Okinawa is Japan's tropical paradise, where emerald-green seas meet pristine beaches. Beyond its stunning coastline, Okinawa offers a treasure trove of exciting summer activities. From diving in crystal-clear waters to exploring the island on cool bus tours, there's something for everyone.
Whether you're with friends or on a family vacation, our curated list of seven must-try activities promises to make your trip unforgettable. Dive into Okinawa's vibrant culture, thrilling adventures, and unique attractions, and discover why this island is a top summer destination.
Main Image: ©klook.com
Okinawa Weather: Average Temperature and Rainy Season
According to the data from the Japan Meteorological Agency, here are the average temperatures in Okinawa (Naha) based on the period from 1991 to 2020.
Average Temperatures (1991-2020):
・Spring: March: 19.1°C (66°F), April: 21.5°C (71°F), May: 24.2°C (76°F)
・Summer: June: 27.2°C (81°F), July: 29.1°C (84°F), August: 29°C (84°F)
・Autumn: September: 27.9°C (82°F), October: 25.5°C (78°F), November: 22.5°C (73°F)
・Winter: December: 19°C (66°F), January: 17.3°C (63°F), February: 17.5°C (64°F)
Rainy Season in Okinawa for 2024:
This year, the rainy season started around May 21 and is expected to end around June 21.
How to Get to Okinawa
Traveling from Tokyo (Narita/Haneda) to Okinawa:
Both airports offer flights to Okinawa's Naha. If departing from Narita, the journey takes about 3 to 3 hours and 40 minutes, while from Haneda, it takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes to 3 hours.
One advantage of Haneda is the slightly faster arrival time, and it is also a hub for many flights. However, if you're looking for affordable prices, Narita is favorable as it has low-cost carriers (LCC) operating there. Consider your individual circumstances and schedule when making your booking.
Enjoying Snorkeling and Diving in Okinawa
Okinawa's stunning ocean is home to a variety of colorful fish, sea turtles, and other fascinating marine creatures. Guided tours offer immersive experiences, allowing you to get up close to these underwater wonders.
Summer is also the time to enjoy swimming near sea turtles. Local tour operators in Okinawa know where sea turtles sleep, move, and return. So, most sea turtle tours are designed to provide plenty of opportunities for sightings. However, no tour can guarantee a 100% chance of spotting them. Also remember that touching or otherwise disturbing sea turtles is forbidden, so be sure to follow your guide's instructions.
Certified instructors ensure your safety and a memorable experience, so you can enjoy the tour worry-free. Depending on the tour, you can either arrange for pickup or drive directly to the operator's location. Participants usually wear wetsuits over their swimwear, so it's best to come prepared in your swimsuit. All other necessary equipment will be provided.
Some tour companies offer a special device called a "hako-megane" (box glasses), which is a box with a glass bottom for looking underwater. This is perfect for kids who might find it hard to put their faces in the water, letting them see the beautiful Okinawan sea through a clear window. If you're bringing children, be sure to ask the tour company about this option.
Keep in mind that certain snorkeling or diving spots may be off-limits depending on the weather or ocean conditions.
Now, let's have a look at the exciting experiences Okinawa has to offer!
1. Explore the Blue Cave in Onna Village: Scuba and Snorkeling Experience
The renowned Blue Cave is among the top attractions in Okinawa, offering a range of snorkeling and discover scuba diving experiences.
In the vicinity of the Blue Cave, you'll find relatively shallow waters where you may observe individuals engaged in discover scuba diving while snorkeling. This tour gives you the option to choose between snorkeling and scuba diving.
Both options have a duration of around 2 hours, and the overall itinerary is as follows:
- Meet at the designated location of the tour operator.
- Attend a briefing, complete necessary paperwork, and store personal belongings.
- Transfer to the harbor.
- Board a boat to reach the diving/snorkeling location.
- Receive equipment fitting and instructions.
- Commence the prearranged course experience (snorkeling or scuba diving), lasting 40-50 minutes.
- Return to the tour operator's location after the experience.
- Take a shower and change clothes.
- Tour concludes.
For Blue Cave snorkeling, participants must be at least five years old, with a minimum height requirement of 110cm. This means that families with elementary school children can enjoy the experience together.
Language Support: English, Japanese
Key reasons to choose this tour:
1. The Blue Cave tour is highly recommended and receives high satisfaction ratings.
2. Explanations are provided in English.
3. The tour offers great value for money.
4. The tour receives positive reviews on klook.com.
2. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Okinawa Kerama Islands
The Kerama Islands in Okinawa, comprising approximately 20 islands located about 40km from the main island of Okinawa, are known as the "Blue Paradise." The islands are a scuba diving haven, offering clear waters with 20 meters of visibility, diverse marine life, and vibrant coral reefs. With its numerous diving spots, the Kerama Islands have gained popularity among diving enthusiasts.
This tour provides three activity options: snorkeling, beginner scuba diving, and licensed diving. The total duration for all three options is approximately 7 hours, and the itinerary is as follows:
- Meeting point (7:15 AM)
- Boarding the boat and departure at 8:00 AM
- First diving/snorkeling spot
- Second diving/snorkeling spot
- Lunch break and rest at 12:00 PM
- Third diving/snorkeling spot
- Return to Naha Harbor
- Disembarkation (2:30 PM)
Starting in the early morning, the tour allows for leisure time in the afternoon as it concludes before 3:00 PM.
* Since there is travel time on the boat to reach the diving spots, it is advisable to prepare motion sickness medication for those prone to seasickness.
Language Support: Korean, Japanese, English, Chinese
Key reasons to choose this tour:
1. Experience famous diving spots in Okinawa.
2. Benefit from multilingual support, including English language assistance, which is a significant advantage.
3. The tour receives high ratings from participants on kkday.com.
3. Okinawa Glass Bottom Boat Tour
For families with young children who are unable to snorkel or individuals who feel uneasy about being in the water, there is an excellent tour option available. This tour allows you to observe marine life by taking a ride on a glass-bottom boat.
By riding on this boat, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience while observing various marine creatures that inhabit the area. The boat has a transparent glass floor, allowing you to see the colorful fish swimming right beneath you, which is truly fascinating.
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and is offered once in the morning and once in the afternoon, specifically at 10:15 AM and 2:00 PM. You can participate in the tour according to your travel plans. The overall itinerary is as follows:
- Please arrive at the meeting point at least 20 minutes before the scheduled departure.
- Join the tour, which lasts for 1 hour.
- The tour concludes.
If you have concerns about experiencing motion sickness, it is advisable to prepare motion sickness medication in advance.
Language Support: English, Japanese
Key reasons to choose this tour:
1. Suitable for family trips with children, providing a hassle-free experience.
2. Children aged 0-5 can participate for free.
3. The tour receives high ratings from participants on klook.com.
4. Okinawa World Ticket and Culture Workshop Experience
Before its annexation by Japan in the 1870s, the Ryukyu Kingdom maintained a royal system in what is now known as Okinawa. Okinawa preserves the historical legacy and culture that has been passed down through generations. While exploring the local culinary delights and enjoying the stunning coastal scenery is great, including cultural experiences in your Okinawa itinerary is also highly recommended.
Okinawa World offers a tour that takes approximately 3 hours, providing opportunities to engage in the following experiences:
1. Craft experiences from the Ryukyu Kingdom
2. Watch traditional entertainment, such as the "Super Eisa" performance
3. Explore the majestic limestone Gyokusendo Cave
4. Visit the village that recreates the atmosphere of the Ryukyu Kingdom
5. Enjoy the fun-filled Herb Garden Park
6. Enter the unique Habu Museum to see the Snakes and Reptiles Exhibit!
7. Stroll through the Tropical Fruit Garden, where around 100 different tropical fruits are cultivated
These activities allow you to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Okinawa and gain a deeper understanding of its traditions.
Key reasons to choose this activity:
1. Provides a comprehensive cultural experience of Okinawa's traditional heritage.
2. Offers great value for money with various attractions, including the Gyokusendo Cave.
3. The tour receives high ratings from participants on klook.com.
5. Okinawa Kimono & Yukata Rental
How about trying a yukata during your Okinawa trip? It's highly recommended, especially during the summer season! Wearing a lightweight and breezy yukata, you can take a leisurely stroll Kokusai-Dori Street, which is about a 12-minute walk away. It will add an extra level of joy to your travel experience!
The return time for the rental is until 6:00 PM, allowing you ample time flexibility. There are also costumes available for children, making it a fun family experience to create a festive atmosphere together.
Visit (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM) → Return (by 6:00 PM)
By visiting between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, you can rent a yukata for a longer duration. The earlier you go, the more time you'll have to enjoy wearing the yukata.
Language Support: English, Japanese
Key reasons to choose this activity:
1. Offers a wide selection of costumes with friendly and professional assistance.
2. Conveniently located a 3-5 minute walk from Genchomae Station, with a parking lot available in front of the store.
3. The tour receives high ratings from participants on klook.com.
6. Okinawa HIP HOP Bus Tour A Course - Churaumi Aquarium, Manzamo, Nago Pineapple Park
If you're not planning to rent a car for your trip, I highly recommend taking this tour. Getting around various tourist spots using public transportation can be challenging. By joining this tour, you can minimize the inconvenience of transportation and easily visit your desired destinations.
This tour does not include a guide, but it is led by a tour leader who provides instructions. Limited Korean language support is available through audio guidance.
The total duration of the tour is approximately 10 hours, starting early in the morning. The detailed itinerary is as follows:
- Depart from the Prefectural Office at 8:10 AM and board the designated hotel bus.
- Nago Pineapple Park (approximately 60 minutes)
- Kouri Island (approximately 30 minutes) and Warumi Bridge (observed from the bus)
- Churaumi Aquarium in Okinawa (approximately 3 hours)
- Okashigoten Onna Branch (approximately 30 minutes)
- Manzamo (approximately 30 minutes)
- Depart from the designated drop-off location starting at 6:25 PM. Arrive at the Prefectural Office in Okinawa at 7:00 PM.
The tour includes admission tickets for Churaumi Aquarium, Nago Pineapple Park, and the tour bus fare. However, lunch is not included in the tour package.
Language Support: Audio Support
Key reasons to choose this activity:
1. Includes popular tourist attractions in the northern part of Okinawa.
2. Offers great value for money, and the allocation of time for each course, including Churaumi Aquarium, is appropriate.
3. The tour receives high ratings from participants on kkday.com.
7. Okinawa HIP HOP Bus Tour B Course - Churaumi Aquarium, American Village, Submarine Experience
If you're not planning to rent a car for your trip, I highly recommend taking this tour.
This tour includes a guide (Japanese language) and provides audio support in multiple languages.
The total duration of the tour is approximately 12 hours, starting early in the morning. The detailed itinerary is as follows:
- Depart from the Prefectural Office at 8:30 AM and board the designated hotel bus.
- ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort, Submarine Jr. II Experience (45 minutes)
- Bise Village, Fukugi Tree-lined Street (1 hour)
- Churaumi Aquarium (2 hours 30 minutes)
- Mihama American Village (1 hour)
- Depart from the designated drop-off location starting at 5:40 PM. Arrive at the Prefectural Office in Okinawa at 7:55 PM.
The tour includes admission tickets for Churaumi Aquarium. However, lunch is not included in the tour package.
Language Support: Japanese, Automated Multilingual Voice Guidance
Key reasons to choose this activity:
1. Includes popular tourist attractions in the central and northern parts of Okinawa.
2. Offers great value for money, and the allocation of time for each course, including Churaumi Aquarium, is appropriate at 2 hours 30 minutes.
3. The tour receives high ratings from participants on kkday.com.
8. Book an Okinawa Street Go-Kart Tour (Costumes Included)
If you're heading to the tropical paradise of Okinawa, don't miss out on the opportunity to experience a thrilling go-kart tour. Explore the scenic beauty of the island as you zip through the coastal roads and enjoy breathtaking ocean views. With an English-speaking guide, you can fully immerse yourself in the local culture and make unforgettable memories.
Language Support: English
Key reasons to choose this activity:
1. Be the center of attention as visitors snap photos of you and your crew when you drive by.
2. Cruise Okinawa in unique style at speeds up to 60 km per hour.
3. Dress up as your favorite cartoon character with the included costume rental.
4. Tour stops and highlights include Higashimachi, Naha Airport & Kokusai-dori Street.
Okinawa is a highly satisfying destination for travelers with various purposes, including seeking relaxation for the body and mind, enjoying the beautiful blue sea, and exploring a wide range of attractions and local cuisine. By the time you leave Naha Airport, you'll already be making a promise to yourself to come back next year.
When visiting Okinawa, which is full of diverse attractions and exotic experiences, be sure to try at least one of the tours mentioned above! Especially with snorkeling, any initial fear will fade away, leaving you with only joyful memories as you depart Okinawa.
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*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
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