Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary Okinawa: Adventure & Relaxation
This 7-day Okinawa itinerary has everything you need for an unforgettable island escape! We fell in love with its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and lush jungles—and now we’re sharing our best tips to help you experience it too. From scenic coastal drives to the best local eats, we’ll guide you through Okinawa’s beauty, culture, and laid-back vibes without the stress of planning.
HOW MANY DAYS |
5 -
7 days
BEST TIME TO VISIT | spring & autmn
WHERE TO STAY |
um Aoi Sanmyaku
TOP THINGS TO SEE |
Shurijo Castle, Blue Cave,
Kerama Islands
HOW TO GET AROUND | rent a car
HOW MANY DAYS?
For a well-rounded Okinawa trip, 5 to 7 days is ideal. With 5 days, you can explore the island’s main highlights, from cultural sites to beautiful beaches, while keeping a fairly packed schedule. However, 7 days gives you the perfect balance of sightseeing and relaxation—you’ll have time for scenic coastal drives, local food spots, and hidden gems without feeling rushed. If you want to take it even slower and enjoy more beach time, you can always extend your stay!
WHERE TO STAY?
We stayed in Okinawa City, Naha and Toyosaki (near the airport). We definitely recommend to stay in Okinawa City, as all the sightseeing is well-connected from here.
The accommodations in Okinawa are very cheap, compared to other cities in Japan and the islands nearby. Stays in Okinawa City for a lower budget start at $US30 per night. As budget travelers, we had a vintage Japanese-style condominium with 2 rooms (4 beds), kitchen, terrace, living room and dining room for only $US31.
BOOK |
Condominium Aoi Sanmyaku (Okinawa City)
TerraceRin YN31 (Toyosaki)
Mr. Kinjo Violette (Naha)
HOW TO GET AROUND?
Sightseeing in Okinawa is tricky without a car, as public transport is limited outside Naha. Renting a car is the best way to explore the island at your own pace. However, keep in mind that traffic—especially in and around Naha—can be heavy, which may slow you down and limit how much you can see in a day.
IMPORTANT! Driver’s licenses issued in Germany, Belgium, France, Swizerland, Monaco or Taiwan need to be officially translated by the Japanese government. You will not be able to rent a car without the translation, even if you own an international driver’s license. We recommend you to apply a few days up to a week before your arrival in Japan. It can take the governmental office 24 - 48 hours to process your application. The translation can be printed at a convenience store for JP¥20.
We leave you the details down below on how much we paid and with which company we rented our car.
PRICE | JP¥ 6.000 | €37 | $US40 per day.
BOOK | OTS Rent-a-car
TRANSLATION | Apply for the translation here.
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7-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Naha - Shurijo Castle, Kokusai Dori Street, Makishi Public Market
Day 2: Naha & Surroundings - Okinawa Prefectural Museum/ Art Museum, Yachimun Pottery Street, Tamaudun Mausoleum
Day 3: Sacred South Peace Memorial & Sefa-Utaki
Day 4: Onna - Blue Cave, Cape Zanpa Lighthouse, Zanpa Beach
Day 5: Nago - Kouri Island, Arashiyama Observatory, Nakijin Castle Ruins
Day 6: Ikei Island or Yonaha Maehama Beach Day
Day 7: Kerama Islands - Tokashiki or Zamami Island
DAY 1 - Naha
Makishi Public Market
At this market, you’ll find small food stalls selling Okinawan treats, local dishes, and desserts. But for us, the real highlight was the seafood market. This area is packed with vendors selling fresh seafood, pork, and tofu—though seafood dominates the selection. The market is split into two floors. On the first floor, you’ll see tanks filled with live fish, freshly packed sashimi, and a wide variety of seafood you can pick yourself. Head upstairs to the second floor, where restaurants serve their own menus but also prepare the seafood you selected downstairs—fresh and cooked just the way you like it!
We recommend you first to see the prices at the restaurants and compare the price for the dishes and seafood that you are interested at. Then go downstairs, wander around and ask the vendors for the price. We saw a couple of tourists negotiating the price, we advice you to do so as well. We did not try because we thought the prices were fixed. But, we were lucky that the owners gave us a second cheaper price after we agreed. Lastly, the seafood vendor will accompany you upstairs and take you to a restaurant where it will be prepared to your liking for a fee. Each restaurant has a different fee depending on the weight.
We choose a small red snapper that was big enough for both of us and paid JP¥3.000 for it.
OPEN |
8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (public market)
10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (restaurant area)
Shurijo Castle
It is currently closed to visitors and will be reopened in 2026. The castle burnt down in 2019 and it is undergoing reconstruction.
Built in the 14th century, the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom blends traditional Chinese and Okinawan architecture. The complex offers areas that are free to visit Kankaimon, Kobikimon, Kyukeimon and the area Houshinmon, Yohokoriden, Agari-no-Azana that requires an entrance ticket.
Check here the opening hours on the website depending on the season you are visiting.
OPEN | 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Apr - Jun & Oct - Nov)
PRICE | JP¥500 | €3 | $US3 per adult
Kokusai Dori Street
This is Okinawa’s most popular shopping street, perfect for a 1–2 hour stroll. Browse shops selling souvenirs, Ryukyu glass, and local snacks, or stop by a café, bar, or restaurant for a taste of Okinawan cuisine like goya champuru and Okinawa soba. With its lively atmosphere and mix of traditional and modern charm, it’s a must-visit in Naha!
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DAY 2 - Naha & Surroundings
Okinawa Prefectural Museum/ Art Museum
It offers 4 exhibitions: the permanent exhibitions for the Prefectural Museum and the Art museum & each their special exhibitions. We decided for only one, the general exhibition of the Perfectural Museum, because it showcases the Ryuku Kingdom’s nature, culture and history. Each exhibition costs separately and the special exhibitions have a different price, depending on what it is being shown. As we did not know what to expect, we originally thought that we can still decide if we want to see more after we were done. Surprisingly, it took us about 4 hours to only see one exhibition. We did started reading thourougly, but by the end we were struggling to process so much information. We recommend setting aside half a day or a full day for your visit, especially if, like us, you enjoy a combination of reading and appreciating the artifacts.
OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Tue - Sat)
Opening only on Mondays for national or public holidays.
ENTRANCE FEE |
JP¥530 | €3 | $US3 Museum
JP¥400 | €2 | $US2 Art Museum
Yachimun Pottery Street
We enjoyed strolling through the street and entering to the diverse shops selling pottery, mostly focusing on plates, mugs, bowls, pots and vases. The designs are mostly traditional with a vintage touch, with a very few shops selling contemporary pottery designs. Expect high prices, as every piece is handmade. To give you a price reference mugs start around JP¥5.000.
Tamaudun Mausoleum
This UNESCO World Heritage, dates from 1501 built by King Sho Shin to house three burial chambers for the Second Sho Dynasty. One chamber was meant for the kings and queens and the other two for royal family members. We recommend you to visit during the weekdays to avoid crowds and to plan 30 to 45 minutes for your visit.
OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ENTRANCE FEE | JP¥300 | €2 | $US2 per adult
DAY 3 - Sacred South
Okinawa Peace Prayer Park, Museum and Peace Hall
To remember where the Battle of Okinawa ended and to mourn the loss of 300,000 people, this complex reminds us of the "Typhoon of Steel” in WWII. This memorial park intends to remind us of the importance of peace and hope.
The Peace prayer Park can be visited for free. However, an entrance fee for the Memorial Museum and Okinawa Peace Hall needs to be purchased. We recommend you to plan half a day, if you want to visit at a calm pace.
OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
ENTRANCE FEE |
JP¥300 | €2 | $US2 Museum
JP¥450 | €2 | $US2 Peace Hall
Sefa-Utaki
This is a sacred place for Okinawans, utaki are natural and sacred places where prayers are offered. Sefa-Utaki is a forest with remarkable rock formations where nature is worshipped. It was considered as the most sacred place in the Ryukyu Kingdom and the legend says the Godess Amamikiyo was the creator. Only women were allowed, royal men had to dress as women to enter. Nowadays, everyone can visit but avoid wearing short clothing and shoulder-revealing tops.
It is a truly beautiful and peaceful walk and your visit should take you about half an hour. Take the rest of the day to rest!
OPEN |
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Mar-Oct)
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Nov-Feb)
ENTRANCE FEE | JP¥300 | €2 | $US2 per adult
DAY 4 - Onna
Blue Cave
It is a beautiful cave where the sun reflects the white sand perfect to snorkel and dive. The best time to visit is from to May to October. It is a recommended place for beginner divers and we advise you to book in advance as it can be very popular during the summer.
Busena Marine Park
This is a public park and underwater observation deck where you can get 360-degree views of coral reef life and clownfish. There is also the option to glass-bottom boat that takes about 20 minutes.
OPENI | 9:10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
PRICE | JP¥1560 | €10 | $US11 glass-bottom boat
Cape Zanpa Lighthouse
You can climb up the lighthouse for around 10 minutes for an entrance fee. From the top you can have a beautiful view of the coral reefs.
OPEN | 9:10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
ENTRANCE FEE | JP¥200 | €1 | $US1 per adult
Zanpa Beach
End the day at this stunning white sand beach that is perfect for watching the sunset. It is also a good spot to rent banana boats, relax at the beach and ideal for swimming.
DAY 5 - Nago
Kouri Island
This small 1-km island can be reached through the Kouri Bridge, if you drive around the island it will only take you 15 minutes. The picturesque beach with its rock formations, is worth a visit. It is not a very big beach, so it can get crowded specially during the weekends and holidays. You can soak the sun and lie on the beach, but bring your own beach towel as there are no chairs or umbrellas for rent.
Arashiyama Observation Deck
The observation deck offers an astonishing view of a number of small islands in the Haneji Inland Sea. Afterwards, you can go kayaking or fishing in this magnificent mangroves coastline.
Nakijin Castle Ruins
The castle ruins are an UNESCO World Heritage site built in the late 1200s during the Sanzan Period. The ruins are surrounded by lush forests giving the place a magical and peaceful character. It isdefinitely worth a visit as it is the second largest castle afer Shurijo. There is a small museum showcasing the artifacts found on site. An hour should be more than enough to walk around and soak the beauty of this place.
OPEN | 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ENTRANCE FEE | JP¥600 | €4 | $US4 per adult
DAY 6 - Beach Day
Ikei Island
Come here to enjoy the stunning beaches of Ikei and Oodomari. Both beaches charge an entrance fee of JP¥400, but it is a fair price as you can use the restrooms and showers on site. At Ikei beach there is a restaurant at the beach specializing on Okinawan cuisine.
Yonaha Maehama
The best waters to snorkel and dive with an incredible sunset view. There are beach umbrellas and chairs for rent so that you can relax and spend the day here. If you feel adventurous, you can rent banana boats and jet skis.
DAY 7 - Kerama Islands
Tokashiki
The beach is beautiful, it feels remote and it is great for swimming. This island can be reached through the high-speed or regular ferry. The high-speed ferry has two or three departures per day taking 35 minutes. The regular ferry needs 70 minutes to get to Tokashiki. It is a popular destination to be visited in one day, if you leave with the first high-speed ferry and take the last one at 5:00 p.m. Consider that the last bus from the beach back to the ferry is an hour before departure. So you will have time to enjoy the beach until 4 p.m. We felt that it was too rushed to enjoy Tokashiki and relax.
TIP! If you have time to spare, we recommend you to spend a night. You can enjoy the calmness of the beach before and after the day visitors leave.
Zamami Island
Here its clear waters and white sand beaches ideal for swimming, snorkeling and diving will make you never want to leave. You can relax, rent SUP’s, and try a glass-bottom boat rides. The high-speed ferry ride from Port Naha takes 50 minutes and the regular ferry takes two hours. The best time to visit is between May and October. Whereas, whale boat watching tours are an attraction from January to March. It is possible to visit a day-trip, but for a calmer experience try to spend a night.
WHERE TO EAT?
Okinawan typical cuisine consists of vegetables, fish and pork. As we do not eat pork, we do not have local Okinawan dishes recommendations. But, we want to share with you some delicious restaurants that you should check out.
For a sushi conveyor belt experience and seafood go to Kura Sushi. You have a tablet on your table and you can order with it or just take sushi from the belt. We preferred to order, just to ensure we have fresh ones and we actually know which type or fish or sushi we were having. This is a perfect introduction into Japanese sushi, as you have small portions and can try many different types. Our favorite nigiri was tuna with yuzu. They have different branches in Okinawa.
PRICE | JP¥ 1.000 - ¥1.500| €6 - €9 | $US6 - $10
Naha Area | If you feel like experimenting, we absolutely loved OM Restaurant Oroku offering Nepalese and Indian cuisine. We were blown away by their coconut naan, they cut their naan in the middle and fill it with a lot of grated fresh coconut. We had a Nepalese sampler platter Thakali Khana that had a lentil-bean soup, chicken curry, vegetables and rice. This was our first time trying Nepalese cuisine and were amazed. They offer vegetarian and vegan options.
PRICE | JP¥ 1.500 - ¥2.000 | €9€ - €12 | $US10 - $13
Yomitan Area | Whenever you see a Mexican restaurant recommendation, you know it can be trusted for its deliciousness and authenticity. But we came to ¡Sabroso! for the iconic Birria Ramen, a Mexican invention that mixes with Japanese ramen. This trend has been very popular in Mexico, for a couple of years now. The restaurant specializes in birria, a slow-cooked beef in a dried-chillies stew. It is not spicy, as the chilies used are for the flavor and not the spiciness. You can order taco and consome (stew) or quesadilla and consome combos or the birria ramen. The birria was so delicious and authentic, we were surprised as we heard from the owner that he has never been to Mexico.
PRICE | JP¥ 950 - ¥1.700 | €6 - €10 | $US6 USD - $11
Motabu (Nago) Area | Pizza in the Sky offers an amazing view. We came here at sunset time and recommend you to get here on time to secure yourself a perfect spot at the window or at their outdoor seating. Their American style pizzas are offered in only two options: cheese or mix (pepperoni, ham, corn & bell peppers) and in small or medium size. A medium pizza was enough for both of us.
PRICE | JP¥1.300 - ¥2.900 | €8 - €18 | $US8 USD - $19
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