Spend your spring break in warm Okinawa! A roundup of must-see sights in Okinawa in March!

As the weather gradually changes, March is the perfect time to enjoy sightseeing outdoors in tropical Okinawa.
At the same time, it's the time when students go on spring break, making it an excellent opportunity to plan a long trip.

So, this time, we've compiled a list of must-see spots to enjoy Okinawa in the full bloom of spring!
I'll also be touching on the climate, clothing recommendations, events in March, and a comparison of travel costs from early to late March, so don't miss it!

Table of contents
1. Recommended tourist destinations and attractions in Okinawa for a trip in March.
2. Events in Okinawa in March
3. Things to know when traveling to Okinawa in March
3-1. Climate and Clothing
3-2. Regarding travel expenses and airfares
Final thoughts

1. Recommended tourist destinations and attractions in Okinawa for a trip in March.

In Okinawa, as the sunlight intensifies, the colors of the greenery and the sea deepen, bringing you closer to the tropical landscape everyone imagines.

We'll introduce some recommended spots perfect for enjoying nature in March, divided into Okinawa Main Island, Miyako Island, and the Yaeyama Islands!

~Main Island Edition: A Cape Tour to Feel the Spring Breeze~

On the main island, there are numerous spots where you can tour the capes by driving north from Naha city.
Driving along National Route 58 is a journey where everything seems special, even just the road itself.

The area around Kadena Air Base is a great place for a drive.
You can enjoy a comfortable drive to your next destination with the windows down!

Our first destination is Cape Zanpa, located north of Kadena Town. You'll find it by heading towards the sea after entering Yomitan Village.

Cape Zanpa is the westernmost cape on Okinawa Island.
The cliffs stretch for about 2km, and on clear days, the view extends all the way to the Kerama Islands, making it a truly captivating sight.

Above all, the contrast between the pure white lighthouse on the cape and the blue sky is absolutely stunning!
When you encounter this scenery, you'll feel like you've entered an extraordinary world, making you glad you traveled.

Also, at the Zanpa Cape Relaxation Square, you'll be greeted by the largest Shisa statue in Japan.

I was amazed by its size! It's an extra-large Shisa statue, standing 8.75 meters tall and measuring 7.8 meters long.
Since you're here, please do stop by and take a commemorative photo!

After leaving Cape Zanpa, the next destination is Cape Maeda.
This is a cape on Onna Beach, a popular tourist spot known for its scenic beauty surrounded by uplifted coral reefs.

The coral reefs are simply beautiful! And the water is exceptionally clear.

There are a lot of divers and snorkelers gathered below for some reason...
Actually, directly beneath Cape Maeda is famous for being the only "Blue Cave" on Okinawa Island.

Apparently, this used to be a shelter where fishermen could take refuge during typhoons to prevent their boats from being swept away.

Although it no longer serves that purpose, the cave quickly became famous for its blue glow depending on the light, and it has become a beloved spot for divers.
The miraculous coincidence is truly mystical! You can't appreciate its beauty unless you dive in.

Nowadays, there are many "introductory diving" tours available that allow even those who have never dived before to enjoy a trial dive, so if you're interested, you might want to give it a try!

And the finish line is Manzamo, which can be said to be one of the most representative scenic spots on Okinawa Island.

It's said that the shape of the sheer cliff resembles an elephant's trunk, and you can see that in the photographs.
It's a sheer cliff, about 20 meters high.
It's so high that it's scary to look straight down.

Contrary to those feelings, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the formations created by nature! I felt like I wanted to feel the wind forever.

And as for another attraction (specialty) of Manzamo...
Once you park your car in the parking lot, you'll find rows of souvenir shops selling a wide variety of tourist souvenirs, such as sugarcane and island sandals.

The various flavors of sata andagi (Okinawan doughnuts) made by Grandma are also popular!
What's more, the reasonable price of less than 100 yen per piece is a great bonus.

We have a variety of flavors, from classic to sesame and brown sugar, so why not try them as a snack?

~Miyako Island Edition: A Beachcombing Tour on Relaxing Beaches~

Miyako Island has many beaches that are very popular tourist attractions.
Among them, "Sunayama Beach" is exceptional!
The slope leading up to the pristine white sand beach is so beautiful it almost feels unreal.

Furthermore, the beach isn't the only thing to look forward to.
You can sometimes find mango juice in plastic bottles for sale in this parking lot. It seems to be homemade, and they sell it frozen solid, but by the time you reach Sunayama Beach, it's just the right temperature to drink...

It's so delicious, I want to take some home as a souvenir!
If you find it for sale, you're really lucky!
*They may not always be there.

If you find it for sale, be sure to buy it before heading to Sunayama Beach!

And when we got right in front of the beach, there was another surprise!

It features natural arches formed by uplifted coral ridges exposed to the sea breeze.
This arch has such a strong presence that it could be considered a symbol of Sunayama Beach, and you'll be able to directly feel the power of nature here.
And when the tide goes out, you can go all the way to the back of the cave, so if possible, I recommend going when the tide is low.

After enjoying Sunayama Beach, our next destination is Maehama Beach, the most bustling beach on Miyako Island.
With its pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters crashing against the shore, it's perfect for beachcombing!

Many seashells and corals gather on the beach.
The waves, wind, and various other conditions have broken the water into tiny pieces, making it truly pure white!

If you look closely, you can find cute seashells and bleached coral, so even young children can enjoy it!
*There are hermit crabs too!!

On sunny days, you might want to try just dipping your feet in the water.
The sea is absolutely stunning! You can also get a fantastic view of the Kurima Bridge, making it the perfect place to fully experience the tropical paradise!

And finally, we went to "Imgya Marine Garden".

This is a seaside park where the natural shapes created by nature are preserved as they are.
It's quite large and uneven, so you can get a feeling of being in a mini-adventure world.

At low tide, I highly recommend rolling up your pants to your knees and taking a walk along the sandy beach!
You might see some marine life peeking out.

The inland sea that stretches out beyond the Ingya Bridge is a natural pool with no waves, so you can see colorful tropical fish even from the shallows!

Also, try climbing up to the observation deck at the end of the walking path. You should be able to find it easily, as it's marked by a Miyako beef sculpture.
The view from the north is also beautiful, and you can see the entire park from there, so be sure to explore every corner.

~Yaeyama Islands, Iriomote Island Edition: A Trip to Yubu Island with Water Buffalo Carts and Sanshin Music~

The "water buffalo cart" has become a popular attraction, attracting many visitors to Iriomote Island specifically for this reason.
Many people would probably like to see with their own eyes the scenery that often appears in posters and brochures.

The distance from Iriomote Island to the neighboring Yubu Island is about 400 meters.
Because the water level is only about 1 meter high even at high tide, the use of water buffalo carts as a means of transportation, rather than boats, became a local attraction and is now an important tourist spot.

Yubu Island is a subtropical botanical garden in itself, so it has a rather unusual system where you have to pay an entrance fee to get to the island.
You'll see everyday scenes like people walking to work through knee-deep water, or trucks skillfully driving across the waterway.

You can enjoy a conversation with the old man while riding in a water buffalo cart for about 15 minutes. During that time, there's almost a 100% chance he'll play "Asatoya Yunta" on the sanshin (Okinawan stringed instrument).
Asatoya Yunta was a real person; she was a beautiful woman who remained on Taketomi Island without ever marrying, and her story became famous and was turned into a song.

When you cross over to Yubu Island, you'll find that the entire island is a botanical garden, with a bougainvillea garden, handmade sculptures by an old man, a shell museum, a butterfly garden, and more.

And the butterfly garden is a must-see!
Many of the largest butterflies in Japan, the "Great Mormon," are flying around here.
If you're lucky, you might even get to witness the moment they emerge from their cocoons. It could be a truly wonderful and unexpected experience for your children.

There are also places to eat and rest, so please take your time and enjoy yourself for the whole day!

2. Events in Okinawa in March

March in Okinawa is packed with events!
There are many events, from minor ones to well-known ones, so I'll introduce all the confirmed events at once!

■March 4th:The 28th Yukaruhi Masaruhi Sanshin Day
Venue: Yomitan Village Cultural Center (Ootori Hall and other venues in Okinawa and other locations)

■March 1st - March 24th:The 38th Higashimura Azalea Festival
Venue: Higashimura Villagers' Forest Azalea Garden

■March 29st - March 1th:Yanbaru Kunigami 21st All-Japan Friendship Park Golf Tournament
Venue: Kuina Park Golf Course, Kunigami Kagami Park Golf Course
Application period: January 7, 2020 (Tue) - February 15, 2020 (Fri)
*First-come, first-served basis: 80 people from outside the prefecture, 80 people from within the prefecture (high school students and above)

■March 12st - March 15th:The 18th Okinawa City Craft Fair
Venue: Plaza House Fair Mall 1F-3F

■March 8th:The 38th Higashimura Azalea Marathon
Venue: Higashimura Municipal Outdoor Sports Ground

~~■March 18th:The 30th Nanbu Trim Marathon~~
~~Venue: Nishizaki General Sports Park (start and finish line)~~

■March 14th:Japan's southernmost point! Yaeyama's beach opening ceremony 2020
Venue: Maesato Beach, Ishigaki Island

~Long-term event~

■March 1st to early May:Bios Hill Urizun Flower Festival
Venue: Bios Hill (Uruma City)

I'd like to introduce some of my recommended events from among the many available.

The "Sanshin Day" event on the 4th is held annually in Yomitan Village, based on a concept theme, and is a day to "play" the sanshin, a traditional Okinawan instrument that is also part of Ryukyuan culture.

At the main event venue, the Otori Hall of the Yomitan Village Cultural Center, numerous artists will appear on stage to showcase their sanshin (Okinawan stringed instrument) skills.
In addition, he joined the audience, some of whom had brought their sanshin (Okinawan stringed instrument), in playing "Kagiyade-fu."

The sheer number of sounds echoing throughout the venue is breathtaking!
On this day, you will be captivated by the sight of musicians, regardless of their school of music, uniting their hearts in their performance.

Also, the Okinawa City Craft Fair, held on the 9th, is a chance to find that one special item that's meant to be yours.

This event brings together artists and members of the general public from all over Okinawa Prefecture, where their craftworks are exhibited and sold.
The exhibition features a wide variety of items, including dyed and woven textiles, ceramics, glass, and wood and bamboo crafts, some of which you won't find in other souvenir shops.

It's fun just to look around, so why not stop by and take a look?

And the "Yaeyama Beach Opening Ceremony," which takes place on the 18th, is a major event in Yaeyama that is held in a different location every year.
*It seems that Kohama Island has been chosen for this year's location.

This event allows participants to pray for safety in the soon-to-be-bustling sea, and then experience their first swim of the season.
On the day of the event, it will be bustling with both locals and tourists, so you'll be able to witness a truly unique scene.

It would be interesting to see the earliest beach opening in Japan!

★Affordable Okinawa Tours Departing in March★

3. Things to know when traveling to Okinawa in March

Now, let me share some information that will be useful when you actually go on a trip.

3-1. Climate and Clothing

The graph above was created using data from Naha City from March 1st to 31st, 2015.
By mid-March, the average daily temperature often exceeds 20 degrees Celsius, and it can get quite warm, sometimes even to the point of making you sweat, rather than just pleasantly warm.

With a low chance of rain, you can enjoy outdoor spots without worrying about rain.
However, the perceived temperature is a different matter.

Okinawa has many windy days, and especially along the coast, the wind can be so strong that you have to shout to be heard.

When that happens, the perceived temperature is said to be around minus 2 degrees Celsius of the actual temperature for the day, so it can feel quite cold.
Judging solely by graphs is risky, so it's wise to pay attention to your attire as well.

In addition to a light cardigan, it would be a good idea to have something like a hoodie to protect against the morning and evening chill.

And along with clothing, don't forget the accessories.
If year-round sun protection is also necessary, it looks like I'll need even more luggage.
But sometimes you end up bringing extra things you don't use, just adding extra weight... To avoid that, we'll introduce seven essential travel items that will help you pack light and travel comfortably!

• Hat (for head protection)
• Sunglasses (necessary to protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays, especially on sunny days)
• Sunscreen (take proper UV protection measures)
• Flip-flops (very convenient for beachcombing)
• Regular medications (motion sickness medication, insect bite remedies, insect repellent, etc.)
• Wet wipes (because things get sticky when exposed to sea breeze)
・Folding umbrella (for sudden downpours)

*I've provided an example for reference.

3-2. Regarding travel expenses and airfares

Now, regarding the most concerning aspect, travel costs and airfares, let's look at a 2-night, 3-day trip as an example.

I checked the prices offered by major travel agencies, and it seems that tours from early March until around Thursday the 17th cost around 45,000 yen on weekdays and around 53,000 yen for Friday departures.
Prices will rise sharply from the 17th onwards, and as you all know, this is due to the students' spring break.

Generally, it's around March 25th to April 5th, and this seems to be the same from kindergarten to junior high school, although there are slight variations depending on the district.
However, since university students have a break from February to March until April after their regular exams, many of them seem to take a trip to Okinawa during that time.

Either way, many families plan trips during school breaks, so it's inevitable that it will be crowded.
However, depending on how you use it, you can sometimes manage to avoid it. It all depends on your plan and departure date.

For family trips, I think the least stressful way to travel is to avoid Friday departures and instead depart on Saturday or Sunday, or aim for a weekday Thursday departure, take two days of paid leave, return on Saturday, and relax on Sunday.

Airfares will also naturally have an impact.

For example, if you use the cheapest low-cost carrier, you can fly round trip for an incredibly low price of 5,690 yen during the sale on March 1st.
However, you need to be aware of the downsides, such as the flight departing from Narita at 18:35 and arriving in Naha at 21:55.

Even LCCs will be raising their prices starting on the 18th, with the same flight time costing 17,290 yen, more than three times the original price.
Considering the cost of an extra two nights' accommodation, the package deal might be more cost-effective in some ways.

Depending on how you use it, you can enjoy it at a great price, so try gathering information about various options!

Final thoughts

Okinawa is a popular tourist destination year-round, but you can enjoy it many times more by visiting tourist spots that are suited to the season and experiencing the changing seasons.
Many events are held in March, so planning your trip around them might make for a more unique and memorable experience.

And not only the main island but also the Yaeyama Islands are enjoying perfect weather for strolling and sightseeing. Please enjoy Okinawa while feeling the arrival of spring!