If you’re looking for the perfect place to get away, look no further than the white sandy beaches and natural beauty of Okinawa Prefecture. In this 5-day Okinawa itinerary, you’re gonna know where to go, what to do, and what to skip.

Why listen to me as compared to all the other bloggers out there? Simple.

I lived in Okinawa for three years and had the opportunity to soak in the unique island culture. In fact, I speak Japanese, learned to play Sanshin (three-stringed snakeskin banjo native to Okinawa), took Karate, and lived in Japanese society.

This is your no bullshit perfect Okinawa itinerary. I speak Japanese, understand the culture, and know all the best things to do.

I’m not your run-of-the-mill backpacker who breezed by and calls themselves an expert. I believe in slow travel and truly soaking in the tropical paradise of Okinawa.

Table of Contents

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A Little Bit About Okinawa Japan Before You Go

Okinawa is very, very different from the rest of Japan and has a unique culture. The best way to describe it is like the Hawaii of Japan.

The name in Kanji means “Rope in the Open Sea” because it is comprised of many different islands in the East China Sea and Pacific Ocean. Also called the Ryukyu Islands, Okinawa has a rich history.

The reign of the Ryukyu Kingdom was from 1429 to 1879. Their culture consisted of three main Asian cultures: Mongolian, Ainu, and Malayan.

Their public transport isn’t that great either so I always recommend getting an International Driver’s License and rental car to get around the island easily.

How many days do you need in Okinawa?

In my not so humble opinion, five days isn’t nearly enough time to visit this gorgeous island paradise. There’s always another secret beach to discover, tiny islands to hop around, and water sports to try.

If you only have five days to spend here, you’re getting a small taste of this great place. Check out my 10-day Okinawa Itinerary here to truly get a feel for the island. 

When is the best time to visit Okinawa, Japan?

Okinawa has a subtropical climate and typically doesn’t drop below 15°C (64°F) in winter. Whenever you visit will be great because there is so much to besides visit beautiful beaches. 

January to March in Okinawa

Because the main Okinawa island is so warm, they are the first prefecture in Japan for the cherry blossoms to bloom. January and early February have similar temperatures of 19°C (66°F) during the day and 14°C (57°F) at night. March starts to warm up with average highs during the day being 21°C (70°F) and night temperatures dropping down to 15°C (60°F). 

Popular Events:

  • Nakijin Cherry Blossom Festival (January)
  • Nago Cherry Blossom Festival (January)
  • Motobu Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival (January)

April to June in Okinawa

April starts to warm up with daytime temperatures going up to 23°C (74°F) during the day and 18°C (65°F) at night. May continues this upward trend with daily highs of 26°C (79°F) and 21°C (70°F) at night.June really feels like summer with temperatures soaring up to 29°C (84°F) during the day and 24°C (76°F) at night. This month also starts the beginning of typhoon season.

Popular Events:

  • Ie Island Lily Festival (April)
  • Ryukyu Kaiensai Fireworks Festival (April)
  • Naha Hari Festival (May)

July to September in Okinawa

A word of caution if you’re traveling to Okinawa during the summer, the humidity is intense. In my experience, you’ll catch the most typhoons, though sometimes the season goes until November. 

July temperatures hitting highs of 31°C (88°F) and lows of 26°C (79°F). August daytime highs get up to 30°C (87°F) and 25°C (78°F). September gives a break from the heat with temperatures going down to 30°C (86°F) during the day and 25°C (77°F) at night. 

Popular Events:

  • Ocean Expo Park Summer Festival (July)
  • Yonabaru Great Tug of War Festival (August)
  • Orion Beer Fest (August)

October to December in Okinawa

October daytime temperatures are more comfortable with the highs being 27°C (81°F) and 22°C (72°F) at night. November sees temperatures drop down to 24°C (75°F) during the day and 18°C (66°F) at night.  December temperatures fall even further to 21°C (69°F) during the day and 16°C (60°F) at night.

Popular Events:

  • Southeast Botanical Garden Illuminations (October)
  • American Village Winter Illuminations (November)
  • Ryukyu Lantern Festival (December)

Get Travel Insurance

A common question I get is what do I need to travel to Japan? One thing I always recommend is travel insurance.

Life throws curveballs. Flights get canceled. You get sick. There’s a family emergency. I highly recommend using World Nomads Travel Insurance which you can book here. With World Nomads Travel Insurance, you can expect:

  1. Trip Cancelation – This benefit helps you recover non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs when you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason, including for an unexpected sickness that keeps you from traveling.
  2. Emergency Medical – If you get sick with COVID-19 or another illness, you can get diagnostic tests to confirm your case and other emergency medical benefits.
  3. Medical Evacuation – If you’re in an inadequate medical facility, our plans have benefits that can arrange a transfer to a hospital capable of treating your medical needs.
  4. Trip Interuption – This section helps you get reimbursed for a one-way, economy-class ticket home and any pre-paid, unused portions of your trip for a covered reason.
  5. Trip Delay – If your travels are delayed at least six hours by a covered event, you could get reimbursed for meals, hotels and other basic expenses.

How To Stay Connected in Japan

Japan is super stingy when it comes to their wifi and sharing the internet. They’ve gotten a little bit better since I’ve lived there, but not much.

I recommend you book an e-sim card and download it directly to your phone. You can also order a 4G wifi box ahead of time and pick it up at any airport you designate in Japan. 

How To Get to Okinawa

Most tourists land at Narita or Haneda Airport when they arrive in Japan. So you may be wondering how to go to Okinawa from Tokyo or how to go to Okinawa? There are daily direct flights.

How To Get To Okinawa From Tokyo

Japan’s Okinawa Island is just a two-and-a-half-hour plane ride from Tokyo. Domestic flights are the best way to travel to the beautiful islands of Okinawa.

It’s actually closer to Taiwan than it is to mainland Japan. Okinawa is a cluster of islands and you will land in the capital city of Naha.

How To Get Around Okinawa

Most flights fly directly into Naha which is the international airport. The main island of Okinawa is not public transportation friendly.

You will need a rental car for your Okinawa travel. To rent a car in Okinawa, you will need a valid driver’s license and an International Driver’s Permit (IDP).

Naha has a monorail that will take you as far as Urasoe. For more information on the Yui Rail and where it takes you, check out the website here.

What To Pack For Okinawa (5-Day Itinerary) 

Japan is super STRICT when it comes to luggage restrictions and regulations. Pack as light as possible so when you buy all of your favorite Japanese products, there will be room in your suitcase.

My favorite travel suitcase brand is Béis. I’m obsessed with their weekender bag, carryon, and checked luggage. Use my code for $15 off your first order and 150 points toward your new account.

I also have A Complete Okinawa Packing List for every season.

Travel essentials for what to pack to Okinawa:

  • Unlocked phone – You can book a sim card here. Alternatively, if you don’t have an unlocked phone, you can also use this portable wifi router.
  • Toothpaste – Japanese toothpaste sucks PERIODT. Bring your own from home.
  • Important documents – Bring any important medical documents in case something happens. 
  • Passport – This should be a given, but please don’t forget it. Make a copy of your passport and hide it in your suitcase and leave one on your fridge at home.
  • Credit/Debit Cards – Big shopping malls and most restaurants take credit cards now.
  • Cash – Japan is still primarily a cash is king society. 
  • Medication – Don’t forget your important medicine because I guarantee it will be a nightmare for you to navigate the hospital and then go to a pharmacy to try and get it.

Where To Stay in Okinawa (5-Day Okinawa Itinerary)

Most people who visit Okinawa tend to stay in the Naha area. There are so many great Okinawa attractions you can get to if you don’t stay in Naha.

While bigger cities like Naha offer convenience, I encourage you to tap into your adventurous spirit. To help you decide, check out my complete guide on Where To Stay in Okinawa here. 

Luxury Hotels in Okinawa

  • Aqua Citta (Naha) – This upscale hotel offers pristine views of the city center from its rooftop pool and Tomari Port. Aqua Citta is 15 minutes away from Naha Airport.
  • Hotel Nikko Alivila (Yomitan) – With its enormous pool, beautiful private beach, stunning views and exceptional service, this is a place I highly recommend. While I lived in Okinawa, many year end parties were hosted here and I had incredible experiences every time.
  • ANA Intercontinental Manza Beach (Onna Village) – This place is literally like its own little city and is so convenient, you don’t even have to leave the property. Guests can utilize a mini-golf course, shops, rental bicycles, canoes, and jet skis.

Mid-Range Hotels in Okinawa

  • Mr. Kinjo (Naha) – Conveninetly located outside Asahibashi Station, the location is great and breakfast is included in your stay.
  • Ocean View Araha (Chatan) – Set in Chatan, 2.5 km from Sunset Beach and 2.8 km from Mihama American Village, Ocean View Araha offers garden views and free WiFi.
  • Hotel Sunset Zanpa (Yomitan) – Set in Yomitan, Hotel Sunset ZANPA provides accommodation with private balconies. The property is situated 5 km from Zakimi Gusuku Castle, 2.5 km from Murasakimura and 2.1 km from Cape Zanpa. The property is non-smoking and is located 1.6 km from Zanpa Beach.

Budget Hotels in Okinawa

  • Guest House Umikaji (Naha) – This two star guest house is attractively located in the Naha City Centre district of Naha, and set 2 km from Yachimun Street.
  • La’ Gent Hotel (Chatan) – Set 1.2 km from Sunset Beach, La’gent Hotel Okinawa Chatan / Hotel and Hostel offers rooms with air conditioning in Chatan. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is situated less than 1 km from Mihama American Village.
  • Holiday House Ryuky-an (Yomitan) – Located just a 12-minute drive from Cape Maeda, famous for its beautiful scenery, clear waters and snorkelling, Holiday House Ryukyu-an offers a self-catering holiday home with free WiFi access.

What To Eat in Okinawa

One of the reasons Okinawans live long is because of their diet. Local dishes usually contain pork, fish, rice and veggies (especially goya).

If you’d like a complete guide on What and Where To Eat in Okinawa, click here. 

I also highly suggest taking a traditional cooking class. With this class, you will get a choice of making goya chanpuru or Okinawa soba (two very staple dishes).

  • Okinawa Soba – This dish is buckwheat noodles with pork belly, scallion, fish cake, and boneless pork ribs.
  • Beni Imo Taruto – Purple potato tart is one of my all time favorite sweets in Okinawa. They originated in Yomitan.
  • Goya Champuru – This dish is made with goya (bitter melon), tofu, egg, and pork belly. It’s a popular dish and a classic one you need to try.
  • Okinawan Sea Grapes – My first thought was.. Ew gross, but they’re actually quite nice. The taste is slightly salty with an ocean freshness to it and it is especially nice on a hot day.
  • Taco Rice – This is Okinawa’s spin on a Tex-Mex taco featuring rice as the base with cheese, meat, lettuce, and salsa.
  • Yaki Niku – This is Japanese style barbecue and something that should definitely be on your must eat list. You get raw cuts of different meats and cook it yourself on the table. I took all my siblings to Japanese barbecue and its something we still enjoy doing together.

Day One in Okinawa

On your first day, we’re going to get some culture in by exploring historical sites and souvenir shopping on Kokusai Dori aka International Street. 

Visit the Historic Shuri Castle

Sadly, in 2019, a fire broke out and burned down Shuri Castle. To my knowledge, it is still being rebuilt but you can walk around the castle grounds. You can even rent a kimono or yukata to make the experience 10x better.

Kokusai Dori

This is the main attraction of Naha. There are tons of souvenir shops where you can buy Okinawa-themed merchandise.

For cool things to do in Okinawa, I suggest you go karting like Super Mario on the main strip.

Eat Taco Rice at Amigo Tacos

If you didn’t eat this charming Japanese and Tex-Mex fusion have you even lived? American culture made this a famous dish in the 1960s to cater to American tastes.

Taco rice features seasoned ground beef served over a bed of white rice, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and a generous dollop of salsa.

Optional: Gyokusendo Cave or Sefa Utaki 

Gyokusendo cave stretches five kilometres and boasts a host of spectacular rock formations. It’s a great way to escape Okinawa’s intense heat during the day.

You also have the option of visiting Sefa Utakil which is a sacred place where people pray. Leaders of the native faith were all women and access to the site was strictly off-limits to men, with the exception of male members of the royal family.

Optional: Okinawa World 

Okinawa World is a touristy theme park about Okinawan culture. The park’s main attractions are a massive natural cave, a craft village, and a snake museum.

You can get your Okinawa World Tickets in advance here.

Okinawa Peace Memorial Park

A good way to learn the history of Okinawa is to visit this museum. This museum is a must-visit for first-time visitors to Okinawa.

You can also visit the Himeyuri Peace Museum which has many photographs from the Battle of Okinawa and World War II. 

Day Two in Okinawa

Day Trip to an Outer Island

On your second day, I highly recommend you take a day trip to Tokashiki Island or Zamami Island. These two are part of the Kerama Islands and one of the top tourist attractions for a beach holiday and scuba diving. Aharen Beach is my favorite! 

Fun fact! Did you know Tokashiki is now a National Park in Japan? Sea turtles often go to lay their eggs there.

Also, during the winter you can take a guided tour to see the Humpback Whales. 

Day Three in Okinawa

Five days truly is a short amount of time to really take in Okinawa, but if you wanna see everything, I recommend taking a trip to Ishigaki Island or Miyako Island. The flight time is about an hour from mainland Okinawa.

Also know as the Yaeyama Islands, they have the best beaches. If you’re up for an adventure, Ishigaki will be more your vibe, but if you want to have a great time enjoying the relaxed vibe and blue water, then Miyako is for you. 

Ishigaki Island 

It is possible to do a day trip here, but I wouldn’t recommend it if you really want to enjoy Ishigaki and all it has to offer. If you’d like to spend longer on the island, check out my Ishigaki Travel Guide here. 

Taketomi Island and/or Phantom Island 

If you want to make the most out of your day, the best place to start is by taking a trip to Taketomi Island. It’s one of Ishigaki’s smaller islands and so beautiful!

You can book a Taketomi and Phantom Island Day Tour here. Another popular day trip is to Iriomote for a kayaking tour in their mangrove forests. 

Have Ishigaki Beef For Lunch

  • Ishigaki Beef MARU – The meat here is also a Japanese barbecue-style. 
  • Yamburger Ishigaki – The most delicious hamburgers are made with Ishigaki beef.

Kabira Bay 

Kabira Bay is a popular spot because its considered one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Japan. 

There are many gift shops for Black Pearls on the island because Kabira Bay is one of the top producers in the world. The Ryukyu Royalty wore them and they make a great momento. 

Where To Stay on Ishigaki Island

  • Fusaki Beach Resort and Villas (luxury) – Enjoy exclusive amenities like 24/7 CCTV security, a breathtaking pool, and a private beach. Luxurious rooms feature AC, complimentary Wi-Fi, and refreshing showers with ocean or pool views. 
  • Sandriver Hotel Ishigaki Island (mid-range) – Located in Ishigaki City, it is designed to be your home away from home. Rooms have amenities like refrigerators, TVs, and microwaves. 
  • The Breakfast Hotel Marche Ishigaki (budget) – The hotel offers convenient facilities like a 24-hour front desk, CCTV in common areas, and a parking lot. Stay in modern rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a refreshing shower, luxurious toiletries, and plush towels. 

Miyako Island 

Miyakojima is also a beach lover’s paradise with its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and relaxed vibes. It’s about a 50-minute plane ride from Naha with plenty of adventure!

Check out the two most popular beaches Yonaha Beach and Sunayama Beach. 

Where To Stay on Miyako Island

  • Seawood Hotel Miyakojima (luxury) –  Strategically situated in Miyakojima, allowing you access and proximity to local attractions and sights. They have a beautiful outdoor pool and villa houses. 
  • Hotel California Miyakojima Resort (mid-range) – In an area filled with residences and local shops, this informal, California-themed hotel is 4 km from both Pina Gama Beach and Miyako Airport, and 2 km from Miyakojima Botanical Garden.
  • Hotel Torifito Miyakojima Resort (budget) – Perfect for solo travelers, the luxurious resort offers stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters for snorkeling and diving, a sparkling swimming pool, and a delicious on-site restaurant. Stay in well-appointed rooms with air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, and refreshing showers with essential toiletries.

Day Four in Okinawa

Let’s explore the northern part of Okinawa! You’ll just be coming back from an outer island so you can take it a bit easier from here.

Early Lunch at Captain Kangaroo 

Hands down, Captain Kangaroo is one of my favorite burger places on the island. They’re pretty popular so go right when they open at 11am. If you get there by 1pm, good luck… They will most likely be sold out. 

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

This is the coolest aquarium I’ve ever been to. You can see Okinawa’s coral reefs and marine life. Here you can see whale sharks swimming with tropical fish around in an enormous tank! 

Get your tickets to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium here.

Kouri Island

Kouri Island is so small you can drive around the entire thing in fifteen minutes. It also also famous for the rock formations in the shape of hearts.

Kouri Island is near Nago. You can also book a cruising tour of Haneji Island which also has amazing snorkeling. 

Day Five in Okinawa

On your final day, I recommend taking it easy and exploring my favorite part of the island… Yomitan and Chatan! 

Cape Manzamo

Your last day is what you make it! Personally, I think this is a gorgeous lookout especially for sunrise or sunset. It doesn’t take long to walk around, so you can snap some photos, and go onto your next location. 

Optional: Ryukyu Mura Theme Park

​Okinawan cultures are fascinating and the Ryukyu Mura is a good way to indulge if you didn’t go to Okinawa World. If you’re not into theme parks you can skip it.

It has a recreated village from the times of the Ryukyu Kingdom and you can hear traditional music. You can get your ticket to Ryukyu Mura here.

Zakimi Castle Ruins

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and totally cool for a great view of Okinawa. These ruins aren’t very large so expect to spend an hour here. 

Zanpa Lighthouse & Zanpa Beach

This is one of my favorite lookout points! If you climb the Zanpa Lighthouse you can see gorgeous views of Yomitan Village. 

​We gotta get in some beach time so stop by Zanpa Beach for a couple hours before the sun gets too strong.

Dechibica For Lunch

To anyone who will listen… Dechibica is one of the best vegan restaurants I’ve ever been to in my life!

Even the pickiest meat eaters will love this place and it’s always full around lunchtime. 

Optional: Southeast Botanical Gardens

These are super beautiful gardens and you can play with Capybaras here. The admission fee to get in is 1,650yen ($11). 

Get your Southeast Botanical Gardens tickets here.

Explore American Village

Located right across the street from the Kadena Military Base, you can find anything and everything from here. I also recommend eating some Blue Seal ice cream with typical Okinawan flavors like Shikwasa, Beni Imo (purple potato) and Chinsuko (Okinawan cookies). 

Dinner at Kinpa Ginpa or The Sunabe Seawall

Depending on what you want from your last day, either is an excellent choice. The Kinpa Ginpa has amazing ramen and even more deliciou Chu-his.

The Sunabe Seawall has plenty of delicious restaurants with excellent views of the ocean for sunset. You can also go snorkeling here. 

I hope this 5-day Okinawa itinerary will help you plan the most epic trip there! Okinawa, Japan is one of my most favorite places in the world to be and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it!

If you go, be sure to follow #ginamademedoit do I can take a look at all your travel adventures!

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