๐Ÿ๏ธ Okinawa Trip Plan

4 โ€” 11 July 2026 ยท 7 nights ยท Family of 4
Tropical island reset ยท 3 boat day trips ยท Beaches ยท Churaumi Aquarium ยท Kerama Blue
โœ… Everything is booked. 3 hotels, 1 inbound flight, 1 outbound flight, 7-day rental car. Plan is built around 3 boat day trips (Blue Cave, Minna Island, Kerama Islands) + beach hopping.

๐Ÿ“‹ Trip Info

Arrival
Sat 4 Jul 2026, 14:00 โ€” ANA NH765 from Osaka Itami (ITM) ยท 787-8
Departure
Sat 11 Jul 2026, 15:00 โ€” Spring Air 9C6246 OKA โ†’ Shanghai PVG ยท A320 ยท arr 16:35
Route
Onna (2n) โ†’ Motobu (3n) โ†’ Naha (2n)
Transport
Rental car all 7 days (Nissan Note auto). Aliaa is free 2nd driver.
Boat days
Day 2 Blue Cave (Onna) ยท Day 4 Minna Island (Motobu) ยท Day 6 Kerama Islands (move day)
Weather
Hot + humid, 28โ€“32 ยฐC, sunny with occasional rain bursts. Sea ~28 ยฐC โ€” perfect.
Currency
JPY โ€” Suica IC card works at some places, but it's car country

๐Ÿจ Your 3 Hotels (all confirmed)

1. ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort โ€” Onna

๐Ÿ“… 4 Jul โ†’ 6 Jul ยท 2 nights
๐Ÿ“ 2260 Onna, Okinawa 904-0493 ยท Cape Manzamo coastline
๐Ÿ›๏ธ 2 single beds ยท ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Breakfast included
๐Ÿ’ฐ Paid (Super.com) ยท Ref B_26259303
โœ… Confirmed ยท Free cancellation until 1 Jun 2026

2. The Orion Hotel Motobu Resort & Spa โ€” Motobu (Bise)

๐Ÿ“… 6 Jul โ†’ 9 Jul ยท 3 nights
๐Ÿ“ Bise 148-1, Motobu, Okinawa 905-0207 ยท Right next to Churaumi Aquarium
๐Ÿ›๏ธ Ocean View Deluxe + sofa bed ยท ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Breakfast included for all 4
๐Ÿ’ฐ Paid ~199,940 JPY (Booking.com) ยท Ref 6278450540 ยท PIN 7191
โ˜Ž๏ธ +81 980 51 7300
โš ๏ธ Free until 15 Jun 2026 (then 50% fee)

3. Novotel Okinawa Naha โ€” Naha (Matsugawa)

๐Ÿ“… 9 Jul โ†’ 11 Jul ยท 2 nights
๐Ÿ“ 40 Matsugawa, Naha 902-0062
๐Ÿ›๏ธ 2 single beds, 24 mยฒ ยท ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Breakfast NOT included
๐Ÿ’ฐ Paid 170.96 EUR (Trip.com) ยท Ref 1321659944096370 ยท PIN 8704
โ˜Ž๏ธ +81-98-887-1111
๐Ÿท๏ธ Base hotel for day trips (not a resort destination) โ€” Tomari Port is 5 min away

๐Ÿš— Rental Car (7 days)

Nissan Note (auto) โ€” 4 Jul โ†’ 11 Jul

๐Ÿ“ Pickup: 191-2 Yone, Tomigusuku, Okinawa 901-0224 (near OKA airport)
๐Ÿ•’ Hours: 05:30โ€“23:59
๐ŸŽซ Ref 1321659929488218 ยท PIN 4470
๐Ÿ‘ค Isbel = primary driver. Aliaa = free 2nd driver.
๐Ÿ“„ JAF Japanese translation required (NOT IDP). Print at konbini.
๐Ÿš™ Return 11 Jul by 11:30
โœ… Rental pickup updated to 15:00 โ€” confirmed on Trip.com. Flight lands 14:00 โ†’ ~30-45 min for baggage + shuttle โ†’ 15:00 pickup is comfortable.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Transit Costs (Okinawa)

ItemFamily cost (4 pax)
Rental car (already paid)Prepaid (Trip.com)
Fuel (~600 km over 7 days)~ยฅ7,000 (โ‚ฌ45)
Expressway tolls (Nahaโ†”Motobu round trips)~ยฅ4,000 (โ‚ฌ26)
Parking (Naha + beaches)~ยฅ3,000 (โ‚ฌ20)
Blue Cave snorkel tour (4 pax)~ยฅ13,000 (โ‚ฌ85)
Minna Island ferry RT (4 pax)~ยฅ5,400 (โ‚ฌ35)
Kerama Islands full-day boat (4 pax)~ยฅ28,000 (โ‚ฌ180)
TOTAL transit + boat trips~โ‚ฌ390
๐Ÿ“ท Each card has a "Photos" button โ€” click to open Google Images with dozens of real photos of that place.

โœˆ๏ธ Sat 4 Jul โ€” Arrival + drive to Manza

Day 1

Theme: Easy day. Land, get the car, drive ~90 min up the west coast, sunset at Manza Beach.

07:30 Wake up + breakfast Osaka hotel 08:30 Check out, Limousine Bus to ITM 09:45 ITM check-in 11:55 NH765 takeoff 14:00 Land Okinawa Naha (OKA) 14:30 Baggage, shuttle to car office 15:00 Pick up rental car (Tomigusuku) 15:30 Drive Naha โ†’ Manza (Expressway) 17:00 Check in ANA InterContinental Manza 17:30 Walk Manza Beach, sunset photos 19:00 Dinner (hotel) ~21:00 Bed

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Day 1 Route โ€” Naha Airport โ†’ Manza Beach

โœˆ๏ธ Naha Airport (OKA)
๐ŸšŒ Free shuttle to rental car ยท ~10 min
๐Ÿš— Tomigusuku rental pickup
๐Ÿ›ฃ๏ธ Okinawa Expressway ยท ~75 min ยท ยฅ1,100 toll
๐Ÿจ ANA InterContinental Manza Beach (Onna)

Totals: ~90 min driving ยท ~75 km ยท Toll ยฅ1,100

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ View Day 1 route โ†’
๐Ÿ–๏ธ
Manza Beach
Sunset arrival

Manza Beach (Hotel Beach)

Your hotel's private beach. Crystal-clear water, fine white sand, shaded loungers. Perfect quiet arrival evening.

๐Ÿคฟ Sun 5 Jul โ€” Blue Cave snorkel + Cape Manzamo

Day 2

Theme: Morning boat snorkel into the famous Blue Cave, afternoon pool/beach, sunset at the iconic cape.

07:00 Breakfast at hotel 08:00 Drive 15 min to Cape Maeda Blue Cave operator 08:30 Tour briefing + wetsuits + life vests 09:00 Blue Cave snorkel boat โ€” into the cave + reef 11:00 Back at port, drive back 11:30 Lunch at hotel / Onna area 13:00 Pool + Manza Beach time (hottest part of day) 16:30 Drive 5 min to Cape Manzamo 17:00 Walk Cape Manzamo cliff path 18:00 Sunset photos 19:30 Dinner at hotel ~21:00 Bed

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Day 2 Route

๐Ÿจ ANA InterContinental Manza
๐Ÿš— 15 min ยท Route 6
๐Ÿคฟ Blue Cave / Cape Maeda operator
๐Ÿš— 15 min back
๐Ÿจ Hotel โ€” pool + Manza Beach
๐Ÿš— 5 min
๐ŸŒŠ Cape Manzamo (sunset)
๐Ÿš— 5 min back
๐Ÿจ Hotel โ€” dinner

Totals: ~40 min driving ยท Blue Cave tour ~2.5 h

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ View Day 2 route โ†’
๐Ÿšค Blue Cave booking: Book 1-2 days ahead. AM tours fill first (calmer sea). Operators: Marine Club Berry, Natural Blue, Piranha Diving. ~ยฅ3,500/adult, ยฅ3,000/child. Includes wetsuit, vest, snorkel gear. Bring water shoes.
๐Ÿคฟ
Blue Cave
โ˜… Boat tour

Blue Cave Snorkel (Cape Maeda)

Famous sea cave where sunlight turns the water glowing blue. Boat takes you to the entrance, snorkel inside. Tropical fish in the surrounding reef. Kids 6+ accepted with life vest.

๐Ÿ–๏ธ
Manza Beach
Afternoon pool/beach

Manza Beach + Hotel Pool

Hotel's private lagoon โ€” shallow calm water with reef fish close to shore. Snorkel + life jacket rentals at the kiosk. Pool for indoor break in midday heat.

๐ŸŒŠ
Cape Manzamo
Sunset

Cape Manzamo (ไธ‡ๅบงๆฏ›)

Famous elephant-trunk limestone cliff over the East China Sea. Easy paved walking path (~15 min loop). Free entry, ยฅ100 parking. Sunset = best.

๐Ÿ‹ Mon 6 Jul โ€” Onna โ†’ Motobu + Churaumi + Emerald Beach

Day 3

Theme: Pack + drive 1h north. Aquarium afternoon, beach right next door.

08:00 Breakfast 09:30 Pack + check out 10:00 Drive Manza โ†’ Motobu (~1h, Expressway) 11:00 Arrive Orion Motobu โ€” drop bags 11:15 Lunch in Motobu (seafood) 13:00 Drive 5 min to Churaumi Aquarium 13:15 Churaumi Aquarium โ€” whale sharks, Kuroshio tank 16:00 Okichan dolphin show (free, in same park) 16:30 Walk over to Emerald Beach 17:30 Beach time + sunset 18:00 Back to Orion Motobu (check in 15:00 already) 19:00 Dinner at hotel ~21:00 Bed

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Day 3 Route

๐Ÿจ ANA InterContinental Manza
๐Ÿ›ฃ๏ธ Expressway (Ishikawa IC โ†’ Kyoda IC) + Route 449 ยท ~65 min ยท ยฅ620
๐Ÿจ Orion Motobu โ€” drop bags
๐Ÿš— 5 min
๐Ÿ‹ Churaumi Aquarium
๐Ÿšถ Walk inside Ocean Expo Park
๐Ÿ–๏ธ Emerald Beach (same park)
๐Ÿš— 5 min back
๐Ÿจ Orion Motobu

Totals: ~80 min driving ยท ~70 km ยท Toll ยฅ620

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ View Day 3 route โ†’
๐Ÿฆˆ
Churaumi Aquarium
โ˜… Must-do

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

One of the world's largest aquariums. Giant 8.2m Kuroshio tank with 3 whale sharks + manta rays. Tunnel walk. Allow 3h. ยฅ2,180 adult, ยฅ1,440 high-school, ยฅ710 elementary, free under 6.

๐Ÿฌ
Okichan Dolphin Show
Free + in park

Okichan Theater Dolphin Show

Free dolphin show inside Ocean Expo Park. ~20 min performances every 1-2h. Walking distance from aquarium exit.

๐Ÿ๏ธ
Emerald Beach
Free + lifeguarded

Emerald Beach

White-sand beach inside Ocean Expo Park (next to aquarium). Calm, lifeguarded, free entry, free parking. Coin showers + lockers. Best beach for kids in Motobu.

๐Ÿ›ณ๏ธ Tue 7 Jul โ€” Minna Island ferry day

Day 4

Theme: Morning stroll on the famous tree-tunnel road right next to the hotel, then full beach island day. 15-min ferry to a heart-shaped islet with shallow turquoise lagoon โ€” easiest snorkel beach in all of Okinawa.

07:00 Breakfast (early) 08:00 Walk 5 min from Orion to Bise Fukugi Tree Road 08:10 Stroll the green tree-tunnels (~45 min loop) 09:00 Walk back, grab snorkel/picnic gear 09:15 Drive to Toguchi Port (5 min) 09:30 Park at port (ยฅ500/day), quick Toguchi Beach photo 10:00 Ferry 10:00 โ†’ Minna Island (15 min) 10:30 Set up base, rent umbrella + snorkel gear 11:00 Swim / snorkel / sand 12:30 Picnic lunch on the beach 13:30 More beach + island stroll 15:00 Pack up 16:30 Ferry 16:30 โ†’ back to Toguchi 17:00 Shower / change at hotel 18:30 Dinner Motobu (Toguchi seafood) ~21:00 Bed

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Day 4 Route โ€” Motobu โ†’ Bise Fukugi โ†’ Minna Island

๐Ÿจ Orion Motobu
๐Ÿšถ 5 min walk
๐ŸŒณ Bise Fukugi Tree Road (45 min stroll)
๐Ÿšถ 5 min walk back to hotel, then ๐Ÿš— 5 min ยท Route 449
โ›ด๏ธ Toguchi Port (+ Toguchi Beach)
๐Ÿšค Ferry ยท 15 min ยท ยฅ1,800 RT adult / ยฅ900 child
๐Ÿ๏ธ Minna Island (heart-shaped)
๐Ÿšค 16:30 ferry back ยท 15 min
โ›ด๏ธ Toguchi Port
๐Ÿš— 5 min
๐Ÿจ Orion Motobu

Totals: ~30 min ferry ยท ~10 min driving ยท Family ferry cost ~ยฅ5,400

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ View Day 4 route โ†’
โ›ด๏ธ Minna ferry schedule (summer): Out 09:00, 11:00, 13:00 ยท Back 14:30, 16:30. Don't miss the last ferry! Limited departures, no overnight stays. Bring sunscreen, water, picnic โ€” only small snack stalls on island. Reef-safe sunscreen recommended.
๐ŸŒณ
Bise Fukugi Road
5 min from hotel

Bise Fukugi Tree Road

250-year-old fukugi trees forming green tunnels through the village. Quiet, peaceful, very photogenic. Easy 45-min loop walk. Free. Walking distance from Orion Motobu.

๐Ÿ๏ธ
Minna Island
โ˜… Heart-shaped

Minna Island

Tiny heart-shaped island (visible from above), shallow turquoise lagoon, white sand. Best beginner snorkel beach in Okinawa. Rent umbrellas, snorkel gear, beach chairs on the island.

โ›ด๏ธ
Toguchi Beach
Combined

Toguchi Beach (at the port)

Small public beach right next to Toguchi Port. Quick stop before/after the Minna ferry. Free, family-friendly.

๐ŸŒ‰ Wed 8 Jul โ€” Sesoko Beach AM + Kouri Island PM

Day 5

Theme: Two-bridge beach day. Sesoko close in the morning, Kouri famous bridge + Heart Rock in the afternoon.

08:00 Breakfast 09:30 Drive 5 min to Sesoko Bridge โ†’ Sesoko Beach 10:00 Swim, snorkel, sand 12:30 Lunch (Sesoko snack bar or back at Motobu) 13:30 Drive to Kouri Island via Kouri Bridge (~30 min) 14:00 Kouri Beach โ€” bridge photos, swim 15:30 Drive 10 min around island to Heart Rock (Tinu Beach) 16:00 Heart Rock photos + beach 17:00 Drive back to Motobu (~30 min) 17:45 Hotel pool / rest 19:30 Dinner at hotel ~21:30 Bed

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Day 5 Route โ€” Sesoko + Kouri

๐Ÿจ Orion Motobu
๐Ÿš— 5 min ยท Sesoko Bridge (free)
๐Ÿ–๏ธ Sesoko Beach
๐Ÿš— 30 min ยท Route 84 โ†’ Kouri Bridge (1,960m, free)
๐ŸŒ‰ Kouri Bridge + Kouri Beach
๐Ÿš— 10 min around island
๐Ÿ’— Heart Rock (Tinu Beach)
๐Ÿš— 30 min back
๐Ÿจ Orion Motobu

Totals: ~75 min driving ยท All bridges free ยท ~70 km

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ View Day 5 route โ†’
๐Ÿ–๏ธ
Sesoko Beach
โ˜… Near hotel

Sesoko Beach

Best beach near Motobu โ€” drive across the free Sesoko Bridge. Turquoise water, fine sand, calm lagoon. Snack bar + parking on site. Less crowded than Emerald.

๐ŸŒ‰
Kouri Bridge
2 km bridge

Kouri Bridge + Kouri Island

1,960m bridge across turquoise sea, free. Stop at the rest area before the bridge for the iconic photo. Kouri Island has cafรฉ + shrimp wagon + heart rock.

๐Ÿ–๏ธ
Kouri Beach
Right at bridge

Kouri Beach

Sandy bay right where the bridge lands. Easy parking, cafรฉ, restrooms. Calm, shallow, kid-friendly.

๐Ÿ’—
Heart Rock
Tinu Beach

Heart Rock (Tinu Beach)

Two naturally eroded rocks forming a heart shape โ€” famous from a 2004 Japanese commercial. Photogenic at low tide. ยฅ300 parking, short walk to beach.

๐Ÿ›ณ๏ธ Thu 9 Jul โ€” Kerama Islands full day (Motobu โ†’ Naha)

Day 6

Theme: The bucket-list day. Early checkout from Motobu, drive south with bags, full-day Kerama boat from Naha, check in Novotel after.

04:30 Wake up + quick breakfast (hotel sets aside bento or konbini) 05:00 Final pack + check out Orion Motobu 05:30 Drive Motobu โ†’ Naha (Expressway, no traffic) 07:15 Arrive Tomari Port โ€” park with luggage in trunk 07:30 Boat check-in + briefing 08:30 Boat departs Tomari 09:30 Arrive Kerama (Tokashiki area) 10:00 Snorkel stop 1 โ€” sea turtles 11:30 Snorkel stop 2 โ€” coral garden 13:00 Lunch on boat / beach 14:00 Snorkel stop 3 โ€” uninhabited islet 16:00 Boat back to Naha 17:00 Arrive Tomari Port 17:15 Drive 5 min to Novotel 17:30 Check in Novotel Naha + bags up 18:30 Easy dinner near hotel (no Kokusai walking tonight) ~21:00 Bed (exhausted)

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Day 6 Route โ€” Motobu โ†’ Kerama โ†’ Novotel

๐Ÿจ Orion Motobu (early check-out)
๐Ÿ›ฃ๏ธ Expressway south, ~1h45m ยท ยฅ1,720 toll
โ›ด๏ธ Tomari Port (luggage stays in car)
๐Ÿšค Boat to Kerama ยท ~1h
๐Ÿ๏ธ Kerama Islands โ€” 3 snorkel stops
๐Ÿšค Boat back ยท ~1h
โ›ด๏ธ Tomari Port
๐Ÿš— 5 min
๐Ÿจ Novotel Naha

Totals: ~13h door-to-door ยท ~2h driving ยท Boat ~ยฅ8,000/adult, ยฅ6,000/child

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ View Day 6 route โ†’
๐Ÿšจ Logistics for the early checkout:
  • Pre-arrange Orion Motobu early check-out โ€” call +81 980 51 7300 a few days ahead; ask if they can do breakfast bento at 04:30 OR plan a konbini stop
  • Pre-pay any extras the night before so check-out is just key drop
  • Luggage in locked car trunk during Kerama โ€” Tomari Port has a paid lot (~ยฅ1,200/day)
  • Don't try to drop bags at Novotel first โ€” check-in is 15:00 and you don't have time
  • Bring a daypack on the boat with swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, water, meds (rest stays in car)
๐Ÿšค Kerama booking: Book 2 weeks ahead (peak summer). Operators: Sea World, Karera, Marine Service Hamahiga. Lunch on the boat. Bring: rash guard, reef-safe sunscreen, towel, water shoes, dry bag, motion-sickness meds for the kids (1h boat each way).
๐Ÿข
Kerama Islands
โ˜… Bucket-list

Kerama Islands snorkel (full day)

"Kerama Blue" โ€” the clearest water in Japan, National Park. Sea turtles common (~90% sighting July), coral gardens, white-sand uninhabited islets. 3 snorkel stops included.

๐Ÿ–๏ธ Fri 10 Jul โ€” Nirai Beach + Kokusai-dori (chill day)

Day 7

Theme: Recovery + buffer day. Sleep in, drive 45 min north to Nirai Beach for a chill morning, back for Kokusai-dori evening.

08:30 Sleep in + breakfast (konbini or cafรฉ โ€” Novotel breakfast not included) 10:00 Drive north to Nirai Beach (Yomitan, ~45 min) 10:45 Nirai Beach โ€” swim, sand, snorkel 13:00 Lunch in Yomitan area 14:30 Drive back to Naha (~45 min) 15:30 Rest at hotel (hottest hours) 17:30 Walk / drive to Kokusai-dori 18:00 Walk Kokusai-dori, browse shops + souvenirs 19:00 Dinner โ€” Okinawan izakaya (no pork) 21:00 Back to hotel ~22:00 Pack for tomorrow's flight

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Day 7 Route

๐Ÿจ Novotel Okinawa Naha
๐Ÿ›ฃ๏ธ Expressway north ยท ~45 min ยท ยฅ720 toll
๐Ÿ–๏ธ Nirai Beach (Yomitan)
๐Ÿ›ฃ๏ธ Expressway back ยท ~45 min ยท ยฅ720 toll
๐Ÿจ Novotel โ€” afternoon rest
๐Ÿš— 10 min (or Yui Rail)
๐Ÿ›๏ธ Kokusai-dori (evening)
๐Ÿš— 10 min back
๐Ÿจ Novotel

Totals: ~110 min driving ยท ~80 km ยท Toll ยฅ1,440

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ View Day 7 route โ†’
๐Ÿ–๏ธ
Nirai Beach
Day trip from Naha

Nirai Beach (Yomitan)

Crescent of crystal-clear shallow water in front of Hotel Nikko Alivila. Open to public, free, lifeguarded. Considered one of the best mid-island beaches for kids.

๐Ÿ›๏ธ
Kokusai-dori
Evening

Kokusai-dori (International Street)

1.6km of shops, restaurants, souvenirs in central Naha. Best at night with neon. Heiwa-dori covered market just off the main street.

โœˆ๏ธ Sat 11 Jul โ€” Departure to Shanghai

Day 8
07:00 Wake up + breakfast 08:30 Final pack, file China Arrival Card if not done 09:30 Check out Novotel Naha 10:00 Drive to OKA via rental return 10:30 Drop rental car at Tomigusuku (by 11:30) 11:00 Shuttle to OKA Terminal (International) 11:30 Spring Air check-in (9C6246) 13:30 Through security + Chinese immigration prep 15:00 9C6246 takeoff 16:35 Land Shanghai Pudong (PVG) T2 โ†’ Atour Light

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Departure Route

๐Ÿจ Novotel Naha
๐Ÿš— ~30 min
๐Ÿš— Tomigusuku rental return (by 11:30)
๐ŸšŒ Free shuttle ~10 min
โœˆ๏ธ Naha Airport โ€” International Terminal
๐Ÿ›ฌ Spring Air 9C6246 ยท 15:00 โ†’ 16:35 ยท A320
โœˆ๏ธ Shanghai Pudong (PVG) T2
๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ View departure route โ†’
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ China entry checklist (file before leaving Naha):
  • Online China Arrival Card (within 72h of arrival) โ€” all 4 family members
  • Passport photocopies + booking PDFs printed
  • China eSIM activated OR ready to activate on landing (VPN-bypass for Google/WhatsApp)
  • โœ… WeChat + Alipay set up with foreign card โ€” DONE
  • Atour Light Shanghai address printed: No.290 Wusong Rd, Hongkou

๐ŸŽ Nice to Have (Optional โ€” didn't fit the schedule)

Optional

Items reviewed but not fitted into the 7-night plan. Swap in if you skip something or extend.

๐Ÿ–๏ธ
Mission Beach
Onna ยท hidden

Mission Beach (Onna)

Small hidden beach off Route 58, 10 min north of Manza. No crowds, calm cove. ยฅ500 parking.

๐ŸŽก
American Village
Chatan

American Village (Chatan)

Ferris wheel, beach, US-style shops + restaurants. Free entry. Mid-island โ€” would swap with Nirai on Day 6 if preferred.

๐ŸŒ…
Sunset Beach
Chatan

Sunset Beach (Chatan)

Family-friendly mid-island beach beside American Village. Calm lagoon, good for an evening swap.

๐Ÿดโ€โ˜ ๏ธ
Araha Beach
Pirate-ship play

Araha Beach (Chatan)

Quiet beach with pirate-ship play area for kids, near American Village. Could combine with American Village half day.

๐Ÿ–๏ธ
Tropical Beach
Ginowan ยท free

Tropical Beach (Ginowan)

Free public beach next to convention center, calm lagoon, BBQ areas, local vibe. 25 min north of Naha.

๐Ÿ–๏ธ
Mibaru Beach
South Okinawa

Mibaru Beach (Nanjo)

Quiet white-sand beach on south coast, calm shallow lagoon, glass-bottom boats. 45 min south of Naha. Off-the-tourist-track.

๐ŸŒ…
Azama Sun Sun
East ยท sunrise

Azama Sunrise Beach (Nanjo)

Sheltered east-coast beach, calm + safe for young kids. Sea turtles sometimes near shore. 50 min south-east of Naha. Free.

๐ŸŒ‰
Ikei Beach
East ยท 4 bridges

Ikei Beach (Henza bridges)

Drive across 4 bridges through small islands to reach this clear-water beach. The drive is half the appeal. 1h east of Naha.

๐ŸŒด
Bios on the Hill
Jungle park

Bios on the Hill (Uruma)

Jungle adventure park, water buffalo cart, kayak. ยฅ2,200 adult. Mid-east coast.

๐Ÿชจ
Daisekirinzan
Far north

Daisekirinzan rock park

Yanbaru jungle limestone formations, easy family trail. ยฅ1,200. 2h+ from Motobu โ€” too far for a half-day add.

๐Ÿฑ Food to Try

Eat

Okinawan food is its own thing โ€” sub-tropical, Chinese-influenced, very different from mainland Japan.

๐Ÿšซ No pork โ€” important here: Okinawan cuisine uses pork heavily (rafute, soki, mimiga). Avoid: rafute (braised pork belly), soki soba (pork rib soba), mimiga (pig ear), tebichi (pig trotters). Many "Okinawa soba" shops also include pork ribs by default โ€” order kake-soba (plain), aosa-soba (seaweed), or fish-topping versions. Ask "buta nashi de" (no pork). Below are pork-free options.
๐Ÿœ
Okinawa Soba (no pork)
Iconic

Okinawa Soba โ€” pork-free version

Thick wheat noodles in a clear broth. Default version has pork ribs (soki) โ€” skip it. Order aosa-soba (seaweed topping), tuna soba, or plain kake-soba. Broth is usually bonito (fish) based, but confirm pork-free.

๐Ÿฅ’
Goya Champuru
Tuna/tofu version

Goya Champuru

Bitter melon stir-fry with tofu + egg. Standard version has spam/pork โ€” order tofu only or tuna champuru. Iconic Okinawan, healthy, distinctive bitter flavor.

๐ŸŸ
Local Sashimi
Tropical fish

Okinawan Sashimi

Tropical species you don't see on the mainland โ€” irabuchi (parrotfish), gurukun, mibai. Try at Motobu fish market or any izakaya in Naha.

๐Ÿฉ
Sata Andagi
Kid favorite

Sata Andagi

Okinawan deep-fried doughnut. Crispy outside, dense soft inside. Pork-free. Market stands on Kokusai-dori, Kouri Island shops.

๐Ÿฆ
Blue Seal Ice Cream
โ˜… Kids

Blue Seal Ice Cream

Okinawa's iconic ice cream chain since 1948 (US military base). 30+ flavors: beni-imo (purple sweet potato), shikuwasa (Okinawan citrus), salt cookie. Across the island.

๐Ÿฆ
Shrimp Wagon
Kouri Island

Shrimp Wagon (Kouri Island)

Famous food truck on Kouri serving garlic shrimp plates (Hawaii-style). ~ยฅ1,500 plate. Beach-bowl seating by the water. Plan for Day 5 lunch.

๐Ÿฅฌ
Umibudo
"Sea grapes"

Umibudo (Sea Grapes)

Tiny green seaweed caviar โ€” pops in your mouth. Served chilled with ponzu sauce. Healthy, kids love the pop. Pork-free.

๐Ÿต
Sanpin Tea
Local drink

Sanpin Cha + Shikuwasa

Sanpin = Okinawan jasmine tea. Shikuwasa = local citrus, juice + sour candies. Any 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, San-A.

๐Ÿ–๏ธ Beach Ranking โ€” Most Beautiful in Okinawa

Reference

Ranked roughly by beauty (turquoise clarity, sand, scenery). Tagged with current plan status so you can see at a glance what's covered and what's not.

Legend: ๐ŸŸข IN PLAN ๐Ÿ”ต LIKELY COVERED BY TOUR ๐ŸŸก OPTIONAL โšช REFERENCE (not on list)

# Beach Region Status Notes Map Photos
1Furuzamami BeachZamami Is. (Kerama)๐Ÿ”ตOften ranked #1 in Japan. "Kerama Blue", coral close to shore. Likely on the Day 6 Kerama tour๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“ท
2Aharen BeachTokashiki Is. (Kerama)๐Ÿ”ตWhite-sand crescent. Most Kerama tours from Naha stop here. Likely covered Day 6๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“ท
3Minna Island BeachOff Motobu๐ŸŸขHeart-shaped islet, 15 min ferry from Motobu. Shallow turquoise lagoon. Day 4๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“ท
4Kouri BeachKouri Island (north)๐ŸŸขSandy bay right at the famous Kouri Bridge. Calm, kid-friendly. Day 5๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“ท
5Heart Rock / Tinu BeachKouri Island (north)๐ŸŸขTwo eroded rocks forming a heart on Kouri's north side. Photogenic. Day 5๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“ท
6Sesoko BeachSesoko Island (Motobu)๐ŸŸขAcross free Sesoko Bridge. Turquoise water, fine sand. Day 5๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“ท
7Emerald BeachMotobu (Ocean Expo Park)๐ŸŸขWhite-sand beach next to Churaumi. Lifeguarded, free entry + parking. Day 3๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“ท
8Manza BeachOnna (your hotel)๐ŸŸขHotel's private lagoon. Calm reef, snorkel rentals. Day 1 + 2๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“ท
9Nirai BeachYomitan (mid-island)๐ŸŸขCrescent of clear shallow water at Hotel Nikko Alivila. Day 7๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“ท
10Okuma BeachFar north (Kunigami)โšชLong, empty white-sand beach at JAL Okuma Resort. Open to public for fee. 2h+ from Motobu๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“ท
11Mibaru BeachNanjo (south)๐ŸŸกQuiet white-sand south coast. Glass-bottom boats here. 45 min south of Naha๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“ท
12Azama Sun Sun BeachNanjo (south-east)๐ŸŸกSheltered east-coast beach, calm + safe. Sea turtles sometimes๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“ท
13Mission BeachOnna๐ŸŸกSmall hidden cove off Route 58, 10 min north of Manza. No crowds๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“ท
14Sunset BeachChatan (mid-island)๐ŸŸกFamily-friendly beach beside American Village. Famous sunsets๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“ท
15Tropical BeachGinowan (mid-island)๐ŸŸกFree public beach next to convention center. Calm lagoon, BBQ areas๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“ท
16Araha BeachChatan (mid-island)๐ŸŸกPirate-ship play area for kids, near American Village๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“ท
17Ikei BeachHenza/Ikei (east coast)๐ŸŸกClear water after a 4-bridge drive across small islands. 1h east of Naha๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“ท
18Toguchi BeachMotobu (port-side)๐ŸŸขSmall beach right at Toguchi Port. Combined with Minna ferry. Day 4๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“ท
19Cape Maeda BeachOnna (Blue Cave area)๐Ÿ”ตRocky entry beach next to Blue Cave operators. Covered by your Day 2 Blue Cave boat tour๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“ท
20Tiger BeachOnna (north)โšชTiny local beach near Renaissance Resort. Quiet, free๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“ท
21Yagaji BeachYagaji Island (north)โšชConnected to mainland by Warumi Bridge. Quiet local beach near Kouri๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“ท
๐Ÿ“Š Plan coverage: 8 beaches directly in plan (#3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #18) + 3 covered by tours (#1 Furuzamami + #2 Aharen via Kerama Day 6, #19 Cape Maeda via Blue Cave Day 2) = 11 of 21 beaches total, including all top 3. Strong coverage.

โœ… Open Items & To-Do