A graduation trip is an essential way to create lasting memories during your student years.
There are many potential destinations, but how about enjoying a different kind of winter in Okinawa, where you can experience a tropical resort atmosphere even though it's within Japan?

While Okinawa is often associated with summer, it has plenty to see and do in winter too! Here are some must-see spots that you should definitely visit with your loved ones or friends.

<Table of Contents>
Spot #1: Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Spot #2: Mihama American Village
Spot #3: Naha City
Spot #4: Ishigaki Island
Activity 1: Whale watching
Activity #2: The Blue Grotto
Top 3 Recommended Okinawa Resort Hotels
Summary

Spot #1: Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

It is said to be the "No. 1 must-visit spot" in Okinawa.Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.
Located in Motobu Town in the northern area, the vast grounds house approximately 740 species and 21,000 individual animals on display.

Churaumi Aquarium is located next to Ocean Expo Park.
With its pleasant lawn and refreshing sea breeze, it's a great place for a stroll.

From here, you can see Ie Island in the distance, and on a clear day, Ie Castle Mountain (Tacchu), the symbol of Ie Island, is clearly visible.
The pointed part in the center of the photo is it.

The main attraction inside the museum is the "Kuroshio Sea" exhibit.
In one of the world's largest aquariums, approximately 70 species of marine life, including whale sharks, manta rays, and bonito, swim around freely. You might just be overwhelmed by the sheer scale of it!

"The Sea of ​​Tropical Fish" is home to approximately 200 species of colorful tropical fish.
The aquarium, bathed in natural light, offers a different atmosphere depending on the time of day and weather.

The "Manatee House" is located outside the building.
You can see them swimming leisurely from both above-water and underground underwater observation rooms. Perhaps they were taking a nap?

As mentioned earlier, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is located in the northern area.
Okinawa is a large island, so it takes a fair amount of time to get to the northern part.

Therefore, I would like to introduce various bus tours.
For example, if you are staying in Naha City, you can book the "Yanbaru Express Bus" and travel non-stop from the city to the aquarium.

For those who want to enjoy other tourist attractions along with the aquarium, there's also the "Churaumi Aquarium Bus Tour," which includes admission to the aquarium. See this article for details.
・No more getting lost! 3 ways to get to Churaumi Aquarium by bus

Book the Yanbaru Express on Kosoku Bus.com

Spot #2: Mihama American Village

A major resort town located in Chatan Town in the central area.Mihama American Village.
With a site roughly the size of five Tokyo Domes, it brings together general stores, restaurants, a movie theater, and a shopping center, making it a fun place to spend the whole day regardless of the weather.

The premises are divided into areas such as "American Depot," which has an American feel, and "Depot Island," which mainly sells stylish miscellaneous goods.
The photo shows a scene from "Depot Island." The white building is "HabuBox," a famous shop selling Okinawan T-shirts.
I think you'll find some unique souvenirs here.

This is Sunset Beach, located within Mihama American Village.
Swimming is difficult during the off-season, but since many foreigners living locally gather there, you can encounter scenery that is typical of Okinawa.

It's also gaining attention as a beautiful sunset viewing spot. If you have the time, you should definitely check it out.

Spot #3: Naha City

No matter what anyone says, Naha city is a classic destination for Okinawan tourism.
This is Okinawa's premier entertainment district.International street.
You can find all the classic Okinawan souvenirs here, such as Chinsuko cookies and Shisa lion statues.

The labyrinthine market is also located next to Kokusai Street.
Especially known as "Okinawa's kitchen"Daiichi Makishi Public MarketThe market brings together Okinawan ingredients, including vegetables and pork grown on the island.
As you can see, there are lots of shops gathered around the public market!

It's six stops away from Makishi Station, near Kokusai Street, on the Yui Rail.Shurijo Castle Park.
The Shuri Castle main hall, a symbol of the once-glorious Ryukyu Kingdom, and the Shureimon Gate, a perfect spot for commemorative photos, are all famous landmarks, aren't they?

Furthermore, Shuri Castle Park is located on a hill, so the excellent views are another one of its attractions.

On the other hand, within walking distance of Kokusai Street isTsuboya Yachimun Street.
Yachimun refers to pottery.
Tsuboya ware is a traditional Okinawan craft, and Tsuboya Yachimun Street is lined with approximately 50 kilns and shops.
There are cafes where you can take a break, so it's a great idea to take a leisurely stroll while searching for your favorite Yachimun pottery.

Spot #4: Ishigaki Island

Image source: Ishigaki Island Seaside.COM

Ishigaki Island, located in the center of the Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa, is about an hour's flight from Naha Airport.
It's a beautiful island surrounded by emerald green seas and subtropical jungle.

If you're looking for a must-see tourist spot in Ishigaki Island, this is it.Kabira Bay.
This is one of the most scenic spots in the Yaeyama Islands, and has been selected as one of Japan's 100 most beautiful landscapes.

You can see the coral reefs and tropical fish in the bay from a glass-bottom boat.

Image source: Ishigaki Island Seaside.COM

Located in the northern part of Ishigaki IslandIbaruma RanchIt faces the east coast of the island, and the view from the ranch is absolutely beautiful!
You can enjoy driving and trekking, but for something a little different, you can try buggy adventure touring.

Having a regular driver's license is a requirement, but don't worry, the instructors will teach you everything else.
A refreshing run through the beautiful natural scenery of Ishigaki Island will surely create wonderful memories.

Image source: Ishigaki Island Seaside.COM

There are several sunset spots on Ishigaki Island, but this oneKannonzakiThat's one example.
Because it's located on a cape on the west side, the view of the setting sun is absolutely spectacular.

There is a small gazebo at the observation deck where you can sit and enjoy the view at your leisure.
Its proximity to Ishigaki city center, about a 15-minute drive away, is another plus.

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Activity 1: Whale watching

Image source: OCVB
Whale watchingIt is said to be a winter tradition in Okinawa.
In particular, from early January to early April, many whales can be seen in the waters southwest of Okinawa Island.

For those of you who want to encounter humpback whales, one of the largest whale species, something you can't experience at an aquarium!
Many marine shops offer tours, so feel free to inquire right away.

Image source: OCVB

Whale watching tours depart by cruiser for each individual tour.
While there are various departure points, most departures are from Tomari Port (Tomarin) in Naha City, which serves as the gateway to the Kerama Islands.
Tomarin is about 600m from Miebashi Station on the Yui Rail.

Image source: OCVB

The waters off Zamami Island, one of the Kerama Islands, are said to be particularly known for their high number of confirmed sugar whale sightings.
To get to Zamami Island, take a high-speed ferry from Tomarin and it takes about 50 minutes.

Some marine shops offer whale watching tours that include a visit to Zamami Island.
It might be nice to experience a slow-paced time on a peaceful remote island.

Book your optional tours in Okinawa here!

Activity #2: The Blue Grotto

Image source: Blue Leaf
Blue CaveThis is a popular marine spot located at Cape Maeda in the central area of ​​the main island.
Simply put, it's a cave located underwater.

Seawater flows into the cave, allowing sunlight to penetrate, and the reflection of that light off the white, limestone seabed makes the entire cave glow blue.

Image source: Blue Leaf
Isn't it a very fantastical atmosphere?
You can enjoy diving and snorkeling in this space.

Even during the winter off-season, wearing a winter wetsuit will solve the problem (many people say the water is clearer and more beautiful in winter!).
Many marine shops offer introductory tours, so be sure to check them out.
The package also includes an experience of feeding tropical fish.

Image source: OCVB
Most marine shops use Cape Maeda as the meeting point for tours to the Blue Grotto.
The only ways to get to the cave from here are by swimming or by boat.
Even for introductory diving experiences, an instructor will provide a lecture beforehand, so there's no need to worry.
They'll teach you carefully until you get used to it.

Book your Blue Grotto tour here!

Top 3 Okinawa Resort Hotels Recommended for Graduation Trips

The Moon Beach Museum Resort (formerly Hotel Moon Beach)

Image source: OCVB
Resort hotels that are usually a bit out of my price range become quite reasonable during the off-season.
hereThe Moon Beach Museum Resort (formerly Hotel Moon Beach)It is a long-established resort hotel in Okinawa, located in Onna Village.

It's relatively often included in tour packages, and many people use it for graduation trips, so there are plenty of positive reviews.

Image source: OCVB
Its distinguishing features include the natural crescent-shaped beach that stretches out right in front of the hotel and the open-air lobby covered in ivy.
The building itself has an open atrium, and the rooms are arranged around it, giving it an unusual layout.

Sea turtles and tropical fish swim in the hotel's pond, creating a tropical atmosphere and a very elegant feeling.

The Moon Beach Museum Resort (formerly Hotel Moon Beach)
the map isCLICK HERE
hotel reservationsClick Here(You will be redirected to the Jalan.net website)

The Beach Tower Okinawa

Image source: OCVB
Located next to Mihama American Village, it is the tallest hotel in Okinawa."The Beach Tower Okinawa".
The property boasts a prime location with a beautiful sunset beach right in front of it, and is conveniently situated for shopping and dining.

Image source: OCVB
The rooms are spacious and clean, and if you can get a room on a higher floor, the view from the window is, needless to say, spectacular.
Additionally, the hotel has a facility called "Chura-yu" which combines a heated swimming pool and hot springs, so it looks like everyone can have a great time together.

The Beach Tower Okinawa
the map isCLICK HERE

オクマ プライベートビーチ ＆ リゾート

Image source: OCVB
オクマ プライベートビーチ ＆ リゾートIt is located in Kunigami Village in the northern area and is one of the larger hotels in the vicinity.
The best thing about this place is that all the rooms are cottage-style, which means you can have a lively time there.

Many travel agencies offer "graduation trip packages," and they generally receive quite positive reviews.

Image source: OCVB
The interior boasts a luxurious feel and a sense of privacy. There are also areas around the main cottage for group activities.
Furthermore, there are plenty of activities available, such as eco-tours and field sports, so you're sure to have fun throughout your stay.
Okuma Beach, with its natural white sand, is just a short walk away.

オクマ プライベートビーチ ＆ リゾート
the map isCLICK HERE
hotel reservationsClick Here(You will be redirected to the Ikkyu.com website)

Summary

We've introduced a variety of spots that we hope you'll enjoy on your graduation trip.
Since it's the off-season, it's great because you can play without worrying too much about the weather, and it's a fun place to hang out with a group of people.

A "graduation trip" is different from a regular trip; it's not something you can experience many times.
Take your time to think it through and enjoy Okinawa to the fullest with the best possible plan!

Please make your hotel reservation here.

• Rakuten Travel
• Jalan net