If you’re searching for the perfect Okinawa itinerary, look no further—our 5-day island adventure had it all: scenic road trips, tropical beaches, quirky attractions, and unforgettable local flavors. From exploring the vibrant markets of Naha to snorkeling off the shores of Zamami Island, and from rainy-day detours to luxurious resort dining, every day offered a unique blend of culture, relaxation, and spontaneous fun.
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ToggleDay 1: Welcome to Island Paradise – Your Okinawa Itinerary Begins!
Touchdown at Naha Airport at 4 PM, and the vacation vibes hit instantly. After grabbing our rental car from Toyota Rent-A-Car (a must for this Okinawa itinerary!), we drove straight to Makishi Public Market. It was the perfect crash course in Okinawan culture—colorful stalls, sizzling street food, and friendly locals.
Our cozy base for the next three nights? Hotel Aqua Citta Naha, complete with a rooftop pool we vowed to dive into… later.
Day 2: Northern Okinawa Road Trip – Rain Can’t Stop Us!
Rain? No problem. Our Okinawa itinerary pressed on with a road trip to the island’s north. First stop: Nago Pineapple Park, where we rode a pineapple-themed cart and sang their catchy jingle for hours.
Next up: Churaumi Aquarium, a highlight of any Okinawa itinerary. We devoured a buffet lunch at Restaurant Ino before entering the aquarium wonderland—whale sharks, glowing jellyfish, and more.
Though the rain kept us from swimming at Emerald Beach, we found comfort back at Aqua Citta’s heated rooftop pool. Dinner? Fried chicken from Popeye’s, savored in pajamas.
Nago Pineapple Park
Schedule: 9:00-10:00
Admission fee:¥1,200
Our first stop of the day was Nago Pineapple Park, and even though it was raining, the fun never stopped! This quirky, pineapple-themed park is perfect for families. We hopped on their self-driving pineapple cart ride, cruising past lush tropical plants—and even a few surprise dinosaurs along the way! After the ride, we sampled their refreshing pineapple juice and unique pineapple wine. Rain or shine, the whole experience was totally worth it!
Churaumi Aquarium
Schedule: 12:00-14:00
Admission fee: ¥2,180
At Churaumi Aquarium, we had an absolute blast getting up close and personal with some truly gigantic sea creatures—those whale sharks are massive! While it's a total hit with families, trust us, adults will be just as amazed (we definitely were). We spent around two hours wandering through glowing jellyfish tunnels and jaw-dropping tanks. Oh, and if you're a coffee lover, don’t miss the café inside—it’s the perfect spot to sip a latte while watching giant whales glide by like underwater ballerinas!
Hotel Aqua Citta
Schedule: 17:00 -18:00
After an action-packed day at Nago Pineapple Park and the awe-inspiring Churaumi Aquarium, we headed back to our hotel for a splash of a different kind—the rooftop transparent pool! It’s free for guests until 7:00 PM, and trust us, the view from up there is jaw-dropping. Swimming over the city on a pool made of glass? Slightly terrifying, totally thrilling! I conquered my fear, kicked back in the water, and fully embraced the moment—with a pineapple cocktail in hand, of course. Cheers to floating in style!
Day 3: Island Hopping Adventure – Zamami
We boarded the Queen Zamami ferry early in the morning, bound for Zamami Island. After arriving, we hopped on a bus to the stunning Furuzamami Beach—white sand, turquoise water, and the peaceful vibe of island life. By 2 PM, we were heading back to the port to catch the Ferry Zamami.
Back in Naha by the afternoon, we returned to our hotel for some rooftop pool + jacuzzi time. Refreshed, we ventured out for dinner at the lively Uomaru Izakaya, where we sampled fresh seafood and even dared to try Habushu—the infamous snake sake!
We capped the night with a stroll along Kokusai Dori, Okinawa’s bustling shopping street, and treated ourselves to Blue Seal ice cream—a local must-try.
Bus going to Furuzamami Beach
Schedule: 10:10-10:15
Bus fare: ¥300
Bus terminal: 座間味ゆくる館, 〒901-3402 Okinawa, Shimajiri District, Zamami
Hotel Aqua Citta
Schedule: 17:00 -18:00
After a sun-soaked day exploring Zamami Island, you’d think we’d be ready to crash—but nope, we had just enough energy left for one more swim!
We headed straight to our hotel’s outdoor pool and jacuzzi for a well-deserved soak under the stars. And the best part? It’s totally free for guests—because let’s be real, everything feels more fun (and relaxing) when it doesn’t cost extra!
Day 4: Scenic Drives, Souvenirs & Beachside Bliss
We checked out of Hotel Aqua Citta, dropped bags at Loisir Hotel, and hit the road for a final northern adventure. First stop: the breathtaking cliffs of Cape Manzamo.
A surprise gachapon score netted us Okinawa-themed tees and a luncheon meat tote—best ¥1,000 we’ve ever spent!
Next: Manza Beach, where we dipped into the chilly sea. Then it was off to Hotel Moon Beach for a luxurious buffet at All Dining Corallo.
After poolside lounging and one last drive, we returned the rental car and embraced a quiet evening. At Loisir, we caught sunset views, enjoyed a hearty meal at Ryu-Tan Garden Dining, and ended with a tranquil soak in the onsen.
Hotel Loisir
For our grand finale, we took one last dip in the hotel’s indoor swimming pool—because why not go out with a splash? It was the perfect way to unwind, float around, and soak in those final vacation vibes before saying goodbye to Okinawa. One more swim for the memory books!
Day 5: Sayonara, Okinawa – Ending the Itinerary on a High Note
We took our time on the final morning, soaking up every last island vibe. After a relaxed checkout, a quick cab to Naha Airport brought us to our farewell meal at A&W, where we toasted with root beer and shared our favorite moments.
From rainy detours to sun-drenched swims, this Okinawa itinerary was everything we dreamed of—island magic with a side of adventure.