Okinawa · Things to do
Things to Do in Okinawa: 18 Places with Hours, Prices and Access
18 things to do · checked October 20, 2026
18 things to do in Okinawa, from Naha out to the islands
Hours, prices and access checked against each place's own page on October 20, 2026. They change; check before you go.
1Shuri Castle Park (Shurijo)首里城公園
Castle and World Heritage site · Shuri, Naha
The royal castle of the Ryukyu Kingdom, a World Heritage site. Its Seiden (main hall), being rebuilt since November 2022, opens to the public on 23 November 2026; seeing inside the Seiden needs a timed reservation, at no extra charge.
The Seiden opens to the public on 23 November 2026 from noon. The whole park is closed on 22 November.
- Access
- Yui Rail to Shuri Station, then about 15 minutes on foot to Shureimon gate. Or Naha Bus 7 or 8 from Shuri-eki-mae to Shurijo-mae, 1 minute from the gate.
- Hours
- Paid area 8:30–19:00 April–November (last entry 18:30), 8:30–18:00 December–March (last entry 17:30). Free area opens at 8:00.
- Closed on
- Whole park closed 22 November 2026. On 23 November the free area opens at 11:15 and the paid area at 12:00.
- Price
- Until 22 November 2026: adults ¥400, high school ¥300, elementary and junior high ¥160. From 23 November 2026: adults ¥1,000, high school ¥760, elementary and junior high ¥370. Under 6 free.
2Kokusai-dori国際通り
Shopping street · Central Naha
Naha's main shopping street, with about 600 shops and businesses. Every Sunday from 12:00 to 18:00 about 1,300 m of it becomes a car-free transit mall, except in rain.
- Access
- Runs from the Prefectural Office North Exit intersection (Palette Kumoji, by Kenchomae Station) to the Saion-bashi intersection by Makishi Station, both on the Yui Rail.
3Daiichi Makishi Public Market第一牧志公設市場
Food market · Central Naha
Naha's public market, reopened in a new building in March 2023. Meat and fish bought on the ground floor can be cooked for you upstairs, the market's 'mochiage' system.
- Access
- 9 minutes on foot from Makishi Station, 10 minutes from Miebashi Station (Yui Rail).
- Hours
- About 8:00–22:00, varies by shop. Last order for mochiage cooking 19:45; second-floor restaurants 20:00.
- Closed on
- Fourth Sunday of each month (open every day in December). New Year, Lunar New Year and Obon vary by shop.
4Naminoue-gu Shrine波上宮
Shinto shrine · Wakasa, Naha
A Shinto shrine in Naha's Wakasa district, entered through a large torii and up a flight of steps.
- Access
- About 15 minutes on foot from Asahibashi Station (Yui Rail). Or bus 2, 5, 15 or 45 from Palette Kumoji-mae to Nishinmon, then 3 minutes on foot.
- Hours
- Amulet office 9:00–16:45; prayer reception 10:00–15:30
5Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum沖縄県立博物館・美術館
Museum · Omoromachi, Naha
The prefecture's museum and its art museum, in one building in Omoromachi. Open until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Access
- About 10 minutes on foot from Omoromachi Station (Yui Rail).
- Hours
- 9:00–18:00 (last entry 17:30); Friday and Saturday 9:00–20:00 (last entry 19:30)
- Closed on
- Mondays. When Monday is a public holiday or 23 June (Memorial Day), it opens and closes the next weekday instead.
- Price
- Museum permanent exhibition: adults ¥530, high school and university ¥270, children ¥150. Art museum collection: adults ¥400, high school and university ¥220, children ¥100. Fees as listed for 25 September–29 November 2026.
6Sefa-utaki斎場御嶽
Sacred site (World Heritage) · Nanjo, south-east of Naha
The most sacred of the Ryukyu Kingdom's worship sites and one of the nine parts of the Gusuku Sites World Heritage listing. Parts of it are closed until January 2027.
Most of the site is closed from 2 November 2026 to 5 January 2027; entry is free during that time.
- Access
- In Nanjo City, south-east of Naha. For routes and group visits, the Nanjo City Tourism Association: 098-949-1899.
- Closed on
- 1 July–1 November 2026: the path to Yuinchi is closed. 2 November 2026–5 January 2027: most of the grounds are closed; visitors can go as far as Ujōguchi.
- Price
- From 1 October 2026: adults (high school age and over) ¥600; elementary and junior high ¥300. Free from 2 November 2026 to 5 January 2027 while most of the site is closed.
7Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum沖縄県平和祈念資料館
War museum · Mabuni, Itoman (far south)
The prefecture's museum on the Battle of Okinawa, at Mabuni in Itoman, in the far south of the main island.
- Access
- Bus 89 from Naha Bus Terminal to Itoman Bus Terminal, then bus 82 to Heiwa-kinendo-iriguchi. About 22 km from Naha by taxi.
- Hours
- 9:00–17:00 (permanent exhibition entry until 16:30)
- Closed on
- 29 December–3 January
- Price
- Permanent exhibition: adults ¥300; children ¥150
8Okinawa World (Gyokusendo Cave)おきなわワールド（玉泉洞）
Limestone cave and theme park · South of Naha
A theme park built around Gyokusendo, a large limestone cave; you enter the park through the cave. The park suggests allowing 3 to 5 hours.
- Access
- Ryukyu Bus 54 or 83 from Naha Bus Terminal (next to Asahibashi Station), or 83 from Naha Airport, to Gyokusendo-mae, then 2 minutes on foot. About 30 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
- Hours
- 9:00–17:30 (last entry 16:00)
- Price
- Adults (15 and over) ¥2,000; children 4–14 ¥1,000
9Mihama American Village美浜アメリカンビレッジ
Shopping and entertainment area · Chatan
A shopping, dining and entertainment area in Chatan, with a cinema, live music venues, a theatre and hotels.
- Access
- About 35–40 minutes by car from Naha Airport on Route 58. By bus: routes 20, 28 or 29 from Naha (120 from Naha Airport) to Kuwae, then a few minutes on foot.
10Cape Manzamo万座毛
Clifftop viewpoint · Onna
A grassy clifftop high above the sea, with a rock arch at its tip. Viewing ends at sunset, even when the posted hours run later.
- Access
- In Onna village on the main island.
- Hours
- 8:00–20:00 March–October; 8:00–19:00 November–February; viewing until sunset
- Closed on
- Open every day; may close for typhoons and other natural disasters
- Price
- ¥100 per person, adults and children; under elementary school age free
11Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium沖縄美ら海水族館
Aquarium · Ocean Expo Park, north
The aquarium in Ocean Expo Park. Its main tank, the Kuroshio Sea, holds whale sharks and reef manta rays. The park closes some facilities on Wednesdays until March 2027; the aquarium stays open.
- Access
- About 2 hours by car from Naha Airport using the expressway, or about 2.5–3 hours by highway bus. Local buses 111 and 117 from Nago Bus Terminal to Kinen-koen-mae, then about 10 minutes on foot. Parking is free.
- Hours
- 8:30–18:30 (last entry 17:30); later on some summer dates
- Closed on
- No closures planned until 31 March 2027 except for typhoons; open over New Year
- Price
- Adults ¥2,180; high school ¥1,440; elementary and junior high ¥710; under 6 free
12Emerald Beachエメラルドビーチ
Beach · Ocean Expo Park, north
The swimming beach inside Ocean Expo Park, the same park as Churaumi Aquarium. It stays open on the park's Wednesday partial-opening days.
The 2026 swimming season ends on 31 October.
- Access
- Inside Ocean Expo Park; see Churaumi Aquarium for getting there. Parking is free.
- Hours
- Swimming 8:30–17:00, 1 April–31 October 2026
- Price
- Free
13Nakijin Castle Site今帰仁城跡
Castle ruins (World Heritage) · Nakijin, north
The stone walls of a Ryukyu-era castle, registered in December 2000 as part of the World Heritage 'Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu'.
- Access
- Okinawa Bus 65 or 66 to Nakijin-jo-ato-iriguchi, then about 15 minutes on foot; the Yanbaru Express bus stops at the site. About 2 hours 45 minutes by car from Naha Airport. Car park 1 is closed from 1 September 2026; use car parks 2–4.
- Hours
- 8:00–18:00 (last entry 17:30); May–August 8:00–19:00 (last entry 18:30)
- Closed on
- Open every day
- Price
- Adults ¥1,000; elementary age and under free
14Kouri Island古宇利島
Island reached by bridge · Off the Motobu Peninsula, north
A small island joined to Yagaji Island and the main island by the roughly 2 km Kouri Bridge. A drive round it takes about 15 minutes; Tinu Beach has two heart-shaped rocks.
- Access
- By road over Kouri Bridge from Yagaji Island. About an hour by Yanbaru Express bus from Motobu.
15Tokashiki Island (Kerama Islands)渡嘉敷島
Island day trip by ferry · Kerama Islands
One of the Kerama Islands, reached by ferry from Naha. Lifeguards watch Aharen Beach from 11 April to 30 November 2026, 9:00–17:00 in October and November.
- Access
- Marine Liner Tokashiki (high-speed) or Ferry Tokashiki from Tomari Port, Naha. On 20 October 2026 the Marine Liner left Tomari at 9:00, 13:00 and 16:00 and the ferry at 10:00. Tickets are sold only on the day; buy at least 30 minutes before departure. The Marine Liner boards on Tomari's north side, 7–8 minutes on foot from the ticket window.
16Zamami Island (Kerama Islands)座間味島
Island trip by ferry · Kerama Islands
One of the Kerama Islands west of Naha. Ferry Zamami makes one round trip a day: Tomari 10:00, Aka 11:30, Zamami 12:00; back from Zamami at 15:00.
The high-speed Queen Zamami is out of service from 20 October to 3 December 2026; Ferry Zamami still runs.
- Access
- Ferry from Tomari Port, Naha. The high-speed Queen Zamami is out of service for dock from 20 October to 3 December 2026.
- Price
- Adult fares: Ferry Zamami ¥2,900 one way, ¥5,510 return; Queen Zamami ¥3,950 one way, ¥7,510 return
17Ishigaki Island and Kabira Bay石垣島・川平湾
Island trip by air · Yaeyama Islands
Swimming and snorkelling from the beach at Kabira Bay are not permitted; glass-bottom boats go out over the bay. Ishigaki Port is the gateway to the other Yaeyama islands.
- Access
- Direct flights from Naha take around one hour; direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka take 2 to 3.5 hours.
18Miyako Island宮古島
Island trip by air · Miyako Islands
Yonaha Maehama Beach runs about 7 km. Irabu Bridge (3,540 m, opened 2015) is Japan's longest toll-free bridge; the Ikema and Kurima bridges link two more islands.
- Access
- By air only: about 45–50 minutes from Naha, with nonstop flights from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka.
Good to know
Start in Naha. Shuri Castle, Kokusai-dori, the Makishi public market and the prefectural museum are all on or near the Yui Rail monorail, and the market and museum stay open into the evening. Sefa-utaki, the Peace Memorial Museum and Okinawa World are in the south, reached by bus or car.
The north takes a full day: Churaumi Aquarium is about 2 hours by car from Naha Airport, and Nakijin Castle about 2 hours 45 minutes. Kouri Island is reached by road over its bridge. The Kerama Islands are a ferry ride from Tomari Port in Naha; Ishigaki is about an hour by air from Naha and Miyako about 45–50 minutes.
Dates to plan around: Shuri Castle's Seiden opens to the public on 23 November 2026 (the park is closed on 22 November) and the entry fee rises to ¥1,000 that day. Swimming at Emerald Beach ends on 31 October. Most of Sefa-utaki is closed from 2 November 2026 to 5 January 2027. The high-speed Queen Zamami ferry is out of service until 3 December, and Ocean Expo Park closes some facilities on Wednesdays until 31 March 2027 (the aquarium stays open).
Naha, the south, the west coast, the north, or an island
How you get there, what it costs to get in, and how late you can still go in. Adult prices; children's prices are on each card above.
| Where | Getting there | Entry (adult) | Latest entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naha: Shuri Castle, Kokusai-dori, Makishi market, Naminoue-gu, prefectural museum | Yui Rail: Shuri Station + about 15 min on foot; Kenchomae or Makishi for Kokusai-dori; Omoromachi + about 10 min for the museum | Shuri Castle ¥400 (¥1,000 from 23 Nov 2026) · Museum ¥530 · Kokusai-dori and Naminoue-gu free | Shuri Castle 18:30 (Apr–Nov), 17:30 (Dec–Mar) · Museum 17:30, Fri–Sat 19:30 · Market mochiage last order 19:45 |
| South: Sefa-utaki, Peace Memorial Museum, Okinawa World | Bus 89 + 82 for the Peace Memorial Museum · Bus 54 or 83 for Okinawa World (about 30 min by car from Naha Airport) | Sefa-utaki ¥600 (free 2 Nov 2026–5 Jan 2027, mostly closed) · Peace Memorial Museum ¥300 · Okinawa World ¥2,000 | Peace Memorial Museum exhibition 16:30 · Okinawa World 16:00 |
| West coast: American Village, Cape Manzamo | American Village: about 35–40 min by car from Naha Airport, or bus 20, 28, 29 or 120 to Kuwae | American Village free · Cape Manzamo ¥100 | Cape Manzamo until sunset (site closes 19:00 Nov–Feb, 20:00 Mar–Oct) |
| North: Churaumi Aquarium, Emerald Beach, Nakijin Castle, Kouri Island | About 2 hours by car from Naha Airport (Nakijin about 2 h 45 min); about 2.5–3 hours by highway bus | Churaumi ¥2,180 · Nakijin ¥1,000 · Emerald Beach and Kouri Island free | Churaumi 17:30 · Nakijin 17:30 (18:30 May–Aug) · Emerald Beach swimming until 17:00, to 31 Oct |
| Kerama Islands: Tokashiki, Zamami | Ferry or high-speed boat from Tomari Port, Naha | Ferry Zamami ¥2,900 one way | Ferry Zamami leaves Tomari 10:00, returns from Zamami 15:00 |
| Ishigaki, Miyako | Flights from Naha: Ishigaki about 1 hour, Miyako about 45–50 min; nonstop flights from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka | — | — |
By kind of trip
First trip, one day in Naha
All four are on or near the Yui Rail. Shuri Castle's paid area takes its last visitors at 18:30 until the end of November; the Makishi market runs until about 22:00, varying by shop.
Shuri Castle Park (Shurijo) · Kokusai-dori · Daiichi Makishi Public Market · Naminoue-gu Shrine
History and the Ryukyu Kingdom
Shuri Castle, Sefa-utaki and Nakijin Castle are parts of the same World Heritage listing. The Peace Memorial Museum covers the Battle of Okinawa and closes its exhibition to new visitors at 16:30.
Shuri Castle Park (Shurijo) · Sefa-utaki · Nakijin Castle Site · Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum
With children
Churaumi is ¥710 for elementary and junior high and free under 6. Okinawa World is ¥1,000 for ages 4–14. Emerald Beach is free, with swimming until 31 October. The prefectural museum is ¥150 for children.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium · Okinawa World (Gyokusendo Cave) · Emerald Beach · Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum
Rain or strong sun
These are indoors or underground. The prefectural museum stays open until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays; Okinawa World is entered through its cave.
Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum · Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium · Okinawa World (Gyokusendo Cave) · Daiichi Makishi Public Market
Sea and islands
Tokashiki and Zamami are reached by boat from Tomari Port; Tokashiki's ferry tickets are sold only on the day. Kouri Island is reached by road. Ishigaki needs a flight of about an hour from Naha.
Tokashiki Island (Kerama Islands) · Zamami Island (Kerama Islands) · Kouri Island · Ishigaki Island and Kabira Bay
Questions
Is Shuri Castle open, and can I see the rebuilt main hall?
The park is open. The Seiden (main hall) opens to the public on 23 November 2026; the whole park is closed on 22 November for the completion ceremony, and on 23 November the paid area opens at 12:00. Seeing inside the Seiden needs a timed reservation, at no extra charge. Adult entry rises from ¥400 to ¥1,000 on 23 November.
Can I still swim in Okinawa in late October or November?
Emerald Beach in Ocean Expo Park allows swimming 8:30–17:00 until 31 October 2026. On Tokashiki, lifeguards watch Aharen Beach until 30 November 2026, 9:00–17:00 in October and November. Swimming and snorkelling from the beach at Kabira Bay on Ishigaki are not permitted at any time.
How do I get to Churaumi Aquarium from Naha?
About 2 hours by car from Naha Airport using the expressway, or about 2.5–3 hours by highway bus. From Nago Bus Terminal, buses 111 and 117 go to Kinen-koen-mae, about 10 minutes on foot from the aquarium. Parking in Ocean Expo Park is free. Last entry is 17:30.
How do I get to the Kerama Islands?
Boats leave from Tomari Port in Naha. Ferry Zamami makes one round trip a day (Tomari 10:00, Zamami 12:00, back from Zamami 15:00); the high-speed Queen Zamami is out of service from 20 October to 3 December 2026. Tokashiki has a high-speed boat and a ferry; tickets are sold only on the day of travel.
Is Sefa-utaki open in November and December?
Only in part. From 2 November 2026 to 5 January 2027 most of the grounds are closed, visitors can go as far as Ujōguchi, and entry is free. Outside that period, entry is ¥600 for adults and ¥300 for elementary and junior high from 1 October 2026.