This was my tenth trip to Japan, but my very first time setting foot in Okinawa. In the past, whenever I thought of Okinawa, I imagined it as a paradise for water sports lovers and a shopping haven—not really my kind of place...But once I arrived, I was blown away—Okinawa is absolutely amazing! Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in nature's energy, indulge in fresh seafood and premium wagyu beef, or splurge to your heart's content, Okinawa is undoubtedly one of the top destinations to do it all.
Contents
◦ Okinawa Travel Guide
01｜Popular Attractions in Okinawa
🎫 Okinawa World Admission Ticket
🎫 Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Ticket
🎫 Okinawa Churaumi TokuToku 5 Pass
🎫 DMM Kariyushi Aquarium Ticket
🎫 Okinawa FunPASS
02｜Things To Do in Okinawa
03｜Transportation in Okinawa
🚅 Okinawa Yuirail Naha Airport Digital Ticket
04｜eSIM
🛜 eSIM Japan with High-Speed and Stable Internet Connection
◦ Attractions in Okinawa
Aside from water activities and shopping malls, Okinawa is also known for its unique local beliefs and stunning natural landscapes. It’s often considered a place where spiritual energy converges. Being able to fully experience the wonder and mystery of nature was the highlight of my trip!
01｜Gyokusendo Cave
Gyokusendo Cave is located within the Okinawa World theme park in Nanjo City. It is the largest limestone cave in Okinawa and one of the top five largest limestone caves in Japan. About 890 meters of the cave are currently open to the public. It took us around 30 minutes to walk through the entire route, where we got to admire over a million stalactites up close—an underground marvel carved by nature over 300,000 years!
After exiting the cave, follow the visitor path and you’ll pass by the Tropical Fruit Orchard, the Habu Snake Museum, the Ryukyu Kingdom Castle Town, and a souvenir shop. If you have time, don’t miss the Ryukyu Drum Dance SUPER EISA SHOW—it's absolutely worth watching!
Okinawa World Opening Hours: 0900-1600 Maekawa-1336 Tamagusuku, Nanjo, Okinaw 🎫 Okinawa World Admission Ticket
02｜Sefa Utaki
In Ryukyuan culture, utaki refers to sacred places where spirits reside. These are usually natural sites such as forests, caves, or rivers, rather than man-made shrines. Among all the utaki, Sefa Utaki is considered the most sacred and is often referred to as the holiest site in the Ryukyu Kingdom. From the 15th to the 19th century, during the Ryukyu Kingdom era—which embraced a matriarchal spiritual tradition—entry to this site was strictly restricted. Only priestesses and male members of the royal family were allowed; all other men were forbidden from entering.
A friend I was traveling with mentioned that the Sangui, a space formed by two massive overlapping stones, has an especially powerful spiritual energy. This area is the heart of Sefa Utaki and offers a distant view of Kudaka Island, the most sacred island in the Ryukyuan spiritual tradition.
Sefa Utaki Opening Hours: 0900-1715 Kudeken-539 Chinen, Nanjo, Okinawa
03｜Tomb of Amamikyu
In Ryukyuan mythology, Amamikyu is the creator deity who descended from the heavens after receiving grass, trees, earth, and stones from the Heavenly Emperor. With these elements, she formed the Okinawa Islands.
Located on the eastern coast of Hamahiga Island in central Okinawa, the Tomb of Amamikyu (Amamichuu no Haka) is a sacred cave site that enshrines Amamikyu and her partner Shinerikyu. This revered spot is also considered a spiritual place for those seeking blessings in love, fertility, and safe childbirth.
Tomb of Amamikyu Katsurenhiga, Uruma, Okinawa
04｜Okinawa ASHIBINAA Outlet
Just a 25-minute drive from the airport, ASHIBINAA Outlet is a favorite stop for many travelers—either as their first shopping destination upon arrival or the last spree before heading home. With over 100 brands ranging from luxury labels to trendy streetwear, there’s something for everyone. We literally shopped from morning till night, only leaving when the mall closed at 8 PM.
Okinawa ASHIBINAA Outlet Opening Hours: 1000-2000 1-188 Toyosaki, Tomigusuku, Okinawa
05｜AEON MALL
AEON MALL is the biggest shopping complex on the island, featuring over 200 specialty stores and 60 restaurants. It’s highly recommended to pair your visit with a trip to the nearby American Village for a full half- or full-day food and shopping adventure. As soon as we entered AEON MALL, we were hooked—just the first floor was enough to keep us busy! From the eye-catching Rycom Aquarium, the incredibly addictive 3 COINS +plus (a popular Japanese 100-yen store), to the Pokémon Center, I was already over the moon. Don’t miss mont-bell, the must-visit Japanese outdoor brand, located on the second floor—it’s well-stocked and a great place to browse!
AEON MALL Opening Hours: 1000-2200 1 Raikamu, Kitanakagusuku, Nakagami, Okinawa
◦ Restaurants and Snacks in Okinawa
01｜Nikuno Hentai Shūdan Hayate Horumon
With a name that’s hard to forget, Nikuno Hentai Shūdan Hayate Horumon uses the word “hentai” not in the usual sense, but to mean “extreme passion”—a bold declaration of their obsession and love for meat. This premium yakiniku restaurant specializes in high-grade A5 Ishigaki beef, offering over 70 different cuts—a true paradise for meat lovers.
When the dishes arrive, the staff explains the differences between each cut. Every slice was unbelievably tender, with rich, flavorful marbling. The Kuroge Wagyu was simply out of this world. What amazed us the most was the raw beef sushi—it literally melted in our mouths. Absolutely incredible!
There are two locations of Hayate Horumon. We visited the Maejima branch, which has private rooms and is easier to book. If you're after a more lively and energetic vibe, consider going to the Kumoji main location instead.
Nikuno Hentai Shūdan Hayate Horumon Opening Hours: 1700-0100 Okinawa, Naha, Maejima, 3-7-6
02｜YAPPARI STEAK
Originally founded in Okinawa, YAPPARI STEAK has become hugely popular in recent years—and for good reason. The value for money is excellent: along with your steak, you get unlimited soup, salad, pasta, and rice. Despite the affordable price, they don’t cut corners when it comes to quality meat and sauces.
This time, I ordered the Ishigaki beef, which arrived lightly seared on the outside, allowing each guest to cook it to their preferred doneness. The sound of the steak sizzling on the volcanic stone plate from Mt. Fuji was music to my ears—and the aroma, the sight, and the flavor made it a truly multi-sensory dining experience!
YAPPARI STEAK Opening Hours: 1100-2000 Okinawa ASHIBINAA Outlet
03｜Oujima Imaiyu Market
When visiting Oujima, a place famous for its seafood and cats, you can’t miss the small but popular market called Oujima Imaiyu Market—a true haven for food lovers. “Imaiyu” means “fresh fish” in the Okinawan dialect, which perfectly captures the spirit of this market. Here, you’ll find freshly sliced sashimi platters as well as daily specials like miso soup or simmered fish.
After a satisfying meal, take a stroll around the market area to watch local boat builders at work, spot some of the island’s famous cats up close, and enjoy the cheerful laughter of children playing in the water nearby.
Oujima Imaiyu Market Opening: 0900-1800 Ou-19-9 Tamagusuku, Nanjo, Okinawa
04｜Douce Cafe Nanjo
Just a 3-minute drive from Sefa Utaki, Douce Cafe Nanjo was a hidden gem we discovered on this trip! Right when we walked in, the charismatic owner kindly asked us to wash our hands before sitting down—a small but meaningful touch that reflects the café’s focus on cleanliness and contributes to its fresh, bright atmosphere. With stunning ocean views, delicious desserts, and excellent coffee, this café instantly earned a spot on my list of favorites!
Douce Cafe Nanjo Opening: 1300-1800, weekends only. 1265 Chinen, Nanjo, Okinawa
05｜Kupu.kupu Seaside Pancake Factory
Just a 5-minute drive from American Village, Kupu.kupu Seaside Pancake Factory serves generously sized, authentically American-style pancakes and brunch. Since the restaurant is located on the second floor, it’s easy to miss—just look up for the American flag as your guide.
Besides the delicious pancakes, their freshly fried, crispy fries are irresistible. Portions are so large that one meal can easily cover two! It’s best to set aside some time to savor everything at a relaxed pace.
One important note: the owner is allergic to perfume, so guests wearing any fragrance are strictly not allowed to be entered.
Kupu.kupu Seaside Pancake Factory Opening: 0800-1400, closed on Wednesday. 15-58 Minato, Chatan, Nakagami, Okinawa
06｜Menya Marusho
Menya Marusho is a hugely popular soba restaurant with a 4.6-star rating on Google Maps. Despite its somewhat remote location, it’s always bustling during meal times—proof of its great reputation. After trying their Okinawa soba, I quickly understood why it’s so highly praised!
Menya Marusho uses their own homemade fresh noodles, which are smooth yet wonderfully chewy. The broth is made with bonito from Miyako Island, giving it a rich but refreshing flavor. For first-timers, I highly recommend the Marusho Soba, which features pork ribs, cartilage, and salted pork belly all in one bowl. The crispy, savory pork belly is absolutely delicious!
Menya Marusho 丸翔 Opening: 1100-1430, closed on Thursday and Friday. 430-2 Katsurenheshikiya, Uruma, Okinawa