Top 10 Best Things to Do in Okinawa
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Top 10 Best Things to Do in Okinawa

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Okinawa Worldtop_1
    󰺂6.5
    386.54
    Nanjo22.3 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoA variety of indoor activities at Okinawa World Cultural Park
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Okinawa
    Highlights:
    󰀆Experience Ryukyu culture & glass
    󰋄Daily Okinawan dance performances
    󱨠Saved by 1264 users󱨠236 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    It's a worthwhile place to visit, and the entrance fee is not expensive. I took my middle-aged child there on the Okinawa bus, but pay attention to the return time. The park closes at 5:30pm, and the bus will only run around 6:55pm/7:00pm after 4:10pm, forcing me to take a taxi. Taxis also require calling, which not everyone understands. I also have to turn on roaming data to answer calls before I can make calls, which makes the return trip inconvenient. There are also many mosquitoes and it's not easy to wait for the bus. I think the bus is scheduled between 6:55-7:00, considering that there are more employees taking the bus after get off work than guests. It would be more considerate to have two more buses from 5:30-5:45pm for guests to leave. I called a taxi and happened to meet two foreigners who had no car to leave. They were very confused and had no way to go back. Luckily, they also lived near the station in front of Kentingmae, so I helped them. If other guests didn't know how to leave, they would definitely be more scared than happy. I hope the park can make more considerate arrangements.

  • Okinawa Zoo & Museumtop_2
    󰺂6.3
    183.1
    Okinawa791m from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Family-friendly Attractions in Okinawa
    Highlights:
    󰌌Feed giraffes & get close to small animals
    󰋄Integrates zoo museum & amusement rides
    󱨠Saved by 1498 users󱨠190 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    There are all kinds of different animals to see Also you can pay for feeding activities and horse riding There are many nurseries in the park very convenient There is also a wonder museum children can explore and have a lot of fun

  • Southeast Botanical Gardenstop_3
    󰺂5.4
    299.06
    Okinawa4.6 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSoutheast Botanical Garden Illumination 2025 | Dec 14, 2025-Dec 14, 2025
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Night Attractions in Okinawa
    Highlights:
    󰌌Baobab trees are a hit for photos
    󰋄Over 1300 plant species thriving all year
    󱨠Saved by 833 users󱨠64% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    Shirley^Shirley^

    The place isn't big, with no rides and small animals, but the environment is beautiful. There's an indoor petting zoo, which the kids enjoyed, and a small indoor dining and rest area. The lotus pond is beautiful. It's well worth a visit.

  • Neo Park Okinawa
    4
    󰺂5.3
    212.6
    Nago35.9 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 4 of Family-friendly Attractions in Okinawa
    Highlights:
    󱨜Get up close to the Ryukyu flying fox
    Stroll through the Amazon bird-watching tunnel
    󱨠Saved by 427 users󱨠66% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Bought the tickets right at the entrance and received the voucher within 5 minutes. Went to the counter to exchange it for the physical train tickets. There was not many people when i visited the park. Park seemed a little old, fish tanks were dirty, we were unable to see the fishes clearly. It was raining on the day i visited so many animals went into hiding. But we still managed to catch the peacock with its feathers open! It looked so beautiful. We were mesmerised by it. There was scheduled departure times for the train ride, be sure to catch it either before or after you complete the park, as the start point is at level 2 of the entrance.

  • Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum (Okimyu)
    5
    󰺂5.3
    Naha.Naha City Centre16.3 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoOkinawa Prefectural Museum Cultural Experience
    Highlights:
    37 interactive Okinawa culture experiences
    Okinawan crafts making experience
    󱨠Saved by 451 users󱨠44% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    WenteWente

    Before entering, you need to go to the ticket office to exchange tickets. It is a good place to learn about Okinawa's history, geography, beliefs, and industry. There is a very good cafe on the third floor. The art gallery is also in the same place. If you have enough time, you can visit

  • Okinawa City Hall Observation Decks
    6
    󰺂4.0
    Okinawa6m from downtown
    󱨠Saved by 178 users󱨠63% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Stitch ChiangStitch Chiang

    I thought it was just an ordinary observatory, but it turned out to be such a healing space... You can see Okinawa from different angles! Although it’s a bit tiring to climb the spiral staircase, it’s all worth it when you see the blue sky against the city scenery! However, it is still recommended to go when the weather is good so that the observatory can be maximized!

Best things to do in Okinawa (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Okinawa? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Okinawa offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Okinawa

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Okinawa experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Okinawa World

• Nanjo | 22.3 km from downtown

• : Experience Ryukyu culture & glass,Daily Okinawan dance performances

Okinawa Zoo & Museum

• Okinawa | 791m from downtown

• : Feed giraffes & get close to small animals,Integrates zoo museum & amusement rides

Southeast Botanical Gardens

• Okinawa | 4.6 km from downtown

• : Baobab trees are a hit for photos,Over 1300 plant species thriving all year

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Okinawa

If you want to explore attractions just outside Okinawa, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Okinawa, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Okinawa special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Okinawa

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Okinawa

Ready to explore the best of Okinawa? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Okinawa?
These are all Best Things to Do in Okinawa:Okinawa World, Okinawa Zoo & Museum, Southeast Botanical Gardens, Neo Park Okinawa, Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum (Okimyu)
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Okinawa?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Okinawa include:Okinawa World:4.6, Okinawa Zoo & Museum:4.6, Southeast Botanical Gardens:4.5, Neo Park Okinawa:4.5, Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum (Okimyu):4.5
At what locations in Okinawa can Best Things to Do in Okinawa be found?
The Best Things to Do in Okinawa are mainly located in:Okinawa World:Nanjo, Okinawa Zoo & Museum:Okinawa, Southeast Botanical Gardens:Okinawa, Neo Park Okinawa:Nago, Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum (Okimyu):Naha
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