📍 Japan

OKINAWA AND RYUKYU ISLANDS: TURQUOISE SEAS, ANCESTRAL RHYTHMS

Coral reefs shimmering beneath crystal waters, Ryukyu melodies floating through humid nights, scarlet castles guarding the archipelago's memory. Okinawa, bewitching.

≈ 12
Days
0
Km
12
Stops
📖 7 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Explore Naha and its market, then feel Shuri Castle's history, heart of the Ryukyu. Head to Ishigaki and its reefs, then let Miyakojima unfold clear lagoons and serene beaches. In the evening, listen to sanshin and taste awamori in a gentle island atmosphere, between traditions and tropical breeze.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Naha

market lanes pulse with island energy

Naha - Photo 1Naha - Photo 2Naha - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Kokusai Street Shopping District, main street with 600 shops
2
Naha Public Market Makishi, Uchinanchu's kitchen with local ingredients
3
Tsuboya Pottery District with 400m stone-paved street and yachimun workshops
4
Naminoue Shrine standing majestically on blue ocean cliffs
🎯

Activities

→
Explore 1.6km shopping street with restaurants, souvenirs and cafes
→
Buy fresh fish and meat to be cooked at 2nd floor restaurants
→
Discover 300-year history of Okinawa's traditional pottery yachimun
+2 Optional activities
2
Day

Naha Shuri

crimson castle echoes Ryukyu royal splendor

Naha Shuri - Photo 1Naha Shuri - Photo 2Naha Shuri - Photo 3Naha Shuri - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Shuri Castle Park, unique red vermillion castle symbolizing Okinawa
2
Tamaudun Royal Mausoleum, UNESCO World Heritage Site from 1501
3
Shuri Kinjo Stone Pavement, 16th century road to Shuri Castle
🎯

Activities

→
Explore political and cultural center of 450-year Ryukyu Kingdom
→
View impressive stone tomb modeled after Shuri Castle
→
Walk 300m limestone path designated as prefectural scenic spot
+2 Optional activities
3
Day

Itoman

peace memorial overlooks southern cliffs

Itoman - Photo 1Itoman - Photo 2Itoman - Photo 3Itoman - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Umikaji Terrace on Senaga Island with Mediterranean-style white buildings
2
Himeyuri Monument and Peace Museum commemorating Battle of Okinawa
3
Ryukyu Glass Village, largest Ryukyu glass experience facility
🎯

Activities

→
Enjoy resort atmosphere inspired by Amalfi Coast and Santorini
→
Learn about tragic history of Himeyuri students at war memorial
→
Experience glass blowing workshop with craftsmen guidance
+2 Optional activities
4
Day

Nanjo

sacred groves and coastal limestone caves

Nanjo - Photo 1Nanjo - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Sefa Utaki, most sacred site of Ryukyu Kingdom, UNESCO World Heritage
2
Gangala Valley formed by collapsed limestone cave
3
Okinawa World with 300,000-year-old Gyokusendo stalactite cave
🎯

Activities

→
Worship sacred Kudaka Island from ancient prayer site
→
Explore mysterious banyan forest where ancient people lived
→
View over 1 million stalactites in Okinawa's largest cave
+2 Optional activities
5
Day

Chatan

american village neon meets sunset surf

Chatan - Photo 1Chatan - Photo 2Chatan - Photo 3Chatan - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
American Village resort with American-style streetscape
2
Sunset Beach, top sunset viewing spot in Okinawa
3
Cape Zanpa with 31m white lighthouse on 30m cliffs
4
Yachimun no Sato with 19 pottery workshops
🎯

Activities

→
Shop and dine in resort built on former US military airfield
→
Watch sunset paint 600m white sand beach golden
→
Climb lighthouse for 360-degree views of surrounding islands
+2 Optional activities
6
Day

Uruma

sea road bridges connect emerald islets

Uruma - Photo 1Uruma - Photo 2Uruma - Photo 3Uruma - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Katsuren Castle Ruins, UNESCO World Heritage gusuku on peninsula
2
Kaichu Road, 5km scenic sea road connecting islands
3
Nakagusuku Castle Ruins with beautiful curved stone walls
4
Bios no Oka subtropical nature park with jungle cruise
🎯

Activities

→
Explore impregnable castle of Lord Amawari from 15th century
→
Drive across emerald sea to Henza, Miyagi and Ikei islands
→
View both Pacific Ocean and East China Sea from castle
+2 Optional activities
7
Day

Onna

resort coves hide beneath jungle green

Onna - Photo 1Onna - Photo 2Onna - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Cape Manzamo, famous scenic spot with elephant trunk cliff
2
Blue Cave at Maeda Point, popular diving spot
3
Ryukyu Mura theme park recreating old Ryukyu village
🎯

Activities

→
View 20m cliff shaped like elephant nose by coral formation
→
Snorkel or dive in cave glowing blue from sunlight
→
Experience shisa painting and Ryukyu costume dress-up
+2 Optional activities
8
Day

Nago

orion brewery town facing northern bays

Nago - Photo 1Nago - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
JUNGLIA OKINAWA theme park in Yanbaru forest
2
Nago Pineapple Park with pineapple fields and jungle
3
OKINAWA Fruits Land with mystery game and fruit cafe
🎯

Activities

→
Experience Dinosaur Safari with 20 life-size dinosaurs
→
Ride automatic cart through pineapple plantation
→
Learn about Okinawa pineapple history and cultivation
+2 Optional activities
9
Day

Motobu

aquarium wonders and cherry blossom hills

Motobu - Photo 1Motobu - Photo 2Motobu - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Churaumi Aquarium with 8.8m whale sharks and manta rays
2
Bise Fukugi Tree-lined Road with thousands of 10-20m trees
3
Nakijin Castle Ruins, 13th century Sanzan period fortress
🎯

Activities

→
Descend through aquarium simulating ocean depth journey
→
Watch world's largest fish in Kuroshio Sea tank
→
Stroll 1km through fukugi trees with Ryukyu atmosphere
+2 Optional activities
10
Day

Kunigami

yanbaru forest hides ancient bird songs

Kunigami - Photo 1Kunigami - Photo 2Kunigami - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Kouri Bridge, 1,960m bridge with spectacular ocean views
2
Kouri Island, 8km circumference island with emerald sea
3
Cape Hedo, northernmost point of Okinawa main island
🎯

Activities

→
Drive Okinawa's second longest free bridge over turquoise water
→
Explore traditional houses and sugarcane fields on island
→
View rugged coral cliffs where Pacific meets East China Sea
+2 Optional activities
11
Day

Ishigaki

coral gardens glow beneath crystal shallows

Ishigaki - Photo 1Ishigaki - Photo 2Ishigaki - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Kabira Bay, Japan's Top 100 Views with turquoise Kabira Blue sea
2
Banna Park forest park with multiple observation decks
3
Ishigaki Limestone Cave, Japan's southernmost tourist cave
🎯

Activities

→
Flight from Naha to Ishigaki Island
→
View black pearl cultivation site and green islands in bay
→
See butterflies and plants unique to Yaeyama region
+2 Optional activities
12
Day

Miyakojima

sapphire lagoons stretch toward horizon endlessly

Miyakojima - Photo 1Miyakojima - Photo 2Miyakojima - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 12
🔍

Discover

1
Yonaha Maehama Beach, Oriental's most beautiful 7km white sand beach
2
Miyako Island Marine Park with underwater observatory at 4m depth
3
Cape Higashi Hennazaki, 2km peninsula in Japan's Top 100 City Parks
🎯

Activities

→
Flight from Ishigaki to Miyako Island
→
Swim in emerald green water 15 minutes from Miyako Airport
→
Watch colorful tropical fish and sea turtles from observatory
+2 Optional activities

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (March-May): Cherry blossom season, perfect weather, mild temperatures, iconic sakura viewing, peak tourist season, advance booking essential, magical atmosphere.

Fall (September-November): Autumn colors, comfortable weather, clear skies, beautiful foliage, excellent touring, fewer crowds, ideal photography, pleasant conditions.

Summer (June-August): Hot humid weather, rainy season, festival season, vibrant atmosphere, mountain hiking, beach activities, air conditioning essential.

Winter (December-February): Cold weather, snow sports, illuminations, onsen season, fewer crowds, winter festivals, cozy atmosphere, skiing opportunities.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 10 and 14 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Japan?

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