Welcome to First-timer Road Trip to Okinawa – Part 2. This blog is a continuation of my earlier Okinawa travelogue (Part 1) which detailed my coastal phase of the road trip and marked the transition from the laid-back ambience of the northern part of the island to the hustle-bustle of Naha city in the south.
The itineraries flow from north to south is ideal as the airport is located at Naha in the south. Starting a vacation from the south and ending in the north would mean a long drive back to the city on departure day. Likewise, most of the shopping is done in the city and the items you saw in the north are usually available in the city. So an ideal Okinawa vacation would be to proceed straight to the north upon arrival (if enjoying the lovely seaside is part of your plan) and explore the island in a southerly direction.
Day 4
Cape Manzamo 
A quick family shot before the hordes of local students swarms the place. Can you see the busloads of them at the back?
The floral and fauna of the park are all-natural vegetation. It’s a public park with no entry fee. But as the park is a popular venue, I would advise going early about 8-830am to avoid the peak hour tourist traffic between 10-11am, when many arriving tourist buses can jam up the narrow lanes leading to the park.
Mihama American Village 
After about an hour’s drive from Cape Manzamo, we arrived at the Mihama American Village (Tel: 98-926-5678). The venue is a large entertainment complex located in central Okinawa Honto, where many American military bases are located. The American-themed recreational complexes provide a nostalgic venue for residents of the bases as well as an interesting diversion for the locals. You will find it resembles a big American outdoor shopping mall with lots of shops, restaurants, cafes, and large parking lots.
The A&W Ebi Burger with full-sized crunchy shrimps inside! You just have to try it and of course, with the A&W Root Beer Float.
This is the spot which I feel best summarises the village – Ferris Wheel and the A&W fast food outlet. We only stay here for about an hour as our minds were more centered on reaching Naha city for the famed Kokusai Street and checking into our next hotel.
Something caught my eyes – the frequent American military aircraft in the skies. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma (MCAS Futenma) is a United States Marine Corps base located in Ginowan, 9.3 km northeast of Naha. It is home to about 3,000 Marines of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and other units and has been a U.S. military airbase since the defeat of the Japanese Imperial Army in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. Marine Corps pilots and aircrew are assigned to the base for training and providing air support to other land and sea-based Marines in Okinawa and throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Community and Spa Naha Central Hotel
Our hotel, Community and Spa Naha Central Hotel (Tel. no: 98-867-3466) was perfect for its proximity to the famous Kokusai Street, at just about 2 minute’s walk away. It’s also one of the few hotels in the vicinity that offer the quad-share family room. We were housed in the hotel’s new wing which has facilities like secured card-access lifts, an automatic WC with seat warmer, WiFi, and even an ionizer in the room. I must admit the hotel name sounded weird at first impression but once we checked in, it feels homely and sufficient for a good night’s rest. Travel time to the airport from this hotel is just 15 minutes by taxi (about 1300¥/S$16).
The hotel room was small as typical of most city hotels. What the room lacks in size, it excels in space planning, like the wash basin which is located outside the bathroom. This facilitates usage when the bathroom is being used.
The bathroom is very functional and well-spaced. I must say I had one of my best rain-shower experiences in this self-contained bath cubicle. For an onsen session, the hotel annex includes Okinawa’s largest hot spring/public bath Rikkarikkayu, for which hotel guest pays a fee of 1000¥ (S$12) each. The public rate is 1400¥ for an adult.
Kokusaidori Street
Kokusaidori (“International Road” in Japanese) is Naha‘s main street, stretching for roughly 1.5 kilometres through downtown Naha. The street takes its name from the former “Ernie Pyle International Theater”, a movie theatre that was built along the road after the war.
Starting around the Naha Bus Terminal and Prefectural Hall, Kokusaidori is lined with numerous restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels, souvenir shops, boutiques, and department stores. Many shops are open from 9.30 am onwards till 11 pm. This is the venue where shopaholics will go wild. A good starting point would be to venture into the colourful Heiwadori, which is opposite the Mcdonalds’ outlet. The shops in the arcade are smaller than those along Kokusaidori and are often made up of just a small single booth. Makishi public market is located in one of the alleyways, which offers unique Okinawa food including pigs face skin, pigs ears, seaweed, sea grapes, and fresh seafood.
Sensory overload with hordes of items competing for your eyes and wallet. Many of the shops carry similar products so it’s advisable to check out the prices before buying. Some of the shops have tax-free transactions but you need to bring your original passport to qualify for the sales tax refund.
Get lost in the many turns and alleys? No worries, use the floor directory tiles as an orientation guide.
A typical stall at the arcade. Sometimes, I can’t figure out what the stalls are selling as the displays are jam-packed with so many things.
One souvenir you will see practically everywhere in the market is the Shisa, a traditional cultural artifact decoration often seen in identical pairs resembling a cross between a lion and a dog from Okinawan mythology. Shisa are guards, believed to shield people from some evils. Locals place pairs of shisa on their rooftops or flanking the gates to their houses with the left shisa having a closed mouth while the right one with an open mouth. The opened mouth wards off evil spirits and the closed mouth keeps good spirits in.
Lots of choices and stalls at the Makishi Public Market. Choosing the right stall can be difficult but usually, the brightest and most crowded stall wins. Prices are controlled and fairly similar throughout the fish market with clearly marked prices.
Fresh and tempting for seafood lovers. The price is not cheap but not costly either. Okinawa being an island has a long-established maritime and fishery history.
At 1000¥ (S$12) for this platter, my wife said it was not really that fresh as we had it late in the afternoon. Perhaps it will be better in the morning? But we visit the market early at 9 am the next day, it was only just starting to commence business. Ideally, go from 10 am onwards.
I am not quite a sashimi eater, so it’s pork rib ramen for me. Wide variety on the menu at the eateries.
One of the many eateries on the 2nd floor of the fish market. You can get them to cook your raw seafood purchased from the wet market (about 500¥ for up to three items) or order from their wide range of menu items.
You will see plenty of Kei or K-car (or kei jidōsha “light automobile”) on Okinawa roads. This is a category of small vehicles encompassing passenger cars, micro-vans, and pickup trucks (kei trucks or kei-class trucks). They are designed to comply with government tax and insurance regulations and in most rural areas are exempted from the requirement to certify that adequate parking is available for such vehicles.
You will see the Smartphone culture have also “taken” over people’s life in Okinawa. It’s a worldwide phenomenon.
At night, the street takes on a new life and ambience. It might not have the vibrance of Tokyo night scene but it’s still nonetheless pretty lively and exciting.
Naha City takes on a new vibe at night. This was shot at the Kokusai Okiei Odori junction (near the Starbucks cafe).
We settled for dinner at Ajinotokeidai Ramen to further our love for local cuisine. There are so many ramen restaurants at Kokusai which are all good as we have not been disappointed by any of those we patronised.
Automated seam-less ramen ordering machine. Select the dish first, make payment, get the receipt, hand it over to the service staff, and then sit down for your order to be served. Seems this machine is like an accounting system, order-taker, and kitchen-barker all rolled into one.
A shop along Kokusai Street. What are they selling?
One of several Yukisio outlets along Kokusai street. There is also the popular Blue Seal Ice Cream. Okinawans certainly love their ice creams!
Yukisio Salty ice cream. The sea salt flavoured ice cream in the cup comes with a few cornflakes underneath. If you like milky ice cream, you should try it. They have 10 different flavours of salt for you to choose from, including purple sweet potato, green tea, coconut, yuzu (citrus fruit), etc.
Day 5
Ashibinaa Outlets Mall 
We started day 5 to satiate my wife’s penchant for shopping. And what better way to do it than at Ashibinaa (Tel. no: 98-891-6000)? This outlet mall in Okinawa opened in 2002 and it’s very popular with both locals and tourists. It is easily accessed within 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
“Ashibinaa” means “Playground” in the Okinawa dialect. This outlet mall is also great for families with kids because there are stores and events for kids. It’s especially crowded during weekends and evenings. We arrived at about late in the morning which saw us having the run of the place.
With more than 100 well-known domestic and international brand stores and lower prices than usual (approximately 30% to 50% off the regular price). Parking is free at the venue and there are also many restaurants and souvenir stores. I would recommend dropping by this venue towards the end of the vacation to avoid carrying loads of parcels.
Planes spotting at Senaga 
Just a short 15min drive from the Ashibinaa Mall, I stumbled upon a great plane-spotting venue at Senaga, when I saw a JASDF F15J warplane landing. The Naha civilian airport is also home to the Naha Air Base of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. For plane enthusiasts, this is a choice venue to enjoy watching planes as they whizzed close by. For solely military aircraft, the Futenma Air Base is about a 45min drive away from Naha Airport.
Commercial airliners taxiing at Naha Airport to prepare for take-off.
A JASDF mid-air refueler – KC767, was spotted at the Outlet Mall coming in to land at Naha Airport. It was quite an experience to observe military aircraft sharing the same runway with the civilian airport.
A Peach Airbus A320-214. Peach is a low-cost airline based in Japan, like Jetstar or Airasia.
Shuri Castle* 
From Senaga, it was just an easy 35min drive to Shuri Castle (or 首里城, Shurijō – Tel: 98-886-2020). An iconic landmark that should not be missed. The castle is included as one of the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Castles of the Ryukyu Kingdom sites. Shuri Castle was originally built in the late 1300s and played a pivotal role in the political unification of the island. Wars and fires destroyed the castle multiple times over the centuries, most recently in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. The current buildings are faithful reconstructions dating from 1992.
* Update – 11 Nov 2019. The Shuri Castle was destroyed in a massive fire on 31 Oct 2019. The Shuri Castle Park partially reopened on the 5th Nov with restricted access. Reconstruction work is slated for completion in the fall of 2026.
The castle main hall is currently undergoing lacquer re-coating work, which lasts from April 2017 to late 2018, and is partially covered by scaffolding. As such, we chose not to pay the 820¥ (S$10) entry fee as there is already plenty to see around the free access area.
View of the surrounding area of the city from the castle vantage point. The castle’s hilltop location allows for nice views over Naha.
The castle perimeter courtyard. Imagine soldiers training and marching in the open space during the warring period.
A castle staff in a traditional Ryukyu costume waiting to pose for pictures with visitors, for a fee. Costumes are also provided for visitors to look like royalty.
Nightlife @ Kokusaidori 
When staying at Naha, one of the highlights is the street scene at Kokusai Street, particularly after dark when the street gets livelier. It’s interesting to observe both human and vehicular traffic. And I must say this is a very law-abiding society making travel to this city a safe affair.
In the late evening, I was still able to see a “Sararīman” (salaried man in Japanese). It refers to a man whose income is salary-based, particularly those working for corporations. It has gradually become accepted in English-speaking countries as a noun for a Japanese white-collar worker or businessman.
Peak hours traffic at Kokusaidori. Despite heavy traffic, the jam clears in a brisk manner and I don’t recall hearing any drivers sounding their horns.
You may come across the Street Go-Kart Tour “Real Life SuperHero Go-Karting” when strolling along the main street. It is a fun way to see Okinawa and feel like a celebrity as many eyes will be on you. Certainly, an interesting activity if you want to spice up your Okinawa holiday fun factor.
Yes, your eyes are not playing a trick on you. This a Tuk-Tuk imported from Bangkok. Okinawa Tuk Tuk Co., Ltd has 17 units for rental at 5184¥ for a 1-hour rental.
Beef & Agu Pork @ Kaimana Rooftop Bar and Grill
As our vacation was drawing to an end, we decided to pamper ourselves with renowned local Ishigaki Beef and Agu Pork at the Kaimana Rooftop Bar and Grill (Tel.no-098-866-6788), having seen their advertisement at the street level. Just a short stroll from our hotel and we are in meat heaven, yakiniku-style.
Ishigaki beef – a finely marbled and tender type of Okinawan beef. Excellent texture and a pleasant aftertaste. Ishigaki beef is in the Wagyu category. There is about 139 Wagyu variety across Japan (concentrated in southern Japan). Wagyu means Japanese beef. Wa=Japan and Gyu=beef. The definition of Wagyu is pedigree cows which are 100% born and raised in Japan.
The Agu Pork is excellent local-grown pork. Okinawa has one of the highest consumption of pork. There are many brands of pork but this native black pig of Okinawa is the most popular. People call this pork “phantom pork” because there is so little Agu pork exist which received the quality guarantee. The texture of the meat is tender, rich, and has a perfect balance of meat and fat. There are many dishes with Agu pork and they are served all over Okinawa.
Day 6
Okinawa World
Our final day of vacation before departing on the early flight the following day, saw us visiting Okinawa World (Tel.no: 98-949-7421). I am not quite a theme park person but having visited this venue, I must admit I did enjoyed the experience. The park is about Okinawan culture with its main attractions being a massive natural cave, a craft village, and a snake museum. But we only chose to visit the natural cave and craft village.
A ‘customary’ shot at the park entrance to prove we were there. Just for keepsake memories.
The limestone caves were spectacular. I have visited caves at Halong Bay in Vietnam and Kelly’s and Jenolan Caves in Australia but this cave holds its own. With a total length of 5 km, Gyokusendo Cave is the longest of the many caves in the south of Okinawa Island and the second longest cave in the entire country. 850 meters of the cave is open to the public and feature spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. The cave interior is warm and humid at 21° C, well-lit and maintained, and with easy non-slip walking paths.
The theme park was a cool and balmy 15’C but once inside the cave, spectacles or camera lenses fogged up in the humid warm 21’C. It took about 6-7 mins before the glasses acclimatized. You will love the amazing “blue” stream, which is crystal clear and lit by blue lights installed underwater.
Spotted an eel, one of several, in the crystal clear stream. There are also indigenous shrimps and fish. Wonder how they get there in the 1st place.
My ‘kokuto kori zenzai’ is being prepared. It is a dessert with shaved ice topped with red beans, mochi and dusted with brown sugar shavings. At 350¥ (S$4.20), you feel like a tourist indeed.
‘Kokuto kori zenzai’ shaved ice with brown sugar, sweet beans and syrup. At 350¥ (S$4.20), it’s a tourist-oriented price. In the city, it’s about 300¥ for the same thing.
This is Habu sake. Habu (波布) is a Japanese name used to refer to certain venomous snakes. The snake is said to be able to survive with only water for more than 100 days. The habu snake is carefully treated and the extract is stored and aged for a long time in 59% alcohol and then combined with 13 fragrant herbal liquors. Prices of the infusion vary depending on the size. The most expensive pick at around 130,000 ¥ (S$1854). Cheaper choices are priced about S$100 onwards depending on the content volume and concentration.
A couple of musical instrument artisans enjoying some free time at the park. They play the Sanshin – Okinawan three-stringed lute when paid for by visitors.
Master glass artist at work. The story of glass craft is a story of war, hardship, and rebirth. The island and its manufacturing were largely destroyed during World War II. Most Okinawans were either displaced or killed in the fighting. The craftspeople who returned to rebuild often found little more than rubble and were forced to make use of whatever materials were available. As the stories go, Okinawans started collecting the bottles discarded by occupying U.S. troops. Some say it was Coca-Cola bottles tossed from ships though it’s just as likely the island’s large number of military bases also produced a constant stream of discarded glass containers. The bottles were melted down and re-blown into a unique type of recycled glassware. Locally made glass caught on quickly with U.S. service members, who bought them as shipboard storage containers or souvenirs which in turn cultivated a base for the new industry. Through the ages, it has been refined and blossomed into one of the island’s proudest traditions. The local craft is now a magnet for visitors worldwide.
Feel the lava heat from the furnace. The melting point of glass is 1350-1700’C. Really, really hot!
Genuine pearl for accessories. The park offers authentic cultured pearl extraction for customising into accessories like hand-phone lanyards, earrings, etc.
Stall artisan customising our accessories order.
Having fun with the stilts and balancing clogs. Looks deceptively easy but is really difficult.
Eisa dancer at the end of vibrant and heroic traditional performance. Eisa is traditionally performed during Obon in Okinawa and surrounding islands. This scheduled Eisa performing art show is a must-see attraction. We were treated to various traditional performances of Okinawa, including Shishimai lion dance, Angama, Yotsudake. But NO video or pic-taking was allowed during the dance.
Visitors are invited to do the Bon Odori dance after the performance. Nice way to wrap up the occasion.
Cafe Yuu Yuura San
After exiting Okinawa World and rather than dining at the park’s touristy food outlets, we took a 5 min drive to Cafe Yu Yuura San (Tel.no: 98-948-4058). A cosy little cafe run by a couple. Good food at a reasonable cost.
The cosy interior of the cafe is ideal for ‘Instagrammable” pictures. The eatery overlooks a big sugarcane plantation.
The stir-fried Agu pork dish was spot-on. Just 800¥ (S$9.70) and includes rice and soup.
My order of fusion bento box was pretty too. 800¥ (S$9.70) It was certainly a great price for such a meal.
Teppanyaki dinner at Sam’s Sailor
Our last meal in the evening at Kokusai Street, teppan-yaki at Sam’s Sailor Inn (Tel. no:98-918-0808), along Kokusaidori, near the Starbucks cafe. I believe that’s the restaurant owner Sam himself. He even speaks a bit of Hokkien! The restaurant is designed with a ship theme and came highly rated for their dining experience.
Our Okinawa Beef session coming soon. Diners are provided with bibs to minimise the oil splatter on their clothing. One of the highlights of this restaurant is the chef’s performance during cooking as they flip and throw their cooking utensils as they prepare your dishes.
Always a nice feeling to see your food being prepared right in front of you. The “volcano” fried rice is an interesting option to have in the menu packages.
Conclusion
This blog concludes my 2-parts Okinawa self-drive travelogue. Having enjoyed this Japan’s equivalent of Hawaii truly reminded me not to succumb to the preconceived impression of places that may not be accurate. The beautiful island of Okinawa certainly warrants future visits as there are many other gorgeous islands waiting to be discovered. For readers on self-drive and with departure flight at a later date), please note that the car rental company provides complimentary shuttle to the airport, which is linked to the city monorail. From there, it’s about a 20min ride (300¥ /1 way) to the hotels at Naha city (alight at Makishi station).
Many sincere thanks for coming along on my pixels journey.
Footnote: All pictures used in this travelogue are copyrighted to Jensen Chua Photography and all rights reserved. The opinion expressed is factual, objective, and that of the author. The trip is non-sponsored.
Great post Jensen! Do check out our Okinawa Travel Itinerary as well!
Happy Travels Everyone!
Tom & Kate,
2bearbear.com
Thanks mate 🙂
Hi, would 5 days be enough to explore Okinawa based on your itinerary? I plan to fly by Jetstar on 12 June and departs on 18 June 2020. Deducting arrival and departure, I left with 5 full days in Okinawa. Also, for self drive, do I just key in the places of interest or full address or postal code into Maps and directions will be given?
Hi Patrina, thanks for ur message. 5 days in Okinawa may be rather tight. U will have to forgot some activities and attractions. If u like relaxed beach ambience, you might allocation 3 days in northern beach resort area.. and last 2 days for the city for bit of shopping and dining before coming home. I would suggest contacting Jetabout Holidays (look for Cindy Loo) as they have new latest attractions. You won’t pay more than if u do DIY.
About the self-drive, the GPS comes with English instruction and you can key in places telephone number (which is easiest for me) or mapcode. I also use Google Map on my handphone as back-up. Driving in Okinawa is easy. But for the city phase, do keep a safe distance to the car in front you as i notice there are many local tourists drivers and they may make abrupt turns as they are guided by GPS.
Please feel free message if u need further assist. Regards.
Hi Jensen, your blog on Okinawa is extremely helpful and the photos look wonderful. My wife and I plan to follow your itinerary! If we get to see what you have shown, we would be very happy already.
Appreciate if you can advice on the below.
1. After we arrive back from the North, we will stay in the Community & Spa hotel in Naha. Will I still need the car? Or is everything easily acessible by public transport or walking?
2. If there are some locations in your Day 4-6 which requires a car, what are they? I will probably do it in Day 4 and if necessary, Day 5 and then return the car.
3. If i do return my car, will it be easy to get to the airport using monorail. My flight leaves at 9am. Or will it be cheaper to just keep the car and drive to the airport?
Thanks very much
Nolan
hi Nolan,
Glad u like my blog and find it useful. It was quite an effort to set up this Part 1+2 of the travelogue.
Answer to your queries –
1+2) When u back to Naha city after ur northern coastal trip, u will need the car if u plan to explore the attraction in the city fringe, like the Shuri Castle, Duty free market or Okinawa World. But if u are checking out the Kokusai street, plse leave the car in the hotel car park, as it’s just a few minutes walk away. Jetabout Holiday will plan other hotels in Naha city for better experience.
3) I would suggest returning the car on the day prior your departure. The car rental company provides free shuttle service to the airport, which the monorail is built next to it. The single trip from the monorail to Naha city is about 20min and cost 300Y. Let your hotel front desk book a taxi to the airport the following morning (about 1400Y, 15-20min). The international airport opens 7am, so no need go too early. There is not much to eat or shop at the international airport (unlike the domestic)
4) 1 final important advise – do book with Jetabout Holidays for peace of mind and the latest itineraries and good rates for the car/insurance rental.
Have a great vacay to Oki ! Sugoi-desu ! 🙂
U might like check my FB album of my Oki self-drive trip – https://www.facebook.com/jensen.chua/media_set?set=a.10214585755455596&type=3
Hi Jenson, May i know how roughly what are the parking charges like for naha city? Is it easy to get a parking lot in the city area?
Hi Jas, car parking costs vary by area and we’re usually at the mercy of whoever owns the parking lot at each area but I’d estimate about 350 yen per hour for a car, could be more or less. Some attractions have free parking or low cost parking. Parking seems ‘easy” from what I can see during my trip there. However, i like to advise moving around Naha city by walking as the stretch of Kokusaidori is very walk-able. I would advise leaving your car at your hotel unless u are driving to attraction far from hotel.
thanks for sharing.
My pleasure 🙂
Hi Jensen,
Your Okinawa blog is simply awesome and very detailed for first time visit.
Great photos taken also!
I will follow your itinerary for my next trip to Okinawa.
By the way, may I know which period did you travel to Okinawa as the weather look terrific,
blue sky and clear seas.
Please advise
Hi Florence, glad u enjoyed my Oki blog. I traveled during the 1st week of Dec. Do check out with Jetabout Holidays as they have updated itineraries and info. And you won’t pay more than if u plan and book all on your own. I have readers who read my blog, book thru Jetabout and enjoying their Oki trip at this moment. So glad my blog helped… have a great trip 😉
Hi Jensen,
I am planning for a trip to Okinawa 8 days 7 nights on March 2019. I will follow yr planning itinerary which is good. Can I know on the whole trip how many Hotels did you stay for a stop. And how much did you pay for the rental car for your whole trip. Thank you & pls advise
Hi June, just 2 hotels – in the coastal area (north) – The ANA Manza Intercontinental and in Naha city, the Community & Spa Naha Central Hotel (new wing). The rental car price has since increased. They are now charging 7,300Y daily for Toyota Wish (Luft Car Rental) public online rate. I recommend if u like better rates and overall saving (but for whole package), do call Jetabout Holidays as they have special rate with the vendors. Plus they will advise the latest updates on the itineraries as it is designed by them.
Hi Jensen,
Thanks for the valuable information and nice pictures. I am planning a solo trip to Okinawa in Dec. Do you think it is safe to drive alone according to your itinerary?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Julia, glad my article helped in your Okinawa trip planning. Okinawa is generally safe and drivers there are courteous. You will find driving along the coastal highway a lovely experience. But you may have to be more cautious especially in the city where the traffic junctions are aplenty and loads of starts and stops. Also, I noticed quite often, drivers in the city tend to make last-minute turns. This, I attributed to many tourists (including Japanese from other states), following their in-car GPS direction. Do keep a safe distance (Naha city speed limit is generally 40km/h). If you have not booked your rental vehicle, Jetabout Holidays have good relations with a few firms there and can advise you on the booking. Have a great trip to Okinawa.
Hi Jensen,
Am planning for my sole trip to Okinawa in Dec and chance upon your blog. Thanks for the valuable information and nice pictures. Do you think it is safe to drive around alone if i were to follow you itinerary? Thanks in advance.
Hi, i am planning to go with my kids in 3rd week of Oct. Is it a good time? I am looking somewhere with little cold weather as compare to SG.
hi Denise, thanks for your enquiry. 3rd week Oct is reasonably nice with ave 28’C day temp and lower in the night. U will feel less humidity compare to Sgp of cuz. By November – Most beaches and outside pools are closed up in late of the month. In Dec – expect low temperature and sparse rainfall. Sweater or coat is recommended. Since it’ll get a lot colder in October, you’ll have to dress in long-sleeved tops. The average temperature is around 25°C/77°F and generally ranges from a low of 23°C/73.4°F to a high of 28°C/82.4°F. It’s sometimes hot and sometimes cold, so it’s better to dress in layers that you can take off and put on depending on the temperature. So if u planning snorkelling trip, then it’s not a good month.
Hello, may I ask what was the recommended duration for Shuri Castle and Okinawa World?
Was planning to do both on the same day.
Is it still possible to visit after any other places if I start the day, say, at 10am?
Thanks in advance! (:
Okinawa World has 3 Worlds. I only visited 2 of them (minus the Snake world), i would suggest at least 1/2 a day at the Okinawa World (take it easy) and about 1.5-2 hours at Shuri castle. But Shuri Castle has some restoration work going on. Thus I did not pay to enter the central main courtyard during my trip. Understand the works are still ongoing. U can check out the alerts https://oki-park.jp/userfiles/files/pdf/shurijo/2018_close_en.pdf
After Shuri Castle and Okinawa World.. I return to Kokusai for a stroll and food adventure.
Hi, am planning to visit Okinawa with my Wife in December. However, we don’t drive, will this be a problem? Is public transportation available?
Afraid I can’t comment too much on that. Understand you can take a taxi (no Grab there, but your hotel can book for u with the price fixed at booking). In Naha city, it’s a compact city but u can take the monorail (1 direction) to many parts of the city. Or u can take a coach package there… have a look here : https://www.visitokinawa.jp/transportation/transportation-in-okinawa
Hi Jensen, thank you for the great post. it helps me alot in my planning. I need some advice here. After collecting the car from Naha airport, how long did you drive to reach your first hotel?
Hi Frances, u can check driving/travel time and distance via Google map. I drove about 1hr to ANA Manza.
Hello Jensen!
Thank you very much for the article! It was great and helpful!
We are planning a self-drive as well but there are just too many places to go! 🙁 Can I please ask for some advice:
1. Why didn’t you return the car on your departure day? Is it because they are not open or its a brand new day charge?
2. We are thinking if we are too ambitious – we are even thinking to pack Ishigaki island 3 days 2 nights in the 7 nights that we are there (2 nights Nago, 2 nights Ishigaki and 3 nights Naha) – were you thinking to plan the islands in yours?
3. You mentioned Jetabout – did you use them just for car rental or?
Thank you! Bob
Hi Bob,
Thanks for your message.
My answer to your Qn. 1 –
Yes as most rental company open from 8 am – Jetstar flight departs quite early and you move around Naha city easily by foot.
Qn.2 –
NO – if you have 7 nights, it will be good to pack 2 nights for Ishigaki as you can probably finish touring the main island within 5 nights. However, you need to travel on a domestic flight to Ishigaki – try to book this In between your stay in Okinawa to avoid flight misconnections. Do take note of the domestic flight baggage allowance too as it might be lower or different from the international sectors. Domestic flight can be quite costly – from S$200 depending on availability.
Qn. 3 –
No, Jetabout has been most helpful in my Oki trip planning, they arranged everything including my detailed touring itinerary. I only chose to amend 1-2 eating places along the way when we saw something we like.
I hope my answer helps..please feel free to message if you need further info. Have a fabulous Oki trip 🙂
Hi. Jetstar’s return flight is at 9 in the morning. How did you return the car and get to the airport?
Hi Nateniale,
I return the rental car the day before my departure in the late afternoon about 5pm. The firm closes about 7pm. I stayed at Naha city hotel which is just 15min away from the airport. Morning traffic is a breeze. You can get the hotel front office to book the taxi for you. Rate is about 1200-1400Y.
Hi Jensen, I suppose there wasn’t any problems with the arriving flight timing at 8am? The shuttle bus to RinkuToyosaki was already available?
Hi Dee,
Thanks for your enquiry. No worries, when I arrived and after baggage collection, there were already many car rental companies shuttle drivers waiting at the arrival hall. We were a little early as we were ahead of time while our pick up was on time. You are in Japan, punctuality is the norm.
Cheers .
Hi Jensen, can I check how much was the car rental?
Thank you.
Hi CT, I paid about S$100/day for a Toyota Wish, for a 6 days period. Insurance included. You can expect about $400-700 for a 6 days booking, depending on season.
Do contact Jetabout Holidays for great rates that u can’t find on the websites.
Cheers
Hi Jensen,
So glad that i came across your blog. This is really helpful. May I check if you drive through out during your stay in Okinawa? Is it easy to find parking in the city area? Is parking expensive?
Thank you.
Ivy
Hi Ivy,
Thanks for your message. Yes, I drove throughout until one day before departure. For parking in Naha city, I parked my rented car at the hotel carpark which charges 1500Y daily. This is payable upfront for entire stay duration during check-in. The city hotel is just 2-3 min walk from Kokusai St, so I don’t drive around the city. But if u do, parking is relatively easy to find and not prohibitive, about 300-400Y/hr. For some attraction out of town, like at the duty free Mall Abbisinaa, it is F.O.C .
Hi Jensen, very nice entries and pictures! I think I’m sold by your post! Can I ask when did you visit Okinawa?
Hi Dee,
Glad you like my article . I travel during early Dec period. Weather was perfect…nice and cooling. And windy too, especially at the coastal town.
Hi Jensen
Thank you for the lovely travelogue that you have posted on Okinawa. It is certainly very useful for me as I’m planning for a holiday in June with my hubby and my boy who will be about 9 months old by then. Would just like to check if you have noticed any young Japanese couple pushing their baby in the pram or do they carry the baby in the carrier. And if you have any tips for us since we are traveling with a baby. We will most likely take your itinerary as a guide as we are going for 6d5n and thereafter flying to Taipei.
Thank you Jensen once again! (:
Hi Sophie, thank u for your message and compliment. My apologies for delayed response. Just back from another trip. About carrying your baby, I must say I didn’t see pram being used often. I see mostly couples using body baby carriers. A pram is ok to be used if u are on self-drive as you can just place it in the boot. Places like theme parks are still ok as long as you avoid the crowded area. However, in busy places like Heiwadori, I feel pram usage may not be advisable. Generally, the walking path surfaces of Okinawa are generally even and good.
Should you need good hotel rates and bespoke packages, you might like contact Jetabout Holidays for assistance. They are certainly the reason I enjoyed my Okinawa road trip. (I am not on commission or anything, by the way) (^_^)
Hi Jensen, thank you for your reply. Apologies, did not notice it till now. After reading what you have shared, we will probably bring the pram and leave it in the boot. We will walk about more often with the baby carrier instead. I will certainly check out Jetabout Holidays too (: Thank you once again.
Hi Sophie,
No worries, have a great vacay..and safe travels… (^__^)//