Okinawa in 3 Days: The First-Timer's Classic

Castles, the Churaumi Aquarium, Kouri Island and a Chatan sunset: the main island's greatest hits in three unhurried days.

  • 3 days
  • 18 stops
  • Moderate pace
  • Best for: First visit, rental car from day two

If this is your first time in Okinawa, this is the route most locals would sketch for you on a napkin. Day one stays in Naha so you can land without a car; day two drives the west coast up to the Motobu Peninsula; day three loops back via Kouri Island and ends with sunset in Chatan before your flight.

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  1. Day 1 Β· Naha: castle, market and Kokusai Street

    • 10:00–10:30

      Arrive at Naha Airport

      Travel

      Take the Yui Rail monorail into town; no car needed today.

    • 11:00–13:00

      Shurijo Castle

      Do

      Seat of the Ryukyu Kingdom, being restored after the 2019 fire. Check which halls are open before you go.

    • 13:30–14:30

      Lunch at Makishi Public Market

      Eat

      Buy fish downstairs and have it cooked upstairs. Try sea grapes (umibudo).

    • 15:00–17:30

      Stroll Kokusai Street

      Do

      Souvenirs, beni-imo tarts and the side arcades. Duck into Heiwa-dori for local snacks.

    • 18:00–19:00

      Naminoue Shrine

      Do

      A shrine on a cliff above a city beach, best in the early evening light.

    • Stay in Naha

      Stay

      Near a monorail station makes tomorrow's car pick-up easy.

  2. Day 2 Β· West coast cliffs and the Churaumi Aquarium

    • 08:30–09:30

      Pick up the rental car

      Travel

      Book ahead in high season. An ETC card saves time on the expressway.

    • 10:00–11:00

      Cape Maeda lookout

      Do

      Clifftop views over clear water; divers head down to the Blue Cave from here.

    • 11:30–12:30

      Cape Manzamo

      Do

      The elephant-trunk cliff. Short paved walk, about 30 minutes.

    • 13:00–14:00

      Okinawa soba at Kishimoto Shokudo

      Eat

      Over a century old and a queue at noon is normal. Cash only.

    • 14:30–17:00

      Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

      Do

      Whale sharks in the Kuroshio tank. The 15:00 feeding is worth timing for.

    • 17:00–18:00

      Bise Fukugi Tree Road

      Do

      A shaded lane of old fukugi trees through a fishing village. Rent a bicycle or walk.

    • Stay on the Motobu Peninsula

      Stay

      Saves a long drive back after the aquarium.

  3. Day 3 Β· Kouri Island, Nakijin and a Chatan sunset

    • 09:00–11:00

      Kouri Island

      Do

      Drive the 2 km bridge in the morning, when the water is at its most turquoise.

    • 12:00–13:00

      Nakijin Castle ruins

      Do

      UNESCO-listed walls that curve along the ridge. Quiet before the tour buses arrive.

    • 15:00–17:30

      American Village, Chatan

      Do

      Seaside shops, cafes and a Ferris wheel. Good for a slow afternoon.

    • 18:00–19:00

      Dinner with the sunset at Chatan

      Eat

      Sunset Beach faces west. Grab a table by the seawall.

    • 20:00–20:45

      Return car and fly home

      Travel

      Allow an hour to return the car and ride the shuttle to the terminal.

Good to know

  • Day two is the longest drive, about 2 hours north of Naha. Leave early.
  • Swap Shurijo for the Okinawa Prefectural Museum if it rains on day one.
  • Kokusai Street is quietest before 11:00 and liveliest after dark.

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