okinawa in 5 days, 4 nights

Naha and Kokusai-dori on arrival, a ferry day out to the Kerama Islands, a drive north to the Churaumi Aquarium and Kouri Island, and the Peace Memorial Park on the way back south.

  1. Day 1

    Arrive in Naha

    Morning
    Fly to Naha with one stop, usually via Taipei or a mainland Japanese airport. Japan is an hour ahead of Malaysia.
    Afternoon
    Take the monorail from the airport into town and check in near Kokusai-dori.
    Evening
    Walk Kokusai-dori and the covered market arcades just off it. Have Okinawa soba or goya champuru for dinner, and sata andagi doughnuts for afters.
  2. Day 2

    Kerama Islands

    Morning
    Take a ferry from Naha's Tomari Port out to the Kerama Islands, under an hour on the fast boat.
    Lunch
    Lunch on the island.
    Afternoon
    Snorkel and swim in some of Japan's clearest water, then catch the ferry back.
    Evening
    Dinner back in Naha.
  3. Day 3

    North to the aquarium

    Morning
    Pick up a rental car and drive north to the Motobu Peninsula, about 2 hours, for the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. The big tank of whale sharks and manta rays is the reason to go.
    Lunch
    Lunch near the aquarium.
    Afternoon
    Drive about 30 minutes to Kouri Island, across a long bridge over turquoise water, for a swim or a walk on the beach.
    Evening
    Stay the night up north, around Motobu or Nago, to save the long drive back.
  4. Day 4

    South to the Peace Park

    Morning
    A slow start, then drive back south down the expressway.
    Lunch
    Taco rice on the way, the Okinawan creation from near the US bases.
    Afternoon
    Carry on past Naha to the Okinawa Peace Memorial Park, about 40 minutes beyond the city on the southern cliffs. It's a quiet place that remembers the Battle of Okinawa.
    Evening
    Back to Naha for a last dinner near Kokusai-dori.
  5. Day 5

    Home

    Morning
    Souvenir shopping on Kokusai-dori. Sata andagi travel well.
    Lunch
    A last bowl of Okinawa soba.
    Afternoon
    Return the car and fly home with one stop.

Good to know

  • Rent a car for Days 3 to 5. Japan drives on the left like Malaysia, but you need an International Driving Permit from JPJ.
  • Book the Kerama ferry ahead and keep Day 2 flexible, as boats can be cancelled in rough seas.
  • Pork is in many local dishes, including Okinawa soba. Look for halal or Muslim-friendly signs if you need them.
The Okinawa guide