Blue Cave(Green hole)

| Pursue the dreamy pastel blues and lose yourself in this oceanic paradise. Immerse in Okinawa's iconic multi-layered turquoise waters and pristine beaches while experiencing Ryukyu culture and island slow living. Accommodation Suggestions First two nights: Northern coast (e.g., Nago City) for easy access to Ocean Expo Park and northern islands. Third night: Onna Village coastline (central) to enjoy resort stays with breathtaking sea views. Day 1: Arrive in Okinawa & Embrace the Northern Emerald Sea Morning: Arrive at Naha Airport, rent a car (recommended) or take an airport bus to your Nago City hotel. Afternoon: Explore Kouri Island Drive across Kouri Bridge flanked by sapphire-blue waters. Head straight to Heart Rock—wade through crystal shallows where jade-green waters deepen into cobalt, feeling cool sand between your toes. Dine at an island seafood restaurant with ocean views. Evening: Check into a northern hotel with sea views to watch the sunset melt into emerald waters. Day 2: Marine Encounters & Island Escapades Morning: Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium & Ocean Expo Park Stand before the massive "Kuroshio Sea" tank as whale sharks and manta rays glide through indigo depths. Stroll the park’s free areas—Emerald Beach’s powder-white sand meets waters that shift from mint to navy like a painter’s palette. Afternoon: Kerama Islands Hopping Take a high-speed ferry from Tomari Port to Tokashiki or Zamami Island. Aharen Beach (Tokashiki) or Furuzamami Beach: Snorkel in translucent aquamarine waters teeming with coral and tropical fish (glass-bottom boat tours recommended). Evening: Return to Naha, then settle at an Onna Village seaside resort to sleep to the sound of waves. Day 3: Onna’s Blue Hues & Ryukyu Charm Morning: Leisurely Onna Coastline Relax at your resort’s private beach or Manza Moor—where cliffs meet roaring waves in sapphire splendor. Afternoon: Swim with Whale Sharks or Blue Cave Adventure Snorkel alongside gentle giants in cerulean waters. Visit the Blue Cave at Cape Maeda, where sunlight pierces through to create ethereal azure pillars (tide-dependent). Evening: Kokusai-dori Stroll Return to Naha for souvenir shopping and Okinawan cuisine (sea grapes, Ishigaki beef, awamori liquor). Day 4: Farewell to the Blue Morning: Senagajima Umikaji Terrace Sip coffee at a cliffside café overlooking the pastel-blue East China Sea, watching planes ascend against the horizon. Afternoon: Head to Naha Airport for departure, carrying memories of Okinawa’s unforgettable seascapes. Travel Tips: Transport: Rent a car for northern exploration; check ferry schedules for island hopping. Sun Protection: High-SPF sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential. Gear: Bring snorkeling equipment, a waterproof camera, and polarized lenses for vivid ocean colors. Season: Best from April–October; July–August offer warmest waters but crowds. Though brief, four days in Okinawa will etch its crystalline blues into your memory—an everlasting dreamscape of liquid sapphire.

Babes, Okinawa is absolutely amazing! 😍 A divine island blending Ryukyu culture and American style~ Here’s my 4-day, 3-night nanny-level guide, keep it safe and no need to thank me! 👇 🌊【Must-Visit Attractions】 🔵 Blue Cave (Maeda Cape, Onna Village) 📍Address: 469-1 Maeda, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture 💡Tips: Best to visit between 11 AM and 2 PM, the blue light under the sun is stunning! If you can’t swim, choose a snorkeling experience with an instructor~ 🐋 Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium 📍Address: 424 Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture 🕒Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM (seasonal changes) 💰Ticket: 2,180 JPY ✨Highlights: The whale sharks in the Kuroshio Sea tank are breathtaking! Don’t miss the dolphin show~ 🗺️【Perfect 4-Day Itinerary】 DAY1️⃣ Naha Adventure Day ☀️Morning: Shuri Castle Park (Ticket 820 JPY) 👉The red tiles and white walls are super photogenic! Remember to collect goshuin (temple stamps)~ 🍜Lunch: Ryukyu Sabo on Kokusai Street (authentic Okinawa soba) 🌆Afternoon: Naminoue Shrine + Naminoue Beach 🌃Evening: Okinawa’s kitchen - First Makishi Public Market 🦞Must-eat: Night-glow shell sashimi + Agu pork shabu-shabu DAY2️⃣ American Style Day 🚌Take Bus No. 120 to American Village 📸Landmark check-in: Ferris wheel + beach lighthouse 🛍️Shopping spree: Depot Island, a hub for trendy brands 🌅Evening: Watch the sunset at Cape Chinen Park (free!) DAY3️⃣ Northern Ocean Day 🐬Morning: Have fun at the aquarium for 3 hours 🍍Afternoon: Nago Pineapple Park (Ticket 1,200 JPY) 🏖️Evening: Take epic photos at Kouri Bridge! DAY4️⃣ Classic Finale Day 🐘Morning: Manzamo (the elephant trunk rock is amazing!) 🤿Afternoon: Snorkeling at Blue Cave ✈️Evening: Buy Blue Seal ice cream at the airport for the perfect ending~ 🚗【Transportation Guide】 Recommend renting a car or self-driving! Buses in the north are hard to catch 😭 In Naha city, you can buy a monorail 1-day pass (800 JPY) 🏨【Accommodation Recommendations】 ▪️Naha: Hotel Collective (next to Kokusai Street) ▪️Onna: Rizzan Sea Park Hotel (private beach!) 🍡【Food List】 ✔️Pig head meat rice ball (Pōtama) ✔️Sea grapes rice bowl ✔️Ishigaki beef yakiniku (Jōjōen) ✔️A&W root beer + burgers Remember sunscreen! Okinawa’s UV rays are super strong 🌞 This summer, let’s become islanders in Okinawa together~ 💙

Don't come to Okinawa anymore! After visiting Okinawa, I no longer want to go to other tropical countries. This time, I spent 5 days and 4 nights on a self-driving trip in early June. Although the time wasn't very sufficient, there were so many places worth visiting. Okinawa feels like a destination where different types of travelers can enjoy themselves! I've marked the parking situation at the places I visited, hoping to help everyone plan their self-driving trips! 🗺【Itinerary】 Day 1: Naha City/Southern Area Senaga Island (Free parking) - First, I picked up the car near the airport and drove to Senaga Island. Here, a row of white houses built along the hillside exudes a Greek and Italian vibe. There are restaurants offering cuisines from various countries, such as Turkish, American, and Mexican dishes. It doesn't feel like Japan at all~ I chose a sea-view restaurant to enjoy steak, and the scenery was incredibly relaxing. Gyokusendo Cave (Free parking) - About a 30-minute drive away, you can marvel at the natural wonders formed over hundreds of thousands of years. The underground stalactite cave boasts over a million stalactites. The tranquil and dimly lit cave is truly relaxing. Outside, there are various Okinawan cultural displays, such as traditional musical instruments and glass-blowing performances. If you're interested in Okinawan culture, you'll likely spend a long time exploring here~ (Note: Closing time is 4:00 PM, so plan your visit early to avoid missing out on many photo spots.) Originally, I planned to visit the DMM Aquarium afterward, but I was too tired and decided to postpone it to the next morning. Day 2: Northern Naha DMM Aquarium (Free parking) - This is a new aquarium in Naha. Unlike traditional aquariums, DMM Aquarium offers semi-open pools simulating shallow seas, complete with wave sounds and lighting effects, making you feel like you're on a beach. Besides marine life, there are land animal exhibits and limited feeding experiences. I tried feeding a sloth this time—it was so adorable, hanging on a tree and slowly taking the carrot slice. Pokemon Center (Free parking) - Located in Aeon Mall, the Pokemon Center needs no introduction! Although it's not as large as the one in Osaka, for a fan like me, it was enough to spend all my travel budget here! Nakagusuku Castle (Free parking) - The ruins of the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom, located on a hill, offer panoramic views of the eastern and western areas. The stone-built ruins exude a strong sense of history! Shurijo Castle (Prefectural paid parking) - Unfortunately, it was previously destroyed by fire, so what I saw this time was the reconstruction of Shurijo Castle. Side note: There are many cats and ducks nearby, super cute! Day 3: Northern Village/American Village Blue Cave Diving (Parking provided by the diving company) - The most recommended activity! Okinawa is all about diving. Once underwater, you'll see tropical fish that you usually only see in movies or games. If you're not comfortable with scuba diving, snorkeling will also offer great views! Cape Zanpa Lighthouse (Free parking) - One of the few lighthouses in Japan you can climb. From the top, you can see nearly three-quarters of the view facing the sea—it's spectacular! American Village (Free and paid parking available, but parking gets crowded after sunset) - The most beautiful spot! This place feels like a parallel universe, with American-style architecture and people from all over the world gathering here. After sunset, the area becomes lively, with music playing everywhere. The neon lights on the buildings make you feel like you've traveled back to the 70s and 80s in America. There are street performances and fireworks at night, making it hard to leave. Day 4: Nago City Nago Pineapple Park (Free parking) - A pineapple-themed botanical park, suitable for family activities. They sell pineapple-related snacks and drinks—I regret not buying more! Churaumi Aquarium (Free parking) - This is probably the most famous attraction in Okinawa besides Kokusai Street. While the overall experience was good, I found DMM Aquarium's presentation more innovative and interesting. Churaumi Aquarium is often crowded, making it hard to take good photos. Some display tanks require queuing, which feels a bit congested and slightly affects the experience. Day 5: Okinawa's northernmost point, return car in Naha Cape Hedo - The northernmost point of Okinawa, about 50 kilometers from Nago City. If the weather and your energy allow, it's a great spot to watch the sunrise. The eastern side is completely unobstructed, allowing you to see the sun rise from the sea. Unfortunately, it was raining heavily when I visited, so I could only check in without seeing the sunrise. I hope someone else gets to witness it! 📍【Must-Visit Attractions】 1. Diving in Okinawa 🤿! The shallow waters here are stunningly beautiful, filled with colorful tropical fish. This time, I joined a scuba diving session with Umi Diving Company. The instructor was friendly, communicated in English, and helped me adapt to the underwater environment while taking photos! 2. Senaga Island - Close to the airport, the European-style architecture is perfect for photos. There are various types of restaurants, and you can watch planes take off and land. If you're lucky, you might even see fighter jets. It's recommended as the first or last stop of your trip. 3. American Village - A must-visit place that you'll never want to leave. It has various restaurants, indoor amusement parks, and beautiful architecture for photos. It's suitable for all ages. Note: It's quieter during the day, so it's best to visit around sunset. Restaurants require reservations; otherwise, you're likely to encounter full bookings. 🥘【Must-Try Food】 Okinawa Meat Shop, Nago City - A small Shabu Shabu restaurant. The prices are on the higher side, but the taste is excellent, and the portions are generous. The black wagyu beef and Agu pork are tender and not chewy. The staff patiently explained each dish and how to eat it. 🏠【Accommodation Recommendations】 1. Naha Water City - Located within a 10-minute walk from Kokusai Street, it features an infinity rooftop pool. The hotel has paid parking, making it convenient for different types of travelers. 2. Okinawa Arena - Under VESSEL HOTELS, located in central Okinawa near the U.S. military base. The location is suitable for self-driving trips, making it easy to explore central attractions like American Village and Nakagusuku Castle. 📣【Self-Driving Tips】 Okinawa has only one highway; the rest are regular roads with traffic lights, which may take longer. It's recommended to plan your itinerary according to the route direction to avoid wasting time waiting at traffic lights.

🗺️【Itinerary】 Day 1: Southeast Botanical Gardens - Okinawa City Hall Observation Deck - Okinawa Zoo & Museum Day 2: Ryukyu Village - Blue Cave - Manzamo Day 3: Orca Underwater Sightseeing Boat - Naminoue Shrine - Kokusai Street - Naha Public Market - Shurijo Castle 📍【Must-Visit Attractions】 1. Southeast Botanical Gardens 2. Okinawa City Hall Observation Deck 3. Okinawa Zoo & Museum 4. Ryukyu Village 5. Blue Cave 6. Manzamo 7. Orca Underwater Sightseeing Boat 8. Naminoue Shrine 9. Kokusai Street 10. Naha Public Market 11. Shurijo Castle 🥘【Must-Try Foods】 🏠【Recommended Accommodations】 📷【Photo-Worthy Spots】 📣【Tips】

🌧️ Rainy Days in Okinawa – A Slow-Paced Getaway 3 Days, 2 Nights in Naha & Nearby – April2025 #travel #solo #okinawa #japan Sometimes the best trips aren’t about rushing to see everything—but about slowing down and letting the mood of the place soak in (along with a bit of rain). Okinawa surprised me with its relaxed charm, even under gray skies. ⸻ Day 1 – Arrival & Chilling Around Naha I arrived in the evening and checked into Grand Cabin Hotel Naha. It’s a compact and clean place, perfect for solo travelers or anyone just needing a base to rest. Since it was already dark and drizzling, I didn’t go far. Instead, I wandered a bit near the hotel—just enough to breathe in the warm island air and get a taste of local life. The streets were quiet, the sound of rain soft on the pavement. Peaceful start. ⸻ Day 2 – Umikaji Terrace & Okinawa Monorail Adventure Despite the rain, I started the day with a trip to Umikaji Terrace. The white buildings with a seaside view were beautiful even with clouds above—kind of like a Mediterranean vibe but with an Okinawan twist. I grabbed a coffee and just watched the waves roll in. Not much else was needed. Next, I hopped on the 1-day Okinawa Monorail Pass—a fun and easy way to explore the city without getting soaked. I stopped at various stations just to look around, but the highlight was Shurijo Castle Park. Although most of the main structures were still under reconstruction after the fire, the park area was beautiful and full of history. With fewer people due to the weather, it felt more personal, like walking through memories of a kingdom. ⸻ Day 3 – Local Flavors & Seaside Chill Started with a visit to Makishi Public Market. It’s a great spot to see Okinawan ingredients and grab a meal upstairs—you can pick your seafood downstairs and they cook it for you! I had fresh sashimi and Okinawan-style pork—so flavorful and comforting on a rainy day. Later, I took a bus ride out to American Village, which felt like stepping into a completely different world. Quirky shops, cafes, and murals everywhere. I didn’t shop much—just wandered, got a snack, and then strolled by the beach. The sky was still moody, but walking along the quiet shore was the perfect slow moment. ⸻ Nights in Naha – Rainy Walks & Shopping Streets Every night, I headed out to the shopping street in Naha (Kokusai Dori). Even with the rain, the street was lively with locals and tourists dodging puddles, eating street food, and browsing souvenir shops. I got a few gifts, snacked on sata andagi (Okinawan doughnuts), and just enjoyed the atmosphere. The rhythm of the rain made it feel extra cozy. ⸻ Final Thoughts Okinawa in the rain might not be full of sun-soaked beaches, but it offers something just as special—a slower pace, a warm heart, and small moments that stay with you. If you’re ever caught in Okinawa with gloomy weather, don’t rush. Let the island’s relaxed energy lead the way.

Okinawa, the southernmost part of Japan, feels like a world apart from Honshu. Here you’ll find azure seas, white sandy beaches, the ancient culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and warm, friendly islanders. Below are must-visit attractions and recommended itineraries in Okinawa to help you experience the true island vibe. ⸻ 1️⃣ Manzamo (Manzamo) An endless coral cliff, one of Okinawa’s most iconic natural landscapes. Especially at sunset, the golden sea and cliffs create a stunning scene, making it a paradise for couples and photography enthusiasts. ⸻ 2️⃣ Churaumi Aquarium (Churaumi Aquarium) A world-class aquarium featuring Japan’s largest “Kuroshio Sea” tank, where you can get up close to whale sharks, manta rays, and other giant marine creatures. A must-visit for families. ⸻ 3️⃣ Kokusai-dori (Kokusai-dori) The busiest shopping and dining street in downtown Naha, offering local specialties, souvenirs, awamori liquor, and snacks. You can also experience traditional Okinawan dance and music performances here. ⸻ 4️⃣ Shurijo Castle (Shurijo Castle) Originally the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, it beautifully blends Chinese and Japanese architectural styles. Although rebuilt multiple times due to fires, it remains an excellent place to learn about Ryukyu history. ⸻ 5️⃣ Blue Cave (Blue Cave) A diving hotspot located at Maeda Point, where sunlight penetrates the water inside the cave, reflecting a mysterious blue glow. Perfect for snorkeling and diving. Best visited early morning or late afternoon. ⸻ 6️⃣ Umikaji Terrace (Umikaji Terrace) A trendy new photo spot with white Mediterranean-style buildings and sea-view cafes, reminiscent of Santorini, Greece. It also features natural hot springs with views of Naha Airport, ideal for relaxation. ⸻ 7️⃣ Kouri Bridge (Kouri Bridge) A nearly 2-kilometer-long bridge spanning turquoise waters, the only route to “Love Island” — Kouri Island. It’s also home to the “Heart Rock” legend, making it a romantic date spot. ⸻ 8️⃣ Okinawa World (Okinawa World) Explore the underground stalactite cave “Gyokusendo,” formed over tens of thousands of years, and above ground, the “Kingdom Village” recreates traditional Ryukyu life. You can also try on Ryukyu costumes and crafts. ⸻ 9️⃣ Sesoko Island (Sesoko Island) A small island connected to the main island, boasting pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Perfect for a quiet, leisurely beach day, ideal for couples or travelers seeking to avoid crowds. ⸻ 🌟 Okinawa Tips: •🏖 Best travel season: April to October, summer is ideal for water activities •🍍 Must-try foods: Sea grapes, Okinawa soba, Taco Rice, Goya Champuru (bitter melon stir-fry with egg) •🛵 Recommended to rent a car: Public transportation in Okinawa is limited, so driving is the most convenient option

#adventuremoments #thingstodo Book with Trip.com for scuba diving or snorkelling at the Gorilla Chop and snorkelling in the Blue Cave. See lots of coral reefs and tropical fish. Must do when you are in Okinawa, also known as “Hawaii of Japan” Great adventure, photos does not do it justice. Best time to go is the shoulder season (April to June and September to November) when the weather is warm, the weather is stable and visibility is excellent.

Checked out the blue cave on our own instead of signing up for a tour with the agencies. As we did not intend to swim or snorkel, we decided to go there during low tide. You can check the tides and current on the day itself to decide what time to go. we were quite lucky as there were only 2 other groups of individuals who were in the same area as us. Sunset was pretty awesome. We wore wet shoes and it was possible to walk to the cave without getting too wet. Saw a lot of sea creatures!#seacucumber #bluecave #okinawa #japan #sunset #diy #coralreef