A Flawed 3-Day Trip to Okinawa

0. I finally visited Okinawa, a place I had always wanted to go, with my partner. I thought 3 days and 2 nights would be enough, but it didn’t take long to realize how wrong I was. While the abundance of tourist spots was one reason, the sweltering weather and unique terrain also played a big role. In the end, I felt regretful because there were so many places I couldn’t visit. 1. Day 1 While searching for a beautiful and affordable hotel, we ended up booking the 5-star Ryukyu Hotel in the southern area (the hotel itself is artistically stunning). However, since there was nothing around the hotel, we checked in at 5:30 PM, rested briefly, and then drove an hour to the famous American Village. ‘Ah... we should’ve just stayed in this area for the first night.’ It was frustrating to be in such a beautiful and lively place but unable to enjoy even a single beer due to driving. After another hour-long drive, we returned to the Ryukyu Hotel for the night. Day 2 After checking out at 11 AM, we decided to visit Sesoko Beach, said to be the prettiest beach. It’s a 2-hour drive from Ryukyu Hotel. Parking fee for the whole day: 10,000 won. Renting a parasol and sunbed: 42,000 won. The ocean was breathtakingly beautiful, so it was worth it. After enjoying the beach, we headed to our second hotel. Moon Beach Museum Resort (1 hour from Sesoko Beach). The hotel had an izakaya nearby, was aesthetically pleasing, and was affordable—very satisfying. The biggest downside was the outdoor pool area, which only had about 10 sunbeds, leading to an awkward situation. Staff assistance was lacking. Still, the stunning scenery and atmosphere made up for it. Day 3 After checking out, we visited Umikaji Terrace. Every photo taken here looks like a magazine shoot. However, there’s very little shade, so you’ll end up buying drinks frequently. After returning the rental car, we said goodbye to Okinawa. Review Summary: ° Avoid Ryukyu Hotel unless you have a relaxed schedule. It’s a stunning and sophisticated hotel, though. ° American Village alone is worth the visit. Avoid going during the day due to the heat; visit around sunset instead. ° Sesoko Beach: The shallow waters are safe, and the emerald sea is stunning. However, unless you plan to snorkel, it might not be worth the long trip. ° Moon Beach Museum Resort: A budget-friendly gem! Highly recommended except for the sunbed issue. Note: There were a lot of Korean visitors—really a lot, haha. ° Umikaji Terrace: Close to the airport, perfect for spending 1–2 hours before your flight home. Thank you!