Exciting Day trips from Naha around Okinawa
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When visiting Japan’s Okinawan prefecture, you will likely spend some time in Naha, the capital. Naha is the hub (the gateway) for many of the breathtaking islands scattered throughout the region so it’s expected that you’ll find many of the recommended day trips beginning and ending here.
Naha is the most populous of the prefectures’ cities and is the transportation route for everything in Okinawa. Whether you’re hoping to do trips exploring the city of Naha itself, or simply starting your journey here before visiting elsewhere, this is surely a list to inspire you for your upcoming trip.
Many day tours will require you to confirm with them the day before so you’ll likely need a working phone. You can get an eSim straight onto your device or a physical SIM sent to your accommodation ahead of time.
| Country: | Japan |
| Currency: | Japanese Yen / JPY |
| Do you need a visa to visit as tourists? | Check here |
Don’t forget to get travel insurance to cover you if something bad happens. One company I have personal experience with is Safety Wing. Not everyone needs the same coverage, so make sure you get a personalised quote that suits you and your trip plans.
Prepare for Naha Before your Day Tours
For solo backpackers on a tight budget, it may be worth considering hostels. There are a few in the centre of the city, not too far from the airport or ferry terminal. If you’re looking for different accommodation, the site I usually go to is Booking.com. They have the biggest collection of accommodations for all traveller types and are often a little more comfortable than budget hostels.
Depending on your itinerary while you are in Naha, depends on what area would be most suitable to stay. If you plan on using day trips departing from Naha it’s best to check where the meeting point is before booking to make sure you can get there on time. Especially since many tours start early in the morning.
Day Trips In Naha
Sunset bicycle sightseeing tour
Starting from their store in Naha, this is one of the top day tours that will take you to a few different sights – all while riding a bicycle. Visiting the famous sights relating to the historical Ryukyu Kingdom such as the “pottery village”, before passing through Shuri Castle Town at sunset while enjoying stunning views of the city from the lookout point, You’ll ride through the old “red light district” which is now filled with modern, dazzling lights and izakayas in every direction just ready for you to order a drink.
Meeting Point: Meet at our shop next to the Makishi Post Office
Human MarioKart Driving Experience
Ever dreamt of being inside the well-loved Mario Kart video game? Well, you can have your own experience driving around Naha city in small red go-karts and can even dress up as some of your beloved characters while doing so. This day tour requires each attendee to have a full driving licence from their home country and oftentimes an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to legally drive here. This is because although they are go-karts, you will be driving on real streets along with traffic. It’s a bucket-list-worthy activity similar to the one in Tokyo!
Meeting Point: Meet at the tour office
Guided Bar Hopping Experience
Starting in front of the convenience store in the city’s heart, this tour takes you on a journey through local bars, eateries and izakayas. Not only will you get to enjoy between 5 and 7 local dishes, but you’ll also get to try a variety of Okinawan drinks that will leave you wanting more! Take some photos when you go through the centre of Kokusai-dori starting with a local beer. Then test your courage to taste the habu snake liquor before leaving the crowded tourist street and heading to the quiet alleys only visited by locals. Before the end of the tour, you’ll try a traditional Okinawan meal while listening to music played by residents. You’ll feel like a local in no time.
Meeting Point: Lawson Kokusai Dori Makishi next to Naha City Tourist Information (6mins from Makishi station)
Mini Jeep Tour in Naha
Have you still got an urge to drive around the city? Well, this is one of 2 day trips that allow you to drive around Naha, except this time, in mini jeeps. You will be driving around on real city streets surrounded by vehicles so you must have a licence and appropriate international driving permits to do so. With the tours available in either 60, 90 or 120-minute bookings you’ll be able to choose the best timeframe to fit into your Naha itinerary.
Meeting Point: Meet at our store Fun Kart Naha
Day Tours Outside Naha – On Island
Cape Zanpa, Ryukyu Village & American Village
Day trips with this itinerary are only held on Monday, Wednesday & Friday!
This tour departs from Naha on these 3 days each week to take you to the picturesque Cape Zanpa. This cape is one of the most recognisable capes on the island where you can appreciate the beauty of the Okinawan landscape. Next, you’ll head to the traditional Ryukyu Village which has retained the “old style” of architecture from the prefecture almost transporting you back in time. Lastly, your tour guide will take you to the American Village which gives off coastal USA vibes with countless options for shopping and food!
Parasailing Experience
Enjoy the spectacular views of Okinawa’s coastline from up above. Get a bird’s eye view of the bright blue ocean and white sandy beaches while enjoying harnessed into the parasail. The experience includes an 80-minute boat ride with a 10-minute flight allowing you to make the most of the views safely and securely. You’ll have an experienced crew at hand at all times to make you feel comfortable. When booking, make sure to select from Naha as there are two tour departure locations.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium & American Village
This aquarium is well known for several reasons, however, the one that made it go viral is the fact they have whale sharks in one of their exhibits. I’ll be honest, I’m in two minds about recommending this aquarium because I don’t believe large animals such as whale sharks should be in tanks, but the aquarium as a whole is educational and has many other positive aspects to it. The second stop on these day tours departing from Naha takes you to American Village. As we know, this village is brightly coloured, gives you a peak into the US city atmosphere and reminds me a little of Las Vegas (just without the casinos!).
Tondo Botanical Garden, Kadena Station & Rycom
Day trips with this itinerary are only held on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday!
This tour is held on specific days of the week too and will take you to the stunning botanical gardens which house a multitude of subtropical plants and has many photo opportunities. You’ll also head to the famous Kadena Station which is an observatory overlooking the Kadena US Air Base runway, it’s a real hit for those plane enthusiasts. The third and final stop of your itinerary takes you to the Rycom AEON Mall which is home to over 200 stores and 60 restaurants giving you an overwhelming choice of souvenirs and food options. The tour will end after stopping by and receiving some free ice cream from the Yanbaru Gelato store!
Day Tours from Naha – Off Island
Humpback Whale tour
This is one of the top day trips that takes you roughly one hour from Naha to the clear waters surrounding the Island to see wildlife. This tour looks for humpback whales which migrate through these waters for their calve-raising season. You’ll have the opportunity to get close to these friendly giants from the safety of your boat. You might be fortunate enough to see an entire family of whales swimming by or breaching out of the waves. Throughout the trip, you’ll be kept informed by an experienced crew who do this trip tour every year.
Meeting Point: Selection of hotels in Naha to choose from
Book here (Between December and March only)
Half-Day Fishing
Like other day trips on our list starting from Naha, this excursion takes travellers out into the ocean surrounding Okinawa Island. This half-day fishing tour is suitable for all abilities – including beginners. With an experienced boat crew, you’ll be taken out to find schools of fish in the thriving waters known as a fisherman’s heaven. You shouldn’t need to worry about seasickness due to the boat being equipped with a balancing device minimising movements and you’ll even be able to eat a rich seafood meal at the end of the tour of the fish you caught yourself!
Meeting Point: Taikobo Fishing store next to the harbour
Snorkelling Trip to Tokashiki Island (from Naha) with Lunch
Day trips to The Keramas are popular, and from Naha, this tour goes to the largest of the island group, Tokashiki. After arriving by ferry, you’ll be transported to the famous Aharen Beach on the southwest of the island. Spend the day relaxing on the white sandy beaches, swimming and snorkelling in the crystal clear waters and experiencing the true island experience away from bustling tourist groups. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy lunch with your tour group while sitting in the tropical sun.
Meeting Point: Tomari Port
Nagannu Island Day Tour
This is one of two Nagannu day trips that depart from Naha and allow you to spend 5 hours on this deserted island. Taking the 20-minute ferry with your tour group, you’ll reach one of the closest islands to Okinawa in the Keramas Islands. With opportunities to rent sun loungers and parasols to make the most out of your subtropical experience, just be aware it is cash-only while on the island. With a large coral reef just steps away from the white sandy beaches, you can rent snorkelling equipment and swim in the crystal shallows.
Meeting Point: The tour office near the ferry terminal
Keramas Island Snorkelling Day Trip with Lunch
Another one of our listed snorkelling day trips starts from Naha, except this one focuses on snorkelling elsewhere in the Keramas Islands National Park. You’ll be transported by ferry to the islands, will be provided snorkel equipment, and will be shown some of the best snorkel spots in the area. You’ll find tropical fish and brightly coloured coral and if you’re lucky you might spot other sealife like sea snakes, sharks and octopuses. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy the Kerama Blue’s unique hue from close-up before having lunch with your tour group.
Meeting Point: Multiple pick-up options available at the time of booking
Kerama Islands Full-Day Intro-Diving Trip
When it comes to diving in Okinawa, this is one of the top day tours from Naha to explore the Keramas Islands. With the dive spots dependent on the weather that day, there’s no guarantee of exactly which area of the reef you’ll be diving in. All diving equipment is provided (wetsuits, towels, snorkel masks, dive tanks etc) and you’ll be guided throughout the entire tour on how to safely and successfully dive with the group. You’ll have access to hot showers after the dive too before the end of your day trips, before you get dropped off back in Naha.
Meeting Point: Multiple pick-up options available at the time of booking
Chibishi Island Snorkelling
Visiting another Island in the Keramas, this is yet another one of our day trips leaving from Naha, although this time from Miegusuku Port instead. On this quiet island excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to swim with aquatic life such as turtles throughout. You’ll get to spend 2 hours snorkelling and swimming on the outskirts of this small island in a specific area they’ve got set up to keep the reef protected. It’s teaming with Sealife and the guides will be taking photos of your experience so you can keep the memories for a lifetime.
Meeting point: Naha Miegusuku Port located next to Umisora Park
Which of these day trips will you Book?
Need help planning your trip?
Check out how to plan a trip abroad & see my travel resources for more.
Skyscanner – A comprehensive comparison website showing where to purchase flights.
HostelWorld – The biggest selection of hostels & sociable accommodations.
Booking.com – The largest collection of accommodations AND flights worldwide.
Safety Wing – A travel insurance brand for long-term travellers and nomads.
Airalo – An eSIM card company that lets you stay connected during your trip.
Wise – Perfect for transferring foreign currencies.
iVisa – For applying for tourist and visitor visas.
Viator – Great for finding tours and activities worldwide.
Get Your Guide – Another company for finding activities.
Klook – Have some of the best activity deals in Asia.
