Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Okinawa Island & Kerama Islands 17‑Day Diving, Relaxation & Food Adventure

Viewed by 130 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Settling In

Morning: Arrive at Naha Airport from Tokyo, collect your rental car, and drive to your seaside resort in Naha. Unpack and enjoy a refreshing welcome drink on the balcony overlooking the Pacific.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll to Makishi Public Market to sample fresh sashimi and Okinawan snacks while acclimating to the island vibe.

Evening: Dine at a local izakaya featuring rafute (braised pork belly) and sip an Okinawan cocktail as the sun sets over the harbor.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Naha Culture & Beachside Relaxation

Morning: Visit the historic Shurijo Castle and explore its restored halls, learning about Ryukyu Kingdom heritage.

Afternoon: Relax on Sunset Beach, soak up the sun, and try paddle‑boarding in calm waters.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a beachfront restaurant serving grilled aji (horse mackerel) with a side of local awamori.

Find Hotels

Day 3: Northern Okinawa – Churaumi & Emerald Beach

Morning: Drive to the north and explore the world‑renowned Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, marveling at the massive Kuroshio Tank.

Afternoon: Walk along Emerald Beach adjacent to the aquarium, snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs.

Evening: Stay at a resort in Motobu; enjoy a sunset dinner featuring fresh sea urchin and tropical fruits.

Find Hotels

Day 4: Kouri Island Scenic Drive

Morning: Take the iconic Kouri Bridge to Kouri Island, stopping at the glass‑bottomed Kouri Ocean Tower for underwater views.

Afternoon: Relax on the white sands of Kouri Beach, swimming and reading under a parasol.

Evening: Return to Motobu and savor a dinner of taco rice at a local tavern.

Find Hotels

Day 5: First Diving Day – Tokashiki Island (Kerama)

Morning: Board a speedboat from Tomari Port to Tokashiki Island, renowned for crystal‑clear waters and abundant sea turtles.

Afternoon: Dive at Aharen Beach with a certified dive operator, exploring vibrant coral gardens and spotting manta rays.

Evening: Stay in a beachfront guesthouse on Tokashiki, enjoying a simple dinner of grilled fish and island vegetables.

Find Hotels

Day 6: Diving & Island Exploration – Tokashiki

Morning: Second dive at the famed Higashi Beach site, ideal for macro photography of nudibranchs.

Afternoon: Hike the island’s coastal trail to the historic Tomari Lighthouse, offering panoramic ocean views.

Evening: Relax with a beachfront bonfire, tasting local sake and fresh tropical fruit.

**Day 7: Return to Okinawa Main Island – Relaxation Day**

Morning: Sail back to Naha, enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the ferry deck.

Afternoon: Check into a spa resort in Onna and unwind in an open‑air onsen overlooking the sea.

Evening: Dine at the resort’s restaurant featuring a kaiseki menu of seasonal Okinawan delicacies.

Find Hotels

Day 8: Cape Manzamo & Zanpa Beach

Morning: Visit the dramatic cliffs of Cape Manzamo, perfect for sunrise photos.

Afternoon: Lounge on the golden sands of Zanpa Beach**, trying windsurfing or simply basking.

Evening: Return to Onna for a sunset dinner of goya champuru (bitter melon stir‑fry) and local beer.

Find Hotels

Day 9: Second Diving Expedition – Zamami Island

Morning: Take a ferry to Zamami Island, the heart of the Kerama diving circuit.

Afternoon: Dive at Furuzamami Beach, known for its gentle currents and schools of colorful reef fish.

Evening: Stay at a cozy inn on Zamami, enjoying a dinner of grilled sea cucumber and local vegetables.

Find Hotels

Day 10: Diving & Turtle Watching – Zamami

Morning: Early dive at Tokashiku Beach, where you may encounter sea turtles nesting during the season.

Afternoon: Snorkel from the shore, relax on the beach, and explore the island’s small fishing village.

Evening: Participate in a night beach walk guided by locals, learning about traditional fishing methods.

Find Hotels

Day 11: Return to Main Island – Cultural Immersion

Morning: Ferry back to Naha and visit the Okinawa Prefectural Museum to deepen your understanding of island history.

Afternoon: Take a cooking class in a local home, learning to make omi-soba and purple sweet potato desserts.

Evening: Explore the vibrant Kokusai Dori street, sampling street food like tempura and buying souvenirs.

Find Hotels

Day 12: Free Day – Spa & Leisure

Morning: Enjoy a restorative massage and aromatherapy session at your resort’s spa.

Afternoon: Swim in the resort’s infinity pool, read a book on the deck, or take a leisurely bike ride along the coast.

Evening: Have a romantic dinner on a private terrace, tasting a multi‑course menu featuring awamori‑paired dishes.

Find Hotels

Day 13: Third Diving Trip – Aka Island (Kerama)

Morning: Depart early for Aka Island, renowned for its vibrant coral walls.

Afternoon: Dive at Hama Biyako, exploring dramatic overhangs and spotting reef sharks.

Evening: Overnight at a beachfront lodge, enjoying a simple barbecue of locally caught fish.

Find Hotels

Day 14: Diving & Island Exploration – Aka

Morning: Second dive at Yashimo Beach, perfect for macro lovers seeking rare critters.

Afternoon: Hike to the island’s highest point for sweeping views of the Kerama archipelago.

Evening: Share stories around a fire pit while tasting fresh pineapple and island rum.

Find Hotels

Day 15: Return to Okinawa – Southern Coast

Morning: Sail back to Naha and drive south to the tranquil Okinawa World cave park.

Afternoon: Explore the impressive Gyokusendo Cave and watch a traditional Eisa drum performance.

Evening: Dine at a local restaurant in the southern town of Itoman, savoring shuri soba and sweet potato ice cream.

Find Hotels

Day 16: Beach Day & Farewell Dinner

Morning: Spend a relaxed morning at Moon Beach, swimming and renting a kayak.

Afternoon: Enjoy a beachfront lunch of poke bowls and fresh fruit, then shop for last‑minute gifts.

Evening: Celebrate your trip with a farewell dinner at a high‑end restaurant featuring a tasting menu of premium okinawa wagyu and seasonal seafood.

Find Hotels

Day 17: Departure

Morning: Pack and enjoy a final leisurely breakfast at the hotel, taking in ocean views.

Afternoon: Transfer to Naha Airport, return the rental car, and board your flight back to Tokyo.

Evening: Arrive in Tokyo with memories of vibrant reefs, delicious cuisine, and island serenity.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Shurijo Castle – 2 hours, ¥820 entrance
  • Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium – 3 hours, ¥1,880 admission
  • Kouri Ocean Tower – 1 hour, ¥400 fee
  • Tokashiki Island diving (2 days) – 4 dives, ¥25,000 per person
  • Zamami Island diving (2 days) – 4 dives, ¥26,000 per person
  • Aka Island diving (2 days) – 4 dives, ¥27,000 per person
  • Ferry to Kerama Islands (round‑trip) – 4 hours total, ¥4,500 per person
  • Rental car (16 days) – 16 days, ¥7,000 per day = ¥112,000
  • Accommodation (mid‑range hotels & guesthouses) – 16 nights, avg ¥12,000/night = ¥192,000
  • Meals (average ¥3,000 per person per day) – 17 days × 2 people × ¥3,000 = ¥102,000
  • Spa & massages – 2 sessions, ¥8,000 each = ¥16,000
  • Cooking class – 1 session, ¥6,500 per person = ¥13,000
  • Entrance fees (beaches, parks, museums) – approx. ¥15,000 total
  • Souvenirs & miscellaneous – ¥20,000
  • Round‑trip flight Tokyo‑Okinawa (economy) – ¥30,000 per person = ¥60,000
  • Total Estimated Cost: ¥777,700

Tips

If you wish to shorten the trip, consider dropping one of the three diving islands (Aka or Zamami) and replace those days with additional beach relaxation in Naha, which can reduce both travel time and cost by roughly ¥150,000. To extend your stay, add extra nights at a beachfront resort on the Kerama Islands for a deeper dive experience or schedule a day‑trip to the remote Ishigaki Island for a taste of Yaeyama culture and even more pristine reefs.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version