciated that they had english speaking guides and also offered an intro experience – check this out especially if you have been dived before and want to see what it’s all about before taking a full course.
Snorkeling
We also went snorkeling at the blue cave which was a very unique experience. Check out any of the tours on Viator – you really can’t go wrong as most of the guiding groups have the same itinerary. We saw incredible fish and going into the cave in the dark was a unique experience I’ll never forget!
Day 5: Beach Day
Consider Kouri Beach on Kouri Island, a day trip to Minna Island or go up the coast to Okuma beach. Most of the best beaches on the island are on the western side – imagine white sand, crystal clear blue waters, and gentle coves.
Day 6: Exploring Naha
Kokusai Street
Start your day by exploring Kokusai Street, Naha’s main shopping and entertainment district. The street is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes, offering a mix of traditional and modern Okinawan culture. It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs and try local snacks. Warning – it is VERY touristy.
Naminoue Shrine
Visit Naminoue Shrine, a beautiful Shinto shrine located on a cliff overlooking the ocean. The shrine is a peaceful place to reflect and take in the stunning views. There is also a public beach below so if the weather is good, bring a swimsuit!
Fukushuen Garden
End your day with a visit to Fukushuen Garden, a tranquil Chinese-style garden in the heart of Naha. The garden features ponds, bridges, and traditional architecture, creating a serene atmosphere. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature and feel like you’re back in the country even in the heart of the city!
Top tips
- Don’t spend more than a day in Naha. There isn’t that much to do there, and the rest of the island is much more beautiful.
- Check the weather before booking your trip. As a tropical island, Okinawa has a typhoon season, as well as a rainy season. Some sites may be closed in the off season.
