6 must-see spots in Okinawa this summer
Okinawa is a perennially popular domestic summer travel destination. An island surrounded by beautiful seas, Okinawa has a unique culture that flourished during the Ryukyu Kingdom era, as well as traditional food and scenery that are different from those on the mainland, making it seem almost overseas. For those visiting Okinawa in the summer, we will introduce some spots that will make your summer experience even more enjoyable. Enjoy Okinawa, which has more to offer than just the sea.
1Yohena Hydrangea Garden
A hydrangea garden worth visiting during the rainy season
The best time to see cherry blossoms is January, and sunflowers and cosmos are January to February, so Okinawa Prefecture blooms much earlier than the mainland. But what about hydrangeas? In Okinawa, the rainy season often starts around the end of Golden Week, and the peak of hydrangea blooms is usually from mid-May to the end of June.
A must-visit spot for you to visit during this time is the Yohena Hydrangea Garden in Motobu Town in the northern part of Okinawa Prefecture. Located about a 20-minute drive from the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, the garden attracts many visitors from both within Japan and overseas during the peak viewing season.
It all started with growing hydrangeas as a hobby
The garden is about 10,000 hydrangeas of about 40 varieties blooming in the 10,000m2 site, and visitors are overwhelmed by the beauty. The garden was opened when the former owner, Yohena Uto, started planting hydrangeas as a hobby when he was about 60 years old.
Uto started growing them with just two plants, but now when the season comes around, the whole area looks like a blue carpet. Each plant blooms with 30 flowers, and the sight of the voluminous hydrangeas is truly spectacular.
- Yohena Hydrangea Garden
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https://yohenaajisaien.sakura.ne.jp
1312 Izumi, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
Approximately 80 minutes by car from Naha Airport
9:00～18:30
Open daily during the season
Adults: 400 yen, elementary, junior high and high school students: 200 yen
0980-47-2183
free
Group discounts available
2Shuri Sakiyamacho Barringtonia Tree Line
Shuri is the place to see the one-night-only mystical flower, the "Sagaribana"
The "Sagaribana" flower blooms only on summer nights and withers at dawn. It is a one-night flower that grows wild on Amami Oshima and the Okinawa region. The flower's meaning is "happiness arrives," and it blooms densely like wisteria, drooping from the branches. It gives off a vanilla-like scent, and the surrounding area is enveloped in a sweet fragrance.
There are several spots in the prefecture where you can see these hanging flowers, but for those staying in Naha, we recommend Shuri Sakiyamacho, which is also known as one of the Eight Views of Shuri.
A hidden gem near Shuri Castle
About a 10-minute walk from Shuri Station, the charming stone-paved street (Baba-dori, nicknamed Zuisen-dori) near Shuri Castle is lit up during the season for hanging flowers. The best time to see them is at night from June to August. About 30 hanging flowers are planted over a stretch of about 150 meters, and during the season, locals visit the area for an evening stroll.
By the way, this area is a hidden gem that is not yet well known to tourists. Why not come and see for yourself the ephemeral and romantic hanging flowers that only bloom for one night?
- Shuri Sakiyamacho Barringtonia Tree Line
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- Okinawa Prefecture Naha City Shuri Sakiyamacho MAP
- About 10 minutes walk from Shuri Station
- free
- none
3Kouri Beach
Excellent transparency. One of the most beautiful beaches in Okinawa
If you enjoy driving during your trip to Okinawa, there is one driving course you definitely want to check out. One of them is Kouri Island in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa. This island, with its untouched nature, is called "Love Island" because of the Okinawan version of the legend of Adam and Eve, and the entire island is said to be a power spot.
To get to the island, you have to cross the 2km long Kouri Bridge, but with the emerald green ocean on both sides, you'll feel as if you're running on the ocean. Kouri Beach spreads out at the entrance to the island.
Enjoy the blue sea and the sunset all day long on Kouri Island
The white sand and crystal clear water are breathtakingly beautiful and attract all visitors. Another feature of this beach is that it is fully equipped with showers and toilets. The shallow beach allows even those who are not good at swimming to relax.
The island is dotted with scenic spots and cafes with panoramic views of the ocean. In the evening, you can enjoy a time that feels like you're separated from the real world as you watch the sunset. Also, nearby is Kouri Fureai Hiroba, where you can find local products and souvenirs, and also eat. Why not stop by after enjoying a day at the beach?
- Kouri Beach
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- Okinawa Prefecture Kunigami District Nakijin Village Kouri MAP
- Approximately 85 minutes by car from Naha Airport
- free
- 0980-56-1057（今帰仁村観光協会）
- free
- Showers, toilets and changing rooms available
4Bise Fukugi Tree Line
A green power spot where negative ions rain down
When you feel like you want to be free from the stress of everyday life, head to this power spot located about a four-minute drive from Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. Bise Tree-Lined Avenue, lined with about 20,000 Fukugi trees, is a healing spot surrounded by the kindness of nature.
Surrounded by tall Fukugi trees, it is cool even in midsummer and perfect for a walk. The chirps of the birds, the sound of the wind, the rustling of the trees, and the sunlight filtering through the leaves are soothing and purifying. Bicycles are available for rental, so it might be a good idea to try cycling.
A natural beach that even beginners can enjoy
Once you pass through the green tunnel, you'll reach the sea. Bise Beach, which has a promenade, is a popular swimming spot for families, where you can see clownfish and colorful tropical fish. Bise Beach is also known as a snorkeling spot. On clear days, you can see Ie Island in the distance, and in the evening, you can watch the sun set over Ie Island.
Numerous studies around the world have proven that "nature relieves stress." The powerful Fukugi trees and the blue sea may help relieve our worries, concerns, and daily stress.
- Bise Fukugi Tree Line
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- 626 Bise, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
- Approximately 100 minutes by car from Naha Airport
- free
- 0980-48-2371（備瀬区事務所）
- free
5Senaga Island Umikaji Terrace
A resort Property you can enjoy gourmet food, shopping, and spectacular views all at once
Senaga Island, the closest remote island to Naha, is home to a resort Property with about 40 shops where you can enjoy gourmet food and shopping. The blue sky and the circular white building built on the slope of the hill make this a spot where you can experience the feeling of being in a foreign country. It's a place where you can really feel like you've come to a tropical resort.
There are plenty of restaurants, including Okinawa soba shops, gelato shops that use Okinawan fruits and vegetables, hamburger shops, and taco rice shops. Many of the shops use ingredients unique to Okinawa, and some have menus that can't be found anywhere else. It might be fun to try visiting a few shops that interest you.
Soothe your tired body after sightseeing in a foot bath
Umikaji Terrace is a place where you can watch planes take off and land at Naha Airport up close. Many people bring their cameras to take pictures of the impressive planes, and on a sunny day you can take some photogenic shots. There is also a free foot bath corner within Property.
The hot water is natural hot spring from 1,000 meters underground on Senaga Island and is said to be effective for cuts and burns, chronic skin diseases, neuralgia, muscular pain, and relieving fatigue. It is only a 15-minute drive from Naha Airport, so why not stop by on the last day of your trip to Okinawa?
- Senaga Island Umikaji Terrace
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- https://www.umikajiterrace.com
- 174-6 Senaga, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
- Approximately 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport
- 10:00-21:00 (varies by store)
- Open all year round (may be closed due to weather conditions)
- 098-851-7446
- free
6Farmers Market
Get tropical fruit mangoes at a reasonable price
For those who enjoy stopping by local supermarkets and markets during their trip, we recommend places where you can buy fresh produce that is only available in that area at reasonable prices. There are currently 11 "farmers markets" in Okinawa Prefecture (2 of which are on remote islands).
They can be found in various areas, such as "Haina! Yanbaru Market" in Nago City, "Chanpuru Market" in Okinawa City, and "Umanchu Market" in Itoman City. Each store has different producers and carries different agricultural products, so it might be a good idea to visit several places.
When you think of summer in Okinawa, you think of bitter melon.
Unlike supermarkets, where winter vegetables are lined up even in summer, farmers' markets allow you to feel the seasons and the seasons in season. In summer, dragon fruit, passion fruit, mangoes, and pineapples are lined up, and the store is bustling with locals and tourists who come to buy them.
Although there are slight variations in the season and the amount of tropical fruits available, they are sold at all stores. Many people buy them as gifts or souvenirs. Purchased produce can be delivered, so you can shop without worrying about excess baggage (although some products cannot be delivered).
- Farmers Market
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- http://www.ja-okinawa.or.jp/farmersmarket/
- 4-20 Nishizakicho, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture (Farmers Market Itoman Umanchu Market) MAP
- Approximately 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport
- 9:00～18:00
- Closed on the fourth Wednesday of every month, January 1st to 3rd, and the first day of Obon
- 098-992-6510（ファーマーズマーケットいとまん うまんちゅ市場）
- free
MAP
- Nearby Hoshino Resorts Property
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