Okinawa – Super Cheap Japan

Chinen Marine Leisure Center

Chinen Marine Leisure Center (知念海洋レジャーセンター) is a great place for budget travellers to experience coral reefs cheaply. The area is a great place to go swimming, diving or fishing. 25 minute tours of the coral reef and tropical fish are available on glass bottomed boats (1,400 yen), as well as a boat service to aContinue reading “Chinen Marine Leisure Center”

Cape Manzamo

Cape Manzamo (万座毛) provides one of the best views on the island of Okinawa, and is a great place to enjoy its pleasures for just the cost of a bus ride. Located in Nago Bay, the stunning blue waters and cliffs make for awesome photos. Nearby many beaches, including Manza Beach, are free for touristsContinue reading “Cape Manzamo”

Kinjo District

Kinjo District (金城町石畳) has a beautiful stone-paved path running through it, lined with old-fashioned houses with red-tiled roofs and stone walls. How to get there It’s a 15 minute walk from Shurijo Castle park. Map

Tropical Dream Center

Tropical Dream Center (熱帯ドリームセンター) is a popular destination in Okinawa, with around 2000 orchids and tropical plants to view. Information Open: 8:30-19:00 (March-September), 8:30-17:30 (October-February) Price: 670 yen How to get there From Naha Bus Terminal, visitors can take a bus here. Book at the terminal at least the day before. Map

Shurijo Castle

Shurijo Castle Park (首里城公園) is a world heritage listed national park and castle near Naha city center. With spectalar views over the city’s downtown, this is a must visit. The castle used to be the home of the Ryukyu Dynasty, which reigned from 1429 to 1879, so the architecture is different from other castles inContinue reading “Shurijo Castle”

Shikina-en Garden

Shikina-en Garden (識名園), another unique World Heritage site in Okinawa, is a stunning garden containing the old villa of the Okinawa royal family. Information Open: 9:00-17:00 (October-March), 9:00-18:00 (April-September) Price: 400 yen How to get there Take a bus from Kinjo District (15 mins). Map

Naha Airport

There are ferry services to Okinawa with Marue Ferry, but they are much more expensive and slower than flying. Even standard airlines such as Japan Airlines will be a lot cheaper. Budget airlines service Okinawa from various locations Peach Airlines: Osaka, Fukuoka Jetstar: Tokyo, Osaka Access Take a bus to/from Naha city center (15 mins).

Naha

Central Naha (那覇) is where most people will access Okinawa. The history of the islands and its main city are rather different from the rest of Japan’s, so Naha is a good place to check out something a little different. Budget travel tips Fly here rather than taking a ferry. Check our Naha Airport pageContinue reading “Naha”