Discover the Best of Okinawa in One Day

Our third Princess cruise stop was at Okinawa and we were greeted with warm sunshine. Okinawa looks like a proud city, being very clean and well-kept.  As Japan’s southern island hub, it blends tropical beauty with a laid-back city vibe, making it a perfect cruise stop for curious travellers. We had only 8 hours on shore so had to pick our itinerary carefully.

Exploring to Wonders of Okinawa World

Our adventure began with a 30-minute tour bus ride from the Naha port to Okinawa World. Naha is the capital of the Okinawa Prefecture, the tropical island group sough of mainland Japan. It is the biggest and most populous city in Okinawa, with a population of over 300,000 people.

Okinawa World i one of the island’s most popular attractions. The highlight was a walk through a 900-metre limestone cave, filled with impressive formations. It was different to visiting caves open for tourists in Australia, because we were unaccompanied and could walk at our own pace, so it felt very peaceful.

Above ground, we explored traditional Okinawan houses, browsed the glass and printmaking workshops, and watched a lively drumming and dance performance that captured the island’s spirit and rhythm. It was hot and humid but the mist sprayers helped a lot. There is also a fruit grove with a huge range of beautiful trees and fruits to look it, so I made a short list of new varieties that I would like to plant in our orchard at home.

Shopping and Sweets on Kokusai Street

The next stop was Kokusai Street, a 1.6 km stretch of energy and colour. We sampled creamy local ice cream, browsed souvenir shops both tasteful and quirky, and stepped inside our first Don Quijote store — a four-level wonderland of everything imaginable. Very bright and noisy, but not easy to find anything for a first-time visitor.

The shopping continues down narrow, winding streets and covered arcades that branch off from Kokusai Street. There is a myriad of smaller shops selling everything you can imagine. Makishi Public Market, where the locals buy their fish, meat and groceries, also has a dine-in space for visitors to try local food.

For us, it was a quick stop at Lawson convenience store for sandwiches and drinks which gave us time to reflect on a day filled with new sights, sounds, and flavours.

We also couldn’t resist the Fontana Gelato which was delicious and very refreshing on a hot day.

We caught the tour bus ride back to the port. Many of the other passengers opted to walk back when they were ready.

A Glimpse Into Okinawa’s Unique History

Okinawa has a fascinating past, shaped by its strategic location and resilience. After World War II, much of the island became home to American military bases, which still play a significant role today. This presence influences everything from local shops to sports, adding a distinct international feel while coexisting with deep-rooted Ryukyuan traditions. Many of the souvenirs had American flags on them.

The tour guide explained the planning that occurred to change the roads from driving on the right hand side to the left hand side. It would have been quite an experience in the early days after the transition occurred.

Okinawa: A Blend of Cultures and Character

From its small monorail system to the influence of the American military bases, Okinawa is a fascinating mix of cultures. Friendly locals, easy transport, and a relaxed island vibe make it a highlight of any Japan cruise itinerary. The streets are very clean, buildings well maintained and there are little pockets of green.

We returned to the ship with postcards, a ninja T-shirt, and plenty of memories — proof that Okinawa’s charm runs far deeper than its bright blue seas.

If Okinawa is on your list, this one-day route gives a taste of some highlights. If you want to slow down and really savour it, consider spending 2-3 days in the prefecture.

If You Have More Time

If you have 2 days, consider adding these to your itinerary:

• Take a day trip to Tokashiki Island – the largest island in Keramashoto National Park and the nearest from Okinawa’s main island. Tour companies package the ferry, catching the local bus, lunch and snorkeling equipment
• Guided cycling tours of Naha take you off the main streets into the quieter backstreets, passing through neighbourhoods with traditional Okinawan houses.
• Visit a pottery to learn about the Kyukyu Kingdom’s pottery traditions and see artisans at work
• Visit Shuri Castle in Naha – The main buildings were destroyed by fire in October 2019. Reconstruction works have started and tourists are encouraged to visit and observe the works.

Essential Travel Tips

• Public transportation is not as extensive as in mainlain Japan so rent a car or consider tours.
• The monorail is useful for getting around the city of Naha but does not extend to other parts of the island.
• Ferries are available for travelling between the islands.
• Protect against the sun and Okinawa can get very hot, so use sunblock, wear a hat and loose, long sleeves, and stay hydrated.
• The Tourist Information Centres offer a variety of services such as sales of bus passes, tickets for tourist facilities, SIM cards, and sighseeing tour bus reservations. The Staff speak Japanese, English and Chinese.

Read more about our Japanese adventures

Useful Travel Accessories

Luggage Scales (Amazon au) – compact and easy to use

Fenspark Travel Journal (Amazon au) – With an oil-waxed leather cover, this notebook features a dedicated storage pouch and band for organising cards, tickets, and small items.

Microfibre Towel (Amazon au) – Super absorbant and easy to pack with a carry bag. Available in 6 sizes and 16 vivid colours.

Disposable Compressed Mini Washcloth (Amazon au) – I think these are brilliant. Compressed, and taking up very little space in your bag or backpack, they transform to a towel appoximately 30cm x 25cm with only 2 tablespoons of water. I found that you could also use them more than once.

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