Many people dreaming of a trip to Okinawa, especially first-timers, wonder how long their trip should be. Two nights? Three nights? Four nights?

According to a survey of domestic tourists conducted by Okinawa Prefecture, the average length of stay was 3.83 days (FY2013), indicating that a 3-night, 4-day trip is a popular itinerary.

So, for those who want to enjoy a 3-night, 4-day trip to Okinawa, I'd like to introduce three recommended itineraries.

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1: A 3-night, 4-day trip to fully enjoy Okinawa Main Island
2: Island hopping trip in the Yaeyama Islands, 3 nights and 4 days
3: Miyako Island, where a relaxing resort stay is the norm, 3 nights and 4 days

First, let's start with a recommended itinerary for those who want to fully enjoy Okinawa Main Island.

Day 1: Departure point → Naha Airport → Resort area.

Arrived at Naha Airport around noon, then departed from the rental car company. (Time from airport arrival to rental car departure)Approximately 1 hourLet's take a look at that.

First, lunch in Naha city.Okinawa sobaAfter enjoying that, our first destination was,Shuri CastleWhat.
I was impressed by the magnificent Ryukyu Kingdom buildings typical of Okinawa and the panoramic view of Naha city. After staying for about 90 minutes, I headed north on the Okinawa Road to my accommodation for the night.Onna villageWhat.

In the eveningResort hotels in Onna VillageArrival in.
Enjoy the Okinawan night while being moved by the sunset over the East China Sea.

Day 2: Visit two of Okinawa's most popular spots!

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel while basking in the blue sky and sunlight that are so typical of Okinawa.
After that, we left the hotel. The first place we want to go is the most popularOkinawa Churaumi AquariumIt takes about an hour to get there from Onna Village.
Enjoy the giant tank where whale sharks swim and the "Oki-chan Theater" with dolphins.
We left the aquarium around noon and headed for lunch.

On weekdays, the famous pizza restaurant "KajinbouHowever, the wait time for Hanajinai on weekends is long, so the one near the aquarium isSteakhouse 88How about a steak lunch at "[restaurant name]"?

After that, a must-see spot on a drive through Okinawa:Kouri Island"fart.
Running as if floating on the blue seaKouri BridgeI was moved by "[...]. After crossing to the island,Kouri Ocean Tower" and "Tinu Beach", which became famous through the "Arashi" commercialheart lockYou can explore the island or simply relax on the beach while gazing at the sea. Spending just two hours on the island will surely leave you completely captivated.

Afterwards, we went to the hotel. If it was getting close to sunset, we went to the scenic spot in Onna VillageManzamoEnjoying the sunset from there is also highly recommended.

Day 3: We'll be active in the morning and enjoy sightseeing in the afternoon before heading to Naha.

On the third day, we'll check out of the hotel. While visiting tourist spots is an option, why not take advantage of the opportunity to do some physical activity?
Now an essential part of any trip to OkinawaBlue Cave"Snorkeling tours andSea Kayak,SUPAnd so on. You can fully enjoy the ocean even in autumn and spring if you wear a wetsuit.
Also, in winterWhale watchingAndViewing the earliest cherry blossoms in Japan(Late January to early February) is also lovely.

If you want to enjoy sightseeing, head to the central to southern part of Okinawa.Ryukyu Village"Or"Murasaki Mura","The stingray"Or"Okinawa WorldIf you want to relax at a cafe, I recommend the beachside area of ​​Chatan in central Okinawa.

So, after enjoying some sightseeing, we checked into our hotel in Naha City.
At night, leave your car at the hotel.International streetOkinawa's premier entertainment districtMatsuyamaHow about heading out to a place like that and enjoying some Okinawan cuisine at an izakaya (Japanese pub)?

Day 4: The final day - should we go shopping, sightseeing, or just relax?

On the last day, depending on your flight schedule, try to leave as much time as possible to spare.

If you want to shop,T Galleria Okinawa"Or"Outlet Mall AshibinaIf you want to buy delicious local ingredients,Makishi Public Market"Local supermarkets are also recommended,"
If you want to enjoy sightseeing, check out the World Heritage Sites in Naha.Shikinaen" and Southern "Nirai Kanai BridgeA drive to "[location]" is also recommended.

If you want to relax, check out the new spot on the south side of the airport.Senaga Island Umikaji TerraceYou can relax at the cafe at " orSenaga Island Hot SpringsSoaking in the open-air bath while gazing at the blue sea is especially recommended in winter.

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Next, I'd like to recommend a trip to the Yaeyama Islands, located 400km further southwest from Okinawa Main Island.
Because it is slightly warmer than Okinawa Main Island, it is a particularly popular area for winter sightseeing trips.

Day 1: Departure point → Ishigaki Airport → Hotel

In the case of Ishigaki Island, since most people travel to the island via Naha Airport, the amount of time spent there on the first and last days is likely to be limited.

Upon arriving at Ishigaki Airport, you'll likely travel to your hotel on the island and relax at the resort. Most hotels on Ishigaki Island are about 20-40 minutes by car from the airport. Renting a car or taking a taxi will allow for smooth travel.

Day 2: Time for our much-anticipated Yaeyama Islands tour!

On the second day, we'll set off on our exciting island hopping adventure. For the most efficient island hopping experience, a local tour is recommended. (From Ishigaki Island)The four islands of Iriomote, Yubu, Kohama, and TaketomiTours encompassing these islands are a classic and popular route. Alternatively, you can enjoy island hopping at your own pace by visiting just one island without using a tour.

Day 3 was spent enjoying Ishigaki Island to the fullest!

On the third day, take a rental car or tour bus to Ishigaki Island for sightseeing. It boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in Okinawa.Kawahira BayAnd, as if we've returned to ancient times,Yaeyama palms in Maibara", Hibiscus flowers bloomTamatorizaki Observatoryor the northernmost cape,Hirakubo CapeVisiting scenic spots like these, as well as the island's simple restaurants and cafes, is highly recommended. With a rental car, a full day is more than enough time to see all the sights.

On the fourth day, you can relax or go sightseeing on Taketomi Island.

The fourth and final day. Depending on your flight time, you could relax at the hotel and head straight to the airport. Or, if you have time until early afternoon, you could visit the nearest island.Taketomi IslandA stroll might be a good idea. Taketomi Island, which is only a 10-minute boat ride from Ishigaki Island, can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace in 3 to 4 hours.

Please note that there is only one road from Ishigaki city center to Ishigaki Airport. Traffic can cause the journey to take two to three times longer, so be careful during peak seasons such as summer vacation.

Click here for Yaeyama Island Hopping Tours

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The third option is a travel plan to Miyako Island, a resort island surrounded by beautiful seas.
This is recommended for those who want to be soothed by the sea, or who want to relax and enjoy time with their partner or friends while traveling.

Day 1: Departure point → Miyako Airport → Hotel

In the case of Miyako Island, most people travel to the island via Naha Airport. Therefore, most people arrive in Miyako Island in the afternoon or later.
Upon arriving in Miyako Island, head straight to your hotel. You'll forget the fatigue of your journey as you gaze upon the exceptionally beautiful sea, one of the most stunning in Okinawa.

Days 2 and 3: Relax at the hotel, go for a leisurely drive.

Days 2 and 3 of your stay in Miyako Island. Unlike Okinawa Main Island or Ishigaki Island, many people in Miyako Island prefer to relax at their hotel. It's especially recommended to not make a strict schedule and instead relax at the hotel, taking a drive in a rental car when the weather is nice.

If you're sightseeing by car, you should visit the beach known as the best beach in the Orient.Yonaha Maehama Beach" and other breathtaking scenic spots,Higashi-Hennazaki,Sunayama BeachThe longest free bridge in Japan, "Irabu Bridge," and the beautiful white sand beaches of Irabu Island.Toguchi Beach" and so on. You can fully enjoy the beauty of the sea.
Also, if you want to fully enjoy the beauty of the sea,Snorkeling,Sea KayakMarine sports such as these are also recommended.

Day 4: From the hotel to the airport, and then the journey home.

There's nothing particularly packed into the last day either. We'll have a leisurely morning, check out, and head straight to the airport. If we have time, we might even take a short drive in a rental car. After staying in Miyako Island for three nights, you'll surely find it incredibly painful to return to the city.

~For hotel reservations in Okinawa~
[Rakuten Travel] Book a hotel or accommodation in Okinawa

Book your local experiences and optional tours here.