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Japan travel: 17 things to do in Okinawa

From broad beaches to coral reefs to unique cuisine, Okinawa will give you a different Japanese experience.

Lim Yian Lu

·Contributor

22 December 2022 at 1:34 am·2-min read

Okinawa Shisa and the beautiful sea. (Photo: Getty)

When it comes to visiting Japan, many would go to Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto. But Japan can offer a lot more than that.

Apart from the Hokkaido region at the northern tip, Japan also has Okinawa at the southern end. Unlike the other areas of Japan, Okinawa has a tropical climate and is known as the “Hawaii of Japan”.

From broad beaches to coral reefs to unique cuisine, Okinawa will give you a different Japanese experience. Here are 17 things you can do in Okinawa.

1. Go swimming with whale sharks and sea turtles

Snorkelling, Diving, and Fun Diving Experience with Whale Sharks in Okinawa

S$95.19 at Klook

Snorkelling & Diving & Fun Diving Experience With Sea Turtle In Kerama

S$97.45 at Klook

2. Visit an aquarium

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Ticket

S$22.35 at Klook

DMM Kariyushi Aquarium Admission Ticket

S$24.59 at Klook

3. Explore the cerulean beauty of Onna Village’s Blue Cave

Onna Village Blue Cave Scuba and Snorkeling Experience

S$30.15 at Klook

4. Try some thrilling water activities

Active 3 Marine Sports & Parasailing Set Experience in Okinawa

Okinawa Watersports Thrills

S$51.19 at Klook

5. Learn about the history of pineapple farming at the Nago Pineapple Park

Nago Pineapple Park Ticket in Okinawa

S$11.05 at Klook

6. Immerse in the Okinawan culture at Okinawa World

Okinawa World Ticket and Culture Workshop Experience

S$19.45 ~~S$20.49~~ at Klook

7. Discover thousands of species of plants and animals at Neo Park Okinawa

Neo Park Okinawa

S$8.15 ~~S$9.25~~ at Klook

8. Feast on Okinawan cuisine at Ryukyu Mura

Ryukyu Mura Village E-Ticket and Churaumi Aquarium Ticket in Okinawa

S$37.69 at Klook

9. Admire Okinawa’s underwater world through a glass-bottom boat

Glass Bottom Boat Tour

S$22.55 ~~S$24.59~~ at Klook

10. Explore Okinawa in a go-kart

Okinawa Street Go Karting

S$67.55 ~~S$71.65~~ at Klook

11. Witness the beautiful Okinawan sunset on a dinner cruise

Moby Dick Dinner Cruise in Naha

S$16.39 at Okinawa

12. Let your kids run wild at Bios Hill

Bios Hill Gardens Ishikawa

S$18.45 at Klook

13. Walk on the sandy ocean bed with a special dive helmet

Onna Village Marine Walk

S$69.65 ~~S$71.65~~ at Klook

14. Discover the natural wonders and rocky peaks at Daisekirinzan

Yambaru National Park Daisekirinzan Ticket in Okinawa

S$21.45 at Klook

15. See rare tropical fruit trees at Okinawa Fruits Land

Okinawa Fruits Land Admission Ticket

16. Enjoy a romantic night under a sea of twinkling stars

Okinawa Stargazing Trip with Taxi/Private Chartered Car Transfer

S$63.49 at Klook

17. Cook traditional and typical Okinawan dishes

Okinawa Home Cooking Experience

S$51.19 at Klook

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