Having lived in Okinawa for 15 years, I was able to experience a great majority of activities on the island. Despite it being such a small island, there are so many things to do in Okinawa! Okinawa has the perfect balance of past and present, making it an exciting destination for all kinds of travelers to enjoy. In this extensive list, I have everything from nature, culture, history, foods to try, and kid-friendly activities. If you are planning a trip to this beautiful island, here are 50 incredible things to do in Okinawa to make your time there memorable.
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50 Things To Do in Okinawa
1. Shurijo Castle
Shurijo Castle is an iconic structure that was once the home of the Ryukyu Kingdom’s Royalty. Despite being bombed in World War II and catching fire in 2019, the castle has been rebuilt and restored to maintain a glimpse into the past, symbolizing the resilience of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
When you arrive, you will get the chance to walk through the castle and see original artifacts from the Ryukyu Kingdom. There are also traditional Okinawan houses around the gardens for you to look at. If you are lucky, you might arrive on a day when there is a performance on the courtyard of the castle!
region: Southern
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2. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Did you know Okinawa is home to one of the largest aquariums in the world? Here, you can find and learn about hundreds of sea creatures and even enjoy live shows!
For a truly memorable experience, sit at the Ocean Blue Cafe and watch the iconic whale sharks swim by as if you’re watching them from the ocean floor.
region: Northern
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3. The Southeast Botanical Gardens
The Southeast Botanical Gardens are an expansive garden with hundreds of species of plants. Not only is it filled with plants, there are animal encounters as well. If you visit during the Christmas season, you can see their annual Tropical Illumination, where they decorate the entire garden with beautiful Christmas lights.
My favorite part about this place is the workshops they offer. For an additional fee, you can make crafts to take home to remember your trip. I chose to paint an Okinawan Shisa.
region: Southern
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4. Go ATVing
For my adrenaline junkies, hop on an ATV and explore an exciting off-road adventure!
region: Multiple Locations
5. Go to Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum
Learn about Okinawa’s history, art, and culture at this museum. There are many displays showcasing traditional crafts, ancient artifacts, and the resilience of Okinawa’s people throughout history.
region: Southern
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6. Eat Taco Rice
Taco Rice is one of my absolute favorites! The story goes—after World War II, U.S. troops introduced tacos to the native Okinawans. When the troops left, they took the tortillas with them. So, they swapped the tortillas for rice, and just like that, Taco Rice was born!
7. Go to Cape Zanpa
Here you can look over 30 km high cliffs over the East China Sea! The coral is preserved so you can look straight into the blue waters below. You’ll also notice the iconic Zanpa Lighthouse and for ¥300 you can climb up to the observation deck for 360 degree views!
region: Central
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8. Ride the Monorail in Naha
Riding the monorail can make for a unique experience in Okinawa. Located in downtown Naha, the Yui-Rail, as they call it, is the perfect way to see the city, as it takes you to from the airport to other attractions like Shuri Castle.
Fares depend on distance traveled but day passes are offered at ¥800 for adults and ¥400 for children.
Region: Southern
9. Go to Dino Park
Dino Park is the cutest place to take little ones. At this dinosaur-themed park, you walk on a path through the forest with dinosaurs hiding behind the bushes and trees.
Region: Northern
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10. Ride Go Karts through the city
One of my most memorable experiences in Okinawa was riding go-karts through the city. Keep in mind this is a guided tour with specific rules. While you aren’t allowed to speed off in your own direction, you are driving alongside cars in traffic! Along the way, we took many pictures and made a stop at a scenic spot under the stars.
To participate, you will need your passport and an International Driving Permit
region: Southern
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11. Okinawa Zoo & Museum
Another popular family-friendly destination, the Okinawa Zoo is home to over 150 species of animals. In addition to the zoo, there is a museum to educate visitors about the local wildlife and conservation efforts.
While it’s optional, bring a picnic blanket! The zoo offers plenty of picnic spots and playgrounds for everyone to enjoy.
region: Southern
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12. Cape Hedo
Cape Hedo is the most northern point of Okinawa. Despite it being hours away from any other attraction on this list, it is well worth visiting for the views alone.
region: Northern
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13. Go Ziplining
Ziplining in Okinawa means soaring over the jungle with views of the ocean. This location offers many courses for you to choose from and other activities such as water tag to do.
region: Central
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15. Pop Japanese Firecrackers
Popular in the summertime, these firecrackers are a fun way to enjoy the night. You can find these at many major stores like Family Mart, Lawson, or Don Quixote.
16. Go to Neo Park Okinawa
Not your typical zoo, Neo Park Okinawa showcases the island’s natural beauty and biodiversity through dozens of species of animals. This is the only zoo I’ve been to where birds were left to roam free on their own which caught me totally by surprise!
region: Northern
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17. Go to Kokusai Street
Kokusai Dori, or International Street, is filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment, making it an essential stop and Okinawa’s most iconic street. It’s the perfect spot to pick up souvenirs and try the delicious local cuisine.
18. Go on a Hike
There are plenty of hikes to go on in Okinawa for all skill levels. My favorite ones are trails that end at waterfalls!
19. Eat Okinawa Soba
Okinawa soba is a traditional dish that is a staple of Okinawan cuisine. Despite its name, it’s different from the soba noodles found in other parts of Japan. Okinawa soba has thick, wheat-based noodles, served in a broth made from pork, bonito, and other ingredients.
20. Hike through the Valley of Gangala
The Valley of Gangala is a great informational tour through the jungle and caves of southern Okinawa. This guided story-telling hike is accessible to various language speakers. This hike tells the story of ancient Okinawa, dating back over 20,000 years, with the opportunity to witness archaeological excavations of historical ruins.
region: southern
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21. Okinawa World
Okinawa World is a cultural theme park where you can immerse yourself in the island’s heritage and traditions. Walk through Ryukyu Village to witness traditional Okinawan architecture, crafts, and performances.
You can even go underground to the limestone caves to see rock formations and crystal-clear pools. Or, see a Habu show, the venomous snake native to the island.
region: Southern
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22. Drink Habu Sake
Habu Sake is a traditional Okinawan alcohol infused with a venomous habu snake. But don’t worry, it is completely safe to drink! Though I’ve never been brave enough to drink it, many say it tastes sweet, spicy, and herbal.
You can find habu sake to take home in popular tourist areas like Kokusai Street.
23. Go on a Sunset Dinner Cruise
A dinner cruise is perfect for a date night or a family dinner. As you sail off the coast of Naha, you will be served food and drinks as you watch the sunset.
24. Cape Manzamo
Cape Manzamo is where you will find the iconic elephant trunk-shaped rock formation. According to local legend, the name “Manzamo” comes from the idea that a thousand people could sit here and enjoy the view. Trust me, pictures just don’t do justice and you will have to see the waves crashing into the rocks in person!
region: Central
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25. Kouri Island
Kouri Island is a separate island connected by bridge to Mainland Okinawa. The waters here are crystal clear and the beaches are lined with restaurants. You can climb up Kouri Ocean Tower or see Kouri Island’s heart-shaped rock!
region: Northern
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26. Okinawa Peace Memorial Park
This park is dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives during the Battle of Okinawa. Inside the museum, you can gain insight into the events of World War II from the perspective of Okinawan civilians, learning about their struggles and resilience in the aftermath of the war.
region: southern
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27. Go snorkeling
Okinawa has the best snorkeling spots in Japan. At almost any beach you go to, you will find fish swimming at your feet. Even though you could see them in through the crystal clear waters, going underwater to swim with them makes an incredible experience.
28. Okinawa Outlet Mall Ashibinaa
This outlet is a great destination for designer brands at discounted prices!
region: southern
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29. Take the ferry to another island
From the port of Naha, you can ride a ferry to nearby Okinawan Islands, such as Tokashiki, Zamami, and Aka. Whatever island you choose, you will find different experiences like beaches, crystal-clear waters, and opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and hiking.
30. Go shopping at Parco City
Shop at Okinawa’s largest mall, where you’ll find dozens of stores, a wide variety of restaurants, a movie theater, and even a grocery store! You can easily spend hours enjoying shopping, dining, and entertainment all in one place.
region: Southern
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31. Eat Blue Seal
Blue Seal is a popular Okinawan ice cream brand known for its flavors inspired by the island’s culture and local ingredients. They serve unique options like shiikuasa (Okinawan citris), pineapple sorbet, and purple sweet potato. My absolute favorite, and one I can’t resist every time, is the Okinawa Chinsuko flavor, which is inspired by the Okinawan shortbread cookie.
32. Stay in a resort
Hospitality in Okinawa is top tier. When you stay at a luxury resort, you will experience some of the best service and amenities. Most resorts are either on or located near a beach so you’ll be able to relax at the beach or enjoy water sports. Okinawan resorts are perfect for luxury, and hospitality in paradise.
33. American Village
American Village is an entertainment and shopping district located in Chatan. The area is filled with a variety of boutiques and restaurants. Enjoy dinner while overlooking a beautiful sunset, or walk down to the beach for a quick swim. You can also catch live performances at the outdoor stage, or have fun at the arcade or bowling alley.
region: Southern
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34. Ocean Expo Park
Ocean Expo Park is comprised of multiple attractions. You can visit the botanical gardens, a native Okinawan village, the Oceanic Culture Museum and more! Located very close to the Churaumi Aquarium, you can either take a short walk or ride the trolley to these places.
region: Northern
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35. Explore the back alleys of Naha
Wander off through the back alleys of Naha to discover small shops and restaurants scattered throughout!
region: southern
36. Senaga Island
Senaga Island is located right by Naha and is connected by a bridge. Many shops and restaurants overlook the water, resembling Santorini in Greece!
region: southern
37. Ryukyu Mura
Travel back in time to Ryukyu Mura, a theme park that immerses you in the rich cultural heritage of Okinawa. Here, you will see traditional Okinawan houses, craft workshops, and cultural performances!
region: Central
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38. Nago Pineapple Park
Pineapple Park is a theme park for, you guessed it, pineapples! This is an informative exhibit that teaches you about the cultivation and history of the fruit in Okinawa. Afterward, you can walk through the gardens and indulge in all sorts of pineapple treats such as ice cream, pastries, and juice.
region: Northern
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39. Karaoke
Karaoke in Japan is a must. Most locations offer songs in a variety of languages such as Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and English music. The best part is that many venues offer food and drink menus- some even offer all-you-can-drink menus!
40. Kafu Banta
“Kafu Banta” is a scenic spot on Miyagi Island in Okinawa. “Kafu Banta” translates to Cliff of Happiness in the Okinawan language.
region: central
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41. Rycom Mall
Rycom is my favorite shopping center on the island. Not only is it huge, It’s made up of 5 levels of stores, restaurants, and entertainment. Block off half of your day if you want to walk through the entire mall!
region: Southern
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42. Get lost in Don Quiote
If you follow any travel content creator who has gone to Japan, chances are they’ve mentioned Don Quiote. Refered to as “Donki”, it is a popular discount store chain in Japan known for its wide range of products at affordable prices. They sell almost everything, from groceries, cosmetics, electronics, household goods, even designer items.
region: multiple locations
43. Eat Batta-Yaki
Batta yaki is an Okinawan dish that features a whole fried fish with rice. Portion sizes are one whole fish, but if it were up to me, I could easily eat two or in a sitting! This is a definite Okinawan must-try.
region: multiple location
44. Take a traditional Okinawan Pottery Class
Learn to make pottery using techniques passed down through generations! Okinawan potters use a unique clay native only to Okinawa, giving it a distinct look from other kinds of pottery.
45. Go strawberry picking
Though it’s only available a few months out of the year, strawberry picking in Japan is incredibly fun! Not to mention, these strawberries were so tasty and so picture-perfect!
region: Multiple locations
46. DMM Kariyushi Aquarium
DMM Kariyushi Aquarium is a very beautiful and interactive aquarium that is worth it for all ages! I even got to touch a shark here!
region: Southern
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48. Pizza in the sky
Enjoy a unique dining experience at Pizza in the Sky, where you can eat delicious pizzas while taking in gorgeous views. Note that they are cash only for whenever you visit!
region: Northern
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49. Deep sea fishing
Deep sea fishing is a unique experience when you’re in Okinawa. There are many companies that take you out to sea fully equip for a full day experiece!
50. Do water sports
Water sports are a must on Okinawa. You can find inflatables on almost any beach!
region: Multiple locations
And the List Goes On!
As you can see, there are a lot of things to do in Okinawa. I have done some of these activities many, many times. I hope to return to Okinawa and do some of them again!
Lauryn Dunning
Hello! I'm Lauryn. While serving in the U.S Navy, I spent nearly every four-day weekend traveling somewhere new. Those quick trips inspired 96 Hours, a blog dedicated to turning short getaways into big adventures.
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