Three highly satisfying itineraries for enjoying Okinawa in just 2 days and 1 night!

Okinawa, located within Japan, offers a climate and landscape unlike anything you'd expect to find elsewhere. It's a popular destination, and during summer holidays, long weekends, and the New Year period, getting plane tickets can be incredibly difficult.

Many people probably want to visit Okinawa, such a popular destination, but give up on the idea because they can't take a long vacation.

However, it is possible to fully enjoy Okinawa even in a short period of time.

So, for those of you who want to enjoy Okinawa in a short amount of time, this time we'll introduce "Enjoying Okinawa in 1 Night and 2 Days"!

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1. A recommended 2-day/1-night Okinawa sightseeing course for couples.
1-1. First, let's head to the must-see spot, "Senaga Island Umikaji Terrace".
1-2. Okinawa World: A place to understand Okinawa in a short amount of time.
1-3. Stay at Hotel Nikko Alivila
1-4. To Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
1-5. Enjoy a scenic drive from Kouri Island, passing through the Okashi Goten (Sweets Palace) in Onna Village, to the airport.
2. A recommended 2-day/1-night Okinawa sightseeing course for solo travelers
2-1. Driving along the Kaichu Road from Shuri Castle
2-2. Eat "Yushi Tofu Soba," a specialty of "Takaesu Soba," at a famous restaurant.
2-3. Katsuren Castle Ruins: A site of magnificent castle walls and breathtaking views from which they are a major attraction.
2-4. Enjoy a meal at Bel Paraiso while overlooking the beautiful Uppama Beach.
2-5. Strolling around Nakijin Castle
2-6. Take a stroll along the Bise Fukugi tree-lined street and head to the airport.
3. A recommended 2-day/1-night sightseeing course around Ishigaki Island for three office ladies.
3-1. Tamatorizaki Observatory, offering breathtaking views
3-2. Kabira Bay is an absolute must-see when sightseeing in Ishigaki Island.
3-3. Mangrove forests in Ishigaki, Yaima Village, and Nagura
3-4. BBQ while overlooking Fusaki Beach and accommodation at Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas.
3-5. Shiraho Beach is definitely recommended if you want to see coral reefs.
Summary

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1. A recommended 2-day/1-night Okinawa sightseeing course for couples.

1-1. First, let's head to the must-see spot, "Senaga Island Umikaji Terrace".

Since you want to make the most of your short trip to Okinawa, please choose an early morning flight for the outbound journey and an evening or later flight for the return journey.
Departing from Haneda in the morning, if you take the ANA flight departing at 7:50 AM, you will arrive at Naha Airport at 10:35 AM.
After picking up your luggage, you'll be transported to the rental car company's branch and complete the rental procedures. Allow at least an hour from your flight arrival time for the entire process to be completed.

Around noon, we'll finally set off on our rental car trip in Okinawa.

First, the place I want to go is Umikaji Terrace on Senaga Island, a resort spot just a short distance from Naha Airport.
This shopping spot brings together over 30 small shops, including restaurants, general stores, and jewelry shops featuring Okinawan products. The stairs and shop buildings are all unified in white, giving it a resort-like feel.
This is a great viewpoint to refresh yourself, as you can see passenger planes taking off and landing at Naha Airport from very close up.
Most shops open by 11:00 AM, so I recommend having lunch at Umikaji Terrace.

Incidentally, it's also a sunset spot, so you could stop by on your way back, but the road to Senaga Island tends to get congested, so it's best to visit on your first 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 may vary by store.

1-2. Okinawa World: A place to understand Okinawa in a short amount of time.

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If you take a stroll around Senaga Island Umikaji Terrace, it will be around 13:30 PM.
My next recommendation is Okinawa World, where you can experience all the different aspects of Okinawa in one place.
It takes about 40 minutes to get from Senaga Island to Okinawa World.

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Okinawa World offers plenty to see and do, including a massive limestone cave called Gyokusendo, a snake show at the snake park, and opportunities to interact with reptiles.

You can also watch Eisa dance shows, and since old Okinawan houses have been relocated here, you can see the charming old townscape of Okinawa.

Okinawa World is a great place to visit, especially if you have a short trip, because you can experience a lot of Okinawa's nature, history, traditions, and culture all in one place.

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Okinawa World

Address: 1336 Maekawa, Tamagusuku, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 098-949-7421

HP: https://www.gyokusendo.co.jp/okinawaworld/

Business hours: 9:00AM ~ 17:30 PM

Remarks: Admission fee: Adults 2,000 yen, Children 1,000 yen

1-3. Stay at Hotel Nikko Alivila

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In Yomitan Village, right in the heart of Okinawa, there's a very stylish hotel surrounded by sugarcane fields on one side and offering stunning ocean views on the other.
If you're only staying in Okinawa for a short period, you'll probably want to stay in a luxurious hotel, right?

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With its exterior reminiscent of a European Mediterranean hotel, Hotel Nikko Alivila is a truly resort-like luxury hotel that you should definitely consider staying at if you're going to Okinawa.

The hotel has stylish restaurants and bars inside, so there aren't many shops around, but you can still have a great time enjoying yourself at this hotel.

The facility is beautifully lit up at night, creating a wonderful atmosphere, and the rooms are also very clean. It's sure to be an unforgettable night.
Hotel Nikko Alivila is located in central Okinawa, offering convenient access to both the northern and southern parts of the island, making it an ideal place to stay for a short trip to Okinawa.

Taking a stroll along the beach at night, the sound of the waves is incredibly soothing and relaxing.

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Hotel Nikko Alivila

Address: 600 Gima, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 098-982-9111

In/Out: 15:00/12:00

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

Please make your hotel reservation here.

1-4. To Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

And now, on the second day, Churaumi Aquarium is a must-visit even for those on a short trip to Okinawa.
The whale sharks swimming in the giant tank at Churaumi Aquarium are a must-see. You're sure to be overwhelmed by the sheer size of the tank.

It only takes about an hour to get there from Hotel Nikko Alivila, so if you leave the hotel early the next morning and arrive just before it opens, you can fully enjoy your second day in Okinawa.

Upon arriving at Churaumi Aquarium, you'll be immediately greeted by the Touch Pool, an interactive pool where you can touch real fish, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and other marine life.

Imagine yourself as a child again and connect with nature; it's incredibly soothing for the soul.

The aquarium features tanks that recreate tropical coral reefs and tanks showcasing various jellyfish, but the shark tank and the giant tank where whale sharks swim are especially recommended.

Churaumi Aquarium keeps dangerous sharks, such as giant reef sharks, which cannot be seen in other aquariums.

They are truly awe-inspiring when you see them up close. And the huge tank where multiple whale sharks swim is also well worth seeing. The sight of whale sharks swimming in the gigantic tank is breathtaking.

Moreover, the whale sharks here are much larger than those in other aquariums.

You can fully enjoy Churaumi Aquarium in about two hours. Ideally, you should leave Churaumi Aquarium by 11:2 AM and head to your next destination.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Address: 424 Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture (within Ocean Expo Park / North Gate Parking Lot is the closest parking lot)

TEL: 0980-48-3748

HP: https://churaumi.okinawa/

Business hours: 8:30 AM - 18:30 PM (Last entry: 17:30 PM)
Peak season (December 29, 2022 (Thu) - January 3, 2023 (Tue)): 8:30 - 19:00 (Last entry: 18:00)
Holidays: The first Wednesday of December and the following day (Thursday)
Oki-chan Theater, Dolphin Lagoon, Manatee House, Sea Turtle House... 8:30 AM - 17:30 PM (until 19:00 PM during peak season)
Dolphin show…10:30 / 11:30 / 13:00 / 15:00 / 17:00

Remarks: <Fee>
Regular fee
Adults: 2,180 yen / Junior High School Students: 1,440 yen / Children (Elementary and Junior High School Students): 710 yen / Children under 6: Free
*Discount tickets can be purchased at the Churaumi Aquarium antenna shop "Umichurara" on Kokusai Street and at the Onna to Kyoda roadside station. (Cash only)

[Reference article]
・[We went with the kids!] How to enjoy Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium!

1-5. Enjoy a scenic drive from Kouri Island, passing through the Okashi Goten (Sweets Palace) in Onna Village, to the airport.

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Kouri Island is a place you can visit in about 30 minutes from Churaumi Aquarium.

This is a place where Okinawa's unspoiled nature still remains. You can cross the Kouri Bridge and tour the island in about 10 minutes.

The emerald-green sea stretching out before you, with its coral reefs, as seen from Kouri Bridge and Kouri Island, truly allows you to experience the beauty of nature.

One of the charms of this place is that you can enjoy it just by looking at the scenery from inside a car, and Kouri Island is also home to the Heart Rock, a place that became famous in a TV commercial.

If you have some extra time, I recommend stopping by Heart Rock.

We should be finished sightseeing on Kouri Island by around noon.
If you drive for about an hour from here, you can reach a souvenir shop called Okashi Goten in Onna Village.

You can enjoy a meal here while you're buying souvenirs at Okashi Goten.
Enjoying a meal while overlooking the beautiful ocean of Onna Village from the terrace on the second floor is a truly luxurious and wonderful lunch experience.

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I'd like to finish eating and shopping and leave this confectionery shop around 15 PM.
It takes about an hour to get from Okashi Goten to the vicinity of the airport, so I'd like to return the rental car to the rental company around 4 PM, arrive at Naha Airport more than an hour before my flight, and have plenty of time to catch my 6 PM flight home.

2. A recommended 2-day/1-night Okinawa sightseeing course for solo travelers

2-1. Driving along the Kaichu Road from Shuri Castle

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If you want to maximize your time on a 2-day, 1-night trip to Okinawa, why not consider taking an early morning flight?

It will require getting up quite early, but if you take the ANA flight departing Haneda at 6:10 AM, you'll arrive at Naha Airport at 8:55 AM.
Let's make up for getting up early by getting a good night's sleep on the plane.

Once you arrive at the airport, head to the rental car agency. It's still early and the agencies aren't busy, so you should be able to rent a car and depart by around 10 AM.

First, I recommend heading to Shuri Castle, a classic Okinawan tourist spot. It takes about 30-40 minutes to get to Shuri Castle from the vicinity of Naha Airport.
Shuri Castle boasts magnificent historical stone pavements and walls, and its main keep has also been recreated.
You can easily see all of Okinawa's history in about 90 minutes, even walking at a leisurely pace, so I recommend taking some time to experience its history.
*Currently, visitors can see the progress being made in the recovery from the fire.

Shurijo Castle Park

Address: 1-2 Shuri Kinjo-cho, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 098-886-2020

HP: https://oki-park.jp/shurijo/

Remarks: Admission fees: Adults 400 yen, High school students 300 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 160 yen, Children under 6 years old free.

Business hours: 8:30 AM - 18:00 PM *Paid area: 9:00 AM - 17:30 PM

2-2. Eat "Yushi Tofu Soba," a specialty of "Takaesu Soba," at a famous restaurant.

And for lunch, how about some Okinawan soba?

Just 20 minutes from Shuri Castle, in Urasoe, a town next to Naha, is the famous restaurant "Takaesu Soba," where you can enjoy Okinawan soba and the Okinawan ingredient "yushi tofu" all at once with their signature dish, "Yushi Tofu Soba"! The deliciousness is guaranteed.

Takaesu Soba

Address: 3-36-1 Iso, Urasoe City, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 098-878-4201

Business hours: 10:00 AM - 16:00 PM, Closed on Sundays

Now, after lunch, I recommend a leisurely drive along the Kaichu Road, where you can enjoy the magnificent nature of Okinawa.

It takes about an hour to get there from Urasoe.
Even if you leave at 1pm, you should arrive around 2pm, so enjoying the drive across the Kaichu Road will be very relaxing, and the feeling of driving over the sea is exhilarating.

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2-3. Katsuren Castle Ruins: A site of magnificent castle walls and breathtaking views from which they are a major attraction.

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Right next to the Kaichu Road is the ruins of Katsuren Castle, a castle registered as a World Heritage Site.
The castle, built from massive stones, unfolds before your eyes on a magnificent scale, conveying the ancient history of Okinawa to the present day.

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The view from the top of the castle is spectacular, making it one of the best scenic spots in Okinawa.

At the top of the castle, time flows slowly, in true Okinawan style.
As I enjoy the gentle breeze and look out at the surrounding scenery, I can feel my daily fatigue melting away.

Katsuren Castle Ruins (Amawari Park)

Address: 3807-2 Minamihara, Katsuren, Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 098-978-2033

HP: https://www.katsuren-jo.jp/

Business hours: 9:00AM ~ 18:00 PM

Remarks: Admission fee: Adults 600 yen, Children 400 yen. *This is only available as part of the Amawari Park set; there is no separate admission fee for Katsuren Castle Ruins.

2-4. Enjoy a meal at Bel Paraiso while overlooking the beautiful Uppama Beach.

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If you're traveling alone and looking for accommodation, I recommend a place with plenty of space to relax.
A hidden gem of a hotel on Okinawa Island is the Bel Paraiso Hotel.

Hotel Bel Paraiso is located in the northern part of Okinawa Island, so it's about an hour's drive after visiting Katsuren Castle Ruins, but it's a recommended spot for sightseeing in the natural beauty of northern Okinawa.

In front of Bel Paraiso lies a beautiful natural beach called Uppama Beach.
Relaxing in a hotel room while listening to the sound of the waves is a luxurious way to spend time.

One place you should definitely try at Bel Paraiso is the hotel's izakaya (Japanese-style pub), "Uminchu".
The food at this izakaya (Japanese pub) is delicious, and despite being in a hotel, it's very reasonably priced.

Since you can drink alcohol and then immediately go to rest inside the hotel, it's very convenient, and I highly recommend this place to use when you stay at Bel Paraiso.

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2-5. Strolling through Nakijin Castle, a World Heritage Site

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For sightseeing the following day, I recommend starting with a stroll around Nakijin Castle, a World Heritage Site. It takes about 30 minutes to get to Nakijin Castle from Belparaiso.
The scenery is quite different from that of Katsuren Castle, and Nakijin Castle is very large in scale, with a fairly steep path leading up to it.

I feel a sense of historical mystery as I wonder how the people of Okinawa in ancient times were able to build such a massive castle deep in the mountains.
Since there's also a history museum attached, I recommend visiting both to learn about the history of northern Okinawa.

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Nakijin Castle Ruins

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

TEL: 0980-56-4400

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

Business hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (until 7:00 PM from May to August)

Remarks: Admission fees: Adults 600 yen, High school and junior high school students 450 yen, Elementary school students and younger free.

2-6. After strolling along the Bise Fukugi tree-lined street, head to the airport.

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The quintessential, old-world Okinawan landscape still remains in northern Okinawa. A prime example of this is the Bise Fukugi tree-lined street.

The Fukugi trees, planted as windbreaks to protect houses, create beautiful paths, and walking along these paths or exploring them by rental bicycle will leave you captivated by the stunning scenery.

Many traditional Okinawan houses still exist, and there are also many cafes that have been renovated from old houses.

The area is a maze of small paths, but as you emerge from them, you'll suddenly find yourself in front of a beautiful ocean. It's a thrilling spot where surprises keep appearing one after another as you stroll around.

You can even take a water buffalo ride and be guided through the Fukugi tree-lined street.

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Fukugi Tree Line

Address: 414 Bise, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

HP: https://www.motobu-ka.com/tourist_info/tourist_info-post-687/

After finishing our sightseeing of the Fukugi tree-lined street, we will head straight to Naha Airport.
It takes about two hours to get to the airport, so it's best to head to Naha early to make sure you catch your 6 PM flight while enjoying the Okinawan scenery from the car.

If you have some extra time, I recommend checking out the souvenir shops on Kokusai Street.

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A recommended 2-day/1-night sightseeing tour of Ishigaki Island for three office ladies

3-1. Tamatorizaki Observatory, offering breathtaking views

If you take the direct ANA flight from Tokyo to Ishigaki, you will arrive in Ishigaki Island at 11:05 AM.
Upon arriving in Ishigaki Island, let's rent a car and head out to explore the island.
Even considering the time it takes to pick up the rental car, we should be able to leave around 12:00.

Once you arrive in Ishigaki Island, I recommend heading straight to Kabira Bay, a must-see tourist spot for anyone visiting Ishigaki Island.
However, you can sightsee more efficiently by going via Tamatorizaki Observatory first.

Tamatorizaki Observatory is a scenic spot where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the sea where coral reefs thrive.
If you've arrived in Ishigaki Island, the first thing you'll want to do is see the scenery that is unique to Ishigaki Island.
This is the perfect place for such occasions. From this observation deck, you can first enjoy the magnificent nature of Ishigaki Island and truly feel like you've arrived in Okinawa.

It takes about 20 minutes to get there from Ishigaki Airport.

Tamatorizaki Observatory

Address: Iharama, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture

3-2. Kabira Bay is an absolute must-see when sightseeing in Ishigaki Island.

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Kabira Bay is an absolute must-see tourist spot on Ishigaki Island. It's a very famous tourist spot, but you can get to Kabira Bay in about 40 minutes from Tamatorizaki Observatory.

Kabira Bay boasts a breathtaking landscape with its beautiful emerald-green sea and white sandy beaches.

While Okinawa Island boasts many beautiful scenic spots, Kabira Bay, as befits an outlying island, offers even clearer waters than those on the main island.

Kabira Bay is known for its beautiful ocean, but the currents are strong, making swimming impossible. Therefore, many glass-bottom boats operate, allowing visitors to admire the coral reefs of Kabira Bay.

When you take a glass-bottom boat and look out at the coral reefs, you'll see countless colorful corals growing in abundance—a sight truly indescribable.

And the coral reefs are teeming with colorful tropical fish. You'll be greeted by adorable tropical fish like clownfish and damselfish.

If you're planning a trip to Kabira Bay, the best time to go is when the tide is out. The sea surface of Kabira Bay is especially beautiful at low tide. It's a good idea to check the tide times beforehand.

Kabira Park Observatory

Address: Kawadaira Park, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture

3-3. Mangrove forests in Ishigaki, Yaima Village, and Nagura

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It would be nice to stop by Ishigaki Yaima Village on your way to the hotel.
Traditional settlements line the streets, offering an easy way to learn about the folk culture of Yaeyama and Ishigaki Island.

In the village's traditional houses, you can actually step inside and see the old-fashioned layouts, and when enough people gather, Yaeyama folk songs are played, allowing you to feel the atmosphere of Okinawan culture firsthand and find peace.

Further inside, you'll find the entrance to a mangrove forest, where you can explore a little. Let's fully experience Okinawa at Yaeyama Village, where nature and culture are tightly packed together.

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Yaeyama Village closes early, so if you can't make it in time, you can go see Nagura Anpal instead.

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Nagura Anpal is a place where you can see mangrove tidal flats, and it's nice to be able to see nature similar to that of Iriomote Island, as well as cute animals like fiddler crabs.

Ishigaki Yaima Village

Address: 967-1 Nagura, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 0980-82-8798

HP: https://www.yaimamura.com/

Business hours: 9:00 AM - 17:30 PM (Last entry to the village is at 17:00 PM)

Remarks: Admission fees: 1,000 yen for junior high school students and older, 500 yen for children under junior high school age, free for children under 2 years old.

Nagura Anpal

Address: 967-1 Nagura, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture - Entrance to Ishigaki Yaima Village

3-4. BBQ while overlooking Fusaki Beach and accommodation at Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas.

For accommodation in Ishigaki Island, I recommend Fusaki Resort Village.
This hotel is cottage-style, which is great because even if three women are traveling together and making some noise in their room, it won't bother other guests.

The vast grounds are home to numerous cottages, and simply walking around the hotel grounds creates a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere.

Also, the sunset visible from Fusaki Beach is incredibly beautiful, so I recommend cutting your sightseeing short a bit and enjoying the view of the sunset.

An unbelievable, breathtaking view unfolds before your eyes. Listening to the sound of the waves on the beach while watching the sunset sink below the horizon is truly soul-soothing.

And for dinner, I recommend dining at a barbecue restaurant called "Seaside BBQ Kachibai".

Located within Fusaki Resort Village, this barbecue house offers the opportunity to enjoy a barbecue while watching the sunset over Fusaki Beach.

Of course, since it's a restaurant located inside the hotel, you can be sure the food is delicious. Enjoying a barbecue while watching the sunset gives you a fantastic resort feel.

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Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas

Address: 1625 Shinkawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 0980-88-7000

In/Out: 15:00 / 11:00 *Varies depending on the accommodation plan.

HP: https://www.fusaki.com/

- PR -: Click here for tours to Fusaki Beach Hotel Villas.

Please make your hotel reservation here.

3-5. Shiraho Beach is definitely recommended if you want to see coral reefs.

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About 30 minutes from Fusaki Resort Village is a beautiful beach called Shiraho Beach, where a vast number of corals grow in abundance.

At first glance, Shiraho Beach looks like an ordinary, unremarkable beach you could find anywhere, but you can only truly appreciate its charm by swimming in it or taking a glass-bottom boat ride.

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If you dive into the sea during the season when it's possible to swim, you'll be greeted by an unbelievable and breathtaking view.

The coral reefs are teeming with colorful formations, and some are so massive they reach several meters high. Seeing them up close is truly breathtaking.

There are plenty of glass-bottom boat and snorkeling tours available, so I highly recommend taking one. You're sure to be amazed by the underwater world that you can only see here.

It's not a very well-known spot on Ishigaki Island, but it's truly a hidden gem. The scale of the coral colonies is considerable, and when you dive in, you'll see that it's a much larger coral reef than the one in Kabira Bay.

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Shiraho Coast

Address: 2107-2 Shiraho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture

I'd like to enjoy the sea at Shiraho in the morning, have lunch, and then return to the airport with plenty of time to spare for my 15:20 PM flight.
It's only about a 10-minute ride from Shiraho to Ishigaki Airport, so you'll have plenty of time to catch your return flight.

Summary

Many people think that you need a long trip to enjoy Okinawa, but surprisingly, you can fully experience Okinawa's nature and culture even with a short number of days if you plan your trip efficiently.

Okinawa has a culture, climate, and nature that are not found on the main island of Japan, so one of its attractions is that you can feel like you've traveled abroad even though you're still in Japan.

If you have a little time off, I highly recommend taking a trip to Okinawa.
Whether you're with family, friends, or traveling alone, Okinawa offers the perfect setting for anyone to enjoy the island.