Planning a trip to Okinawa and not sure how to make the most of a short stay? This southern Japanese island chain offers a mix of pristine beaches, unique culture, and some of the best food in the country. But it’s very different from Tokyo or Kyoto! In this guide, I’m breaking down exactly how to spend 3 days in Okinawa, including where to explore, what to eat, and how to keep the pace relaxed.
This is just one part of my 12-day Japan itinerary, which includes Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka as well.
How to get to Okinawa, Japan
Okinawa is an island south of Japan, and it’s located even further away from other islands like Tokara and Amami. However, it’s surprisingly easy to get there. The main gateway is Naha Airport (OKA), which is well connected by air and conveniently located just outside Okinawa’s capital city.
Flying from mainland Japan – If you’re already in Japan, flying is your best option. There are frequent nonstop flights to Naha from major cities like Tokyo (Haneda and Narita airports), Osaka, Kyoto/Osaka-area airports (Itami and Kansai), Fukuoka, and Nagoya. Flight times range from about 2.5 to 3 hours from Tokyo and closer to 2 hours from Osaka. Japan’s low-cost carriers – such as Peach, Jetstar Japan, and Skymark – often have affordable rates.
Flying from outside Japan – If you’re coming from abroad, you’ll typically connect through Tokyo or Osaka before continuing on to Okinawa. Some cities in East Asia offer seasonal or limited direct flights to Naha, but most travelers will transfer domestically.
Arriving at Naha Airport – Once you land, you’re just minutes from the city. The Yui Rail monorail runs directly from the airport into downtown Naha, with stops near Kokusai Street and Shuri Castle. Taxis are also plentiful and reasonably priced for short trips.
Should I rent a car in Okinawa?
Yes, the easiest way to get around Okinawa is to have a car, especially if you want to explore beaches and the northern part of the island (and I think that you should!) You can rent a car right by the airport – but plan it in advance!
Which part of Okinawa should I stay in?
Choosing where to stay in Okinawa depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for – urban convenience, beachy relaxation, or a quieter, more scenic escape. For a three-day trip, it’s best to pick one home base rather than moving hotels.
Naha – near the airport and the island’s main transportation hub. Staying near Kokusai Street gives you easy access to restaurants, shops, and nightlife, and the Yui Rail monorail makes getting around simple without a car.
Nakijin (Motobu Peninsula)- about 2 hours from Naha (by car), Nakijin is a peaceful area known for the UNESCO-listed Nakijin Castle Ruins, ocean views and a slower pace of life. Staying here feels more off-the-beaten-path, with small guesthouses and boutique stays rather than large resorts. Nakijin is perfect if you want quiet mornings, cultural sites, and beautiful sunsets. We stayed here and loved it after having busy days in Kyoto and Tokyo.
Travel Day – Settle In
If you are coming from Tokyo or Kyoto, you’ll likely get to Naha around the afternoon, so here’s an easy way to get started.
See Shuri Castle
Shuri Castle was the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which ruled Okinawa from the 15th century until it was annexed by Japan in the 19th century. It sits on a hill in Naha (near the airport), offering nice views of the city. It’s easy to combine with a visit to downtown Naha or Kokusai Street if you want to make time for it.
Visit American Village
About 30 minutes away from Naha sits a small, “American-style” coastal town. It’s bright, playful, and made for strolling, shopping, and eating. Neon lights, murals, and a mini Ferris wheel give it a boardwalk meets mall feel. This was fun to see at night, when it’s all lit up like Christmas.
Try soba noodles
Okinawa soba noodles are a local specialty with a long history. It’s considered comfort food on the island, often eaten at lunch or for casual dinners. There are spots at American Village you can stop for dinner!
Get a cone at Blue Seal Ice Cream
Blue Seal is an ice cream chain on the island and it’s delicious! There are locations everywhere and we went almost every day. My picks: the salty vanilla soft serve or the Okinawan salt cookie ice cream.
Then finish your drive to Nakijin or wherever else you are staying.
Day 2 – Enjoy a slow beach day
It’s time to relax and take it easy!
Breakfast at One Eighty South
This was a beautiful and quaint breakfast spot that was open early enough for normal breakfast. They have avocado toast, pancakes, waffles, juice and coffee. They also have cute T-shirts!
Have a picnic at the beach
It’s time to relax! Head to a convenience store like Lawson’s and stock up on egg salad sandwiches, drinks and other food to bring to the beach. Drive to popular spots like Emerald Beach, Sesoko Beach, or Nakanoshima Beach (all near Nakijin). Some beaches have amenities while others are pretty empty with beautiful waters. It helps to research ahead of time.
Casual dinner with Poke Boo
Poke Boo is a casual poke bowl place but it was one of my favorite meals! They have acai bowls but I recommend trying a savory fish bowl with tuna or salmon. It’s so fresh and they have a plethora of toppings. You can take your bowls to go and watch the sunset if you wish!
Day 3 – Water Diving and Wagyu
It’s another water day because why else are you in Okinawa?
Go Scuba Diving with a Wagyu Lunch
Okinawa waters are thriving with fantastical coral reefs and tropical reef fish, and many tourists travel to the area to take a dive. Now you may be thinking: scuba diving is NOT for me and I hate open water. That was me, too. However, we signed up for this amazing experience on Viator that included two different dives with instructor education. We spent the morning going over the basics, including how to breathe, the equipment and what to expect. You do not have to be certified, which also means that the dives are not intense and can only be 20-30 feet maximum.
I was really nervous and the instructors held onto me the whole time and essentially carted me around. It was magical and we saw a sea turtle! Most of the fish were small and it felt like a scene in Finding Nemo. I’d encourage anyone to give it a shot.
This experience was great because the instructors come and pick you up where you are staying and drop you off when you are done. After the dives, they bring you back to a house to shower and change and enjoy a Wagyu beef and vegetable lunch – the perfect way to relax!
Ramen Danbo for dinner
Once you’ve taken a nap and need food again, head to Ramen Danbo, a tonkotsu ramen specialty restaurant. It’s casual and you actually order on a machine and bring your ticket to your table. You can customize your noodle size, spiciness and toppings. Our recommendation: soft-boiled egg ramen with a side of gyoza.
Day 4 – Departing the island
We didn’t have much time to spare the day we left, but there is one stop that you might want to squeeze in.
Brunch at Petit à Petit
Are you hoping to secure a famous stack of fluffy soufflé Japanese pancakes during your trip? Famous Tokyo spots (like Happy Pancake) are great but can have long waits and require reservations weeks out! We stumbled across Petit à Petit, a small cafe in Okinawa that serves fluffy pancakes and was relatively empty! My pick: get the lemon stack!
What to wear in Okinawa, Japan
We traveled there in October, and it was hot like summer. Pack two swimsuits, light dresses, shorts, T-shirts and beach attire. Don’t forget a pair of sandals and a tote bag you can stuff books, snacks and SPF in.
Where should Okinawa go in my wider Japan itinerary?
Since it’s easier to fly to Tokyo, I recommend actually starting and ending in Tokyo so that you can go home with ease. Here’s how our trip netted out:
- 2.5 days in Tokyo
- 4 days in Kyoto (including day trips to Osaka and Nara)
- 2.5 days in Okinawa
- 1.5 days in Tokyo again
- 2 days dedicated to travel – there and back
Have questions?
Now you know how to spend 3 days in Okinawa! If you have more questions about it, feel free to leave a comment below or DM me on Instagram: @caroline_hoffman.
Other travel guides
Going elsewhere in Japan and beyond? Check out these other guides I have on the blog.
12-Day Japan Itinerary: Explore Tokyo, Kyoto Okinawa and more
14-Day France Itinerary: Explore Paris, Bordeaux, and More
How to spend 10 days in Europe: Dublin, Paris and London
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