Four days and three nights of Okinawa self-driving itinerary, guide to take beautiful photos and romantic spots

Okinawa, with its beautiful beaches and resort-style atmosphere, is the perfect place for couples to have a romantic date. Let’s go to Okinawa with my good sisters, and let’s take a look at the must-visit attractions where girls can take enviable photos! And how to arrange a self-driving route to make it smoother!



Key points in planning for free travel to romantic attractions

It’s hard to get to Okinawa, so of course you want to visit all the must-see attractions. However, when traveling abroad, people most often worry that the itinerary will not be arranged smoothly. The editor is here to tell you which time is more romantic to go to these attractions and create a slightly different atmosphere from others! These scenic spots also allow girls to take beautiful photos, so the itinerary is more generous, so you don't have time pressure.

Small reminder: If you come to Okinawa to take wedding photos, some attractions require you to apply for a photo permit in advance!

First day itinerary guide, Kokusai Street, Naminogu Shrine, sunset dinner and night view of private rooms

first day
(Arrived at about noon) Naha Airport → Lunch and shopping on Kokusai Street
→ Pick up the car from Naha City Car Rental Company
→(Drive time: about 10 minutes) Namikamigu Shrine
→(Drive time: about 20 minutes) Senaga Island
→(Using the free section of the expressway, driving time: about 30 minutes) Shuri
Recommended accommodation in Naha city hotels

Take the morning flight and arrive in Okinawa before noon. Most tourists choose to pick up their cars near Naha Airport, which often takes a lot of time due to traffic jams and crowds. After visiting Kokusai Street first, we picked up the car at the car rental company office near the monorail station. There were not many people and it was very convenient. Kokusai Street's lockers and luggage storage services are complete, so you don't have to drag your luggage around.

The scenic spots introduced by the editor on the first day can actually be reached by tram and bus. Although it is not as time-saving as driving by yourself, it is also feasible without renting a car on the first day.

Enjoy international delicacies in the back streets and alleys


Lively Kokusai Street

Kokusai-dori is about 1.6 kilometers long. It is the most lively and unique place in downtown Naha. There are mainly specialty product and jewelry stores on both sides of the avenue, but when you turn into the backstreets, the atmosphere changes! Makishi Public Market and Floating Island Street make people feel nostalgic and full of local culture.

Transportation:
It takes about 15 minutes by monorail from Naha Airport. Get off at Prefectural Office Station or Makishi Station. If you go by car, please be prepared, the parking lot near Kokusai Street is a bit expensive.
MAPCODE: 33 157 411*25.


Vita Smoothies, a prefecture-produced fruit smoothie, photogenic and healthy

There are plenty of food choices near Kokusai Street. In addition to the Onmu Ramen, which is highly praised by foreign tourists, there are also many local and affordable delicacies, and cafes that value the quality of ingredients and have a sense of culture and youth. It is recommended to come to Kokusai Street for lunch first.

The Japanese-style nostalgic Yatai Village near Kokusai Street actually opens at noon. Compared to the evening, Yatai Village is not only less crowded during the day, but also requires less queues for delicious food. It is also a great opportunity to take photos of Japanese retro style with Yatai Village as the background. Beautiful photos of style!

"Hakinamigu Shrine" prays for love luck and also protects traffic safety


Namikami Palace

Although Okinawa does not have as many shrines as the main island of Japan due to its unique historical background, Naminogu Shrine, one of the eight Ryukyu shrines, is conveniently located in Naha city.

One of the main deities blesses love and marriage, and the marriage guardian of Namigami Palace is two shell-shaped guardians, which is very unique. The Namigong Palace also protects traffic safety. Many locals have traffic safety guards hanging on their cars. Come here to pray for luck in love and a smooth road trip!

Transportation:
It takes about 10 minutes by car from Mae Kokusai-dori. Turn at the Izumizaki intersection of National Route 58 and go straight along Prefectural Route 47.
MAPCODE: 33 185 022*00.
If you don’t want to drive, get off the monorail at Asahibashi Station and walk for about 15 minutes.

"Senagajima" Dinner


Terrace seats at "POSILLIPO"

As evening approaches, head to Senagajima, an outlying island within driving distance. This is a perfect place to watch the sunset near Naha City. The most eye-catching thing about Senagajima is the Mediterranean-style complex commercial space "Umikaji Terrace". Not far after driving around the island, this pure white building full of openness jumps into sight, with small shops offering surprising food and groceries.


It’s also beautiful after the sun goes down

Sit in the open-air seats and enjoy the sea view and the planes taking off and landing, order the popular waffles, and no matter how you take photos and check in, you will feel full of vacation, which is super enviable! There are many people coming to watch the sunset, and it is easy to encounter traffic jams when leaving Senaga Island in the evening. The "Umikaji Terrace" is beautifully lit up after the sun goes down. You might as well stay for dinner and wait until the traffic and crowds subside.

Transportation: It takes about 20 minutes from Namamigu Shrine. Take National Route 331 and turn at the Senaga intersection. You can reach it after crossing the bridge.
MAPCODE: 33 002 602*22.

If you don’t need to drive, there are free shuttle buses from Akirei Monorail Station and Palette Kumoji Department Store in front of the Prefectural Office.

The night view of Shuri that only experts know about


Even if you can't go in, Shuri Castle is quite romantic and beautiful at night

If you want to have a more in-depth and romantic experience, go check out the night views of private rooms in downtown Naha! Shuri Castle, one of Okinawa's popular tourist attractions, is actually a night view attraction known only to experts. There will be fantastic night lighting from sunset to midnight. Although there is no way to visit Shuri Castle, compared with the crowds of tourists during the day, if you are not a history buff and just want to see the romantic scenery, it is recommended to visit Shuri Castle after the sun goes down to see the night view.


View of Naha city from Mount Ugo

Not far from Shuri Castle, there is Ukidake, an observatory park where you can enjoy the night view of the entire Ryukyu Garden and Shikina-en area. It has a quiet atmosphere and a good atmosphere. Although there are not many tourists, it is a popular night view spot in Okinawa.

Transportation: About 30 minutes from Senaga Island. Get on the expressway at the Mingjiaji Interchange, get off the expressway at the Nanfenghara North Interchange, follow the highway, and turn left at the Norigou Intersection.
MAPCODE: 33 161 497*55.
If you don’t want to drive, take the monorail and get off at Shuri Station.

Itinerary guide for the second day, Kouri Island looking for Love Reef and Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

the next day
From Naha → (Use the expressway, driving time: about 1 hour and 40 minutes) Kouri Island
→(Drive time: about 40 minutes) Bise Fukugi Forest Road
→(Drive: about 5 minutes) Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
→(Drive time: about 1 hour) Recommended accommodation in hotels near Onna Village

Come and visit Kouri Island to see the heart-shaped reefs


Get ready to drive across the Kouri Bridge!

It takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to drive from Naha via the Okinawa Expressway to Kouri Island, known as the "Island of Love". Kouri Island has a heart-shaped rock that is said to improve luck in love. This beach with two heart-shaped rocks side by side is always crowded with tourists no matter what season it is. If you want to take photos of the aerial view of the heart-shaped rocks, it is recommended that you leave early!

Then go for a walk on the ultra-transparent Kouri Beach, the Kouri Island Ocean Tower with a great view, and the small food truck next to the bridge selling exotic garlic shrimp rice. You can also ride a bicycle across the Kouri Bridge. The food and beautiful scenery on the island are worth spending more time with couples or girls who love taking pictures!

Transportation: From Naha city to Kouri Island, use the expressway, get off at the Kyuda IC, go north via National Highway 58, turn left on Prefectural Highway 110, and pass through Yagajima Island.
MAPCODE: 485 631 329*31.

Healing attraction Bitase Fukugi Forest Road


As the light and shadow change, sometimes the atmosphere feels very magical

The lush green forest of Bise Fukugi Forest Road has a healing atmosphere even during the day. It is highly recommended to visit here before going to the aquarium. There are limited parking spaces on Bitase Fukugi Forest Road. It is recommended that you park in the parking lot No. 9 from Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and walk for about 10 minutes to get there.

Transportation: About 40 minutes from Kouri Island. Go via National Highway 505.
MAPCODE: 553 105 625*34.

Choose a time when there are fewer people to visit Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium


Cafe "Ocean Blue" in front of the large water tank

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is one of the must-visit attractions in Okinawa. The dimly lit aquarium is surrounded by dreamy ocean-blue water tanks. It is just like what is often shown in Japanese dramas, and is the most suitable place for couples to go on a date! But of course, the fewer the crowds, the better the atmosphere. A little secret is to choose a time closer to the evening to play.

Access: About 5 minutes from Bise Fukugi Forest Road. Take Prefectural Road 114.
MAP CODE: 553 075 797*77.

The third day’s itinerary guide, enjoy water sports in Onna Village, and the literary youth group recommends Yomitan Village

The third day
Depart from Onna Village Hotel → (Drive: about 10 minutes) Onna Village Blue Cave Water Sports
OR (drive time: about 30 minutes) Explore Bunsei pottery and historical ancient town in Yomitan Village
→(Drive time: about 35 minutes) Cape Zanpa
→(Drive time: about 35 minutes) American Village
Recommended hotels to stay near American Village

Onna Village Tour for Outdoor Sportsmen


One of the best "Blue Cave" in the world

Okinawa is famous for its beautiful, transparent ocean, and the Blue Cave is a world-famous diving spot. It is recommended to stay in a hotel in Onna Village for easy access to the Blue Cave.

Let me tell you secretly, if you choose to sign up for the time slot before 9 am or after 3 pm, the crowds will be smaller. Diving is not as troublesome as you think, it can be easily experienced in three hours. Snorkeling only takes two and a half hours. Most stores will provide underwater photography!

Transportation: The Blue Cave is located at Misaki Masada, about 10 to 15 minutes' drive from Onna Village Hotel.
MAP CODE: 206 062 685*77.


The most popular SUP (stand up paddle boarding)

Onna Village also has many water sports that are easy to get started, such as SUP (stand-up paddle boarding), which is now a hot topic. You can experience the quiet and private atmosphere surrounded by nature on the magnificent blue ocean.


Churaumi Cafe Kafuu

Onna Village also has many sea view cafes that make girls excited. The food experts in the Tabirai Japan editorial department tasted each one and selected many delicacies that are stunning in photos, delicious in food, and completely healed by the sea view. Dining room.

A literary youth-style trip to Yomitan Village


The kiln in the center of Yachimun no Sato is very unique

If you don’t want to bask in the sun on the sea and like to enrich your soul with art, you can find handmade pottery treasures at Yachimun no Sato in Yomitan Village. It is not like a must-visit place for tourists, but it still retains a simple and local scenery.


Okinawa’s unique handmade pottery

There are many workshops of Okinawan craftsmen gathered together, full of warmth and artistic color. Each pottery is a hand-painted one-of-a-kind piece. Pick a group of similar designs and colors and take them home to use together!

Transportation: It takes about 30 minutes to drive from Onna Village Hotel via National Highway No. 58.
MAPCODE: 33 824 880*47.


The quiet ruins of Zakimi Castle

The Zakimi Castle ruins, not far from Yachimun Sato, are relatively unknown among the many castle ruins in Okinawa. However, there is no admission fee here. The lush green environment with the blue sky and the majestic figure of the ancient castle makes it very photogenic. The view from the city wall to the coastline is also very broad.

Transportation: It takes about 10 minutes from Yachimun Sato via Prefectural Road No. 12. It takes about 30 minutes to get there from Onna-mura, then take National Route 58 and transfer to Prefectural Route 12.
MAPCODE: 33 854 428*55.

Sunset view at Cape Zanpa


The most beautiful sunset in Okinawa is Cape Zanpa

Let’s head to Cape Zanpa in the evening! The blue sea and sky coupled with the pure white lighthouse on the cliff are beautiful and imposing. As the sun slowly sets in the west, the entire scenery is dyed with different colors, which is quite magical and romantic.

Transportation: It takes about 15 minutes from Zakimi Castle ruins via Prefectural Road No. 6. It takes about 30 minutes to get there from Onna-mura, then take National Route 58 and transfer to Prefectural Route 6.
MAP CODE: 1005 685 378*55.

The bright American Village at night


American Village is very lively at night

It is highly recommended to stay near the American Village. Transportation and dinner are very convenient. There are many American-style restaurants and bars in the American Village. Musicians on the street perform street performances. It is still very lively at night. The brightly lit American Village is even more beautiful and full of adult atmosphere.

Transportation: It takes about 35 minutes to get there from Cape Zanpa via National Highway No. 58.
MAPCODE: 33 526 450*63.

Itinerary guide for the last day, outdoor photography in the American Village and foreign residential areas, and outlet shopping

The fourth day
→ American Village → Minatogawa Foreign Residential Area → Okinawa Outlet → Return to Naha Airport → Go home


During the day, American Village is a holy place for outdoor photography.

Don’t be stressed about time to catch a flight on the last day. Plan your itinerary a little loosely and enjoy the beautiful scenery and shopping in Okinawa. The American Village during the daytime is like being in a movie set, with the buildings, murals, and resort-like streets all beautifully photographed! Come back in the morning when there are fewer people to take photos and go shopping. The nearby Ambora Beach is also relaxing and worth a walk.


How to take beautiful photos of outdoor cafes on the seaside

In addition, many of the American Village's sea view cafes and American light meals are exquisitely decorated and have a strong sense of fakeness. You might as well finish your lunch before leaving!


The exterior of our store in oHacorte Minato Sawawai Residential Area with fresh country style

On the way back, we passed National Highway 58. Friends with a girly heart should not miss the Minato-Sichuan Foreign Residents’ Residential Area, a beautiful scene where fresh Japanese style is mixed with American retro style. There are cafes and grocery stores renovated from old American houses, as well as the fruit tower afternoon tea that tourists come to visit here. Girls like it here.

Transportation: It takes about 25 minutes to drive from American Village via National Highway 58.
MAPCODE: 33 340 059*58.


Large Outlet Okinawa Affordable Boutique Shopping City ASHIBINAA

Leave enough time to prepare for shopping at the end! The Toyosaki area is surrounded by Okinawa's outlets, sporting goods stores, electronics stores, bookstores, etc. There are many good shopping and shopping options. The Toyosaki area is not far from the Naha Airport rental and return stations of various car rental companies. If you use the plan of borrowing from one place and returning it to another, it is also very convenient to return the car nearby!

Transportation: It takes about 30 minutes to get there from Minato Outer Residential Area. You can take the expressway from Saihara IC and get off at Mingjiadi IC. Or via National Highway 58.
MAPCODE: 232 544 541*17.

summary

I wanted to visit the must-see attractions as much as possible on my first trip, because I always didn't know when I could come to Okinawa next time. This article selects the most suitable attractions for couples and girls who like to take beautiful photos, arranging four days and three nights smooth traffic route guide for your reference. Of course, there are also some in-depth tour attractions not in line, so that those who like Okinawa will come back next time to explore slowly!