[Okinawa 4
[Okinawa 4-Day 3-Night Self-Driving Guide] Depart from Kokusai-dori|Northern Churaumi, Kouri Island, Central American Village, Naminoue-gu Shrine, Full Record of Food, Drink and Fun
This 4-Day 3-Night Okinawa Trip, we drove the whole trip by ourselves, with high degree of freedom and convenience to go anywhere, especially to the northern and suburban attractions, self-driving really saved a lot of time. The accommodation location was chosen as the "Ukishima Ryujin Hotel" in downtown Naha, with Kokusai-dori as the base, and we had fun and satisfied every day!
Let's share with you our detailed itinerary this time~
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📅 Day 1|Arrival in Naha → Kokusai-dori → Yatai Village Dinner
• Transportation: Pick up the car at the rental company (OTS or Times car rental, it is recommended to make an appointment in advance)
• Accommodation: Ukishima Ryujin Hotel (Downtown Naha)
After arriving at Naha Airport, go directly to the rental car to pick up the car → put the luggage at the hotel → start shopping on Kokusai-dori
✔️ Stroll along Kokusai-dori:
• Drugstore
• Souvenir shop (Okashi Goten, Shioya)
• Take a stroll around the Makishi Public Market
✔️ Dinner recommendation:
• Kokusai-dori Yatai Village: A gathering of small stalls similar to night markets, with a great atmosphere.
• Recommended dishes: Okinawa fried noodles, sea grapes, Orion draft beer
• Another option: Ryukyu Tea House (more Okinawan home cooking)
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📅 Day 2|One-day tour in the north|Churaumi Aquarium → Kouri Island → Yakiniku Ranch
• Route: Naha → Churaumi Aquarium → Kouri Island → Naha
• Driving time reference: One way about 1.5 to 2 hours (depending on the length of stay)
✔️ Itinerary highlights:
1️⃣ Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
• Must see: "Kuroshio Sea" super huge tank, whale sharks, manta rays
• You can also visit the Ocean Expo Park and Tropical Dream Center next to it
2️⃣ Kouri Island
• Passing the Kouri Bridge along the way, it is perfect for taking photos
• Must eat:
• Shrimp Wagon → Strong flavor, fresh shrimp
• Kouri Island Sea Urchin Donburi (Kouri Fishing Port Canteen) → Fresh sea urchin, eat and watch the sea
3️⃣ Dinner: Yakiniku Ranch Naha Kokusai-dori Branch
• High CP value
• Excellent meat quality, suitable for big meat pies
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📅 Day 3|Central One-Day Tour|Momo Manza → American Village → Sunset
• Route arrangement: Naha → Momo Manza → American Village → Naha
• Driving time reference: Naha → Momo Manza is about 1 hour
✔️ Itinerary highlights:
1️⃣ Momo Manza
• Must-take photos of "Elephant Trunk Rock", the sea and sky are one color, standing high and blowing the sea breeze is super comfortable
• The itinerary will stay for about 30 to 40 minutes
2️⃣ American Village (Mihama American Village)
• Photo spot, many exotic shops in Depot Island
• Lunch suggestion:
• GORDIE’S American burger → The most famous hamburger restaurant near American Village, the aroma of charcoal grill is super tempting
• Or JACK’S STEAK HOUSE (on the way back from Naha)
3️⃣ Recommended sunset location:
• Sunset Beach (next to American Village)
• Or just sit in the Depot Island seaside cafe and watch the sunset
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📅 Day 4|Southern small trip|Naminoue Shrine → Gyokusen Cave → Manga Warehouse → Return the car
• Route arrangement: Naha → Naminoue Shrine → Gyokusen Cave → Manga Warehouse → Naha Airport
• Driving time reference: Naha → Gyokusen Cave is about 40 minutes
✔️ Itinerary highlights:
1️⃣ Naminoue Shrine
• A shrine located on the seaside, simple worship + taking pictures
• Naminoue Beach is next to it, you can also step on the sea water
2️⃣ Gyokusen Cave (Okinawa World)
• The largest stalactite cave in Okinawa, super spectacular
• You can visit the Ryukyu Cultural Village and experience dyeing or glass blowing (reservations are required in advance)
3️⃣ Manga Warehouse Naha Store
• Various anime peripherals, model dolls, second-hand clothes, game consoles, super time
• It is recommended to reserve 1-2 hours, it is easy to stop after a visit
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🏨 Accommodation experience|Ukishima Ryujin Hotel
• Advantages: Excellent location, Kokusai Street is just outside, clean rooms, reasonable price
• Disadvantages: Small space, suitable for people who only come back to sleep
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💡 Self-driving tips
• Okinawa roads are easy to drive, remember to adapt to the direction if driving on the left
• It is recommended to prepare an ETC card for the highway part, and tolls are convenient and fast
• It is safer to open both Google Maps and Nissan Connect navigation
• Parking fee: about ¥300~¥500/hour in the city, and most suburban attractions are free or low-cost parking lots
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🍱 Food summary
• Kokusai Street Yatai Village → Izakaya experience
• Kouri Island → Shrimp rice, sea urchin donburi
• Yakiniku Ranch → High-quality yakiniku
• American Village → GORDIE’S burger or Jack’s Steak House
• Convenience store supper → Ichiran instant noodles, fried chicken, beer must be stocked up (laugh)
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🌅 This Okinawa self-driving tour is highly recommended!
Okinawa is a small island tour suitable for going on a whim, no rush, and driving while playing. Next time, I am already thinking about Miyako Island or Ishigaki Island
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✔️ Self-driving recommendation index: ★★★★★
✔️ Must-see highlights: Kouri Bridge, Churaumi Aquarium, Manza sunset
#Okinawa #Churaumi Aquarium #Japan