Hello! I'm going to Okinawa for a weekend at the end of the month (Jan 31-Feb 1), arriving in Naha on Saturday morning and departing on Sunday evening. I was planning to rent a car but because I live abroad, I'm having some trouble getting an IDP, and my current one will not be valid. My main goal for this trip is to 1) see the whales (have booked a tour in Kerama islands for Saturday afternoon) and 2) see the cherry blossoms if I'm lucky enough. I was initially planning to drive to Kouri but I'm now trying to consider other options in case I end up not getting my permit on time.
I have several ideas for Sunday and would like to ask what you think would be best. I want to see things, but also don't want to get super stressed out, as I have to go to work on Monday. Here are some of the options:
1) Northern island tour
2) Southern island tour
3) Tokashiki island tour
4) No tour and just see Naha's attractions (Shurijō Castle, Kokusai-dori, Naminoue shrine, Urasoe, some of the parks where the cherry blossoms are)
5) Try to take public transport to go up north
I'm not a fan of aquariums, so I'm not that interested in going there (even if I see that most tours include it). Any suggestions? I'm starting to spiral that my trip will suck if I can't get a car😭
by melinda_r
7 comments
If you’re just there for two days island hopping is a bad idea. You’ll spend most of the time traveling and seeing nothing. Just stay on the main island. Naha alone has enough to keep you busy
The taxi is expensive ($100), but we went up to Onna and did snorkeling, freediving, and scuba diving. Had a great time. Didn’t do anything else. If you take a bus, you have to pay with cash, and the locals couldn’t help me since they drive.
If you’re only there for 2-3 days stick around Naha. There’s a lot to do! And it’ll be less stressful
And if you still want to see more of Okinawa’s nature, the Kerama islands should have you covered. It’s a good day trip when you’re relegated to Naha
I would stick to Naha. If you have a tour for Kerama Islands, that’s fine.
Whatever sites are most important to you, I would recommend you do those on Saturday.
Sundays are significantly busier at the tourist attractions and shopping places.
For Sunday I totally suggest that you do option 4, there’s actually a ton to see and do around Naha. The Aquarium is actually beautiful but if you’re not a fan of them I understand but I must say the area where the Aquarium is beautiful and close to Kouri Island. If you look at this Blog Post it shows 18 things to do around Naha, there might be some you probably didn’t know either. It’s really best to get a car if you can!
Check out: [https://hungrypursuit.com/things-to-do-in-naha-okinawa/](https://hungrypursuit.com/things-to-do-in-naha-okinawa/)
Naha is full of fascinating backstreets and surprises. Perfect if you like photography. Use the monorail to get around and get a good view and the castle. Goto the very huge coveted shopping area and wander. It’s massive
Found this post so I can find something to do today. Today it’s windy and cold. Tomorrow it gets sunnier but I leave for Osaka.
I like option 4. Will try to do it and finish with a visit to the seafood market for dinner.
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