Welcome to the tropical paradise of Okinawa, where aqua-blue waters, white sandy beaches, and lush green landscapes await your arrival. This guide will help you spend the best one week in Okinawa
Use this itinerary any way you want – it isn’t a step-by-step guide to walk you through your one week in Okinawa, but rather a guide where you can take what you want and leave what you don’t. There may be more listed for a location than what time allows, and you definitely shouldn’t rush through your trip to Okinawa.
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a tranquil escape, Okinawa has something to offer for everyone. Explore the historic Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and delve into the rich history of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Take a stroll along the picturesque Kokusai Street, where you can shop for traditional crafts and sample delicious local delicacies. Feel the warm sand between your toes as you relax on pristine beaches or dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Kerama Islands for an unforgettable snorkeling or scuba diving experience.
With its vibrant coral reefs, breathtaking sunsets, and friendly locals, Okinawa is a destination that will leave you in awe. Get ready to explore a place like no other as we uncover the hidden gems of this tropical paradise in the perfect itinerary for one week in Okinawa.
Table of Contents
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Arrive in Naha
No matter where you’re coming in from, you’ll land in Okinawa in the main city of Naha. Here, you’ll see a lot of military personnel, and use this as your starting point whether you continue north on the main island, head over to neighboring Kerama Islands, or take off to any of the other 160 islands in the Okinawa Prefecture.
You will come to Okinawa and leave from it through Naha, so it doesn’t matter if you stop there first or last! Just be sure not to miss the rich history, lively city sights, and everything else waiting for you in Naha.
Check out the top 20 things to know before going to Okinawa, so you can be prepared for the perfect adventure!
Naha - 1 Day
Shuri Castle
The highlight of Okinawa is Shuri Castle. A UNESCO Heritage Site, this is a symbol of the Ryukyu Kingdom that used to dominate the area and a must-see in your one week in Okinawa. Although the castle tragically burned down in 2019, you can observe the reconstruction process and learn about its history.
Surrounding Shuri Castle are more highlights to see, like a traditional Japanese-style home, an old steep stone road, and many shrines, temples, and ancient artifacts. Take some time to walk around the area! If you’re interested in the arts, check out this unique art of dyeing fabrics with coral, located right near the castle!
Cost: ¥400 / $2.70
Time: 2 hours
Kokusai Dori Street
Kokusai Dori Street felt like a mini Vegas. Neon lights, street vendors, trinkets, and tourist stores galore. However, if you head down some of the side streets and the covered market, you’ll get a better taste of local life.
Kokusai Street is a perfect place to try some Habushu, a liquor made with Habu snake venom (with the snake right in the jar)! However, some places can be a bit of a rip-off, so check reviews online first, and don’t be afraid to get off the main strip!
Cost: Free
Time: 1-2 hours
Peace Memorial Park
There is no denying the intense and graphic history that WWII has left in Okinawa. The Peace Memorial Park is the best way to learn and pay remembrance to the Battle of Okinawa, one of WWII’s bloodiest conflicts. Established in 1975, the park honors over 240,000 lives lost through its moving monuments.
Witness the Eternal Flame’s continuous glow ignite a spark of hope for a world free from war. Delve deeper into the battle’s human cost at the Peace Memorial Museum, where artifacts and personal stories paint a vivid picture of the era. Take a guided tour or explore at your own pace, reflecting on the horrors of war and the preciousness of peace. Remember, respect and modesty guide your visit to this significant site.
Cost: ¥450 / $3
Time: 2-3 hours
Thrift Shop!
You may not consider thrift shopping as a fun thing to do on holiday, but thrift shopping in Japan is next level, especially if you know where to go. You can pick up a traditional kimono for less than ¥1,000 / $6.75.
For the best selection, head to “Hard Off / Off House Okinawa Awase”, where they have 3 rows of kimonos of every style, size, color, and material. You can take your kimono to a retail shop that sells them to learn more about the one you bought, learn how to wear it, fold it, and more about its history. Okinawans are very proud to share their culture and kimonos with foreigners!
Where To Eat In Naha
- Drink Habushu (the local specialty of malt liquor with a Habu snake in it)
- Conveyor Belt Sushi, whichever one is near you (and has good ratings)
- King Taco – they serve Taco Rice which is an Okinawan favorite
Where to Stay in Naha
Budget
Mid-Range
Luxury
We stayed at Hotel And Rooms Naha Port the night before flying out of Okinawa, and it was perfect. Their onsens opened at 6:00am, perfect for a pre-morning soak and relaxation. This hotel is unfortunately anti-tattoos, so be aware of this in case you have tattoos that cannot be covered without a bodysuit.
Onna - 2 Days
Onna is the best first-stopping place to rest from travel and take in the beauty of the island. Instantly, you’ll see how blue the water is. Onna is a resort destination with soft sand beaches and snorkeling off the coast! Before exploring the rest of this historic and bustling island, take some time at Onna to chill out under the sun and explore the blue water.
Snorkeling is one of the best things to do in Okinawa, but there is also so much more! Check out the full list of everything you can't miss.
Dive Blue Cave
The highlight of water activities is snorkeling or diving at the Blue Cave on Cape Maeda. This area is teeming with travelers in the peak summer months, but a perfect place to explore in the shoulder season. Water temperatures are always comfortable, but the conditions can fluctuate to near dangerous, especially in the winter.
If you’re looking to go on a tour, then you’re in good hands! If you’re more up for traveling at your own pace, then be sure to check out the Cape Maeda website. At the bottom, you’ll find the day’s guidance on whether swimming is allowed or not, with a live cam of a hanging flag.
While there isn’t anyone monitoring the area per se, the cape is known to have a gnarly current and some rough waves so I suggest you heed the advice online. If you can’t swim, it’s still worth some time exploring the area!
Cost: ¥100/hour for parking
Time: 3 hours
Surfing / Beach Day
Onna is the best place to have a chill beach day. If you stay at a resort, chances are there is a beach right outside! While there are beaches all over Okinawa, they are not all the same. Some have rough coral and rocks, while others are as fluffy as almond flour. The area along Onna and towards Churaumi Aquarium is the best for beach chilling. Also conveniently, a perfect place to watch the sunset.
There are some expert surf instructors in Okinawa – if you stay at the Tropical Surf House listed below, you’ll be staying with the top surf instructor, and kiteboard instructor in all of Japan!
Cave Okinawa
A tourist attraction, but also very cool to explore. These limestone caverns are a great way to learn the foundations of these dramatic islands, and fun to do with the whole family! They will often put on light displays, but these geographic features are pretty nifty themselves.
Parking is free and it’s a fun thing to do if you have extra time or a rainy day. If you’re interested but don’t have the time while you’re in Onna, there are a few of these cave excursions around the island!
Cost: ¥500 / $3.37
Time: 1 hour
Cape Manzamo
Cape Manzamo is the perfect place to see the sunset. The visitor center is modern and nice with a lot of local food options and free to explore. There is a small walking trail that goes out onto the cape for a small fee, but so worth it to see the unique cliffs!
The area does get a bit busy, so go earlier rather than later. If you’re still up for an adventure then head just 5 minutes south and check out Mermaid’s Grotto on the beach! This area is not for swimming, but it does have cool tide pools to check out!
Cost: ¥100 for small lookout hike
Time: 30 minutes
Head to the 3rd floor of the visitor center (near the escalators) and you'll find a private outdoor deck. There are no signs for it, but you can get impressive views for free!
Where To Eat in Onna
- Orchid Ryukyu Cuisines – Not the best for food, but it sure is a local experience with a show while you eat!
- hale’aina HOA – Not Japanese, but the best food we’ve have in a long time (and great for working)
- Agu Shabu-Shabu and Okinawa Cuisine Kafuu – $$$ but a fun local experience
*Be aware in touristy areas – some restaurants will give you an appetizer or beer you didn’t order.. if you take it, you buy it. Be aware of their sneaky tricks to get more money out of you.
Where to Stay in Onna
Budget
Mid-Range
Luxury
We stayed at the Tropical Surf Host and loved it. It was affordable, easy going host who is a kick ass kite board instructor, and close walk to the beach & Lawson's <3
Nago - 2 Days
Nago is like the capital of northern Okinawa. A great jumping-off point to both the tourist activities and heading north into the Yanbaru National Park. There are a lot of traditional restaurants in Nago and fun modern things to do.
Churaumi Aquarium
The Churaumi Aquarium is a must-do for every traveler in your one week in Okinawa, even if you try to skip the touristy stops as we do. This was the most incredible aquarium I’ve ever seen! Not only because of the amount of education and conservation efforts that are taken by the aquarium but also because of the massive Whale Shark that is there.
Although I usually don’t support large mammals in captivity, all of the animals that are there either cannot be released into the wild due to injury or human habituation. The dolphins that are in the show are never forced to perform and only spend a few years in the aquarium before being released (with a few extra tricks to show off to their pod).
The owner of the budget accommodation below used to work at the aquarium, so if you stay with him you’ll get the ultimate tour!
Cost: ¥2,180 / $14.69
Time: 3 hours
You can buy discounted tickets at convenience stores close by to save a few dollars!
Hike Mount Katsudake
The best views over Nago and the surrounding peninsula & islands are from Mount Katsudake. There is a network of trails that lead to mountain peaks with incredible views. Parking is free and it is never busy!
This is one of the best-hidden gems in Okinawa and a great way to explore outside without heading all the way north into the denser rainforest. The trek is free and beautiful any time of year, but don’t underestimate the strength of the sun!
Cost: Free
Time: 1.5 hours
Snorkel Gorilla Chop
Our favorite snorkeling location was Gorilla Chop, a must-do during your one week in Okinawa. It is an easy drive to get there, and just a few meters from a public bus stop! Parking is free, and once you’re on the beach, it’s only a few meters into the water until you’re in one of the best snorkeling spots in Okinawa! Here you may see turtles, octopuses, unique and colorful fish, and of course, other divers.
This is a popular place since it is sheltered from the wind and waves, and it’s easy to access. Although there are a lot of scuba divers, the depth never got more than 10 meters, so it’s very easy to snorkel! Visiting Gorilla Chop in the morning or shoulder season is the best way to experience it with fewer people and less water disturbance.
Cost: Free
Time: 2 hours
Do Not feed the fish. The animals were habituated to people as a result of tours feeding them. If you go with a tour group, make sure it isn't one that supports unethical animal encounters!
Nakijin Castle Ruins
The Nakijin Castle will take you back in time to the 14th century. Here you can explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to the Ryukyu Kingdom’s legacy. Explore the sprawling ruins, imagining the royal court, temples, and defensive structures bustling with life. Climb the observation tower to be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas of the Motobu Peninsula and East China Sea.
Wear comfortable shoes as you navigate the uneven terrain, and remember sunscreen and water during warmer months. Consider this historical gem as part of a day trip exploring nearby wonders like Kouri Island!
Cost: ¥600
Time: 1 hour
Where To Eat in Nago
- Annetai Chaya Hammock Garden – Incredible views right next to the more touristy Pizza in the Sky
- Miyazato Soba – One of the oldest Soba restaurants in Okinawa, a traditional meal
- Sashimi from a fish market – Perfect for a sushi date on the beach, our favorite was at 483 Nakaoshi in Nago.
- Orion Brewery – Not really a place to eat, but this is the beer of Okinawa. Take a tour to see where it’s made and try it yourself!
Where to Stay in Nago
Budget
Mid-Range
Luxury
We stayed at Guest House Sumire for a few days while waiting for our long-term rental in Onna. Here you're hosted by Koichiro, a kind-spirited, laid-back man who loves surfing, traveling, and great conversation. We saw him many times during our stay in Okinawa, and he was such a highlight of the island. <3
Kunigami & Yanburu National Park - 2 Days
This is the least explored part of the island, but our favorite by far. You can drive deep into the ancient jungle, see more wildlife, and explore on foot. This is the best hiking area and home to most of the island’s waterfalls!
Northern Okinawa is only accessible via driving your own car, or on a guided tour. Check out the rules for driving abroad below, or check out this tour so you can explore worry free!
Explore Daisekirinzan & Cape Hedo
The northernmost point of the island has insane views and history. Daisekirinzan is a low-cost way to explore the unique topography of the area and learn about the people who used to live here. There are 3 hiking trails, banyan trees, ruins, and so much natural beauty and spiritual lore which only takes about 90 minutes to walk.
Further north is Cape Hedo, a great lookout and viewing area to see the insane geography of the area you just hiked! Down on the beach is popular for surfers, but waves can get pretty big so beware!
Cost: ¥1,200 / $8.00
Time: 2 hours
Hike Hijio Falls
If you’re going to do any waterfall hikes within your one week in Okinawa, let it be Hijio Falls. It is the biggest on the island and the suspension bridge you cross to get there is so dreamy. If you go early morning or closer to sunset, you won’t have much of a crowd. The park closes at 17:00, with the last entry at 15:30 so don’t wait too long!
Although swimming is not permitted, you can still feel the mist from the viewing area at the base of the falls. There are a few spots to enter the water further downstream, just watch out for Habu! If you want to swim at the falls, then check out Ta-Taki – just as beautiful and with swimming permitted.
Cost: ¥500 / $3.40
Time: 2 hours
Mangrove Kayaking
If you’re keen to explore out in nature, then get up and close with a mangrove kayaking excursion. Located on the eastern coast, the Higahi-son Fureai Hirugi Park is a perfect place to get on a kayak and float among the trees.
You’ll be amazed at the life that lives in these coastal ecosystems, and your guide will educate you on all the birds, fish, insects, and plants that rely on each other to thrive. Mangroves keep coasts protected from erosion, tsunamis, hurricanes, and everything else that the ocean throws at us… crazy how so many places rip them out for ‘a better view’!
If you don’t want to get in the water, you can still walk along the boardwalk and get a glimpse!
Cost: Free park entry, kayak tour booked privately
Time: 1 hour
Where To Eat In Kunigami
- Emi no Mise – Best traditional options, recommended by many locals!
- Satsukimaru – Great local food when you’re exploring the far North
- Agachi Mui – Perfect for a break to take in the ocean views
- Ogimi Sky Terrace – Incredible views over the bay with a walk-out viewing deck
Where to Stay in Yanbaru
There aren’t a ton of accommodation areas in the North, but there are some if you want to stay in the lush forest!
The Yanbaru National Park and entire Northern Region is best experienced on day trip explorations from accommodation in Nago. You will need a rental car to get around, since public transport does not go into these region.
Getting Around in Okinawa
Okinawa is best traveled by rental car. Especially if you want to explore the northern part of the island where public buses don’t run, you’ll need a car. Many hosts have one for rent, or may know someone that can provide it! Also, Japanese drivers are extremely courteous… like too kind. So drive slowly, and be courteous in return!
Be sure to have your International Driver’s Permit with you, as driving laws are very strict in Japan. Read this full guide to getting an IDP, so you won’t hit any issues on the road (no pun intended).
The public bus is useful, but only as far an Nago – anything further north is not accessible. The buses work on a pretty regular time clock, although the drivers barely speak English so be ready to know where you’re going!
Best Time To Visit Okinawa
Okinawa is a beautiful tropical paradise any time of year. However, depending on what you’re looking for out of your perfect one week in Okinawa, some times are better than others.
In general, the best time to visit Okinawa is in the shoulder seasons of April & May, or September & October. These months you will still have ideal weather, but without the intense heat and big crowds.
Explore the other destinations waiting for you in Asia!
Summary - Perfect One Week Itinerary in Okinawa
You can do so much within this one week in Okinawa. This island has a rich history, incredible food, lush nature, and friendly people.
One week may not seem like enough, we spent 45 days there and still wanted to stay longer! Especially if you want to go to any of Okinawa’s smaller islands, you’ll want to divide your time considerably.
Between the capital city of Nago’s rich history at the Shuri Castle, WWII memorials, and the northern region’s Yanbaru National Park, there is something for every traveler.
You cannot go to Okinawa without exploring the life under the water in the vibrant coral reefs. Also, be sure to try as much of the local food as you can – that may just be the secret to the Okinawan’s vitality and long-lifespan!
