Okinawa is the perfect destination for a family trip. Besides its stunning blue ocean, it boasts numerous attractions that adults and children alike can enjoy, including Okinawan-style theme parks!

However, for those visiting Okinawa for the first time, it's understandable to be worried about whether a family trip to Okinawa will be enjoyable. Therefore, we'll introduce some key points for a successful family trip to Okinawa, especially for first-time visitors.

Please use this as a reference and create lots of wonderful family memories in Okinawa!

<Contents>
1. Preparing for a Family Trip
2. Let's go! Things to be careful of at the airport
3. How to spend your time on an airplane
4. From Naha Airport to renting a car
5. Recommended tourist spots that children can enjoy
6. Recommended kid-friendly beaches
7. Things to keep in mind when booking a family trip
8. Hotels recommended for families
Summary

1. Preparing for a Family Trip

1-1. Items that are good to have and things you should bring for infants (0-2 years old)

・ Gauze or towel

Besides wiping things down, it's also useful for things like tucking into a hat to protect yourself from the sun, so it's a must-have item.

• Milk set, baby food packs

You can prepare hot water for making milk and sterilizing using the hotel's kettle.
Some hotels offer a wide range of services for babies, so it's worth inquiring about them.
Having several packs of baby food on hand can be convenient if you're having trouble deciding what to eat when dining out.

·Sunscreen

This is absolutely essential. The sun in Okinawa is so strong that even adults will feel a burning sensation.
In addition to sunscreen, it would be ideal to also have skincare products.

Swim diapers and hat

For infants who are not yet potty-trained, it is good manners to have them wear a diaper.
One more thing: don't forget your hat when you go to the beach. Your scalp can get sunburned, so be careful.

*Basically, you should prepare "a set of items you normally carry with you x number of days of your stay + spares".
Even if you forget, you can get it locally, so it'll be fine!

1-2. Items that are good to have or should be brought for toddlers (2-6 years old)

・Rash guard ・Hat

This is a must-have for the beach or pool. Sunscreen alone isn't enough, so make sure to put this on your child.
Additionally, having a hat that you can wear while swimming in the sea can prevent your scalp from becoming sore and irritated after swimming.

・Marine shoes

Since you can cut your feet on coral, rocks, or shell fragments, these are essential when playing in the sea.

・Swimming goggles

A bucket-shaped underwater viewing device is a very useful item because it allows children who can't put their faces in the water to enjoy looking into the ocean, and it can also be used to temporarily put sea creatures that you catch and show them to your children.

Sand play set

For young children, playing in the sand is more enjoyable than swimming in the ocean, so they tend to stay at the beach longer.
Sand play sets can easily get lost, so a cheap one from a 100-yen store is perfectly fine.

2. Let's go! Things to be careful of at the airport

One thing to be careful about at the airport is to make sure you separate the items you'll carry on as hand luggage from the items you'll pack in your suitcase beforehand.
If you have an infantMake sure to pack diapers separately in your carry-on luggage.There is a need.

Also, when boarding an airplane, families with small children are given priority boarding over other passengers , so it's necessary to get to the boarding gate early and without delay.

If you are worried when boardingI'll let the staff at the boarding gate know.It might be reassuring to mention it, as it will show that they care about you.
There's a kids' play area and other facilities available, so you can let your child play there while you wait.

3. How to spend your time on an airplane

Young children who are flying for the first time may feel anxious.

At times like that,Prepare your child's favorite picture book, quiet toys, favorite drinks, snacks, etc.Let's do.
Read picture books to them while keeping an eye on their reactions.

If you don't need to distract yourself, then let's gather information about Okinawa.
It depends on the airline, but on the planeThey almost always give you an Okinawa guidebook..

It comes with coupons and introduces recommended spots and driving routes in Okinawa, so if you read it thoroughly before you arrive in Okinawa, you'll be there in no time!

4. From Naha Airport to renting a car

There are no rental car facilities at Naha Airport itself.

If you're renting a car in Okinawa, there are shuttle buses from each rental car company that run from the airport terminal beyond the exit at Naha Airport, so thisTake the bus to the rental car company's office. international success.
Most companiesLocated about 15 minutes from Naha AirportWe have a sales office in [location].

On the shuttle bus, you'll receive explanations about important points regarding renting a car. Once you arrive at the rental office, you simply hand over your driver's license, have a copy made, and sign the necessary documents, and you can rent a car right away.

However,It gets extremely crowded during long weekends and the Obon holiday period.Therefore, from the time the plane arrives at the airport until you leave in your rental carIt will take more than an hour.It's better to think of it that way.
When renting a car, it's important to carefully check for any damage.

5. Recommended tourist spots that children can enjoy

5-1. Neo Park Okinawa

©OCVB

If you're looking for fun activities to do with your kids in Okinawa, this facility is a must-visit.
If your child especially loves animals, you should definitely take them there.

Neo Park Okinawa is a zoo where animals roam freely.
City zoos are just places where you see animals in cages, and the animals don't move around much, but this place is a completely different world.
In a sense, it's like a safari park.

©OCVB

Seeing a flock of hundreds of birds is so impressive that you might wonder, "Is this the Amazon?", and when a large bird approaches, the whole family is sure to get excited.

[Neo Park Okinawa]
Address: 4607-41 Nago, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture
TEL：0980-52-6348
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 17:30 PM (Last entry at 17:00 PM)
Admission fee: Adults 660 yen, Junior high school students 330 yen, Children 220 yen
URL:https://www.neopark.co.jp/

5-2. Ryukyu Village

©OCVB
This facility showcases Okinawa's traditional culture and shares some similarities with Okinawa World in southern Okinawa. However, during the summer season, it hosts events that combine buffets and various shows in the evenings.

There are events like quizzes and rock-paper-scissors tournaments that children can participate in, so young children are sure to have a blast.
They also have firefly viewing and constellation viewing events, so you can learn while having fun, making it perfect for summer research projects.
The starry sky in Okinawa is truly beautiful and will surprise you.

[Ryukyu Village]
Address: 1130 Yamada, Onna Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture
TEL：098-965-1234
Hours: 8: 30 ~ 17: 30
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (During daylight saving time: July 1st - September 30th)
Admission fee: Adults (16 years and older) 1,200 yen, Children (6-15 years old) 600 yen

5-3. OKINAWA Fruit Land

©OCVB
OKINAWA Fruit Land isn't highly rated in guidebooks, but if you actually go there, you'll find it surprisingly enjoyable.

Adults can enjoy seeing tropical plants such as mangoes, papayas, and dragon fruit, while children can participate in a stamp rally called "Tropical Adventure," where they can enjoy quizzes about plants.

"© Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau"

Before the Tropical Adventure began, we finished looking around the facility in no time, but be aware that if you go through the event while experiencing it, one hour is definitely not enough time.

[OKINAWA Fruit Land]
Address: 1220-7 Tamata, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture
TEL：0980-52-1568
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 18:00 PM (Last admission time: 17:45 PM)
*Business hours may be extended during the summer.
Admission fee: Adults (high school students and older) 1,000 yen, Children (ages 4 to junior high school students) 500 yen
URL:http://www.okinawa-fruitsland.com/

6. Recommended kid-friendly beaches

6-1. Emerald Beach

©OCVB
This beach is located within Ocean Expo Park, where the Churaumi Aquarium is situated.
Looking down at this beach from the hill where the Churaumi Aquarium is located, you can truly appreciate its beauty.

©OCVB
Emerald Beach is shallow and flows far out, so you don't have to worry about small children drowning.
Unlike natural beaches, this beach is located within the Okinawa Ocean Expo Park complex, so it has plenty of facilities like restrooms and shops, and there are lifeguards on duty, making it a highly recommended spot.

The water quality is among the best in the prefecture and is very clean; the emerald green surface of the water is definitely worth seeing.

Emerald Beach
Address: 424 Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
TEL: 0980-48-2741 (Ocean Expo Park Management Center)
Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 19:00 PM (Summer)
Admission fee: Free (Parking: Free)
URL:http://oki-park.jp/kaiyohaku/inst/75

6-2. Uppama Beach

©OCVB
It is one of the few natural beaches on Okinawa Island.
Because there are hardly any houses or other buildings nearby, the water quality is exceptionally clean, and the beach has very high transparency.

There are still many natural corals remaining, and lots of tropical fish swimming around.
You can see many tropical fish without having to go very far out to sea.

©OCVB
Also, the beach is very wide so it never gets crowded, and since it's not very well known, surprisingly few people come, so you can relax.
There are beach huts and large hotels, so you can rest assured about safety.

[Uppama Beach]
Address: 1069 Unten, Nakijin Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture
TEL: 098-862-0903 (Resort Hotel Bel Paraiso)
Business hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (April to November)
Admission fee: 300 yen (Parking: 500 yen per day)
URL:http://belparaiso.com/activity/

6-3. Kouri Beach

©OCVB
This is a natural beach located on Kouri Island, which is rapidly gaining popularity on Okinawa Main Island.
It's a beach located under the Kouri Bridge, and you'll find it immediately after crossing the bridge.

This area is also shallow and ideal for small children to play on the sandy beach, but the currents are strong, so caution is needed when swimming.
This beach has plenty of natural coral reefs and you can see lots of tropical fish like clownfish, so your kids are sure to have a blast.

©OCVB
Swimming is only permitted in areas where jellyfish nets have been installed, but this has the advantage of protecting children from the dangers of box jellyfish.
Although there is a fee, it has shower facilities and a place to eat, so it is recommended for families.

Kouri Beach
Address: Kouri Island, Nakijin Village, Okinawa Prefecture
TEL: 0980-56-2256 (Nakijin Village Office, Economic Affairs Division, Commerce and Tourism Section)
Opening hours: There are no specific opening hours for the beach itself.
Admission fee: Free (paid parking available nearby)

7. Things to keep in mind when booking a family trip

Here, we'll introduce some things to keep in mind when choosing and booking a tour.

<h3>7-1. How can you save money on children's travel expenses?</h3>

Children's travel fares are divided into three categories: 0-2 years old, 3-11 years old, and 12 years and older.
Within that category, the fees are divided into the following categories depending on the pattern.

↑ Click the image to enlarge

As you can see in the table, children up to 2 years old are generally free (except for tours using low-cost carriers), and the price is cheaper for children aged 3 to 11 if they share a bed (without a separate bed).

However, breakfast is not included if you share a bed with an adult, so you will have to pay extra at the hotel (in some cases, infants may not be charged if they are sharing a bed with an adult, but this varies depending on the infant's age).

Furthermore, tours that utilize business hotels or relatively affordable hotels often do not offer child rates.
This is because there is no difference in hotel room rates between adults and children.

Please note that if you have a child share a bed with you, the travel cost per adult will be higher.
Therefore, be sure to check which option is cheaper in total.

7-2. Points to keep in mind when making a reservation

airplane
- Whether or not you can reserve your seat in advance (however, if you book late, you may not be able to reserve a seat or get a seat close to your seat, so it's important to book early).

Rental Car
・Is there an additional charge for the child car seat?
For families with many children, will everyone be able to fit in the rental car?
For example, if you have two adults, one elementary school child, and two children who require car seats, you won't be able to fit in a five-seater car, so an upgrade will be necessary.

Hotels
If you have a child sleeping in the same bed as you, is it possible to push the beds together (known as a Hollywood twin) or to install a bed guard (the number of bed guards is limited at all hotels)?
If you're traveling with a baby, it's also important to check whether or not there's a crib available.
Are there good swimming pools? Indoor pools are convenient because you can play even on rainy days.
- Do they offer stroller rentals? (This is not always the case and is a service usually found in higher-end hotels.)

8. Hotels recommended for families

Now, the last thing you're probably wondering about is choosing a hotel, right?
Here, we'll introduce two recommended hotels, but we hope this will be helpful in choosing a hotel of your choice, even if you're not limited to these two.

8-1. The Beach Tower Okinawa

This is a tower hotel with great views, located in American Village in Chatan, in the central part of Okinawa Island.

Point 1: Attentive services for children.

They offer services for infants called "Easy Mommy Pack," as well as children's indoor clothing in three sizes, a step stool, and baby soap, so you can rest assured.

Point 2: The kids' corner at breakfast is well-equipped.

It's tough when your child isn't excited in the morning while you're traveling.
It's great that the kids' corner is so well-equipped, making the mornings filled with energy and fun.

Point 3: The pool facilities are excellent and it's directly connected to the beach.

The Beach Tower Okinawa's pool, "Chura-yu," features not only natural hot springs but also a spa pool zone where you can enjoy yourself in your swimsuit.
It's perfectly fine for kids to play with their dads in the shallow pool while moms relax in the jacuzzi.
Also, since it's connected to the beach, you can play in the sea and then cleanse yourself up in the hot springs at the end, which is very convenient.

Point 4: The room is spacious.

When traveling with children, a small room can be quite uncomfortable.
The main "Beach Tower Standard" rooms are 46 square meters, which is comparable to the size of a luxury resort, so you can relax even if your children are running around.

 

8-2. Tokyo Daiichi Hotel Okinawa Grand Mer Resort

This is a large hotel located on a hill in Okinawa City, on the eastern side of central Okinawa.
This is recommended for those who want to visit various tourist spots.

Point 1: Many rooms are Japanese-style (40 rooms)

Many people traveling with young children worry about their children tossing and turning in their sleep if they're in a bed.
This hotel has many Japanese-style rooms, and the rooms are spacious (42 square meters), so you can stay there with peace of mind.

Point 2: Convenient in-hotel childcare service

When traveling with small children, it's often difficult to leisurely enjoy sightseeing spots.
The hotel has an indoor childcare facility (9:00 AM to 10:00 PM) that you can use for 500 yen per hour (400 yen per hour after the first four hours), so adults can enjoy sightseeing or dinner at their leisure while their children play using the childcare service.

Point 3: Reasonable price

A family trip to Okinawa is an expensive undertaking, costing at least 10 yen or more. Naturally, you'd want to keep costs down as much as possible.
However, if the price is too low, the hotel room might be small, and you'll have to put up with a lot of compromises.

Tours that utilize this hotel are characterized by their relatively reasonable cost and spacious rooms, making them highly satisfying for families traveling together.

The Moon Beach Museum Resort (formerly Hotel Moon Beach) offers a "Nap Island Tour."
Other hotels that are popular with families include:

- The dolphin program is famous"Renaissance Resort Okinawa"
• Tours to uninhabited islands owned by the hotel are very popular."The Moon Beach Museum Resort (formerly Hotel Moon Beach)"
- Certification system for accommodations friendly to families with babies: "Welcome Baby Accommodation (Mikihouse Research Institute)"Kanucha Bay Hotel & VillasOr "Fusaki Resort Village(Ishigaki Island)

Such as it will be mentioned.

Summary

I hope you can see that Okinawa is full of places that families can enjoy.
If you're going on a family trip to Okinawa, you'll want to do thorough research and planning beforehand to minimize wasted time and make the most of your precious time there.

And I hope we can create lots of wonderful memories of Okinawa together as a family.

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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