Okinawa made it into our 50+ day itinerary through Japan almost on a whim — and we’re so glad it did. It only took a few days for this island to win us over with its slower pace, crystal-clear beaches, and a unique culture that blends traditional Japan with the heritage of the former Ryukyu Kingdom. As soon as we started researching where Okinawa is located and the things to do in Okinawa, we were immediately fascinated.
If you’re looking for authentic experiences in Okinawa, away from the usual tourist routes, you’ll enjoy what we have to share. We explored the main island of Okinawa for five days and left feeling like there was still so much more to uncover.
Here are the 10 experiences that left the biggest impression on us — and that we definitely recommend fitting into your itinerary, especially if you love nature, great food, and unforgettable moments. Come discover what to do in Okinawa with us.
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How to explore Okinawa? Do you really need a car?
Before getting there, we thought: “Let’s try to use public transport, like we did in the rest of Japan.” But we quickly realized that in Okinawa, you can’t really rely on buses for a flexible itinerary. Public transport does exist, but it’s limited, slow, and doesn’t connect well to the island’s most interesting spots.
The truth is, if you want to properly explore Okinawa — from hidden beaches to stunning viewpoints — you’ll really need to rent a car. The good news is that driving there is easy (yes, even with the steering wheel on the right), the roads are well signed, and GPS works like a charm.
We only rented a car the day we left Naha (the island’s capital – where we stayed for two days) heading to Nago in the north, where we spent the next three days. And it was the best decision — it gave us total freedom to explore at our own pace, stop wherever we wanted, and discover off-the-radar spots. You can check here where to stay in Okinawa, the best areas and accommodations.
You can rent on Klook or Discovercars, like we did. Just keep in mind you’ll need an international driving permit (IDP) that includes Japan. You can find more info here on how to rent a car in Japan.
10 Unmissable Experiences in Okinawa
If you’re planning a trip to Okinawa, there are some experiences you really should include in your itinerary. From amazing marine life to unique flavors and breathtaking tropical beaches — here are our favorites: there’s a lot to do in Okinawa.
1. Dine at a typical izakaya (and feel the real Okinawa)
If there’s one thing that makes you feel like you’re truly in Japan, it’s stepping into an izakaya — those traditional bars where you snack and drink, often at low tables, with loud music and a laid-back vibe. Okinawa is no different, but there’s one important detail: some izakayas don’t accept foreigners. It can be frustrating, but don’t give up.
On our first night in Naha, we only got a table on the fourth attempt. And we’re so glad we didn’t give up! We ended up in a tiny, super authentic izakaya that wasn’t even on Google Maps. The chef and waiter were amazing, brought us an English menu, and treated us like regulars. It turned into one of those unexpected, unforgettable nights.
On the second night, we had a reservation at another izakaya — and we loved it just as much. If you want this kind of experience, we recommend searching ahead and, if possible, asking your accommodation to help with reservations.
2. Dine with a sunset view on a paradise beach
Some simple moments feel like gold — and this was one of them. Picture this: you’re staying in a hotel right by the beach, between Onna and Nago, in the area where the sun sets over the sea. The light slowly changes, the sky turns orange and pink, and you’re right there watching it all unfold.
That day, we were near Kise Beach, and decided to do something simple that turned into one of our favorite evenings: we stopped by a convenience store (there are plenty of Lawson and FamilyMart shops around), grabbed some onigiri, fluffy egg sandwiches, and freshly made smoothies, and brought it all back to our room.
We had dinner on the balcony of the hotel where we stayed, facing the sea, with the sound of the waves below and the sky changing color by the minute. And the best part? You don’t need to spend much to enjoy this kind of moment — just choose where you stay wisely and embrace Okinawa’s relaxed vibe.
If you’re going to this part of the island, try to book a west-facing place so you don’t miss the sunset over the sea. And if you can, take dinner with you to the beach or balcony — no restaurant view beats this.
3. Eat super fresh sashimi at a local market
If you’re a fan of raw fish, you’ll fall in love with Naha’s markets. The most famous is the Makishi Public Market, in the city center. You’ll find stalls full of colorful, oddly shaped fish — it feels like a natural sciences class with a salty smell.
Upstairs, there are small restaurants where you can order super fresh sashimi. It’s simple: choose the fish downstairs or order from the upstairs menu, and they’ll handle the rest. We did both — a combo from the menu and some handpicked extra slices.
It was some of the best sashimi we’ve ever had — all in a relaxed, no-frills setting. If you love seafood, this is a must.
4. Stroll along Naminoue Beach (coffee in hand)
Before the heat kicks in, we took a morning to explore the coastal area of Naha. The walk led us to Naminoue Beach, a small urban beach full of charm. There are food trucks, green areas, and even a shrine right next to it, perched on a cliff.
Before that, we stopped at TURNER COFFEE.TEA.etc, a lovely coffee window serving excellent coffee — the kind that hits just right to start the day. It’s only a few minutes from the beach and perfect for a quiet moment in the city.
If the weather’s nice, you can even take a dip or just sit and watch the ocean. It’s one of those spots that don’t usually show up in tourist guides but reveal a more relaxed and authentic side of the city.
5. Come face to face with a whale shark at Churaumi Aquarium
Coming face to face with a whale shark is something you don’t forget. And that’s exactly what we experienced at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, one of the biggest and most impressive aquariums in the world. We’d read about it before our trip, so it went straight to the top of our Okinawa list — and we bought tickets online to skip the lines (which we totally recommend, especially in high season).
What makes this aquarium so special — besides the size — is the main tank, the Kuroshio Sea, home to Jinta, a whale shark about 8 meters long. Watching that giant glide so effortlessly right in front of us was one of those humbling, awe-inspiring moments.
But Churaumi is not just about the whale shark. You’ll also find giant manta rays, vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and an impressive collection of marine species that live in the Pacific waters around Okinawa. You really get a sense of how rich this area is in biodiversity.
And the best part? The aquarium is part of a larger complex, the Okinawa Ocean Expo Park, which has tons more to explore — and most of it is free. From Emerald Beach, with some of the clearest waters on the island, to areas dedicated to dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles. There are also tropical gardens and green spaces to walk around and relax.
It’s a perfect outing for all ages. We spent the whole morning there and would’ve stayed longer if we didn’t already have other plans. If you’re visiting Okinawa — especially on a tight schedule — this is one of those places you really shouldn’t miss. You can get your Churaumi Aquarium tickets online here.
6. Try sea salt and sweet potato ice cream at the iconic Blue Seal
As soon as you arrive in Okinawa, Blue Seal is everywhere — posters, t-shirts, buses, shops… it’s a true institution. The brand was born during the American occupation and is now part of the island’s identity.
The hardest part is choosing: there are super original flavors like Okinawan sea salt or purple sweet potato, along with the classics. We tried the sundae with a scoop of ice cream topped with soft serve — and it was hard to stop there. If you’ve got a sweet tooth like us, you won’t resist.
7. Drink Okinawa’s local beer: the famous Orion
In Okinawa, the local beer isn’t Asahi or Kirin — it’s Orion. You’ll see this brand everywhere, from restaurants to convenience stores. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for the island’s tropical weather.
There are several versions to try, and you can even visit the Orion factory in Nago (tours are only in Japanese, but it’s still worth it for beer lovers). Tickets are sold online with scheduled times: check here.
8. Discover the unique flavor of awamori, Okinawa’s traditional spirit
Awamori is the island’s traditional alcoholic drink, made from Thai rice and long fermentation, giving it a stronger flavor than sake. You can drink it straight, on the rocks, or diluted with water — just like many locals do during meals.
If you’re into traditional drinks, it’s definitely worth a try. You’ll find it in most restaurants, and you can also get cute bottles in shops to take home as a souvenir.
9. Escape to a paradise island near Okinawa
After exploring the main island, we flew to Ishigaki, a paradise island with stunning beaches, coral reefs, and a super relaxed vibe. If you’ve got time in your itinerary, it’s a great place for a few extra days.
But if you prefer something closer, you can always take a day trip to Tokashiki or Zamami, islands in the Kerama archipelago. They’re less than an hour by ferry from Naha and perfect for a quick getaway with swimming and dreamy views.
10. Relax on tropical beaches between Onna and Nago
Between Onna and Nago, the west coast of the main island hides some of the most beautiful beaches in Okinawa. We stayed in a hotel with direct ocean views and waking up there was a dream.
Emerald Beach, Manza Beach or Moon Beach are perfect to relax, swim, or snorkel. The water is crystal clear, the sand is soft, and the atmosphere is super chill. Perfect for that postcard-worthy rest moment.
Practical tips to explore Okinawa
- Supermarkets: Konbini (7-Eleven, Family Mart, Lawson) are handy, but supermarkets offer more variety. In Naha, our favorite was MaxValu Wakasa — they’ve got everything from snacks to good-looking sashimi at great prices.
- Rent a car: You can rent some of the cheapest cars in Okinawa on Klook and Discovercars.
- Withdraw cash with no hidden fees: Use 7-Eleven ATMs with a Mastercard. They work great and don’t charge outrageous fees.
- Travel insurance: For peace of mind while traveling, we recommend Heymondo — our go-to company on every trip.
- Mobile internet: We used the Holafly eSIM and it worked perfectly in Okinawa. You can buy it online, install it in two minutes, and you’re ready to go.
FAQs
What’s the best eSIM and travel insurance for Okinawa?
We used the Holafly eSIM — it works really well and is super easy to install. As for travel insurance, we always travel with Heymondo — it offers great coverage and support in Portuguese.
Where’s the best place to watch the sunset in Okinawa?
The area between Onna and Nago is perfect to see the sun set over the sea. If you stay in a west-facing hotel, you can even have dinner on the balcony with this amazing view. Or bring some snacks and enjoy a picnic on the beach.
What is awamori?
It’s the traditional alcoholic drink from Okinawa, made from Thai rice and with a stronger taste than sake. You can drink it straight, on the rocks or with water. It’s widely available at restaurants and as a souvenir in shops.
Where can I try local ice cream and beer in Okinawa?
For ice cream, make sure to visit a Blue Seal shop — try the sea salt or purple sweet potato flavors. As for beer, Orion is the local brand and you’ll find it everywhere. If you’re a fan, you can even tour the brewery in Nago.
Can I take day trips to other islands?
Yes! From Naha, you can catch a ferry to Tokashiki or Zamami islands (Kerama archipelago), perfect for a beach and snorkeling day. If you have more time, we recommend flying to Ishigaki — it’s a true tropical paradise.
What are the best beaches in Okinawa?
On the main island, we loved Emerald Beach, Moon Beach, and Manza Beach — all on the west coast, between Onna and Nago. They have soft sand, crystal-clear water and a super calm vibe, perfect for relaxing or snorkeling.
Where can I try typical Okinawan food?
Izakayas are great for tasting local dishes in a traditional setting. In Naha, some izakayas don’t accept foreigners, so it’s a good idea to ask your accommodation to help with reservations. And don’t miss the ultra-fresh sashimi at Makishi Public Market!
Is the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium worth visiting?
Totally worth it! It’s one of the largest aquariums in the world and the highlight is the Kuroshio Sea tank, where you can see a giant whale shark right in front of you. It’s an impressive experience and part of a bigger park with free attractions like beaches and tropical gardens.
Do I need to rent a car to explore Okinawa?
Yes, you really do. Public transport in Okinawa isn’t as efficient as the rest of Japan — there are few buses, they take a long time, and they don’t connect key sights well. Renting a car gives you total freedom to explore hidden beaches, viewpoints, and traditional villages at your own pace.
If you’re planning a trip to Okinawa, start in Naha and take your time. This island has way more to offer than just beaches — it has soul, flavor, and a culture you won’t find anywhere else in Japan. And remember: sometimes the best moments are the ones not in the guidebook.
