Here’s a few things worth doing in Okinawa – remember, you can check out all these things to do in Okinawa on Toucan’s Okinawa Map.

Grobbler, who was 3 at the time, absolutely loved this and we actually went back twice. It was a Japanese holiday when we went so a lot of people, so be aware as it can get very busy. We’ve been to a number of aquariums and zoo’s and the like in Japan and most of them I have to say are pretty poor, average at best, the animals tend to be poorly kept and in bad shape, but this aquarium is quite a few steps above and the Whale Sharks are the star attraction. Definitely a must-see if you’re visiting Okinawa with or without kids and easy to spend most of the day there.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Near the aquarium there’s a nice castle thing, not really a castle, see the photo below.  Near that is something called Tropical Dream Center, not sure how to describe it, some gardens and pathways and well, what you probably think a tropical dream center in Okinawa would be like.  It’s worth stopping either before or after you go to the aquarium, it’s not going to blow you away by any means, but not bad to fill in the time.

Okinawa Tropical Dream Center

Near the Tropical Dream Center (I’m sure it’s not called this in Japanese), there’s the Ryugujo butterfly garden, which we passed on, but if butterflies are you thing, give it a go as it’s also near the aquarium.

Back near where we stayed, at the Ritz Carlton, there’s a nice beach area called Busena Marine Park, when you park, you’ll see a few shops and can take a train (one of those trains that drives on the road), to the Busena Glass Bottom Boat and the Busena Underwater Observatory.  We were too late for the Glass Bottom Boat, which looked a bit stink anyway, but checked out the Underwater Observatory, which was a bit like the rest of Okinawa, ok, but not knock your pants off spectacular.  It’s worth visiting if you’re in Okinawa and looking for things to do in Okinawa but it won’t be the end of the world if you miss it.

Busena Underwater Observatory

I suggest also driving out to Manzamo, basically a cliff top by the sea with some good views and interesting rock formations. Again, it’s not something you’re going to say that was so wicked, I can’t wait to come back, but worth a visit if you’re in Okinawa.  And if you want to get away from the beaches and do a bit of shopping and find something nice to eat, head into Kokusai Street,a 1.6km street filled with restaurants, Japanese souvenir shops and the like.  It’s a nice change from the beach scene and not that many people there.

Things to Do in Okinawa

For more things to do in Okinawa, check out the Visit Okinawa, Official Travel and Tourism Information Website here.

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