The last time I visited Okinawa was… well, a very long time ago (1999?!)! We were just kids back then, around seven or eight years old, so my memories are fragmented – snippets of the clear blue ocean, the Butterfly Park, Okinawa World and Shuri Castle. Now, more than 25 years later, I finally returned to Okinawa for a short but sweet four-day adventure.
In just four days, I explored some of the island’s highlights: Shuri Castle, Okinawa World, Himeyuri Peace Museum, a glass-bottom boat tour and the vibrant American Village. I even squeezed in the Pokémon Center Okinawa, some shopping and local experiences.
Here is a peek into my Okinawa diary – hope you enjoy reading!
Accommodation
Laguna Garden Hotel
4 Chome-1-1 Mashiki, Ginowan, Okinawa 901-2224, Japan
+81 98-897-2121
laguna-garden.jp
Kariyushi LCH. Izumizaki Kencho Mae
1 Chome-11-8 Izumizaki, Naha, Okinawa 900-0021, Japan
+81 98-866-1200
kariyushi-lch.jp
Useful Travel Tips for Okinawa
Entry Requirements for Swiss Citizens
Swiss citizens with a valid Swiss passport do not require a visa for stays in Japan (including Okinawa) of up to 90 days for tourism. Before traveling, you should also fill in your arrival information on Visit Japan Web, which streamlines immigration and customs procedures.
Currency
The currency of Japan is theJapanese yen (JPY), often symbolized as “¥”. As of January 2026, 100 JPY is approximately equivalent to 0.54 EUR or 0.51 CHF.
In more urban/tourist-oriented areas of Okinawa (hotels, large shops, big restaurants, convenience-store chains, major supermarkets, tourist facilities) you generally can pay by credit/debit card – Visa and Mastercard are most reliably accepted. Even though card acceptance is spreading, you should bring some cash just in case – especially for small shops, local markets, and public transport like local buses or some ferries.
Adapter
Power sockets in Japan are of type A and B. The standard voltage is 100 V with a frequency of 50–60 Hz (depending on the region). Swiss and European plugs usually require a plug adapter.
Sightseeing & Attractions
Okinawa offers a wide variety of activities for visitors, from exploring natural landscapes and beaches to discovering historical sites and local culture.
- Shurijo Castle (Naha) – A UNESCO World Heritage site and former royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, showcasing Okinawa’s distinct history and architecture.
- Kokusai Street (Naha) – A lively shopping street with souvenirs, local snacks, traditional crafts and vibrant nightlife.
- Churaumi Aquarium (Motobu) – One of the largest aquariums in the world, famous for its massive Kuroshio Tank and whale sharks.
- American Village (Chatan) – A colorful, entertainment-focused area with shopping, restaurants, and amusement options inspired by American culture.
- Cape Manzamo – A stunning cliffside with panoramic views of the East China Sea, perfect for photos and sunset watching.
- Himeyuri Peace Museum (Itoman) – A moving site commemorating the young students who served as nurses during World War II, offering insight into Okinawa’s wartime history.
- Okinawa World & Gyokusendo Cave – Explore limestone caves and experience traditional Ryukyu culture, including pottery, glassblowing and local performances.
- Beaches & Snorkeling – Crystal-clear waters and coral reefs make Okinawa ideal for snorkeling, diving, or relaxing on white-sand beaches.
- Glass-Bottom Boat Tours – Discover Okinawa’s coral reefs and marine life without getting wet, ideal for families or those who prefer to stay on board.
- Historic Villages & Local Culture – Visit Ryukyu villages and markets to experience Okinawan music, dance and cuisine.
- Hiji Waterfall & Nature Trails – Hike through subtropical forests to discover waterfalls, native plants and scenic viewpoints.
Local Experiences
☆ Try Okinawan Cuisine – Don’t miss goya champuru (stir-fried bitter melon), Okinawa soba, rafute (braised pork belly), fresh seafood and tropical fruits like shikuwasa.
☆ Attend a Traditional Performance – Experience Eisa dance, sanshin music and other Ryukyuan cultural shows.
☆ Relax at an Onsen or Beach – Enjoy a soothing soak at a local hot spring or unwind on Okinawa’s pristine beaches.
☆ Visit Local Markets – Explore Makishi Public Market or other local markets for souvenirs, snacks and crafts.
The trip started on October 27, 2024, from Tokyo Haneda to Naha Airport. There were a lot of students at the airport, on a school trip to Naha. After arriving in Okinawa, I took the shuttle bus (610 Yen one way), which went directly to my hotel, the Laguna Garden Hotel. I arrived on time. Everything went smoothly.
I wanted to do some sightseeing but wasn’t quite sure where to start, so I asked at the hotel lobby for advice. They offered me a private taxi sightseeing tour with different options. I really wanted to see Shuri Castle (even though, tragically, it burned down a few years ago and is still under renovation), so I chose the six-hour tour. The price was 24,000 yen (not including entrance fees to the attractions). The taxi driver was very nice (he was a bit surprised at first that I was traveling alone, haha).
Shuri Castle: Okinawa’s UNESCO World Heritage Treasure
My first stop on the tour was Shuri Castle. Even though it tragically burned down a few years ago, the castle is still being carefully restored. The bright red walls and traditional Ryukyu-style roofs were still very beautiful. I enjoyed the views from the castle area, seeing the city and the surrounding hills. The castle’s history and cultural significance really made it feel like a special place to start my Okinawa adventure.
☆ Shuri Castle
1-2 Shurikinjocho, Naha, Okinawa 903-0815, Japan
oki-park.jp
Opening Hours
Daily 08:00 – 19:30
Entry Fee
Adult: 400 Yen
High School Student: 300 Yen
Elementary/Jr. H. School Student: 160 Yen
Under 6 Years: free
Okinawa World: Caves, Crafts and Culture
Our second stop was Okinawa World. It is a theme park where you can explore Okinawa’s nature, culture, and traditional crafts all in one place. I went to the famous cave.
They also had habu snakes, the well-known poisonous snakes of Okinawa, in a special area. Thankfully, they were safely enclosed! In the souvenir shops, they even sold Habushu (liqueur) and other unusual snake-related items…
It was super hot that day, so I treated myself to a slushy, hehe. Overall, Okinawa World was a fun and interesting place, offering a mix of adventure and culture. It is perfect for learning about Okinawa’s traditions while enjoying a little amusement-park excitement for both kids and adults. All in all I think I had about two hours to look around at the park before needing to stick to the schedule.
☆ Okinawa World
1Maekawa-1336 Tamagusuku, Nanjo, Okinawa 901-0616, Japan
gyokusendo.co.jp/okinawaworld
Opening Hours
Daily 09:00 – 17:30
Entry Fee
Adult: 2’000 Yen
Child (4-14): 1’000 Yen
Senior (65+): 1’600 Yen
Under 3 Years: free
*Online Discount available
Himeyuri Peace Museum: Remembering Okinawa’s History
The taxi driver took me to my next place, the Himeyuri Peace Museum in Okinawa. This place has a very sad and tragic history.
During World War II, the Himeyuri Student Corps in Okinawa was made up of more than 200 schoolgirls and their teachers. They were sent by the Japanese army to work in underground cave hospitals during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. Most of the girls were only 15 to 19 years old and had almost no medical training. Inside the dark caves, they cleaned wounds, carried supplies and comforted dying soldiers. They lived in constant fear, with little food, no clean water and almost no light. When the military suddenly ordered them to leave the caves, many girls were killed by shelling, explosions or took their own lives because they were told capture was dangerous.
Today, the Himeyuri Peace Museum tells their real stories through photos, letters, school uniforms and personal belongings. Reading their words feels very heavy. These girls were still young and had dreams for their future, but the war destroyed their lives.
☆ Himeyuri Peace Museum
671-1 Ihara, Itoman, Okinawa 901-0344, Japan
himeyuri.or.jp
Opening Hours
Daily 09:00 – 17:25
Entry Fee
Adult: 450 Yen
High School Student: 250 Yen
Elementary/Jr. H. School Student: 150 Yen
Glass Boat Tour: A Window to the Sea
The glass boat tour at Mibaru Beach in Okinawa was very fun. We could see fish through the glass bottom of the boat without getting wet, which was really cool. Watching the fish swim under us was exciting and relaxing – it was a nice and easy way to enjoy the ocean!
☆ Glass Boat Tour / Mibaru Beach
Hyakuna-1599-6 Tamagusuku, Nanjo, Okinawa 901-0603, Japan
Entry Fee
I can’t remember exactly, but the price for the ride was around 1’500 to 2’000 yen.
Cape Chinen Park: Peaceful Ocean Views
At the end of my tour, my taxi driver made a little bonus stop at a viewpoint (Cape Chinen Park) that wasn’t actually on the program. I really appreciated it. The view was beautiful and we only made a quick photo stop before continuing on.
☆ Cape Chinen Park
Kudeken Chinen, Nanjo, Okinawa 901-1400, Japan
American Village: A Little America in Japan
What I definitely wanted to see in Okinawa was the American Village. Instead of dropping me off at my hotel at the end, the taxi driver was willing to let me off at American Village (return trip at my own responsibility). It was a great opportunity to stroll around, explore the shops and I even had the chance to try a specialty Okinawa restaurant. I tried Agu pork shabu‑shabu (thin‑sliced Okinawan pork). It was delicious! The journey home by bus went smoothly.
☆ American Village
Mihama, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0115, Japan
Shopping Day & Pokémon Center Okinawa
On the third day, it started raining a little – actually perfect weather for some indoor shopping! I decided to head to Aeon Mall, home to the Pokémon Center. Taking the local bus was easy and I was lucky to have a direct connection without needing to transfer. (Pro tip: make sure you have some cash on hand when using the bus!)
Once I arrived, I wandered around a bit and went straight to the Pokémon Center. It was fun to explore all the Pokémon merchandise and take in the colorful displays. After that, I explored the rest of the mall’s shops. Lunch was really good – fresh and tasty fish.
The mall also had charming Okinawa souvenir shops. I couldn’t resist picking up an Orion Beer T-shirt – a must-have souvenir! There were even Ghibli goods to browse and before I knew it, I found myself at the gacha gacha machines, haha. Aeon Mall turned out to be the perfect rainy-day adventure, combining shopping, local flavors and a little bit of fun.
☆ AEON MALL Okinawa Rycom
Nakagami District, Kitanakagusuku, Raikamu, 901-2306 Okinawa, Japan
My Last Day in Okinawa: Onoyama Park, Don Quijote, Okinawan Food
On my last day in Okinawa, I switched hotels. I usually like staying near the airport, especially in areas I am not very familiar with, and this time I picked a small, cozy hotel in Izumizaki Kencho-mae. I had never stayed in such a compact room before – so tiny, yet perfectly fine for just one night, lol! The hotel was super convenient, with a nearby station that went directly to Naha Airport.
I decided to take it easy and enjoy a relaxed day. I went for a peaceful stroll in Onoyama Park, soaking up the calm and greenery. Afterwards, I stopped by Don Quijote and was excited to find Okinawa-exclusive editions.
For lunch, I treated myself to a local restaurant serving Goya Champuru and Okinawa Soba. Both dishes were really tasty and gave me a perfect last taste of Okinawan cuisine.
That day, I felt incredibly lucky – I will never forget it. A typhoon was sweeping across the sea and all flights to Taiwan (which was hit pretty hard) and Ishigaki were canceled. My flight the next day was to Fukuoka and thankfully it went smoothly. Thank Goodness!
Overall, it was a wonderful way to end my trip. Okinawa left me with amazing memories and I am already looking forward to coming back someday. Hopefully, it won’t be too long before I return to this beautiful island.
Miho's Happy Life 