Planning a family trip to Okinawa? Recommended spots and hotels for kids

If you're traveling to Okinawa with just adults, simply relaxing in a cafe amidst the beautiful tropical scenery or going for a drive might be enough to satisfy your soul.
However, when you're traveling to Okinawa with children, the things you do and the places you go will definitely change.

This time, we've compiled a list of recommended spots and hotels in Okinawa, themed around "An Okinawa trip that adults and children can enjoy."
Creating memories together as a family is fun from the very beginning of planning the trip! Please use this as a reference for your family trip to Okinawa.

<Table of Contents>
1. <Updated Regularly> Recommended Spots in Okinawa to Enjoy with Children
1-1. Southern part of Okinawa Island
1-1-1. Okinawa World
1-1-2. Gangara Valley
1-1-3. Senaga Island Observation Deck
1-2. Central Okinawa Island
1-2-1. Blue Seal Ice Park - An Experiential Museum
1-2-2. The Hill of Bios
1-2-3. The Blue Grotto
1-2-4. Okashi Goten Onna Village Store
1-3. Northern Okinawa Island
1-3-1. Ocean Expo Park, including Churaumi Aquarium
1-3-2. Motobu Genki Village
2. <Updated Regularly> Recommended Hotels in Okinawa for Families with Children
2-1. Renaissance Resort Okinawa
2-2. Hotel Murasaki Mura
2-3. Mahaina Wellness Resort Okinawa
3. Related Articles

1. <Updated Regularly> Recommended Spots in Okinawa to Enjoy with Children

1-1. Southern part of Okinawa Island

Naha Airport is located in the southern area of Okinawa, making it a great area to visit on your first or last day. It boasts some of Okinawa's most spiritual spots, such as Seifa Utaki and Kudaka Island, as well as pioneers of scenic cafes like "Hamabe no Chaya" and "Café Kurukuma." The tranquil atmosphere might appeal more to adults. However, there are plenty of spots in southern Okinawa that children can enjoy too!

1-1-1. Okinawa World

©OCVB
Okinawa World is a theme park where you can experience the history and culture of Okinawa in a condensed form. The "Ryukyu Kingdom Castle Town," the heart of Okinawa World, is lined with traditional houses and other buildings that are registered as national tangible cultural properties, creating an atmosphere that makes you feel as if you have traveled back in time to Okinawa of yesteryear. Within the castle town, you can experience a wide variety of activities such as coloring plaster shisa statues and bingata dyeing, as well as enjoy light meals. The Super Eisa show, held four times a day, and the massive Gyokusendo Cave, which stretches for 890 meters, are also very impressive!

Okinawa World

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

TEL: 098-949-7421

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

Business hours: 9:00-17:30 (last entry 16:30)

Remarks: Admission fee: Adults 2,000 yen, Children 1,000 yen
Please check the Okinawa World website for show times.

1-1-2. Gangara Valley

©OCVB
Gangara Valley is located across from Okinawa World. In the past, there was a huge hole that made a loud rattling sound when stones were thrown into it, and the collapse of the ceiling of that hole created a natural walking path. In addition to the lush tropical plants, the stalactites formed over many years and the giant banyan tree, which is synonymous with Gangara Valley, are truly breathtaking. Along the way, there is a place where you proceed through a cave with a lantern, making you feel like an explorer! What awaits you at the end of that cave?! You'll have to go and find out for yourself.
Okinawa World is very close by, so you might want to visit both.

The author of The New York Times

Address: 202 Maekawa, Tamagusuku, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture (across from Okinawa World)

TEL: 098-948-4192

HP: https://gangala.com/

Business hours: Tour start times: 9:00 AM - 16:00 PM

Remarks: Admission fee: 2,500 yen. Children under elementary school age are free when accompanied by a guardian.
Tours are generally by advance reservation only. Departures start at 9:20 AM and continue every 20 minutes, with the last departure at 16:00 PM. Please make your reservation via our official website or by phone.

1-1-3. Senaga Island Observation Deck

Senaga Island is located across the sea from Naha Airport, about a 20-minute drive away. While Senaga Island is popular for its Mediterranean-style Umikaji Terrace and hot spring facilities, there's another must-see spot: the observation deck. It offers a fantastic view of planes landing at Naha Airport. The best time to visit is in the evening. The East China Sea stretches out on the opposite side of the landing planes. Senaga Island is also known for its beautiful sunsets.
Parking is free, so why not stop by when you have some free time? However, be aware that the single road connecting the main island to the outlying island can get quite congested during events, so be careful if you're stopping by before heading home!

Senaga Island Observation Deck

Address: 174-5 Senaga, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 098-851-7077

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

Business hours: 10:00 AM - 21:00 PM *Hours may vary by store.

1-2. Central Okinawa Island

Central Okinawa Island, including Onna Village and Chatan Town, is a mecca for resort hotels. Maeda Cape, home to the Blue Cave, and Manzamo, a renowned scenic spot, are also located in the central area. The central region is characterized by its wide range of accommodations, from guesthouses to luxury hotels, and its abundance of leisure activities. It's a must-visit for anyone looking for an active vacation.

1-2-1. Blue Seal Ice Park - An Experiential Museum

When it comes to ice cream in Okinawa, it's all about "Blue Seal." At Blue Seal Ice Park, located next to the Blue Seal Makiminato main store, you can experience decorating your own ice cream bar. Choose from a wide variety of ice cream shapes and flavors, coatings, decorating pen colors, and toppings, and decorate it all at once! It would be fun to make and compare them with friends. In addition to the ice cream experience, there's also a Blue Seal history zone and, above all, the fancy interior is adorable!

Blue Seal Ice Park - An interactive museum

Address: 5-5-6 Makiminato, Urasoe City, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 098-988-4535

HP: https://www.blueseal.co.jp/icepark/

Business hours: 9:00 AM - 18:00 PM. Ice cream making experience sessions are at 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 13:30 PM, 15:00 PM, and 17:00 PM. Reservations are required in advance (walk-ins are possible if there are vacancies).

Remarks: The ice cream making experience costs 1,800 yen.

■■■Okinawa Lab's Family Trip Special■■■

1-2-2. The Hill of Bios

While Bios Hill is known as a theme park for orchids, it actually has plenty of things for kids to enjoy. There are athletic facilities, a stamp rally, goat walks, and even water buffalo cart rides. Parents have also commented that it's a good size and a safe place for their children to play!

The stingray

Address: 961-30 Ishikawa Kadekaru, Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 098-965-3400

HP: https://www.bios-hill.co.jp/

Business hours: 9: 00-18: 00 (Last entry 16:30)

Remarks: <Prices> Adults 1,800 yen, Children 900 yen. Please check the official website for any temporary closures.

1-2-3. The Blue Grotto

The cave glows faintly blue. During peak season, there's a line of people entering the sea from the beach! The cave itself gets a bit congested, making it a truly popular spot.
When snorkeling or diving in the Blue Grotto, there are two options: beach entry (entering the sea from the rocky area) and boat entry (jumping into the sea from a boat). Beach entry involves walking down a long flight of stairs, so boat entry might be easier.
The Blue Grotto is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, and children as young as three who love playing in the water can participate in the activities! We also offer a plan where you can enjoy playing in the sea without any worries, as we have a private tour for just one group at a time. Why not create some unforgettable family memories?

Cape Maeda (Blue Cave)

Address: 469 Maeda, Onna Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture

HP: https://maedamisaki.jp/

【Related information】
The Blue Grotto snorkeling tour, which is open to children aged 3 and up,hereから

1-2-4. Okashi Goten Onna Village Store

"Beniimo tart" is a classic Okinawan souvenir. At the Okashi Goten store in Onna Village, you can experience making your own beniimo tart. You roll out the tart dough like playing with clay, squeeze in the beniimo paste, and bake it. A freshly baked beniimo tart has a crispy crust and tastes quite different from the beniimo tarts you buy as souvenirs.

Okashi Goten Onna Branch

Address: 100 Seragaki, Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 098-982-3388

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

Business hours: 9:00 AM - 18:00 PM, Open all year round

Remarks: The sweet potato tart making experience is available for one person (8 tarts course from 1,568 yen). Reservations are required in advance and available at 10:00 or 13:00.

1-3. Northern Okinawa Island

Northern Okinawa is a region of the main island of Okinawa that is rich in nature, with both sea and mountains. The inland areas are covered with lush trees that resemble broccoli, while the sea is remarkably clear, its color so pure that it seems to reflect the light blue of the sky. Enjoy Okinawa's nature at places like Ocean Expo Park, home to the Churaumi Aquarium, Minna Island, a popular spot for day trips to the beach, and Sesoko Island, popular for marine activities.

1-3-1. Ocean Expo Park, including Churaumi Aquarium

Ocean Expo Park, boasting an area equivalent to more than 15 Tokyo Domes, features seven facilities, including the Churaumi Aquarium, as well as numerous plazas and rest areas. While everyone knows the Churaumi Aquarium, the surrounding area also includes many athletic facilities, a planetarium, and a swimming beach. A visit to the aquarium alone might take around two hours, but if you want to enjoy the entire Ocean Expo Park, even a full day won't be enough!

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)

1-3-2. Motobu Genki Village

Motobu Genki Village is located about a 5-minute drive from Ocean Expo Park. It's a theme park where you can experience Okinawa's nature and culture, offering cultural experiences such as coral wind chime making and sanshin (Okinawan stringed instrument) lessons, as well as marine activities such as dolphin swimming and snorkeling. Many visitors come specifically to interact with dolphins, so advance reservations are recommended for each program.

Motobu Genki Village

Address: 410 Hamamoto, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 0980-51-7878

HP: https://owf.jp/

Business hours: 8:00AM ~ 18:00 PM

Remarks: Some programs have set times. Reservations can also be made at the on-site reception counter if there are openings.

2. <Updated Regularly> Recommended Hotels in Okinawa for Families with Children

2-1. Renaissance Resort Okinawa

Renaissance Resort Okinawa has garnered rave reviews on numerous websites and blogs. As one of Okinawa's leading large resorts, the hotel offers an incredibly comprehensive range of services! In addition to various activities, there are parrots in the lobby, and you can even interact with dolphins within the hotel grounds. Having most things taken care of within the hotel is a great relief for parents.

Another popular feature is the Club Suvvy program, which offers benefits for extended stays. This service is available to guests who stay for three consecutive nights during the off-season and four consecutive nights during the peak season, and generally offers discounts or free meals on hotel activities and meals. The required number of consecutive nights varies depending on the date of stay, and eligibility for Club Suvvy may differ depending on the booking channel, so be sure to check carefully when making your reservation.

ルネッサンスリゾートオキナワ
Address: 3425-2 Yamada, Onna Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture
TEL 098-965-0707
Access: Approximately 60 minutes by car from Naha Airport (using the expressway)
Official website　http://renaissance-okinawa.com/
▼▼▼Click here to make a reservation▼▼▼
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2-2. Hotel Murasaki Mura

Murasaki Mura offers a whopping 101 different experiences, including pottery, bingata dyeing, glassblowing, whale shark snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours, Okinawan karate classes, painting, brown sugar making, chinsuko (Okinawan shortbread) making, and much more. It even has a hotel!

Hotel Murasaki Mura offers a variety of Japanese-Western style rooms! If you have small children or children who are restless sleepers, futons are a great option. While there are bathrooms in the rooms, you can also use the large public bath at the adjacent hot spring facility, "Iyashi Kobo Yu-ful." Take a quick, relaxing soak in the spacious bath.

Hotel Murasaki Mura
Address: 1020-1 Takashibo, Yomitan Village, Okinawa Prefecture
TEL 098-958-7871
Access: Approximately 80 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
Official website　http://hotel.murasakimura.com/
▼▼▼Click here to make a reservation▼▼▼
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2-3. Hotel Mahaina Wellness Resort Okinawa

Mahaina Wellness Resort Okinawa is highly recommended as a base for sightseeing in northern Okinawa. Located next to Ocean Expo Park, this resort hotel boasts ocean views from every room. It features a large public bath and many Japanese-Western style rooms for groups of four or more.

The indoor pool is open all year round, so you can swim even during the off-season. From April to October, the 30-meter-long garden pool is open. Let's fully enjoy the Motobu Peninsula, which is home to many popular tourist spots such as Kouri Island, Minna Island, and Sesoko Island!

Hotel Mahaina Wellness Resort Okinawa
Address: 1456 Yamakawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
TEL 0980-51-7700
Access: Approximately 120 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
Official website　http://www.mahaina.co.jp/
▼▼▼Click here to make a reservation▼▼▼
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