Okinawa: A One and a Half Week Itinerary
In 2025, we embarked on our biggest adventure yet: spending almost a year exploring the enchanting land of Japan! Our journey kicked off in Okinawa—a tropical gem with turquoise waters, beautiful forests, and a vibe so chill it could rival Vasco’s patience for Sara's travel itineraries. (Spoiler alert: she packed a spreadsheet.)
Our adventure began at the end of January, just as we were starting to recover from the chaos of the holidays. We planned to spend one and a half weeks on Okinawa’s main island, exploring its stunning beaches, cultural sites, and delicious cuisine. Buckle up as we guide you through the highlights of planning your Okinawa adventure, complete with our full itinerary and how we divided our time, for a sprinkle of inspiration!
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Flights: Let the Adventure Begin!
We opted for a flight straight into Naha, the capital of Okinawa. If you’re familiar with how Japan handles domestic travel, you’ll know that most flights to Okinawa make pit stops in Tokyo or Osaka. While some people might take a day or two to explore these cities and recover from jet lag, we decided to power through (with a questionable relationship with sleep). Sara, the meticulous planner, had it all mapped out, while Vasco silently questioned his life choices at 35,000 feet.
If you’ve got a low tolerance for long flights (cough Vasco cough), consider splitting your journey into stages. Tokyo’s sushi or Osaka’s street food could be a delicious consolation prize before your final leg to Okinawa. As a sort of small bonus, our plane to Okinawa had a Pokémon themed security video, so we ended up having fun despite the lack of sleep.
Transportation: Planes, Trains, and—Oh, Look, We’re Driving Now!
We found out quickly that transportation in Okinawa gives you two main options: rely on public transport (monorails, buses, and ferries) or rent a car. We chose the latter, mostly because Sara wanted to cram as much as possible into each day, and Vasco wanted to stop every five minutes for “the perfect shot.” Driving on the left for the first time added a little thrill to the experience—what could possibly go wrong? (Spoiler alert: nothing. But we did nervously overthink every turn for the first hour.)
Here’s the lowdown on each option:
Public Transportation: Pros and Cons
Pros:
Cheaper overall
No need to worry about parking
Cons:
Slower, especially when heading to the island’s northern areas
Limited schedules, which don’t cater to the whims of last-minute adventurers
Rental Car: Pros and Cons
Pros:
Total freedom to explore (cue Vasco shouting “let’s pull over!” every time he saw a sunset)
Access to hidden gems off the beaten path
Cons:
Driving on the left = 🏆Trophy for new skill unlocked
Parking is mostly in private lots; public street parking is limited, so plan ahead to avoid fines, we added all parking lots to our google maps prior to the trip just to feel more at ease
Japanese road signs can be tricky (the stop sign is an upside-down triangle—mind blown, right?)
Requires an International Driving Permit (apply for one before leaving your home country)
Pro Tip: Keep it slow and steady. Okinawan roads are as chill as the locals, so there’s no need to rush.
Stay Connected: Pocket Wi-Fi is Your Best Friend
Since we were staying for a long time in Japan, reliable internet was non-negotiable. We rented our Pocket Wi-Fi from Japan Wireless, which offers flexible plans for short and long stays. They even deliver it to your hotel or the airport—so convenient that even Sara didn’t need a Plan B (and that’s saying something).
Returning it is as simple as dropping the prepaid envelope into a mailbox at the airport (before security!) on your last day. Easy peasy, even for Vasco, who usually leaves logistical matters to Sara.
Photography Gear Suggestions
These recommendations are based on the gear we used to capture Okinawa’s beauty. Our Sony A6700 (cropped sensor) paired with the Sigma 10-18mm f2.8 for wide shots and vlogs, the 35mm f1.4 for portraits and street photography, the 70-200mm f2.8 for wildlife and zoom shots, and the 16mm f1.4 for night and astro photography. We used a Marumi Black Mist 1/4 filter (this is an equivalent) for a cinematic look and the Freewell M2 kit for ND and UV filtering. Our DJI 4K Pro Mini is also a great way to get aerial shots where you have permission to fly (check our Drone flying in Japan blog post here).
Kokusai Street at Night — Best Lens: Sigma 35mm f1.4 + Marumi Black Mist 1/4 Filter. The perfect place for moody street photography. The Sigma 35mm f1.4 excels here, allowing you to capture detailed low-light portraits of street performers and vendors. Add the Marumi Black Mist 1/4 filter for a cinematic, dreamy effect.
Vlog Tip: Use the Sigma 10-18mm f2.8 for dynamic wide-angle street shots, pulling viewers into the action.
Shuri Castle & Tamaudun — Best Lens: Sigma 10-18mm f2.8 (for architecture), Sigma 35mm f1.4 (for details). Shoot wide to frame the full structure, but switch to 35mm for intricate roof carvings and historical plaques.
Drone Note: Shuri Castle is a no-fly zone, so keep yours stowed here.
Naminoue Shrine & Beach — Best Lens: Sigma 16mm f1.4 (golden hour), Sigma 10-18mm f2.8 (daytime landscapes). The 16mm f1.4 is ideal for golden hour shots with warm tones. During midday, use ND filters from your Freewell M2 kit to avoid overexposure in the bright sun.
Drone Tip: You can legally fly drones over the water here, but avoid the shrine itself.
Cape Maeda & Blue Cave — Best Lens: Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 (coastline), GoPro (underwater). If you’re not diving, the 70-200mm f2.8 will let you zoom in on cliff divers or capture waves crashing against the rocks. Underwater, a GoPro is your best bet to record the electric blue glow of the cave.
Drone Note: No drones are allowed over Blue Cave due to its popularity and environmental regulations.
Cape Manzamo — Best Lens: Sigma 16mm f1.4 (for astrophotography), Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 (for wildlife). Use the 16mm f1.4 for long-exposure starry skies after sunset. If you’re lucky, you might spot wild goats roaming the cliffs—perfect for the 70-200mm.
Drone Tip: You can fly here but avoid crowded hours (sunset peak times).
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium – Marine Giants. Best Lens: Sigma 35mm f1.4 (for jellyfish & interiors). The 35mm f1.4 works best in low-light conditions inside the aquarium, allowing you to capture the surreal glow of jellyfish exhibits.
Drone Note: No drones allowed in the aquarium area.
Yagaji Island— Best Lens: Sigma 16mm f1.4 (night sky), Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 (wildlife & birds). This quiet island is a hidden gem for astrophotography. The 16mm f1.4 is perfect for capturing the Milky Way over calm waters. During the day, use the 70-200mm to zoom in on exotic birds.
Drone Tip: Legal to fly, but be mindful of wind conditions.
Cape Hedo — Best Lens: Sigma 10-18mm f2.8 (dramatic cliffs), Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 (eagles & waves). A 70-200mm lets you zoom in on sea eagles soaring overhead, while the 10-18mm gives breathtaking landscape shots.
Drone Tip: Allowed, but wind conditions can be extreme—fly with caution.
Itinerary
This is what we would suggest for a one week and a half in Okinawa!
Day 1 – First Steps in Naha
If, like us, you arrive in Naha mid-afternoon, the first order of business is to hop on the Monorail and head to your hotel. We suggest the Prince Smart Inn Naha, a 3-star spot conveniently located near the city center. At just €70 (around $73) per night, it is affordable and cozy—a perfect base to shake off the travel fatigue (plus it had a complimentary breakfast!) .
After checking in, you can grab a quick bite at a nearby izakaya called Yunangi (Japanese regional restaurant) and stroll along Kokusai Street, the city’s vibrant shopping and dining hub. In our case, Vasco, of course, couldn’t resist snapping photos of every neon sign, while Sara mentally categorized souvenirs into “buy now” and “maybe later” lists. We still had time for a quick ice cream after dinner from the famous Blue Seal Ice Cream Parlor, and we could not recommend more the famous Beni-imo Soft serve! By then the jet lag was starting to seriously sink in, so it was time to prepare for another day.
Day 2: Naha Exploration – Castles, Sunshine, and Yakiniku
The second day in Okinawa is all about diving into Naha’s cultural and natural highlights. With Sara’s itinerary and Vasco’s camera batteries fully charged, we were ready for a day of exploring castles, gardens, beaches, and—yes—Spam sandwiches.
Morning: Naminoue Shrine and Beach
You can start your day, like us, with a 30-minute walk to Naminoue Shrine, one of Naha’s most iconic landmarks. Perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, the shrine’s vibrant red Torii gates and overall setting made it an instant favorite.
Just below the shrine is Naminoue Beach, a small but charming stretch of sand ideal for a quick seaside break. We basked in the warm January sun and dipped our toes in the water.
We then made our way to the Fukushūen Garden, a beautiful mix of nature and calmness that is absolutely worth the visit. The entry is only 200 yen per person so don’t miss it!
Pro Tip: If you have a drone, always double-check the zones where drones are permitted; Sara may or may not have bookmarked five different websites to be sure. You can check our blog post on Flying Drones in Japan here for more info.
Lunch: Spam-tastic!
All that royalty-inspired wandering will work up an appetite, so you can head to Fukusuke Tamago, a local place famous for its Spam and egg sandwiches. Yes, you read that right: Spam, the humble canned meat, is a beloved staple in Okinawan cuisine. Thanks to the influence of the U.S. military post-World War II, Spam has found its way into dishes all over the island—and honestly? It was surprisingly delicious! The sandwich was hearty, flavorful, and perfect fuel for an afternoon of exploration. Sara even considered asking for the recipe, while Vasco pretended not to hear.
Afternoon: Shuri Castle and Tamaudun
After a morning by the sea, make your way to the Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Okinawa’s Ryukyu Kingdom. Before heading there though, you can also stop by Tamaudun, a royal mausoleum for the Ryukyu Kingdom’s royal family. It’s a quick and meaningful visit, perfect to pair with Shuri Castle. At the Shuri Castle, prepare yourself for a bit of walking and for some steps. While parts of the castle were still being reconstructed after the devastating fire of 2019, what remains is a fascinating blend of Japanese and Chinese architectural styles. As we wandered the castle grounds, Vasco snapped countless photos, while Sara in the meantime got caught up reading every single informational plaque and, most importantly, completed a beautiful 4 layered stamp of the Shuri Castle itself!
Pro Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds! Oh, and wear comfy shoes; castles and gardens don’t build themselves on flat ground.
Before heading back, we still discovered a hidden Shrine for the famous Daruma doll called “Saiirain Daruma Temple”. It’s a super small temple but it has a beautiful altar and it is definitely worth stopping by before heading back to the monorail.
An honorable mention, if you have the time, is the Shikina-en Royal Garden, which is about a 30-minute walk away. It’s a very peaceful garden and it’s worth the visit.
Dinner: Yakiniku Delight
After a day of exploration, treat yourselves to dinner at Ryukyu no Ushi Naha Kokusai Dori, a yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant that instantly became Vasco’s favorite spot. There’s something incredibly satisfying about grilling tender slices of beef at your table, surrounded by the smoky aroma of sizzling meat. Vasco declared himself the “grill master,” while Sara sneakily grilled vegetables alongside the premium cuts of beef. (Hey, balance is important!)
If you’re a meat lover, this place is a must-visit. The menu featured high-quality Okinawan beef, and the staff were incredibly friendly, even helping us with grilling tips. It was the perfect end to a long and satisfying day.
Day 3: From Naha to Onna – Markets, Gardens, and Driving on the Left
Day 3 was the official start of our driving escapade in Okinawa. With Sara’s itinerary in hand and Vasco behind the wheel (nervously muttering "stay on the left"), we set off for Onna. But first, we couldn’t resist squeezing in some early morning exploration in Naha before hitting the road.
Morning: Market Buzz
You can kick off the day bright and early at the Makishi Public Market, known as “Naha’s kitchen.” It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible: colorful displays of fresh seafood and a variety of local snacks that we couldn’t resist sampling. Vasco was particularly intrigued by the umi budo (sea grapes), a local delicacy that looks like miniature bunches of green grapes but tastes like the ocean. You can have a proper lunch and sample the amazing sashimi they serve right there in front of you.
Pro Tip: Not only do they serve you sashimi on the spot, you can head upstairs to the dining area, where many stalls will cook the seafood you buy —a great way to try Okinawa’s famous awamori-infused cuisine.
The Drive to Onna: Adventure Begins
Next, we picked up our rental car, said a small prayer to the driving gods, and set off for Onna. If you’ve never driven on the left side of the road before, the first few minutes feel like playing a real-life video game (with slightly higher stakes). Sara acted as navigator—doubling as a left-side driving coach—while Vasco focused on keeping his cool. “Why is the turn signal on the wrong side of the wheel?!” was mentioned more than once.
The drive from Naha to Onna takes about 50 minutes along the scenic coastline, with ocean views peeking through at every turn. We quickly realized that stopping for photos wasn’t just an option—it was a necessity. You can easily find roadside pullouts throughout the way.
We arrived at Rizzan Sea-Park Hotel Tancha Bay, a beachfront resort with a view that instantly erased any lingering driving stress. The cherry on top? Free parking! Sara, ever the planner, had made sure of this detail beforehand. Vasco, ever the optimist, was just relieved the car was still in one piece.
Evening: Izakaya and Wind-Down
After settling in, we ventured out to Shimabutaya Onna, a cozy izakaya (Japanese-style pub) that came highly recommended. Izakayas are perfect for sampling small plates of local dishes, and this one didn’t disappoint. We highly recommend some rafute (braised pork belly)!
The casual atmosphere, paired with a glass of local awamori (Okinawan rice liquor), was the perfect way to end a full day.
Day 4: Diving, Culture, and Culinary Delights in Onna
Morning: Cape Maeda and Museums
The first stop is the Maedamisaki Parking Lot, where you can easily park to start at the famous Blue Cave. Unfortunately for us, the sea conditions were quite bad on the day we had reserved the Blue Cave Diving, so we went to see Cape Maeda right after, however, if you are luckier than we are, do try the snorkelling experience! This underwater adventure is a must for anyone visiting Okinawa.
Pro Tip: Pre-booking isn’t just a suggestion—it’s essential, especially during peak season!
Midday: Ryukyu Mura – A Step Back in Time
From there, you can head to Ryukyu Mura Village next, a cultural village that showcases the traditional lifestyle of Okinawa’s Ryukyu Kingdom. This open-air museum is a perfect blend of history and entertainment, with restored homes, craft demonstrations, and live performances.
Don’t miss the opportunity to snack on some sata andagi (Okinawan doughnuts) here! Thank us later.
Afternoon: Onna Village Museum
Next, you can drive to the Onna Village Museum, parking conveniently at the Kunigamiho-Seikai Road Parking Lot. This small but insightful museum is a hidden gem that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region. The exhibits include traditional tools, pottery, and even displays on Okinawa’s unique relationship with nature. It’s a super interesting museum for those interested in History!
Lunch or Early Dinner: Blue Entrance Kitchen
With all that activity, we’d worked up quite the appetite, so we made our way to Blue Entrance Kitchen, a cozy restaurant known for its fresh and locally sourced dishes. The menu featured a mix of Okinawan classics and creative modern twists. Vasco went for the tacos of course, while Sara opted for a cool salad and a wagyu taco.
Day 5: On our way to Nago
Morning: Cape Manzamo and all the Beaches Okinawa can muster
You can start the day bright and early like us, with Sara declaring, “No rest for the adventurous!” Vasco, caffeine in hand, nodded in agreement—or maybe resignation. The first stop is the iconic Cape Manzamo, a stunning cliffside spot known for its unique rock formation that looks just like an elephant’s trunk.
Next up you can easily reach Nabee Beach, a stretch of sand perfect for a quick stroll and a few candid photos. Unlike some of Okinawa’s busier beaches, Nabee felt peaceful, almost private, and Vasco couldn’t resist capturing the tranquil vibe with his camera! Manza Beach is also located right next Nabee Beach and it is equally beautiful.
Busena Beach is up next on your way to Nago! At this beach you also have the opportunity to ride a boat with a glass floor (when sea conditions are good) as well as, go to an observation tower to see marine life in their natural habitat! It is super unique to be able to see the fish in open waters just chillin’ and it feels like you are in a submarine!
The last beach before arriving in Nago is the Nago Citizen Beach. Another peaceful place for you to stop and gaze at the clear blue water.
Pro Tip: Nago Citizen Beach has great facilities, so it’s perfect for a quick swim or a snack break as well!
Afternoon: Welcome to Nago – Neo Park and Churaumi Aquarium
By the late morning, a quick snack under your belts, and a smile on your faces, you can head out for your next destination: Neo Park.
Neo Park isn’t your average zoo; it’s an open-air park where you can walk among animals like flamingos, capybaras, and kangaroos. Vasco was thrilled to unleash his inner wildlife photographer, while Sara couldn’t resist feeding the friendly capybaras (possibly the chillest animals on the planet). The park’s free-roaming vibe made it feel more like a safari than a traditional zoo, and we both left with a newfound appreciation for Okinawa’s diverse wildlife.
Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes—this park is big, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking!
By mid-afternoon, you will reach Nago. We can recommend the New Normal Hotel, a modern and cozy spot that lived up to its name. We ended up grabbing a quick bite to eat at a konbini but if you like burgers, we can recommend Warren’s Place 2.1 Burgers and Beer, a highly recommended spot for Western-style food in Nago.
Afternoon: Sea Creatures Everywhere!
The konbini meal gave us just the energy boost we needed for the afternoon’s highlight: Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is one of Japan’s most famous aquariums, and it’s easy to see why. The main tank, called the Kuroshio Sea, is home to a massive whale shark, manta rays, and an amazing array of other marine life.
You can easily spend hours wandering through the aquarium, from the touch pools to the mesmerizing deep-sea exhibits. If you’ve never been, trust us—it’s a must-see, and you’ll want to block out a big chunk of time to fully enjoy it. You can buy the tickets in advance as well like we did!
Day 6: Beaches Everywhere
Morning: Beaches and Nature
Start your morning at the 21st Century Forest Park, a massive public park with walking trails, open spaces, and views of the coastline. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs and take in some fresh air before heading to your next adventure. Vasco, camera still in hand, commented that the park felt like “a slice of Jurassic Park, minus the dinosaurs.”
You can then start your driving-filled day! You can make your way to the Yagaji Island, stopping first at the Arashiyama observatory on the way, which has some amazing views of the Island and it is perfect for a small break in-between driving. You will then arrived at the Kouri bridge viewpoint. The bridge connects Yayagi to the mainland and offers unparalleled views of turquoise waters and tiny islets dotting the horizon. Vasco might have taken 100 photos here—because who can resist? You can easily drive your way around the Kouri Island, since it is so small, and still stop at the Heart Shaped Rocks. There is also a super nice coffee shop that we stopped at, for a quick coffee, called 5910 Sata Coffee that we definitely recommend! They also have more hearty meals in case you want to have some lunch!
Late Morning: Northern Edge Adventures- Coastline and Cape Hedo
Feeling refreshed, head to Ginama Fish Harbor. A small and short pitstop before Cape Hedo and a quiet spot where you can catch a glimpse of local fishermen going about their day.
Cape Hedo is about 10 minutes away and it is a sight to see! It’s Okinawa’s northernmost tip! It’s is a dramatic spot where the Pacific Ocean meets the East China Sea, and the view is nothing short of spectacular. They even have a café shop here if you get hungry, and of course, a Stamp for Sara’s collection!
From here you can also see Daisekirinzan, a natural wonderland of giant limestone rocks and dense forests. This area is not only beautiful but also holds spiritual significance in Okinawan culture. You can book spiritual trails here, for the ones who are more adventurous, and go up to the “God’s Stone” viewpoint!
Extra tip: Before getting to Nago you can also visit the Tataki Waterfall, which requires a bit of effort to reach. Make sure, however, that you go prepared, with waterproof clothing and boots (they can rent out some boots if you need them), since in order to get to the waterfall you will need to get into knee deep water.
Late Lunch
Once you get back to Nago, if you are like us, you can go to the closest konbini to get some supplies for your afternoon and rest a bit to prepare for the next day.
Day 7: The Wild North – Nature, Scenic Views, and Beer
Morning: Castle Park
Nago Castle Park is the first stop. This park is open 24/7, making it also a perfect evening destination in case you prefer some night photography and exploration.
The park has some lovely views of Nago City! Also, since Okinawa has the cherry blossom season considerably sooner than Japan’s mainland, we were able to see a few trees with blooming Sakura flowers.
The park is quite big and it’s a bit of a hike through plenty of steps, so maybe come prepared with some comfy sneakers!
Up next, still in the morning, is the Todoroki Waterfall. This tucked away waterfall is a must see in Nago as well, and if you, like us, come in late January, the park has plenty of sakura trees around for you to enjoy as well!
Afternoon Suggestion
Unfortunately for us the Park was temporarily closed, however, if you have time to spare, visit the Orion Happy Park (closes at around 5pm so you can make it if you start the day really early). This is a must-visit for beer lovers, as it’s the home of Orion Beer, Okinawa’s most famous brew. The guided tours take you through the beer-making process, from fermentation to bottling, and they end with a tasting session.
Dinner
If you are a meat lover, you can go to the Restaurant Flipper, which serves up some savory steaks.
Day 8: Back to Naha – Museums, Souvenirs, and Skewered Perfection
Morning: Return to Naha and Museum Hopping
After a leisurely hour-long drive from Nago, you will find yourselves back at your home base. In our case, the trusty Prince Smart Inn Naha. This hotel felt like an old friend at this point, except it never remembered our names and charged us every time we visited. We returned our rental car without incident, which felt like an achievement worth celebrating. (No scratches! No fines! Who are we?)
First suggested stop of the day is the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum. The museum is a treasure trove of Okinawan history, from the Ryukyu Kingdom to modern times. (Fun fact: Did you know Okinawa was once an independent kingdom with its own unique blend of Chinese and Japanese influences? We didn’t either.). This museum is huge, so it will take around 2hours to really explore it fully! We recommend that you buy the passport ticket for 1500 yen per person. It allows you to explore all the exhibits at the museum. They also have a 5 layered stamp here for all you stamp enthusiasts out there!
Next, you can take the Monorail to the Tsuboya Yachimun Street, a charming lane lined with pottery shops selling traditional Okinawan yachimun. Even if pottery isn’t your thing, the street itself is worth a visit for its vibes and colorful displays. We also visited Tsuboya Ufu Shisa, a giant statue of the iconic Okinawan guardian lions that protect homes and buildings. These statues are a recurring theme throughout the island, but this one was particularly impressive in its size.
Midday: Lunch at Uotomo
Hungry from all that museum-ing, you can stop for lunch at Uotomo, a cozy spot known for its fresh seafood. The fish was so fresh it might’ve winked at us before being served.
Afternoon: Souvenir Strolling
From there you can head next to Kokusai Dori, once more, Naha’s vibrant shopping hub. This mile-long stretch of shops and restaurants is souvenir central.
Evening: Okonomiaki Heaven at Yaiteru
We opted for Yaiteru, since Vasco has a huge passion for Hiroshima styled okonomiaki and he was looking forward to having one ever since we left Japan the last time.
The staff was super friendly, and even offered us a mini okonomiyaki as an introduction to the main one.
Yakizen is also a great option, if you are looking for a charming yakitori restaurant. However, they get full fast, so make sure you get there early, or reserve prior through the app Tabelog.
Day 9- Kerama Island Adventure
On day 9 we decided we wanted something special. We had booked in advance a Snorkelling experience to the Keramas Islands for almost the whole entire day and we could not recommend it more! The tour leaves from Naha’s Port and it also brings you back at the end of the day. Despite never having done snorkeling we knew that it was in Japan that we needed to try it and it did not disappoint. It takes you first to Asaren beach for some sun bathing and curry eating, and then you get to snorkel and look for turtles at Tokashiki beach. We were lucky enough to see two sea turtles,. along with an array of different types of fish, including Nemo’s!
We got to Naha at the end of the afternoon and grabbed some dinner at our trusted 7eleven before calling it a day, a long day…
Day 10: The Last Hurrah in Okinawa – Meat and Souvenir shopping Bliss
Our final full day in Okinawa was a bittersweet one. On one hand, we were sad to say goodbye to this island paradise; on the other, the thought of exploring snowy Hokkaido kept our spirits high (and our suitcases overstuffed).
Morning: Strolling and Pre-Lunch Meat Treats
If you are looking for some shopping before leaving, you can start off the day with a walk down to Palette Kumoji, a shopping mall in Naha that boasts everything from fashion to food. Despite the early hour, you can stop by Uehara Meat Co. for some food. The shop has small, irresistible samples of its premium cuts. Who says no to free Wagyu samples at 10 a.m.? Not us.
Midday: Market Lunch and Souvenirs
You can then revisit Makishi Market once more and have some lunch here.
If you are looking for a different type of place to eat, Shishiya, is a teppanyaki place that we absolutely recommend. They serve Wagyu in various different ways and cook it in front of you. Since it’s Wagyu it’s a bit on the pricier side but it is the best farewell lunch to Naha you could ask for.
After all that eating, it was time for some last minute souvenirs. We headed to Kokusai Street and roamed around, looking for the perfect pair of Shisa lion’s to bring back with us, which we managed to easily find!
Afternoon: Park Strolling and Burning Calories (Sort Of)
With our stomachs full and happy, we decided to burn off some of that meat by exploring Matsuyama Park. This green oasis in the heart of Naha was a lovely spot for a post-lunch stroll. Vasco was convinced he spotted a tropical bird species and spent 10 minutes trying to photograph it, only to realize it was a particularly colorful leaf.
Evening: Shabu-Shabu Finale
If you are looking for something special for your last meal in Okinawa, we recommend the Shabu-shabu KOU Higashimachi, a restaurant specializing in the Japanese hot pot experience. There’s something incredibly satisfying about swishing thin slices of meat and fresh vegetables in a bubbling pot of broth.
Day 11- Farewell, Okinawa
Day 11 was mostly about packing, reflecting, and saying goodbye to Okinawa. Our flight to Sapporo awaited, and while we were excited for the next leg of our Japanese adventure, we couldn’t help but feel a little sad leaving this island paradise behind.
Okinawa showed us a side of Japan that’s often overlooked—a laid-back paradise where the rhythm of life is slower, the people are warm, and the history is as rich as the flavors of the local cuisine. Driving on the left may have been a challenge, but it also gave us the freedom to dive headfirst into everything Okinawa had to offer.
Okinawa set the tone for the rest of our Japanese adventure—curious, delicious, and just the right amount of chaotic—and it left us wondering, “How soon is too soon to come back?”
