I have read through on the north being more interesting for outdoor activities. Is there much hiking and bike riding to do? I’m bringing my road bike, so looking for good routes and views!
Is uber used in Okinawa or another app?
I’ve read about public transport not being great outside of Naha.
Any other touristy things I should know or be aware of such as etiquette (that differed to the mainland), dos n don’ts, food, markets etc. I’m up for all activities. Don’t be shy on food rec’s.
Is it easy enough to get to the smaller islands for snorkelling, hiking etc?
Cheers
by occasional_superhero
3 comments
No uber, but you can taxi, or there are a few shuttle buses that run from Naha to the north. You’d have to look up the times though.
I’d recommend trying local Okinawan cuisine since its so different than mainland, like Okinawa soba, Sata Andagi (Donuts), Beni-Imo or Shikuwasa items. I think the roadside stations are good for those, there are many locations or maybe an Okashigoten which also has multiple locations.
I’ve been to many outer islands now, Miyako and Ishigaki are the biggest but they’re plane rides away. The Kerama Islands are a ferry ride away, but you can find the information for the ferries online, and you can even reserve your spots on the website, I think their port is in Naha. There are also ferries to Iheya and Izena in the North, or Ie island is a 30 minute ferry ride away in the North!
>I’m bringing my road bike, so looking for good routes and views!
From Nago, head along the coastline on route 449/505. It will merge into route 58 so keep riding north. Its mostly flat coastal roads, although if you are unlucky there will be a head wind. There are some tunnels along the way so make sure to have lights.
The road will start climbing as you approach Cape Hedo in the north, then swing around to route 70 on the east coast heading south. The road along the northern east coast does not have sharp climbs but the undulating hills can get to you. The scenery along the northern eastern coast is fantastic though.
Keep riding south until route 70 merges with route 331. Continue southbound on route 331 until you come to route 329. It is a short climb from route 329 back to Nago. Total distance is about 200 kilometers.
There are a number of rest areas along the west coast. The east coast is a bit more lonely, but there are [general stores](https://maps.app.goo.gl/osWynNq6h87cXKef8) along route 70. At a glance they may not look like stores so keep an eye out for them if you need to resupply.
try mountain biking! If going before it gets too warm spiders arent too big of a deal. But if you’re booking a ride and rental with me i lead anyway and deal with them facefirst anyway. If you’re carless and staying in or near Chatan or Yomitan I could probably arrange transport.[https://cuttyjungle.com/](https://cuttyjungle.com/)