Local Guide
Have fun with your kids! 8 Okinawa sightseeing spots you can enjoy with your family

Okinawa, one of Japan's leading tropical resorts, is full of spots that both adults and children can enjoy. Why not create unforgettable memories with your children, such as interacting with plants and animals that grow in the unique climate, Experience crafts that can only be found here? Here are eight recommended spots for families with children, where you can enjoy Experience unique to Okinawa.

Enjoy ice cream in a cute fairy tale-like space

Even small children will be delighted by the adorable interior that looks like something out of a fairy tale!
Even small children will be delighted by the adorable interior that looks like something out of a fairy tale!

This is an Experience museum where you can learn about the history of Okinawa's classic ice cream shop, "Blue Seal," and enjoy decorating your own ice cream bar. In addition to Experience, you can actually see the ice cream making process, take photos with a photo machine that comes with an original frame made just for Blue Seal, and enjoy other ways to enjoy the museum.
The Blue Seal flagship store is located next door, so you can enjoy shopping there too. Original picture books and children's clothing are also sold, so it's a great place to choose memorable items with your children.

A one-of-a-kind ice bar decoration Experience

The big ice cream is your own canvas! Draw pictures, decorate it, and have fun however you like.
The big ice cream is your own canvas! Draw pictures, decorate it, and have fun however you like.

If you come here, you should definitely Experience decorating your very own one-of-a-kind ice cream bar. It's very simple to make; choose the shape of the ice cream bar, the flavor, the color of the coating chocolate, and the color of the chocolate pen for drawing. Next, place five of the 12 toppings on a tray, roughly draw out the design of your original ice cream on paper based on that, and then decorate the ice cream.
The price is just 1,800 yen, and includes an original ice pack and a freezer Experience at -20 degrees, so you can Experience what it's like to have ice cream. It's Experience adults can enjoy as well as children.

Comments Local Guide
Enjoy decorating your own ice cream bar while savoring this ice cream born in America and raised in Okinawa.
Blue Seal Ice Park
  • URLhttps://www.blueseal.co.jp/icepark/
  • 住所5-5-6 Makiminato, Urasoe City, Okinawa Prefecture Next to Blue Seal Makiminato Main StoreMAP
  • アクセスApproximately 30 minutes by car from Naha Airport
  • 営業時間9:00-18:00 (last entry 17:00)
  • 定休日none
  • 入場料Admission is free, ice bar making Experience costs 1,800 yen
  • TEL098-988-4535
  • 駐車場Available (free)

Gourmet food and souvenirs to connect you to remote islands

The terminal building that stands on National Route 58, commonly known as "Tomarin"
The terminal building that stands on National Route 58, commonly known as "Tomarin"

A multipurpose terminal building in Tomari Port. Ships depart and arrive from the port, connecting the islands of Tokashiki Island, Zamami Island, Aka Island, Aguni Island, Tonaki Island, Kume Island, Minamidaito Island, and Kitadaito Island.
Inside the building, you'll find ticket counters for each route, of course, but also a convenience store selling Okinawa's signature awamori and light meals, a bento shop, an Okinawan restaurant, a cafe, and more. There is also an event deck adjacent to the building, so if you time it right, you might be able to enjoy an event.

Enjoy the excitement of boats and forklifts while casually traveling to remote islands

I can't help but feel curious as the ship sets sail towards the endless sea.
I can't help but feel curious as the ship sets sail towards the endless sea.

There are plenty of exciting scenes for children who love vehicles, such as the sight of many ships coming and going, cargo, and the forklifts that transport them. You can enjoy just watching the scenery, or of course take a trip to the remote islands.
Some remote islands can be reached by boat in about 30 minutes, so why not take a day trip and enjoy the scenery and splashes of water from the boat? There is also a large green space (small park) next to Tomarin, so we recommend buying a lunch box and enjoying a picnic.

Comments Local Guide
The beautiful Okinawan ocean with its spectacular boats coming and going offers a different view from the tourist beaches. This is a recommended spot for children who love vehicles or have a strong sense of curiosity.
Tomarin
  • URLhttps://www.tomarin.com/
  • 住所3-25-1 Maejima, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスAbout 8 minutes walk from Miebashi Station on the Yui Rail
  • TEL098-861-3341(施設管理会社:泊ふ頭開発株式会社)
  • 駐車場Available (charged)

About 7 minutes by car from Naha Airport! A bridge to Senaga Island

Take a refreshing drive while gazing at the blue sky and ocean
Take a refreshing drive while gazing at the blue sky and ocean

This road leads to Senagajima, an isolated island near Naha Airport that can be reached by car. It's a perfect spot for a drive while enjoying the beautiful ocean views on both sides of the road.
Just across the road is Senaga Island, where you can enjoy shopping, restaurants, sweets and more Property Senaga Island Umikaji Terrace, Sunset Park where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset as its name suggests, and the Ryukyu hot spring Senaga Island Hotel, one of Okinawa's leading hot spring resort hotels. You can have fun all day long on Senaga Island.

A spectacular spot where you can watch planes take off and land up close

Adults and children alike were excited by the planes taking off with a loud noise!
Adults and children alike were excited by the planes taking off with a loud noise!

It's also famous for being a place where you can watch planes take off and land up close. Many people gather here, gazing blankly at the ocean or with large cameras in hand, hoping to catch a glimpse of the planes taking off with a loud noise.
Of course, kids who love airplanes will be excited too! If you're lucky, you might even get to experience the roar of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's F14 scrambling to take off. It's also close to Naha Airport, so it's a good idea to stop by before you go home and tell your kids, "We're going to be on that plane now."

Comments Local Guide
Planes approaching the first runway at Naha Airport will fly right overhead! It's Experience you rarely get to have in your everyday life.
Senaga Island Mid-Sea Road
  • 住所Senaga, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 7 minutes by car from Naha Airport
  • TEL098-850-0024(豊見城市役所)

A new type of entertainment aquarium that combines video and reality

Sound, images, and rare creatures right before your eyes. Experience will satisfy all five senses.
Sound, images, and rare creatures right before your eyes. Experience will satisfy all five senses.

A new entertainment aquarium that makes full use of the latest visual expression and spatial design. As soon as you enter, a three-minute video is shown on a large multi-screen screen. After enjoying the latest visual beauty that reproduces the beauty of Okinawa over time, you can immediately stroll around the aquarium.
Children are sure to be thrilled by this new aquarium that combines real creatures with spatial effects using images and sounds. Experience the vibrant Okinawa that combines rare creatures with creative expression.

A moment to experience the charms of the sea and forest with all five senses

Jellyfish swaying in the vivid light. A fantastical space where you can stare blankly at them for a while.
Jellyfish swaying in the vivid light. A fantastical space where you can stare blankly at them for a while.

The facility is divided into two floors, the first floor designed to resemble a "clear ocean teeming with diverse creatures," and the second floor designed to resemble an "evergreen forest woven by a subtropical climate." You can enjoy the fascinating ocean and forest on both floors.
The museum is committed to creating an extraordinary space, so there are no signboards explaining the creatures on display. Instead, you can download the official app before entering the museum to check explanations of the creatures and floor maps, so you can enjoy the explanations at your own pace. It's a heartwarming sight to see parents downloading the app and teaching their children.

Comments Local Guide
Another attractive feature is that it is attached to a shopping mall, so you can enjoy gourmet food and shopping after enjoying your time at the aquarium.
DMM Kariyushi Aquarium
  • URLhttps://kariyushi-aquarium.com/
  • 住所3-35 Toyosaki, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture (Inside IIAS Okinawa Toyosaki) MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 20 minutes by car from Naha Airport
  • 営業時間Business hours: 9:00-20:00 (last entry 60 minutes before closing)
    * Varies depending on the day. For details, please check the business calendar on the official website.
  • 定休日Open everyday (may be closed temporarily for Property inspections, etc.)
  • 入場料Adults (18 years and over) 2,800 yen
    Teenagers (13-17 years old) 2,200 yen
    Children (ages 4 to 12): 1,700 yen
    Children under 3 years old are free
  • 駐車場Available (within the "IIAS Okinawa Toyosaki" site)
  • メモ▼イーアス沖縄豊崎
    営業時間:ショップ10;00~21:00 レストラン&カフェ11:00~23:00
    TEL:098-840-6900

Whether you want to do something active or leisurely, you're sure to find Experience that suits your personality.

A completed sample of the Bingata coaster Experience (40 minutes, 1,000 yen/person)
A completed sample of the Bingata coaster Experience (40 minutes, 1,000 yen/person)

This Experience spot recreates the glamorous townscape of the Ryukyu Dynasty on a site of 49,000 m2. It was originally used as an open studio for the NHK historical drama "Winds of Ryukyu", but was later transferred to Yomitan Village and reborn as Property Property
On the premises, there are a wide variety Experience available, including traditional crafts such as pottery, Ryukyu glass, and bingata, creative Experience such as coloring shisa and indigo dyeing, as well as marine sports, horseback riding, and sugarcane Experience. You're sure to find Experience that suits your child's age and personality.

Winter-only events are the best bet to get into the festive mood!

Children will have a blast looking at the approximately 3,000 night lights!
Children will have a blast looking at the approximately 3,000 night lights!

Another highlight is the Ryukyu Lantern Festival, held every winter. During the festival, the grounds are decorated with countless brightly colored lanterns, creating a breathtaking sight. Taking a photo of your child illuminated by the beautiful lanterns is a memorable experience that you can only have at this time. There is also a photo contest, so it would be fun to submit your favorite photos.
There will also be a "Night Lantern Stage" with performers, light and sound projection mapping, a cafe and other fun activities to satisfy children's curiosity.

Comments Local Guide
There are many different Experience to choose from, making it a great place for your children to do their own research! The old Okinawan townscape is a rare sight, and it's a very picturesque place.
Murasakimura Experience Kingdom
  • URLhttps://murasakimura.com/
  • 住所1020-1 Takashiho, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 63 minutes by car from Naha Airport
  • 営業時間9:00-18:00 (last entry 17:30, excluding special business hours)
    Restaurant Taiki Lunch buffet 11:00-15:00, Dinner buffet 18:00-22:00
  • 定休日none
  • 入場料Adults 600 yen, Junior and senior high school students 500 yen, Elementary school students 400 yen, Toddlers free
  • TEL098-958-1111
  • 駐車場free

A zoo where you can meet 150 kinds of animals

The Orii flying fox, found on the main island of Okinawa and the surrounding islands
The Orii flying fox, found on the main island of Okinawa and the surrounding islands

At the southernmost zoo in Japan, you can see animals that are found only in the Ryukyu Islands, including Yakushima macaques and Ryukyu dogs. You can encounter about 150 kinds of animals, from large animals such as impressive elephants, giraffes, and hippos to small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs.
There is also a corner where you can enjoy Experience guinea pigs, sheep, island goats, and other animals, as well as horse Experience. There are also displays of tropical migratory birds, amphibians and reptiles such as frogs, lizards, and snakes, so you can enjoy meeting many animals.

Okinawa's only children's museum that expands children's potential

Packed with all kinds of play that will develop your child's abilities! Children are fascinated by the wonders of science
Packed with all kinds of play that will develop your child's abilities! Children are fascinated by the wonders of science

Based on the concept that "understanding and creativity begin with wonder," the museum also houses Okinawa's first children's museum, the Wonder Museum, where children can discover wonders and surprises for themselves. There are various Experience available for children to play with, focusing on themes of science, art, and philosophy, nurturing their imagination, awareness, and curiosity.
Workshops and events are held regularly, so it's a good idea to check in advance. You might even notice a new side to your child's face when they leave the museum.

Comments Local Guide
There are many places to enjoy other than just the animals, such as the rides area and the water and green space! There are also Restaurant and parlors, so you can take a rest while you're walking around if you get tired.
Okinawa Zoo and Museum
  • URLhttps://www.okzm.jp/
  • 住所Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture, Goya 5-7-1 MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 65 minutes by car from Naha Airport
  • 営業時間April to September: 9:30 to 18:00 (entrance until 17:00)
    October to March: 9:30 to 17:30 (entrance until 16:30)
  • 定休日Tuesdays, December 30th and 31st, January 1st
    *If Tuesday is a national holiday, the shop will be open as usual and closed the following day. During Golden Week, spring, summer, and winter holidays, the shop will be open on Tuesdays.
  • 入場料Adults: 500 yen, junior and senior high school students: 200 yen, ages 4 and over - elementary school students: 100 yen, infants (up to 3 years old): free
  • TEL098-933-4190
  • 駐車場to exist

An exotic spot overlooking the blue sea

As soon as I arrived at the vast grounds, I could picture children having fun.
As soon as I arrived at the vast grounds, I could picture children having fun.

Located on a hill overlooking the sea, this Property features beautiful towering white buildings reminiscent of the Greek island of Santorini. The facility is based on the concept of a "third place" where you can experience the charms of Okinawa, and offers a variety of entertainment, including a diving shop, horseback riding, pottery and glassblowing Experience, as well as relaxation, gourmet food and shopping.
The exterior walls of each store are decorated with the individuality of the shop, so just walking around you will feel the excitement of an exotic country.

A place where you can enjoy Okinawa's unique natural scenery, such as the sky and fields.

From the field, you can see the lush Okinawan ocean.
From the field, you can see the lush Okinawan ocean.

The vast grounds are filled with friendly spaces where you can relax and unwind, including a large lawn, a beach, and a field where you can enjoy a picnic. The park is also renowned for its beautiful sunsets. Many people visit at dusk to watch the sky and sea slowly change from a refreshing blue to orange.
Events are held regularly utilizing the vast grounds, one of which is the popular Yachimun Market, held on the first Saturday and Sunday of November every year, which is so popular that the grounds are filled with cars.

Comments Local Guide
About 5 minutes by car from HOSHINOYA Okinawa! My favorite Restaurant is "Kaigan Shokudo Caprice" which serves delicious tacos.
Gala Blue Sea
  • URLhttp://www.gala-aoiumi.com/
  • 住所915 Takashiho, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 60 minutes by car from Naha Airport
  • 営業時間Please check the official website for the opening hours of each store.
  • 定休日No holidays (some stores have fixed holidays)
  • 入場料Admission is free. Experience and food and drink options vary by store.
  • TEL098-958-3940
  • 駐車場Available (free)

Be enchanted by the delicious handmade sweets at popular souvenir shops

A beautiful cream puff that resembles the ocean, made with butterfly pea grown in the prefecture (302 yen)
A beautiful cream puff that resembles the ocean, made with butterfly pea grown in the prefecture (302 yen)

This souvenir shop sells products made with Okinawan ingredients, including the "Original Beni-Imo Tart," which has won the gold medal at the Monde Selection for six consecutive years. While maintaining the same flavor as the original Beni-Imo Tart, which was created in 1986, the shop is constantly developing new Beni-Imo products that do not contain any artificial colorings or preservatives.
Although Okashi Goten has a strong image of souvenirs, it actually started out as a cake shop and also sells handmade sweets in its stores. Being able to experience Okashi Goten as a long-established sweets shop is a privilege that you can only enjoy by visiting as part of a trip.

You can also take a tour of the factory to see the process of making purple sweet potato tarts up close.

Witness the beautifully flowing tart line up close!
Witness the beautifully flowing tart line up close!

In addition to enjoying shopping from about 300 kinds of products including cakes, there are also tours perfect for families. At the Yomitan main store, you can see the manufacturing process of purple sweet potato tart and almond chocolate sandwich up close. It's like magic to watch the sweets, evenly arranged by a uniquely developed machine, being carried out one after another and packaged. The adorable sight of the children glued to the shop makes the adults watching smile.
If you make a reservation in advance, you can receive a free explanation while touring the factory, so we recommend it.

Comments Local Guide
At the Onna Village store, located about 30 minutes by car from the Yomitan main store, you can Experience making purple sweet potato tarts with your children. We also recommend making tarts after the factory tour.
Okashigoten Yomitan Main Branch
  • URLhttps://www.okashigoten.co.jp/
  • 住所Okinawa Prefecture, Nakagami District, Yomitan Village, Uza 657-1 MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 55 minutes by car from Naha Airport
  • 営業時間9:00~18:00
  • 定休日Open daily
  • TEL098-958-7333
  • 駐車場free
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