The cold winter is finally coming. I wonder what it's like in Okinawa, a tropical paradise.
Of course, Okinawa has four seasons, including winter. But did you know that December is actually the best time to visit?

So, in this article, I'd like to introduce some of the highlights and must-see events in Okinawa in December, as well as places to enjoy yourself during this time of year.

In addition, we'll be sharing information you might want to know, such as whether you can swim in Okinawa in December, diving and snorkeling information, temperature and rainfall, and what kind of clothing to wear, so please use this as a reference!

Lowest price information for Okinawa tours departing in December

<Contents>
1. Why Okinawa in December is recommended
2. Notable events in Okinawa in December
2-1. Okinawa Children's Land Christmas Fantasy
2-2. Itoman Peaceful Illumination
2-3. Naha Marathon
3. Activities to enjoy in Okinawa in December!
3-1. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
3-2. SUP, Kayak, and Yoga (Ocean, Jungle, and Yoga)
3-3. Whale watching
4. Temperature and clothing in Okinawa in December
4-1. About temperature and precipitation
4-2. Recommended Clothing
Afterword

1. Why Okinawa in December is recommended

~Cheap travel and airfare!~
The most attractive aspect is undoubtedly the price.
There are also many affordable package tours available, so if sightseeing is your main focus, winter is definitely the best time to visit.

例えばハイシーズンの7～8月、2泊3日の料金の平均は6万円～7万円ですが、12月は安いところで2万円～3万円程度から（LCC利用なら1万円台もあり）。そう考えるとお得ですよね。

Furthermore, you can stay at luxury resorts you've always wanted to visit at a great price, so you can choose your accommodation without compromising!

Wearing a wetsuit makes snorkeling and diving possible!
Even if you can't swim in the ocean, most people who go swimming in Okinawa do so to "snorkel and admire the coral and tropical fish."

Most companies that organize diving and snorkeling tours offer wetsuit rentals, so you can easily enjoy them!

Regardless of the season, the sea is teeming with beautiful coral reefs and colorful fish, so those who want to enjoy the Okinawan sea will have their wishes fulfilled.

~The sea isn't the only thing you can enjoy!~
Summer is too hot to enjoy sightseeing at a leisurely pace in many places. Winter is the perfect time to explore and appreciate all the details.

Other recommended tourist spots where you'll be doing a lot of walking outdoors include Ocean Expo Park and the Cactus Park!

The weather is warm, so it won't be too cold, and I think you'll really enjoy it!

2. Notable events in Okinawa in December

2-1. Okinawa Children's Land Christmas Fantasy

~The entire site is filled with dreamlike illuminations~

Image provided by: Okinawa Children's Land

The Christmas Fantasy, a popular annual event in Okinawa, will be held on a grand scale at Okinawa Children's Land.

Okinawa Children's Land is often perceived as a tourist spot for children, but it also features a zoo and a Wonder Museum where children can discover their own wonders and surprises, as well as hands-on exhibits where they can learn about various things through hands-on experiences.

This facility offers a deep dive into Okinawa, and there are plenty of spots that even adults won't get bored of.

Image provided by: Okinawa Children's Land
As part of the winter events held at Okinawa Children's Land, a limited-time event called "Christmas Fantasy" will be taking place.

The illuminations unfold on an overwhelming scale, and a key feature is the abundance of gimmicks!

In the heart-shaped tunnel and the tunnel of light, a fantastical world unfolds, as if you were wrapped in a curtain of light. A perfect night awaits you, especially for lovers!

Image provided by: Okinawa Children's Land

In addition, there are fun food stalls, a game corner, and events such as the Super Aurora attraction, which features laser-based aurora-like light displays.

Snow never falls in Okinawa, but you can see it falling in the tropics thanks to the "Snowfall Show," which promises to be a unique experience. At Kodomo no Kuni (Children's Land), where a variety of creative events are held,

This event is sure to be enjoyable for adults as well as children, so please come and check it out! Advance tickets are also on sale, so please get yours once your plans are set!

<Okinawa Children's Land>
Address:5-7-1 Goya, Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone: 098-933-4190 (Okinawa Children's Land)
Event period: Similar to the Christmas season
Time: 18: 00 to 21: 30
Admission fee: Adults (high school students and older) - Advance tickets: 2,100 yen / Same-day tickets: 2,400 yen
Children (ages 4 to junior high school): Advance tickets - 1,200 yen / Same-day tickets - 1,400 yen
URL:http://www.xmas-fantasy.com/index.html

▼▼▼▼▼We are selling a sightseeing pass that allows unlimited entry to tourist facilities in Okinawa! 2-day pass: 4,500 yen! ▼▼▼▼▼
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼ Entry to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and Okinawa World is also included ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼

*Please note that admission to Okinawa Children's Land is not included during illumination hours.*

2-2. Itoman Peaceful Illumination

Itoman City witnessed the end of the Battle of Okinawa during World War II. The "Itoman Peaceful Illumination" project was started with the aim of conveying a message to the world, expressing a prayer for peace and a desire to maintain it.

The illumination event, organized by Itoman citizens, Okinawan residents, and other volunteers, is enjoyable for tourists as well, and the number of people traveling to Itoman specifically to see the event is increasing every year.

The illuminations decorating the Itoman City Tourist Farm are all handmade! Each light, carefully and lovingly placed by everyone working together, exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The illuminated promenade, filled with wishes for peace and countless memories, also contributes to environmental sustainability by using LED lights.
The laser shows, Christmas and New Year's Eve events, and various other events held daily are all very popular, so please come and check them out!

<Itoman Peaceful Illumination>
Address:1018 Mabuni, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture (within Itoman City Tourist Farm)
Event period: Typically from mid-December to the end of the year and the beginning of the new year.
Event hours: 18:00 - 22:00 *Until 0:30 the following day on December 31st
*The event may be canceled in case of severe weather.
URL:

2-3. Naha Marathon

©OCVB
The Naha Marathon has now become a well-known event in Japan. It is held annually on the first Sunday of December, starting at 9:00 AM. In this large-scale event, approximately 30,000 runners cover 42.195 km, passing through five southern cities and towns—Naha City, Haebaru Town, Yaese Town, Itoman City, and Tomigusuku City—centered around the Peace Memorial Park, with runners aiming to complete the course.

Participating is great, but actually, cheering from the sidelines is also fun at the Naha Marathon. What makes it so fun? First of all, there are a lot of "costume runners" with a lot of originality. There are people dressed as SPAM (the canned pork), Shisa (Okinawan lion-dog statues), and people with painted faces, and all sorts of other costumes.

Of course, there will be plenty of regular runners, but this year it will also be fun to look for runners in costumes!

©OCVB
And as a familiar sight you'll occasionally see, you'll find Eisa dance performances along the route, and it's heartwarming to see generous people handing out water, brown sugar, bananas, and other treats at locations other than the designated water stations!

You could say that the cheering section is practically a festival now.

Why not offer some enthusiastic support to the runners who are giving it their all?

<NAHA Marathon>
Date: Date TBD for 2023
Start: 9:00 AM at Meijibashi Intersection on National Route 58
Goal: Okuyama Athletic Stadium, 15:15 finish
URL:http://www.naha-marathon.jp/
—Click here for more details!—
~Want to run on a southern island? A digest of popular marathon races in Okinawa!~
https://okinawa-labo.com/okinara-marathon-4950

Next page 3. Activities to enjoy in Okinawa in December!