Enjoy Okinawa to the fullest on your family trip! Here's a recommended 2-night, 3-day itinerary that's sure to please

This is your first family trip to Okinawa! You'll want to make the most of your time until the very last day and fully enjoy Okinawa, right? So, this time, we'll introduce a recommended 2-night, 3-day itinerary that takes you around popular tourist spots by rental car! We've gathered spots that are sure to please, and this plan is enjoyable for both adults and children, so please use it as a reference.

<Table of Contents>
Day 1: Head north and fully enjoy the Okinawan sea!
Senaga Island Umikaji Terrace
Michi-no-Eki Kyoda
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium - Oki-chan Theater
Day 2: Visiting photogenic tourist spots
Bise Fukugi Tree Line
Nakijin Castle Ruins
Kouri Island
Nago Pineapple Park
Tropical Kingdom Okinawa Fruit Land
Sunny Tacos
Manzamo
Ryukyu Village
Hoshino Resorts Banta Cafe
American village
Illumination
Day 3: Head to the airport with plenty of time to spare while looking for souvenirs.
Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom
Kaichu Road/Kaho Banta
Shimujou
A stroll around Naha (Shuri Castle and Kokusai Street)

Show all table of contents

Day 1: Head north and fully enjoy the Okinawan sea!

On the first day, we'll head north to Nago while enjoying the ocean view, and visit some of the classic tourist spots.
Upon arriving at the airport, the first thing to do is pick up your rental car. Depending on traffic, it's a good idea to allow about an hour from your flight's arrival to pick up your rental car.

Senaga Island Umikaji Terrace

Located a 15-minute drive from Naha Airport, Umikaji Terrace is a popular tourist spot with a European atmosphere. It boasts over 40 shops, including restaurants, cafes, jewelry stores, and a spa. One of its attractions is the opportunity to watch planes taking off and landing at Naha Airport up close. Children who love airplanes are sure to be delighted. Free stroller rentals are also available.

It's a great place to stop by for lunch, but if you arrive in Okinawa after lunch, you can save Umikaji Terrace for your last day.

Senaga Island Umikaji Terrace

Address: 174-6 Senaga, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture

HP: https://www.umikajiterrace.com/

Business hours: 10:00 AM - 21:00 PM (Hours vary by store)

Remarks: Related article:Access to Senaga Island and Umikaji Terrace | Useful information including bus stops, fares, and parking.

Michi-no-Eki Kyoda

It takes about an hour to get from Naha Airport to Nago City, the gateway to northern Okinawa, using the expressway.
Once you enter Nago City, stop by Michi-no-Eki Kyoda for a break! This popular roadside station has even ranked first in the nationwide roadside station rankings. In addition to local specialties and souvenirs, it's packed with Okinawan soul food that you can easily eat with one hand, such as sata andagi (Okinawan doughnuts) and tempura! They also sell discount tickets for Churaumi Aquarium, your next destination, so be sure to pick them up here.

Michi-no-Eki Kyoda

Address: 17-1 Kyoda, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture

HP: https://www.yanbaru-b.co.jp/

Business hours: 8:30 AM - 19:00 PM (Hours vary by store)

Remarks: Discount tickets for Churaumi Aquarium are sold from 8:30 to 19:00, and payment is by cash only.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium - Oki-chan Theater

When it comes to family trips, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a must-visit! It's a classic tourist spot that you'll want to stop by at least once when you come to Okinawa. Kids will be thrilled to see the giant whale sharks swimming leisurely in the large tank! We also recommend the touch pool where you can touch starfish and sea cucumbers, and the dolphin show "Oki-chan Theater," which is held five times a day!

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium - Oki-chan Theater

Address: 424 Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture (within Ocean Expo Park)

HP: https://churaumi.okinawa/

Business hours: 8:30～18:30（入館締切17:30）／3～9月の閉館時間は20:00（入館締切19:00）

Remarks: From September 1, 2023 until around spring of next year, dolphin shows are being held at the adjacent Dolphin Lagoon instead of the Oki-chan Theater due to repair work.

Accommodation: Hotels near Churaumi Aquarium – Recommended: Hotel Orion Motobu Resort & Spa

To ensure you can get an early rest for the second day, we recommend booking a hotel near Churaumi Aquarium! This time, we chose Orion Motobu Resort & Spa. All rooms are oceanfront with balconies, so you can enjoy spectacular views from any room. There are five limited kids' rooms designed to resemble the aquarium, and they are full of thoughtful touches for families with children, such as low beds with cushions and children's sinks. In addition to an outdoor pool with a tropical atmosphere, there is also an indoor pool that can be used all year round.

Hotel Orion Motobu Resort & Spa

Address: 148-1 Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

HP: https://www.okinawaresort-orion.com/

Please make your hotel reservation here.

Day 2: Visiting photogenic tourist spots

On the second day, we'll travel from the north to the central region, visiting photogenic tourist spots. Make sure your phone and camera are fully charged so you don't miss any photo opportunities!

Bise Fukugi Tree Line

Located just a 5-minute drive from Churaumi Aquarium, the Fukugi Tree-lined Street is a popular tourist destination where you can experience Okinawa's nature and culture. It's also known as a power spot that brings good fortune. After passing through the Fukugi tree-lined tunnel that stretches for about 1km, you'll find yourself in the emerald blue sea. Everywhere you look, it's picturesque. Renting a bicycle or taking a water buffalo cart to explore at a leisurely pace is also recommended!

Bise Fukugi Tree Line

Address: 389 Bise, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

Nakijin Castle Ruins

Nakijin Castle Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts a long history dating back to the 13th century. The castle walls stretch for approximately 1.5 km and reach a height of 8 meters at their highest point. In addition to the impressive castle walls, the views from the hilltop at an altitude of approximately 100 meters are also a highlight. The grounds are as vast as those of Shuri Castle, making it a pleasant place for young children to stroll around. A cherry blossom festival is held in January and February, making it a famous spot for viewing cherry blossoms.

Nakijin Castle Ruins

Address: 5101 Imadomari, Nakijin Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture

HP: https://www.nakijinjoseki-osi.jp/

Business hours: 8:00～18:00（入場締切17:30）／5～8月の閉園時間は19:00（入園締切18:30）

Remarks: Admission fee: Adults 600 yen / Junior and senior high school students 450 yen

Kouri Island

Kouri Island, a popular island accessible by car from Okinawa Main Island, is packed with attractions despite its small size, including crystal-clear beaches, observation decks with stunning views, and ocean-view cafes. Among them, Kouri Ocean Tower is highly recommended! This observation deck is popular for its panoramic views of the Kouri Bridge. You travel from the ticket booth to the building in an automated cart, making it enjoyable even for young children.

Kouri Island

Address: Kouri Island, Nakijin Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture

Kouri Ocean Tower

Address: 538 Kouri, Nakijin Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture

HP: https://www.kouri-oceantower.com/

Business hours: 10:00 AM - 18:00 PM (Hours may vary by store)

Remarks: Admission fee: 1,000 yen for adults / 500 yen for elementary school students

Nago Pineapple Park

Nago Pineapple Park is a must-visit for pineapple lovers! You'll travel through vast pineapple fields aboard the self-driving Pineapple Train. There's a wide variety of food and drinks available, including pineapple ice cream and freshly squeezed juice. There's even a shop selling wine made with plenty of Okinawan pineapples. The "Dinosaur Area," where you'll be greeted by impressive dinosaurs that move and roar, is another highlight. You can have plenty of fun even on a rainy day! It's especially recommended for families with young children.

Nago Pineapple Park

Address: 1195 Tamata, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture

HP: https://www.nagopine.com/

Business hours: 10:00 AM - 18:00 PM (Hours may vary by store)

Remarks: Price: 1,200 yen for ages 16 and over / 600 yen for ages 4-15

Tropical Kingdom Okinawa Fruit Land

Tropical Kingdom OKINAWA Fruit Land is a theme park where you can admire subtropical fruit trees and rare tropical birds. There are plenty of attractions that children will love, from bird feeding experiences to interactive attractions where you can adventure through a picture book world while solving mysteries! After enjoying the adventure, you can relax at the attached cafe and enjoy original sweets and juices. Energetic children, especially elementary school students, are sure to love it!

Tropical Kingdom Okinawa Fruit Land

Address: 1220-71 Tamata, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture

HP: https://www.okinawa-fruitsland.jp/

Business hours: 10:00 AM - 18:00 PM (Hours may vary by store)

Remarks: Admission fee: Adults (high school age and older) 1,200 yen / Children aged 4 and over 600 yen

Sunny Tacos

After a day of fun, when you're hungry, refuel at Sunny Tacos! They offer tacos with mild flavors that even kids can enjoy, made with homemade dough, and a wide selection of drinks and sweets, including lemonade blended with Okinawan honey! You can eat in, but we recommend taking your food to go and enjoying it in our lush, natural backyard.

SUNNY TACOS

Address: 147 Asahikawa, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture

HP: https://sunny-tacos.com/

Business hours: 10:00-18:00 Irregular holidays

Remarks: Related article:SUNNY TACOS | Delicious tacos and a lush, natural backyard are the secrets to its popularity.

Manzamo

Manzamo is a famous and classic tourist spot in Okinawa. The view of the East China Sea from the grassy plateau of towering coral reefs is breathtaking! In 2020, a new facility opened with souvenir shops and a parlor. The third floor is an observation deck where you can enjoy panoramic views of the blue sea and the magnificent Mount Onna. There are also services that are great for families with children, such as diaper changing stations, nursing rooms, and free stroller rentals.

Manzamo

Address: 2767 Onna, Onna Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture

HP: https://www.manzamo.jp/

Business hours: 1月〜 3月 8:00〜19:00　4月〜10月 8:00〜20:00　11月〜12月 8:00〜18:00

Remarks: Admission fee: 100 yen per person

Ryukyu Village

Ryukyu Village is a theme park where you can experience the history and culture of Okinawa. With its 100-year-old traditional houses registered as tangible cultural properties, and stone-paved paths surrounded by Fukugi trees, it feels as if you've stepped back in time to old Okinawa. You can also enjoy shopping, dining, and craft experiences. Taking photos in traditional Ryukyu costumes is highly recommended. The impressive Eisa dance show is also a must-see!

Ryukyu Village

Address: 1130 Yamada, Onna Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture

HP: https://www.ryukyumura.co.jp/

Business hours: 9:30-17:00 (Last admission 16:00)

Remarks: Price: 1,500 yen for ages 16 and over / 600 yen for ages 6-15

Hoshino Resorts Banta Cafe

Located in Yomitan Village, Banta Cafe is one of Japan's largest seaside cafes, operated by Hoshino Resorts. It boasts four uniquely designed areas: a large covered deck, a seaside terrace, a rocky terrace, and a relaxing lounge, allowing you to choose your favorite spot depending on your mood. Popular Okinawan-style menu items include "bubuku buku jelly soda" (a variation of bukubuku tea) and shikwasa soda! In the evening, a dramatic and breathtaking view unfolds as the sun sets over the ocean right in front of you.

Hoshino Resorts Banta Cafe

Address: 560 Gima, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture

HP: https://banta-cafe.com/

Business hours: 10:00 AM - Last orders at sunset (closing one hour after sunset)

Remarks: Related article:Here's a look at the four captivating areas of Hoshino Resorts Banta Cafe, a cafe with breathtaking views!

American village

American Village is famous as a photogenic spot. With its rows of colorful buildings in red, yellow, and green, it feels like you've stepped onto a beach overseas. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, from gourmet food and shopping to strolling on the beach, so you won't get bored even if you spend the whole day there. At night, the entire American Village is lit up, creating a magical atmosphere that is different from the daytime. Every Saturday at 8pm, fireworks light up the night sky of Chatan.

American village

Address: Mihama, Chatan Town, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture

HP: https://www.okinawa-americanvillage.com/

Accommodation: Hotels near Chatan - Recommended: Lequ Okinawa Chatan Spa & Resort

On the second day, we stayed at a hotel in the Chatan area. There are many hotels in Chatan, but I recommend Lequ Okinawa Chatan Spa & Resort. It's in a great location right next to American Village, and there's a convenience store on the first floor of the hotel. Another great point is that children up to 18 can stay for free when sharing a bed with an adult. It also has a rooftop pool and a large natural hot spring bath! The breakfast is said to be delicious, so I definitely recommend booking a plan that includes breakfast when you stay there.

Lequ Okinawa Chatan Spa & Resort

Address: 34-2 Mihama, Chatan Town, Nakagami County, Okinawa Prefecture

HP: https://www.vessel-hotel.jp/lequ/okinawa/

Please make your hotel reservation here.

At night, there are illuminations at Murasaki Mura and Southeast Botanical Gardens.

For those traveling to Okinawa during the winter holidays or before Golden Week, illuminations are a must-see! Among them, we highly recommend the "Southeast Botanical Garden's Tropical Illumination," which has been recognized as one of Okinawa's three best night views. You can enjoy illuminations full of tropical atmosphere, such as palm trees lit up against a sky full of stars. Also recommended is Murasaki Mura in Yomitan Village! Over 3000 lanterns adorn the landscape and townscape from the Ryukyu Kingdom era, creating a fantastical space overflowing with exotic charm.

Ryukyu Lantern Festival @ Murasaki Mura

Address: 1020-1 Takashibo, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture

HP: https://murasakimura.com/

Business hours: 2023年12月1日～2024年3月25日予定　点灯時間見込み18：00～22：00

Remarks: Reference prices (previous prices): Adults 1200 yen / Junior and senior high school students 700 yen / Elementary school students 600 yen

Okinawa Tropical Illumination @ Southeast Botanical Gardens

Address: 2146 Chibana, Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture

HP: https://www.southeast-botanical.jp/

Business hours: 2023年10月27日～2024年5月26日　点灯時間17:00～22:00

Remarks: 料金大人1,850円／13～17歳1,150円／4～12歳650円※12/16・12/17・12/23～1/3・1/6～1/8期間はイベント開催の為入園料が変更となります

Day 3: Head to the airport with plenty of time to spare while looking for souvenirs.

On our last day, we'll explore tourist spots in the central and southern parts of Okinawa Island while looking for souvenirs!

Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom

Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom offers a different atmosphere from the Aeon stores on Honshu. The five-story mall boasts approximately 230 specialty shops, including Rycom-exclusive items! We recommend "Churaoto.net" on the second floor. They offer a wide variety of souvenirs, from classic items like chinsuko cookies and purple sweet potato tarts to Okinawa-exclusive drinks and traditional Okinawan minsa weaving crafts. Souvenirs purchased here can be shipped at a lower shipping cost than usual.

Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom

Address: 1 Rycom, Kitanakagusuku Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture

HP: https://okinawarycom-aeonmall.com/

Business hours: 10:00～22:00

Kaichu Road/Kaho Banta

The Kaichu Road, which connects Okinawa Main Island to four outlying islands, is one of Okinawa's most representative driving spots. Beautiful ocean stretches out on both sides of the road, which is approximately 4.75 km long. After passing through the Kaichu Road, you will reach Henza Island, and from there, crossing the Momohara Bridge will take you to Miyagi Island. Kaho Banta on Miyagi Island is a scenic spot also known as the "Cape of Happiness." The beach visible just below the cliff is also a nesting ground for sea turtles.

Kafu Banta

Address: 2768 Yonashiro Miyagi, Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture

Shimujou

To ensure you can catch your flight home, it's best to have lunch around Naha. My top recommendation is "Shimujo," an Okinawan soba restaurant near Shuri Castle. The building is a traditional Ryukyuan house with a red tile roof and is designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. The garden, overflowing with trees over 100 years old, is also charming. Eating Okinawan soba in this atmospheric old house is a special experience! However, it's an extremely popular restaurant, so they sometimes run out of soup and close early (you're lucky if you can eat there!).

Shimujou

Address: 2-124-2 Sueyoshi-cho, Shuri, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture

HP: https://www.instagram.com/shimujo/

Business hours: Open from 11:00 until sold out (admissions begin at 10:45). Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and other irregular days (New Year's Day, Seimei Festival, Obon).

Remarks: Related article:"Shimujo," a renowned Okinawan soba restaurant in Naha, offers exquisite Okinawan soba and home-style cooking in a traditional Ryukyuan house.

A stroll around Naha (Shuri Castle and Kokusai Street)

Finally, let's take a stroll through Shuri Castle and Kokusai Street, two classic Okinawa tourist spots! In 2019, eight buildings of Shuri Castle, including the main hall, were destroyed by fire. Currently, a new tour is being held as part of a "visual reconstruction" project, allowing visitors to see the process of Shuri Castle's rebuilding up close. After visiting Shuri Castle, stroll along Kokusai Street and buy any souvenirs you may have missed. If you have time, we also recommend trying a Shisa painting experience or making accessories. Traveling with children often doesn't go according to plan, so be sure to return your rental car with plenty of time to spare!