A five-day loop of Okinawa Main Island's classic sights by rental car, starting with Shuri Castle and Kokusai-dori in Naha and continuing to Sefa-utaki in the south, Cape Manzamo on the west coast, and the Churaumi Aquarium and Kouri Island in the north. You move your accommodation from south to north in order, so the driving stays manageable.
After arriving at Naha Airport, take the Yui Rail to Shuri Castle. In the evening, return to Kokusai-dori for dinner and shopping. On the first day, it is easier to get around the city without a rental car.
From Naha Airport, you can take the Yui Rail into the city. Not renting a car on day 1 and picking one up on the morning of day 2 saves you the trouble of parking in Naha.
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The site of the royal castle of the Ryukyu Kingdom and a World Heritage Site. Follow the on-site signs to see places such as the Shureimon Gate.
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A street running through central Naha, lined with souvenir shops and restaurants. It is within walking distance of Kenchomae and Makishi stations on the Yui Rail, making it a convenient stop on the way back from Shuri Castle.
Official site ↗Drive to Nanjo City in the south of the island. After Sefa-utaki and Okinawa World, stop at Southeast Botanical Gardens in central Okinawa on your way to a west coast hotel.
A sacred site (utaki) regarded as the most important in the Ryukyu Kingdom, and a World Heritage Site. Buy your ticket at the Nanjo City Regional Products Center and walk to the entrance at Midori no Yakata Sefa. As it is a sacred place, please visit quietly.
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A facility with the Gyokusendo limestone cave and a Kingdom Village that recreates an old Ryukyuan townscape. It is in Nanjo City, the same as Sefa-utaki, so you can visit them back to back.
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A botanical garden in Okinawa City in the center of the island, where you can stroll among tropical plants. It is on the way from the south to west coast hotels.
View guide →In the morning, visit Cape Manzamo near your hotel. Stop at Neo Park Okinawa in Nago, then head to Churaumi Aquarium on the Motobu Peninsula.
A scenic spot where a plateau of raised coral reef juts out into the sea. Its name is said to come from King Sho Kei of Ryukyu, who praised it as "enough to seat ten thousand people." The adjacent facility has an observation deck and a local products shop.
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A zoo in Nago where you can see birds and animals up close as you walk through the grounds. You can stop here on the way from the west coast to the north.
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An aquarium on the Motobu Peninsula whose highlight is the huge "Kuroshio Sea" tank. Give yourself plenty of time here at the end of the day.
View guide →In the morning, cross the Kouri Bridge to Kouri Island. After seeing Nakijin Castle ruins, spend the afternoon at JUNGLIA OKINAWA.
A 1,960 m bridge linking Yagaji Island and Kouri Island, with sea stretching out on both sides as you cross. You can take a break at Kouri Fureai Hiroba just after crossing.
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The World Heritage ruins of a gusuku (castle) on the Motobu Peninsula, notable for its curving stone walls. It is also known for cherry blossoms in winter.
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A theme park that makes use of the Yanbaru forest. Spend the whole afternoon here, and in the evening return to Motobu or Nago, or drive south to central Okinawa in preparation for the next day.
View guide →Heading back south through the island, stop at American Village in Chatan and an aquarium near the airport, then return your rental car and head home.
A seaside area in Chatan Town with a concentration of shops and restaurants. It is close to Sunset Beach and good for last-day souvenir shopping.
Official site ↗An aquarium in Tomigusuku City near the airport. You can stop here before returning your rental car, which also helps fill any spare time on your last day.
View guide →Return your rental car and head to the airport. Returning the car and the shuttle to the airport can take time, so leave with plenty to spare.
View guide →Sample itineraries from day trips to 5 days, by region and season. Every stop links to its guide, and you can save any itinerary as your own trip plan and rearrange it day by day.
🗺 3 days, 2 nightsWinterOkinawa ・ 9 stops ・ January・February
A three-day winter trip to see Okinawa's cherry blossoms, which bloom earlier than on mainland Japan, at three spots: Nago, Motobu and Nakijin. Along with the blossoms, you will stop at Churaumi Aquarium and Kouri Island, touring the north of the main island by rental car.
Check prices, opening hours and access on each stop’s guide and official website. Seasonal events and peak seasons vary from year to year.
Information as of 2026-10-13
