Okinawa 3-Day Itinerary For First-Timers

Okinawa feels quite different from mainland Japan, it’s a tropical retreat with beaches as beautiful as Hawaii. It's a cluster of islands that boast a wonderfully warm and laid-back charm, with a rich culture reflecting the mix of Japanese, Chinese and American influences.

Okinawa is a goldmine of adventure with no shortage of things to do, spectacular sights to see, and delicious food to eat. One of the best parts of visiting the area is that you can easily pick and choose activities to suit your vacation style, whether you're traveling solo, with a partner, or with family.

If it's your first time heading to the island paradise of Okinawa, you're probably wondering how to make the most of your time. This 3-day Okinawa itinerary has been created with first-timers in mind. It covers Naha, Yaesu, Hamahiga Island, and Nakajin, with a range of activities to give you a taste of what the island has to offer as a travel destination.

For simplicity, the itinerary includes times for travel with a car. However, it can certainly be adapted for those traveling without one.

Okinawa is a very popular summer destination, and when you visit, you'll understand why. Days in Okinawa are filled with sun and warm weather, pristine beaches and blue skies throughout the year.

If you want to avoid the peak season, it's worth planning a visit outside Japan's national holiday periods like Golden Week, which typically runs from late April to May.

From relaxing on beautiful beaches and visiting historical landmarks to eating hearty traditional foods and learning about the island's fascinating cultural diversity, there's no shortage of things to do in Okinawa.

Throughout the year, Okinawa also hosts a variety of festivals and events. Some highlights on the events calendar include The Okinawa Zento Eisa Matsuri, a dance festival held for three days every year in August, and the Naha Great Tug-of-War Festival, which generally takes place in October.

For people who want to learn more about Japan's diverse history, Okinawa is an excellent place for it. The island is rich with buildings and landmarks that showcase Ryukyuan culture, a culture unique to the ethnic group native to Okinawa Prefecture. History, nature, food, culture, Okinawa has it all.

To get to Okinawa from Tokyo, you can catch a flight from Narita or Haneda to Naha Airport, which will take about three hours.

The best way to maximize your time in Naha is to rent a car near the airport to make your way around Okinawa. Okinawa is a delight to travel by car as you can freely venture to different parts of the island with a bit more leniency in your schedule. It takes about three hours to drive across the main island from end to end.  

However, if you’re planning to travel without a car, there are other options. The monorail can get you around Naha, while the Okinawa Tour Bus can get you to most of the top sightseeing spots.

You might want to book a shuttle bus to get to your hotel. Bus timetables can be fairly limited, so try to keep an eye on the time for when you want to catch the next bus. Also, keep in mind that some bus stops are tricky to find.

9:00am

Make your way to Shuri Castle, also known as Shurijo, a castle that preserves the ancient history and culture of the monarchical Ryukyu Kingdom. In October 2019, the main buildings of Shurijo Castle were destroyed by fire. However, reconstruction works are underway, and the castle's main hall should be finished by autumn 2026. Guests can still visit the castle and observe and learn about the reconstruction works. You can visit for free or pay ¥400 (adults) to explore more of the castle grounds. See this visitor's guide for more information. 

10:30am 

Drive down to the southern island's southern end to Peace Memorial Park. This spacious park houses monuments honoring those who fought in World War II. With a better grasp of the history and culture of Okinawa, you'll come out with a greater appreciation of its beautiful destinations. 

12:00pm 

Travel up along the coast and head to Kunnato Mozuku Soba Shop to grab a delicious local bite. This restaurant serves the much-loved Okinawa mozuku seaweed and Okinawa soba noodles, which are thicker and heartier than mainland soba noodles. It's a cheap, authentic, cozy Okinawan culinary experience.  

1:30pm 

After lunch, you can choose to spend the afternoon doing something relaxing or more adventurous. With soft sand, clear blue water, and a range of water sports activities, Mibaru Beach is an excellent option for relaxing and having fun. 

You can get on a glass boat to see the reef and fish swimming underneath, go paddle boarding, and eat shaved ice at Karika Canteen. 

If you have the energy for something more immersive, head to Okinawa World. This theme park has a range of cultural crafts activities and a large natural cave to explore. 

4:00pm 

To get a taste of Okinawa history, make your way to Tomori Stone Lion, which is said to be the oldest of Okinawa's Shisa statues. Shisa are Okinawa's guardian lions, and symbols of Ryukyuan legend culture believed to welcome good spirits and ward away evil spirits. 

7:00pm 

Okinawans like to take it easy, which means earlier closing times, so be prepared to have an early dinner. Head into the city center for a wide range of culinary options; a local izakaya is always a good choice. Izakayas in central Naha between Matsuo and Matsuyama will serve excellent fresh seafood and crisp mugs of frosty Orion beer to wash it down, the perfect end to a big day.

Being the biggest city in Okinawa, Naha has no shortage of hotel options, from budget stays to suit beach-loving backpackers to luxury seekers and everyone in between.

Lovers of luxury can't miss the Hyatt Regency Naha Okinawa. Situated in the city's heart, the hotel blends traditional Hyatt comforts with Okinawan style and resort-style elegance. You'll find on-site restaurants at the hotel serving incredible food, a pool, and plenty of wellness activities to keep you feeling good. 

Santiago Guesthouse Naha is the type of hostel that proves you don't have to sacrifice style when traveling on a budget. This classic Japanese-inspired hostel has dorm-style rooms, a cozy communal, tatami mat living space, a coin laundry, and lockers for keeping all your things secure. 

For the classic resort stay, an excellent option for families, Hotel Palm Royal Naha (Kokusai Street) is a top pick. It's located in the heart of the action, within walking distance of Kokusai-dori, Makishi Public Market, and Makishi Station. There's also an outdoor pool and BBQ (reservation required), great for laid-back poolside dining with the kids. 

9:30am 

Head north up toward Okinawa City. The area has an interesting rustic and multicultural atmosphere, with several tattoo parlors, tailors, bars, and restaurants dotted throughout the streets. There are several small shopping arcades, and keep an eye out as you'll find Okinawa City's uniquely designed manhole covers here. 

10:00am 

Drive towards Hamahiga Island to the east. You'll pass Kaichu Road with beautiful ocean views on either side of the bridge. You'll notice many homes have red-tiled roofs from traditional Ryukyuan architecture. 

11:00am 

There are several lunch spots on the island, but Teirabui is one not to miss. It is a traditional kominka shokudo (古民家食堂), renovated from an old home, which serves generous Okinawa soba. 

1:00pm

Head up towards Kafu Banta for some beautifully scenic views of the ocean, and stop by Katsuren Castle Ruins to marvel at the remnants of a cliffside 15th-century castle. 

2:00pm 

Make your way north towards Nakijin, and stop by for a pick-me-up or a bite to eat in the city of Nago. Drive to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Ishikawa, one of the world's largest aquariums, to appreciate the wonders of marine life. If you're feeling tired, stop by Churaumi Cafe for a coffee. 

4:00pm 

Head to Bise-Fukugi Tree Road in old-fashioned Motobu town to stroll through the popular evergreen tree-lined archway. The Motobu Peninsula stretches along the northwestern part of Okinawa’s main island. This area is the epitome of quaint coastal Okinawa charm. It is home to several small villages dotted across an area of nearly 55 square kilometers and features incredible ocean views, making it well worth spending a little time soaking up the sights. 

6:00pm

There are a handful of restaurants along the coast in the Yamagawa and Ishikawa areas, with many boasting fresh seafood and Okinawan dishes. This Yamagawa and Ishikawa area is an excellent place to stop by and grab something local for dinner. 

8:00pm 

Stay overnight in Nakijin so you can wake up refreshed and ready to make the most of your last full day in Okinawa. 

One of the best ways to fully immerse yourself in the culture of Nakijin is by booking a night at Tabinoitaku Okinawa Nakijin Homann Concept. This accommodation facility is an old Okinawan folk house-style cottage with a traditional Ryukyu red-tiled roof and beachfront property views. It also comes with a kitchen, washing machine, and dryer, making it feel like your home away from home. 

9:00am

Before you leave Nakijin, put aside a little time to check out Castle Ruins. The ruins are one of the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Castles of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Surrounded by forests, these impressive ruins cut a bold silhouette against the lush green backdrop. Drive to Kouri Island via Kouri Bridge and visit the island’s photogenic heart-shaped coral rock. Kouri Beach nearby is a calm sandy beach to splash around in the crystal clear, warm shallow waters. 

11:30am 

Grab something light to eat on Yagaji Island, such as at Kitchen Tamaya. This untouched island is a haven for adventure seekers. Here you can join an eco-tour to explore protected mangroves and mudflats or kayak along the coast to soak up the unparalleled scenery this pocket of Japan has to offer. 

1:30pm 

Head back towards Naha and go to the Okinawan Prefectural Museum and Art Museum in the city, which has a range of exhibitions on culture, history, and contemporary artworks. The museum consists of two separate museums, one is a history museum, and the other is an art museum. 

The history museum houses displays covering the entire history of Okinawa from the pre-Ryukyu Kingdom era to today. It's well worth setting aside a few hours to explore intimately, as it'll give you a much deeper understanding of the nuances of this fascinating island region. 

A bit smaller than the history museum, the art museum's collection is based mainly on local artists' contemporary and modern art and explores Okinawan themes. There's also a section for special exhibitions.

4:00pm 

Make some time to stroll Tsuboya Yachimun Street, a quaint cobblestone street home to traditional ceramic stores, cafes, and a pottery museum. You might want to try a pottery-making experience while you’re there.

6:00pm 

If it’s your last day in Okinawa, enjoy one more comforting meal of Okinawa soba, such as at Eibun, before heading to your hotel or the airport. 

Staying close to Naha Airport will make life a little easier for those arriving late or heading out early. Okinawa Harborview Hotel is a top choice, as it blends the convenience of airport-adjacent accommodation with a tropical resort charm. Complete with on-site restaurants serving up local and internationally inspired cuisine, a bar, and deep Ryukyuan culture, it's the perfect way to spend the end or the start of your Okinawa adventure.