I never expected Okinawa to be so beautiful when I went there for the first time.
I’ve been to Okinawa several times now. Each trip, I discover something new. On my most recent visit, I went with a group of 8 people, including my wife and our 2-year-old son. Let me tell you, coordinating 8 people on vacation is… an experience. Someone’s always not ready when it’s time to leave!
In this itinerary, I’ll show you how to make the most of your time in Okinawa, where to go for the best beaches, where to eat and where to stay.
Complete Okinawa Itinerary
Day 1 – 3: Yomitan and the surrounding area.
Day 3 – 7: Kouri Island and the surrounding area.
Day 1: Arrival & Southern Beaches
Day 1! Welcome to Okinawa 😉
Morning/Afternoon: Flight & Car Pickup
Most flights land at Naha Airport. When you’ve landed and get to customs, they’ll ask if you have any fruit in your bags. Don’t bring fruit into Okinawa. There are specially trained police dogs at the airport, and it’s strictly prohibited.
Or make sure to throw the fruit or other fresh food out in trash bins at the toilet right after arriving, which is what we did because we brought fruit for our son.
The car pickup process:
- Follow signs for rental car shuttles (look for car symbol with “R”)
- Shuttle buses go every 10-15 minutes
- It takes about 5-15 minutes to the rental office (longer in rush hour – we got stuck at 6 pm and it took 20 minutes)
- At counter: show passport, both licenses (regular + IDP), credit card, booking confirmation
- Walk around the car with staff and document every tiny scratch (I take photos AND video)
- Total time: 30-45 minutes
Pro tip: They drive on the LEFT in Okinawa. Take it slow in your first hour. I accidentally drove on the wrong side of the road when I first got there. Luckily, locals drive very safely and slowly, so there's room for some small mistakes. But please don't make thát mistake!
Check out my full guide about renting a car in Okinawa.
Afternoon: Check In & First Beach
Drive straight to your accommodation in the southern area. It’s only 20-40 minutes from the airport. Perfect for getting comfortable with left-side driving. Took me about 3 days to get accustomed to it.
Where to Stay in Yomitan (Days 1-3):
Hotel Nikko Alivila is right at Nirai Beach. This is perfect for families where you have all the facilities at each beach.
Coral Garden 7 Pools Condominium. Great guesthouse 10 minute walk from Senaha beach.
Nagahama Anchored (Stayed here with a group of 8). 15 minute walk through local streets to Senaha Beach
Chulax or Blue Steak Wonder are right next to Senaha Beach. Perfect places to stay at.
Why start in the south: Shorter drive from airport, easier roads to practice left-side driving (and you might be tired from the trip), and good beaches nearby to get the holiday started properly.
Nirai Beach (Best for Day 1)
Location: Hotel Nikko Alivila Yomitan Village, 40 minutes from airport Parking: Free Facilities: Full (showers, restrooms, lockers, lifeguards, rentals) Hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (April-October)
Nirai Beach was one of our group’s favorite beaches. It’s family-friendly with calm waters. Perfect for our 2-year-old son. The water is crystal clear, and the beach has everything you need after a long flight.
It’s perfect for sitting in shallow water in the sand but you can also really swim there. After 20 meters, still within the net, it actually gets a bit deep.
The Ministry of Environment in Japan gave it an AA rating for water quality. Sea turtles come here to lay eggs. That tells you everything about how clean it is. There’s also a big net to keep jellyfish away!
Amenities at the beach:
- Beach chair: ¥1,000 per day
- Beach umbrella: ¥1,500 per day
- Chair + umbrella set: ¥2,000 per day
- VIP area with shade and a small hammock for kids
- Vending machines (bring cash)
You don’t need to be a hotel guest to use this beach. Just park (free!) and walk down. There’s a viewing point where you can see the whole coastline. There was a wedding at the church on the hill when we were there. I’ve never seen a more beautiful wedding spot.
Evening: Dinner & Stroll
Where to eat in Yomitan:
After dinner, take an easy walk near your accommodation or along the beach. Don’t push too hard on Day 1. You just traveled, everyone’s tired, and tomorrow’s a full day.
Day 1 Tips: Stop at a convenience store (Family Mart, Lawson, 7-Eleven) on your way to the accommodation. Stock up on water for the hotel room and drinks for the next day. Vending machines don't always work with foreign cards. Cash does work.
Day 2: Southern Beaches & Exploration
Start your day early to avoid the heat. Even in mid-October, in Okinawa, it still gets HOT, like 35°C (95°F) by 1 pm.
Morning: Beach Time
Coffee First:
- Bakery Otonariya: Real bread!
Senaha Beach (My personal favorite!)
Location: Senaha Beach, Yomitan Village, 60 minutes from Naha Parking: Free (small lot, maybe 10-15 spaces) Facilities: None (bring everything!)
This beach feels like your own private discovery. There’s a staircase that goes right down into the water, incredible for photos. The water is so clear you can see fish swimming around your feet. Little hermit crabs walking around everywhere (so cute!).
There’s a ‘hidden’ cave at the end of the beach. Walk about 50 meters over some rocks (easily doable), and you’ll find this spot. You feel completely stranded on a tropical island, away from civilization. My 2-year-old son thought it was the coolest thing ever.
What to bring to Senaha:
- Water shoes (there aren’t that many rocks, it’s mostly sand, but still smart to bring)
- Plenty of water (no facilities here)
- Snacks and lunch
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- You don’t need to bring an umbrella or beach tent; there is plenty of shade under the rocks, which is so cool. This makes it a perfect beach to stay longer than many others.
Every time I go, there are maybe 1 or 2 other people there. Maybe three on a “busy” day!
What makes Senaha Beach special:
- Crystal clear water
- Odd-shaped rocks and formations everywhere
- Hidden cave that feels like a secret discovery
- Usually only 1-2 other people there
- Perfect for photography
Midday: Lunch
The midday sun can be brutal on a clear day. Time to eat and rest.
Lunch Options:
- Nagahama Coffee: Vietname lunch place, really good.
- Pack a picnic for at the beach
With a big group, we found that picnic lunches at the beach saved SO much time and hassle. Hit up a supermarket the night before:
- Max Valu (cheap groceries)
- San-A (local supermarket chain)
- Convenience stores work too but cost more
Afternoon
Kanai Beach is right next to Nirai Beach (5-minute walk). Same beautiful water, but way quieter. Hardly anyone comes here.
Warning: Watch out for cone-shaped shells. Cone snails live in them and are highly poisonous. Don't pick them up!
Evening: Cape Zanpa
Or visit Cape Zanpa, it’s only 10 minutes driving from Nirai Beach. It’s a beautiful lighthouse with dramatic cliffs and waves crahes in to the coastline. There’s also a big playground for kids to run round.
I love the location of the lighthouse, amazing spot for some unique photos, go for a walk and ejoy the view of the sunset.
Day 3: Drive North & American Village
Today, we’re relocating from the south to middle/northern Okinawa.
Morning: Check Out & Drive North
Pack up and start heading north. The drive from southern Okinawa to the northern area takes about 1.5-2 hours without stops.
You have two route options:
Expressway (Faster): Cost about ¥1,000 ($6-7), takes 1.5 hours
Coastal Route (Scenic): Free, takes 2+ hours with stops, beautiful ocean views
Coffee/Breakfast:
- Satozakura: Lovely local coffee shop with the nicest owner. Tosti’s are really good.
Afternoon: American Village
Location: Chatan, Central Okinawa (30-40 minutes south of northern accommodations) Parking: Free at some shops, or paid lots ¥200-300
American Village is this weird, fun area built around the US military base. It feels completely different from the rest of the island. Very Americanized with colorful buildings, shopping, and restaurants. I found it quite fun to explore, as it is such a big contrast with the rest of the island.
You can basically just walk around the colorful buildings (great photo spots). And there’s a big Ferris wheel and lots of shops. The sunset was pretty spectacular at the boulevard!
A must-visit at the American Village; Blue Seal! (Honestly, the ice cream isn’t that great, but it’s an iconic brand of the island!)
Evening Lunch/dinner:
- Ariccia: Great pizza
- Okinawa Soba Kiseki: Great Japanese food
- Bu honestly there are so many options to choose from at teh American Village.
With our group of 8, there was literally something for everyone at the American Village.
Tip: It can get busy, so some restaurants were already fully booked when we were at the boulevard. So make sure to just go to those restaurants first, make a reservations for the evening and then explore the village.
After American Village, head north to your first real northern beach!
If staying near Senaha, this is the perfect time to check it out. The late afternoon light is beautiful, fewer people, and you can explore the hidden cave before sunset.
Or just relax at your accommodation if everyone’s tired from driving. Sometimes after a full day, everyone just needs to rest.
Day 3 Note for 3-Day Visitors: If you only have 3 days total, this is your last day. I’d recommend:
- Skip or make American Village quick (1 hour max)
- Spend maximum time at Senaha Beach in the afternoon
- Try to go to Kouri Island if you have energy
- Leave for the airport by late afternoon (allow 2.5 hours before flight, need to return the car as well)
For 5-day and 7-day visitors: You’re just getting started! Tomorrow’s one of the best days, the Churaumi Aquarium and Tokei Hama beach, or Heart Shape Rock Beach.
Where to Stay on Kouri Island (Days 3-7):
On Kouri Island:
- LOISIR Terrace & Villas KOURI – ¥35,000-60,000/night for villas, budget rooms available with kids’ playrooms
- We thought about staying at the Hilton, but the beaches are so incredible that you don’t need a pool to swim in.
Day 4: Churaumi Aquarium & Kouri Island
This is one of the highlight days. The aquarium and the nearby Emerald Beach are absolutely worth it, and Kouri Island is stunning.
Morning: Churaumi Aquarium
Location: Ocean Expo Park, Motobu, Northern Okinawa Drive time: 30-45 minutes from northern accommodations Parking: ¥500 Admission: ¥2,180 adults, ¥710 kids (6-15), free under 6. Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 6:30 pm (October), 8:30 am – 8:00 pm (summer)
The aquarium gets crowded, and you want to see it before the tour buses arrive around 10–11 am.
The Churaumi Aquarium is HUGE. It’s one of the largest aquariums in the world. My entire group of 8 people (including my toddler) was just standing there, fascinated by the main aquarium with the whale shark.
I do have mixed feelings about the aquarium. It’s sad and beautiful at the same time. The whale shark has been living in captivity for over 30 years. It’s impressive to see, but also sad to watch it swim in circles.
On the positive side, the aquarium is very focused on education and ocean conservation rather than being about pure entertainment.
How Long: Minimum 2 hours! But you could easily do 3-4 hours. We spent around 3 hours total. There are more places outside of the main building where you can see other sea creatures like turtles.
Lunch: You can eat at the aquarium restaurant or pack a picnic. With a group of 8, we bought lunch at a convenience store before the aquarium and ate at the park’s picnic areas.
Or skip lunch here and drive to Kouri Island where there are better restaurant options.
Afternoon: Emerald Beach
Just walk from the aquarium parking to Emerald beach. It’s a great beach for kids to have a dip in the water after visiting the aquarium. It doesn’t have the shaped rocks or dramatic coastline but all facilities are there.
After the beach, drive to Kouri Island. The Kouri Bridge itself is worth the trip. Drive slowly across it and take in the views of turquoise water. Pull over at the viewing area before the bridge for photos.
The Bridge: 1,960 meters long. When you cross it, you feel like you’re driving over the ocean. It’s stunning.
The water is shallow and calm. Great for families. Our 2-year-old loved playing in the sand here.
What to Do on Kouri Island: Drive around the island. It’s tiny – takes 20-30 minutes to circle it. There are small cafes and the famous Heart Rock (two rocks that form a heart shape at low tide).
Coffee/Snack:
- Moringa tree: Amazing place with a view, friendly owner, great Matcha, and my personal favorite Pineapple scraped ice.
Day 5: Beach Hopping & Relaxation
Today is about exploring the northern beaches you haven’t visited yet and truly relaxing.
Morning: Beach Time!
Kouri Beach (Main Beach)
Location: Kouri Beach Parking: ¥200-300 Facilities: Restrooms, showers, equipment rentals
This is the main beach right after you cross the bridge. It’s the most popular spot on the island, so it gets crowded on weekends. But it has all the facilities you need.
Rental prices:
- Beach umbrella: ~¥1,000 per day
- Beach chair: ~¥500 per day
- Snorkel gear: ~¥1,000 per day
Tokei Hama Beach (Better option but less family-friendly)
Location: Tokei Hama Beach, northern side of Kouri Island Drive time: 5 minutes from Kouri Beach Parking: Free (small lot, 10-15 spaces) Facilities: None
This beach is better than the main Kouri Beach because there are fewer people, more dramatic scenery, and better snorkeling. But there are no facilities.
There are these weird rock formations, basically big round holes carved into the limestone rocks by thousands of years of waves. Really cool to see.
The snorkeling here is excellent. The water is very clear, and you’ll see tons of colorful fish right near shore. The water can be a bit rough tho so to swim at, this spot is for the more experiences swimmers.
Midday:
With a group of 8, picnics saved us so much time. No waiting for tables, no waiting for food, no trying to get everyone to agree on a restaurant.
Buy supplies at Max Valu or San-A (supermarkets). Way cheaper than convenience stores.
Afternoon: More Beach or Explore
More beach time. You came to Okinawa for this. Hit another beach if you have energy:
Yagaji Beach: Location: Yagaji Island, between mainland and Kouri Island Admission: ¥500-1,000 (April-October) Facilities: BBQ/Camping, showers, restrooms
This beach is set up as a campground with a big grassy area. At low tide, a sandbar appears and you can walk out to a small island. I walked about 150 meters out to the odd-shaped rocks. Really fun!
Check tide schedules to plan your visit 1-2 hours before low tide.
Day 5 Note for 5-Day Visitors: This is your last full day. Tomorrow you’re driving back to Naha Airport.
Make it count:
- Morning: Hit your must-see beach (probably Senaha if you haven’t been)
- Afternoon: One more beach or pure relaxation
- Evening: Nice dinner and sunset
- Tonight: Pack up, fill up gas tank if possible (saves time tomorrow)
For 7-Day Visitors: You still have two more days! Tomorrow is pure relaxation day.
Day 6: Pure Relaxation
If you made it to Day 6, you’re living the actual Okinawa experience. This is when you stop trying to see everything and start truly enjoying island life.
Morning
Seriously. One of the best parts of a longer trip is that you can sleep in one day. After 5 days of early mornings, everyone’s tired.
Late Morning: Easy Beach Time
No agenda. Just pick a beach and go.
Return to your absolute favorite beach. By now you know which one you loved most. If you;ve bene to Tokei Hama beach, go to Heart Rock Beach where you’ll see rocks in the shape of a heart.
Or try the one beach you missed. Is there one from the list you haven’t hit yet? Today’s the day.
Afternoon: Do Whatever You Want
Option 1: More beach time. The afternoon sun is hot (35°C in October!), so find shade under rocks or trees, stay in the water, or take breaks at accommodation.
Option 2: Go back to your accommodation. Use the pool at LOISIR Terrace & Villas KOURI. Nap. Read a book. Do absolutely nothing. This is a vacation. You don’t have to be productive every minute!
When traveling with 8 people, everyone has different energy levels by Day 6. Some people wanted more beach, others wanted to nap. We split up for the afternoon and everyone was happy.
The little “shopping center” at Kouri Beach is actually a fun place in the evening as well. There’s a community center where locals hang out, you can have a drink and some ice cream. There’s a supermarket that has a raflle, which was quite fun.
Everywhere you go you’ll see these fascinating statues of the so-called Shisa, the most famous mythical creature of Okinawa
Evening: Sunset
Sunset:
- Cape Manzamo (dramatic rock formation)
- Kouri Bridge viewing area
- Your favorite beach
Dinner: Since it’s your second-to-last night, maybe go somewhere a bit nicer.
Izakaya restaurant: Amazing Japanese food and once again super friendly staff. Make sure to make a reservation in the afternoon for that night or the day after.
Okinawan food is different from mainland Japanese food. More influenced by Southeast Asian cuisine.
Day 7: Last Beach Day & Heading Home
Your last day in Okinawa. Make it count, but don’t stress! (That’s the whole point of this trip! 😉 )
Morning: Final Beach Visit
If you have time, go to your absolute favorite beach one last time. For me, that’s Senaha Beach. Take final photos. Swim one more time. Just sit and take it all in.
If your flight is in the afternoon/evening, start driving south around late morning.
Afternoon
Depending on your flight time:
Naha Shopping Mall Before departing, we stopped at the AEON Naha mall for about 2 hours. It’s a fun mall that actually has a pretty cool vintage shop where I scored a new shirt. There’s also a food court with a lot of Japanese food options but also Thai food.
Then it’s time to retun the car:
Important Steps:
- Fill Up Gas (30 minutes before return) Find the nearest gas station. They give you a map when you pick up the car showing the closest ones.
Save your gas receipt. Some companies may want to see it.
If you don’t fill up, they charge about 2 or 3x the normal rate.
- Clean Out the Car Take everything out. Check under seats, door pockets, trunk, everywhere.
- Take Final Photos Take photos of the car’s condition, just like at pickup.
Return Process (30-45 minutes):
- Drive to the rental company
- Staff inspects car for damage
- They confirm gas is full
- If everything’s good, you’re done
- Credit card hold releases within a few days
At KS Rental Car, my car had a big scratch on the front. Staff saw it, noted it, and it was fine. Very reasonable. The shuttle back to airport takes about 5-10 minutes.
Evening: Departure
Check in, go through security, last-minute shopping, and head home. If you have any questions about Okinawa feel free to reach out!
Where to Stay in Okinawa
Before we went for the first time, we were looking into where to stay. We considered expensive options like the Hilton, The Terrace Club, and the Ritz, and other hotels, because we wanted to swim and weren’t sure if that’s possible with kids in the ocean at the beach.
Well, boy, we were wrong. The beaches in Okinawa, such as Nirai, are very kid-friendly and perfect for swimming. No rocks, no jellyfish (special nets), nothing that’s dangerous.
So, unless you’re really looking for a resort-style holiday, staying at one of the smaller places or even Airbnb spots, close to a lovely beach, is the best choice. You’ll save lots of money (hotels can be expensive in Okinawa) you can use to rent a car and do other fun things with.
Split Your Accommodation: Don’t stay in one place the whole trip. Split it:
Southern Okinawa (Days 1-3):
Chulax Okinawa Designer Condominium Hotel
- Score: 9.0 on Booking.com
- Location: Right across from Senaha Beach (1-minute walk)
- Best for: Budget-conscious travelers
- What I liked: Modern interior, right by my favorite beach, affordable
- Score: 9.4 on Booking.com
- Location: Next to Chulax, 1-minute walk to Senaha Beach
- Best for: Those wanting nicer accommodations
- What I liked: Huge windows with ocean views, modern design
Near Nirai Beach:
- Location: Directly above Nirai Beach
- Best for: Families, resort experience
- Facilities: Multiple restaurants, spa, pool
Northern Okinawa (Days 3-7):
Kouri Island:
- Price: ¥35,000-60,000/night (villas), budget rooms available (which is where we stayed)
- Location: On Kouri Island
- Best for: Families with kids
- What I liked: Budget rooms have playrooms for kids, heated pool, close to beaches
We stayed here and loved it. The kids’ playroom saved us when weather wasn’t perfect. The road to the hotel is a bit tricky as our GPS constantly pointed us to a small road that was impossible to go through. Luckily we quickly found out we had to drive around it. You basically go all around the houses you see and then you’ll reach the resort, with plenty of parking space.
For Groups, Airbnb or guesthouses through Booking.com work great. We used it for our group of 8. More space, a kitchen, and everyone had a room.
Tip: Most Japanese hotels don't allowe visitors with tattoos in the pools or hottubs. They are quite strict with this... This is not the case with international brands such as Hilton! Please check the FAQ's on Booking.com before booking if you have any tattoos.
Getting Around Okinawa
You absolutely need to rent a car. I can’t stress this enough.
I rented from KS Rental Car through Trip.com. We paid $364 for 7 days (that’s $52/day for a 7-seater van). Split between 4 adults, that was only $13 per day per person. We added 3 child booster seats, and we had everything we needed.
Quick Car Rental Tips:
- Book through Trip.com or Discover Cars for best prices
- KS Rental Car has free shuttle from airport (15 minutes, can be longer in rush hour)
- Pickup process takes 30-45 minutes total
- They drive on the LEFT – you’ll accidentally turn on wipers instead of turn signals for the first day
- Fill up gas before returning (they charge 3x normal rate if you don’t)
What you need:
- International Driving Permit (IDP) – the 1949 Geneva Convention version, not the 1968 Vienna Convention
- Your regular driver’s license
- Credit card for deposit
- Passport
For the full breakdown on insurance, costs, pickup/return process, and driving tips, check out my complete Okinawa car rental guide.
Driving in Okinawa is actually easy:
- Roads are excellent quality
- Locals drive very safe and slow
- Parking is free at most beaches
- GPS or Waze work perfectly (use Google Maps)
- Toll roads exist but are optional (about ¥1,000/$6 for the full road)
Essential Packing List
Here’s everything you need for a great trip to Okinawa.
Beach Essentials
Water Shoes Most beaches have coral and rocks. Buy before trip or at sports stores near Naha Airport. Price: ¥2,000-4,000.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen Recommended brands: Stream2Sea, Sun Bum Mineral, Raw Elements. Avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Where to buy in Okinawa:
- Diving shops near beaches
- Don Quijote (Several locations are on the island)
- Pharmacies
- Amazon Japan (delivers to hotels)
Snorkel Gear If you have your own, bring it.
Where to buy/rent:
- Sports Depo (Naha): ¥3,000-8,000 to buy
- Beach rental shops (Nirai has it): ¥1,000-1,500/day
Waterproof Bag For phone and wallet. Where to buy: Don Quijote (¥1,000-2,000), convenience stores (¥500-1,000)
Beach Tent or Umbrella: The October sun is intense. I got sunburned in 15 minutes.
Where to buy:
- Don Quijote: ¥2,000-5,000
- Nitori: ¥3,000-6,000
- Or rent at beaches (¥1,000-1,500/day)
Water Stay hydrated. Buy bottles at convenience stores.
My cards didn’t work at some vending machines at the beach. Bring some cash!
Other Items
- Sunglasses and hat
- Rash guard or swim shirt
- Portable charger (don’t leave in hot car!)
- Beach towels
- First aid kit
- Ziplock bags
- Insect repellent (there are some mosquitoes if you’re closer to vegetation at the beach, even in October)
Money & Costs
Okinwa isn’t Thailand-cheap, but not expensive by Japanese standards.
Daily Budget (per person):
Budget: ¥9,500-13,500/day ($65-90 USD)
Mid-Range: ¥17,500-29,500/day ($120-200 USD)
Luxury: ¥39,000-68,000/day ($260-460 USD)
My Group’s Costs: Car rental (van for 8 persons): $364 for 7 days ($52/day, split = $13/day per person)
Save Money:
- Shop at supermarkets (Max Valu, San-A) not convenience stores
- Pack picnic lunches
- Stay at Airbnb with kitchen
- Book early
- Visit in shoulder season (October!)
Cash vs Card: Bring cash. Many smaller restaurants and parking lots are cash-only. ATMs at 7-Eleven accept most foreign cards. Apple Pay and Revolut work great.
Best Months:
October: Perfect water, less crowded, good prices (when I went)
April-May: Good weather, avoid Golden Week
June-September: Warmest but crowded, expensive, typhoons
Avoid: December-February (too cold for swimming)
FAQs
Is Okinawa suitable for families?
Yes! My 2-year-old had a great time. Just choose family-friendly beaches. It’s way more accessible than Thailand.
What’s better – Okinawa or Phuket?
I prefer Okinawa. Cleaner beaches, better infrastructure, healthier food. However, I love local Thai food, of cours.e
Do I need a car?
Do I need to know Japanese?
Nope, not really (I’d love to tho), but you can get by with English and Google Translate. Okinawa is a destination where many Americans come.
Final Thoughts & Tips
Okinawa surprised me in ways I didn’t expect. I’ve traveled to a lot of tropical destinations like Thailand, Bali, Hainan, Ibiza, but Okinawa has something different. It has this unique, relaxed island vibe (it’s known for being in the Blue Zone, where people live longer!), a blend of Japanese food and way of living, and incredible beaches without sacrificing the ease of getting around. Oh, and food (and choices of coffee seen here below) that’s both delicious and healthy.
I honestly prefer Okinawa over coastal places like Phuket, and I spent a lot of time in Thailand. Phuket has its charm, and it’s cheaper, and I love Thai food, but Okinawa wins on cleanliness, the quality of beaches, the healthy food (so much good vegetarian and healthy Japanese food!), and just the overall relaxed island kind of vibe. There are no loud tourists, no one trying to scam you, and the roads are much safer to walk and drive.
Safety Tips
Here are my top safety tips for a smooth trip:
- Never swim alone at unguarded beaches (Senaha, Rendoubaru, Tokei)
- Watch for rip currents
- Check weather forecasts
Beaches with lifeguards: Nirai, Emerald, Kouri
Jellyfish (May-October): Most popular beaches have nets. I never saw any Jellyfish.
Cone Snails: DO NOT pick up cone-shaped shells. The snails in them are poisonous, and you wouldn’t expect that. There’s a very small chance you’ll see them, but still.
Snakes: Never seen one but I have seen these warning signs.
Sharks: Extremely rare. Never heard of anyone encountering one.
Sun: The sun is no joke. I got sunburned in 20 minutes, even with sunscreen. I had put it on too light.
Emergency Numbers:
- Police: 110
- Ambulance/Fire: 119
Finally, go for at least 5 days to Okinawa if you can. 3 days is ok if that’s all you have, but you’ll definitely want to stay longer. 7 days is when you really get to relax and experience the island properly. Don’t skip Senaha Beach. That hidden cave, the remote feel, the clear water, it’s everything you came to Okinawa for.
And lastly, there are sooo many more spots to explore in Okinawa, like Miyagi Island, Shuri Castle, observation decks, hiking trails, and much more. It’s definitely worth it to visit Okinawa multiple times.
