Don't go on a self-driving trip to Okinawa anymore!
Don't come to Okinawa anymore! After visiting Okinawa, I no longer want to go to other tropical countries. This time, I spent 5 days and 4 nights on a self-driving trip in early June. Although the time wasn't very sufficient, there were so many places worth visiting. Okinawa feels like a destination where different types of travelers can enjoy themselves! I've marked the parking situation at the places I visited, hoping to help everyone plan their self-driving trips!
🗺【Itinerary】
Day 1: Naha City/Southern Area
Senaga Island (Free parking) - First, I picked up the car near the airport and drove to Senaga Island. Here, a row of white houses built along the hillside exudes a Greek and Italian vibe. There are restaurants offering cuisines from various countries, such as Turkish, American, and Mexican dishes. It doesn't feel like Japan at all~ I chose a sea-view restaurant to enjoy steak, and the scenery was incredibly relaxing.
Gyokusendo Cave (Free parking) - About a 30-minute drive away, you can marvel at the natural wonders formed over hundreds of thousands of years. The underground stalactite cave boasts over a million stalactites. The tranquil and dimly lit cave is truly relaxing. Outside, there are various Okinawan cultural displays, such as traditional musical instruments and glass-blowing performances. If you're interested in Okinawan culture, you'll likely spend a long time exploring here~ (Note: Closing time is 4:00 PM, so plan your visit early to avoid missing out on many photo spots.)
Originally, I planned to visit the DMM Aquarium afterward, but I was too tired and decided to postpone it to the next morning.
Day 2: Northern Naha
DMM Aquarium (Free parking) - This is a new aquarium in Naha. Unlike traditional aquariums, DMM Aquarium offers semi-open pools simulating shallow seas, complete with wave sounds and lighting effects, making you feel like you're on a beach. Besides marine life, there are land animal exhibits and limited feeding experiences. I tried feeding a sloth this time—it was so adorable, hanging on a tree and slowly taking the carrot slice.
Pokemon Center (Free parking) - Located in Aeon Mall, the Pokemon Center needs no introduction! Although it's not as large as the one in Osaka, for a fan like me, it was enough to spend all my travel budget here!
Nakagusuku Castle (Free parking) - The ruins of the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom, located on a hill, offer panoramic views of the eastern and western areas. The stone-built ruins exude a strong sense of history!
Shurijo Castle (Prefectural paid parking) - Unfortunately, it was previously destroyed by fire, so what I saw this time was the reconstruction of Shurijo Castle. Side note: There are many cats and ducks nearby, super cute!
Day 3: Northern Village/American Village
Blue Cave Diving (Parking provided by the diving company) - The most recommended activity! Okinawa is all about diving. Once underwater, you'll see tropical fish that you usually only see in movies or games. If you're not comfortable with scuba diving, snorkeling will also offer great views!
Cape Zanpa Lighthouse (Free parking) - One of the few lighthouses in Japan you can climb. From the top, you can see nearly three-quarters of the view facing the sea—it's spectacular!
American Village (Free and paid parking available, but parking gets crowded after sunset) - The most beautiful spot! This place feels like a parallel universe, with American-style architecture and people from all over the world gathering here. After sunset, the area becomes lively, with music playing everywhere. The neon lights on the buildings make you feel like you've traveled back to the 70s and 80s in America. There are street performances and fireworks at night, making it hard to leave.
Day 4: Nago City
Nago Pineapple Park (Free parking) - A pineapple-themed botanical park, suitable for family activities. They sell pineapple-related snacks and drinks—I regret not buying more!
Churaumi Aquarium (Free parking) - This is probably the most famous attraction in Okinawa besides Kokusai Street. While the overall experience was good, I found DMM Aquarium's presentation more innovative and interesting. Churaumi Aquarium is often crowded, making it hard to take good photos. Some display tanks require queuing, which feels a bit congested and slightly affects the experience.
Day 5: Okinawa's northernmost point, return car in Naha
Cape Hedo - The northernmost point of Okinawa, about 50 kilometers from Nago City. If the weather and your energy allow, it's a great spot to watch the sunrise. The eastern side is completely unobstructed, allowing you to see the sun rise from the sea. Unfortunately, it was raining heavily when I visited, so I could only check in without seeing the sunrise. I hope someone else gets to witness it!
📍【Must-Visit Attractions】
1. Diving in Okinawa 🤿! The shallow waters here are stunningly beautiful, filled with colorful tropical fish. This time, I joined a scuba diving session with Umi Diving Company. The instructor was friendly, communicated in English, and helped me adapt to the underwater environment while taking photos!
2. Senaga Island - Close to the airport, the European-style architecture is perfect for photos. There are various types of restaurants, and you can watch planes take off and land. If you're lucky, you might even see fighter jets. It's recommended as the first or last stop of your trip.
3. American Village - A must-visit place that you'll never want to leave. It has various restaurants, indoor amusement parks, and beautiful architecture for photos. It's suitable for all ages. Note: It's quieter during the day, so it's best to visit around sunset. Restaurants require reservations; otherwise, you're likely to encounter full bookings.
🥘【Must-Try Food】
Okinawa Meat Shop, Nago City - A small Shabu Shabu restaurant. The prices are on the higher side, but the taste is excellent, and the portions are generous. The black wagyu beef and Agu pork are tender and not chewy. The staff patiently explained each dish and how to eat it.
🏠【Accommodation Recommendations】
1. Naha Water City - Located within a 10-minute walk from Kokusai Street, it features an infinity rooftop pool. The hotel has paid parking, making it convenient for different types of travelers.
2. Okinawa Arena - Under VESSEL HOTELS, located in central Okinawa near the U.S. military base. The location is suitable for self-driving trips, making it easy to explore central attractions like American Village and Nakagusuku Castle.
📣【Self-Driving Tips】
Okinawa has only one highway; the rest are regular roads with traffic lights, which may take longer. It's recommended to plan your itinerary according to the route direction to avoid wasting time waiting at traffic lights.