Many families choose Okinawa as their first travel destination after the birth of a child, and you'll find a surprising number of travelers with babies both on the plane and at the destination. However, traveling with a baby can bring anxieties and worries about things like air travel, meals during your stay, and sightseeing spots.
In this article, I, who have traveled to Okinawa more than 20 times with my two sons (currently 5 and 1 years old), will introduce spots and ways to enjoy Okinawa that are mainly suitable for babies up to the crawling stage!
<Table of Contents>
1. Essential rules for traveling with a baby & our family's go-to itinerary
2. Top 4 Recommended Tourist Destinations for Families with Babies
2-1. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (located within Ocean Expo Park)
2-2. AEON Mall Okinawa Rycom
2-3. Underwater Observation Tower (located within Busena Marine Park)
2-4. Gangara Valley
3. In conclusion - A little advice -
1. Essential rules for traveling with a baby & our family's go-to itinerary
My idea of the ideal way to spend time with a baby is to visit "one area per day."
Since it's a special trip, you might have many places you want to visit and foods you want to eat scattered around. However, a lot of moving around can be tiring for your baby, and if they get fussy, Mom and Dad will be exhausted too!
It's best to aim for an area where the places you want to visit are located close together.
For example, in our household, we have established routines for each area.
★On the first or last day, have lunch and go shopping in the Naha area.
I like to buy Yachimun pottery at "Yacchi to Moon" on "Tsuboya Yachimun Street," stroll around "Ukishima Street" and have lunch, and choose souvenirs at "AEON Naha Store" near Oroku Station.
★If you go north, relax around Ocean Expo Park.
We'll spend our time relaxing and enjoying Okinawa, visiting aquariums and beaches, and strolling along the Fukugi tree-lined streets filled with negative ions.
★On sunny days, cross the "Kaichu Road" to the outlying islands!
Enjoy a refreshing drive along the Kaichu Road, a bridge in Uruma City that connects the main island to the outlying islands. After enjoying the panoramic view from Kaho Banta on Miyagi Island, it's customary to have shaved ice at Ruan + Shimairo.
2. Top 4 Recommended Tourist Destinations for Families with Babies
2-1. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (located within Ocean Expo Park)
One of the most representative tourist attractions in Okinawa is the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, located in the northern part of the island. The giant "Kuroshio Sea" tank is a breathtaking sight that captivates both adults and children. You can also touch starfish and sea cucumbers at the "Touch Pool" right inside the entrance. Outdoors, there is the "Oki-chan Theater" where dolphin shows are held, as well as the "Manatee House," and these outdoor facilities can be enjoyed free of charge.
Also, the beautiful emerald-green "Emerald Beach," known for its crystal-clear waters, is just a short walk from the aquarium! If the sun isn't too strong, we recommend spreading out a blanket on the beach and relaxing after your visit to the aquarium.
One thing to be careful of when taking your baby to the beach for the first time is staying there for too long! The sun in Okinawa is very strong and can be dangerous for babies. It's best to aim for times when the sun is weaker, such as in the morning, evening, or on cloudy days, to enjoy playing in the sea.
[Address] 424 Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
【営業時間】3～9月8:30～20:00、10～2月8:30～19:00
[Admission Fee] Adults: 1,880 yen, High school students: 1,250 yen, Elementary and junior high school students: 620 yen, Children under 6 years old: Free
Click here for package tours that include admission tickets to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.
2-2. AEON MALL Okinawa Rycom
It might not be considered a "tourist spot," but my favorite place to visit with children is Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom. It's the largest Aeon Mall in Okinawa Prefecture, with approximately 230 shops including Toys "R" Us, a movie theater, and restaurants. Don't miss the aquarium in the main lobby, which was supervised by the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium! Families who can't make the trip to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium can still get a taste of the aquarium experience here.
One of the highlights of this place is the numerous play areas where babies can play. Dad and the kids can stay home here while Mom can enjoy some leisurely "solo shopping," something she doesn't usually get to do.
I always enjoy choosing picture books to read to my child at bedtime during my stay at my favorite bookstore, "Miraiya Shoten," and buying souvenirs at the food section.
[Address] Block 4, within the Awase Land Readjustment Project Area, Kitanakagusuku Village, Nakagami District
[Opening Hours] 10:00 AM - 22:00 PM (Specialty Shops), 8:00 AM - 23:00 PM (Supermarket)
[Admission Fee] None
2-3. Underwater Observation Tower (located within Busena Marine Park)
The "Underwater Observation Tower" is located along the coast of Busena Marine Park in Onna Village, accessible by crossing a pure white bridge. Here, you can easily peek into the ocean without getting wet. Of course, you can enter while holding your baby. For dads and moms who want to go snorkeling or diving but can't easily do so with children, this is a great place for children to enjoy the ocean together.
Busena Marine Park also operates glass-bottom boats. The bottom of the boat is made of glass, allowing you to see the fish swimming below, and babies are welcome to ride. Seeing fish swimming in the ocean is a fresh and different experience from visiting an aquarium.
[Address] 1744-1 Kise, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture
【営業時間】4～6月＆9～10月9:00～18:00、7～8月9:00～19;00、11～3月9:00～17:30
[Admission Fee] Adults: 1,050 yen, Children (ages 4 to junior high school): 530 yen
2-4. Gangara Valley
Gangara Valley is located in Nanjo City, about a 30-minute drive from Naha Airport. This spot was formed when a former limestone cave collapsed, and untouched nature remains to this day. There is a "Cave Cafe" in the spacious area at the entrance of the cave, where you can relax while feeling the ancient nature and atmosphere. Tours of the forest in the valley are also available, and you can participate even if you are carrying a baby.
This place is recommended for families with babies because, with a small baby, you can easily carry them around while exploring, allowing parents to refresh themselves. Visiting mystical spots, historical buildings like castle ruins, and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of Okinawa becomes more difficult as children grow older (they seem to find these things nothing but boring...). So, please find ways to enjoy your time here that are only possible at this stage.
[Address] 202 Maekawa, Tamagusuku, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture
【Opening Hours】 9: 00 ~ 18: 00
[Tour participation fee] Adults: 2,500 yen, Junior high school students with student ID: 1,500 yen (Elementary school students and younger are free when accompanied by a guardian)
*Cave Cafe is only available to tour participants.
3. In conclusion - A little advice -
While you can take your baby everywhere in your arms during their infancy, be sure to create a schedule that isn't too demanding. It's important not to over-plan and to be flexible enough to change destinations depending on your child's mood.
When traveling to Okinawa at your baby's pace, you'll naturally spend more time in your hotel room. So, to ensure you and your partner can also enjoy your vacation, take the time to carefully choose your accommodation!
Asami
A Tokyo-based writer whose love for Okinawa knows no bounds. She travels around Okinawa with her two energetic boys, accumulating information on child-friendly shops, accommodations, and travel tips.
Author of the book "117 Travel Tips & Techniques for Traveling to Okinawa with Children"
A selection of hotels recommended for families with babies.
