Looking for things to do in Osaka? As one of Japan’s most exciting cities, Osaka offers the perfect mix of historic landmarks, cultural attractions, world-famous street food, a vibrant night life, and modern attractions.  I’ve been to Osaka four times now and it’s one of my favorite places to visit in Japan. You can’t compare it to Tokyo, it has a completely different scene and feel to it. In this Osaka travel guide, I’ll share my favorite things to do in Osaka, hidden gems, travel tips, and everything you need to plan your Osaka itinerary. Whether you are in search of free attractions, family friendly sites, or iconic places, this guide covers the top things to do in Osaka that simply cannot be missed.  Affiliate Disclosure This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, please visit my affiliate link page. Thanks for the support! Why Visit Osaka? Osaka is one of Japan’s most exciting cities and is a great base for exploring Japan’s Kansai region which includes Kyoto and Kobe.  I find Osaka to be one of Japan’s best food cities, especially when it comes to street food.  It sounds kind of cliché but Osaka has a little bit of everything to suit anyone’s travel interests. There’s great shopping, castles, nightlife, temples and shrines, and family-friendly activities. ✅ Amazing Local Food✅ Great Nightlife✅ Excellent Public Transportation✅ Historic Landmarks ✅ Shopping✅ Family-Friendly Attractions✅ Modern Feel✅ Perfect Base for Exploring Kansai Quick Travel Information Edit Category Information Location Kansai Region, Japan Best Time to Visit Spring and Autumn Airports Kansai International Airport (KIX) & Osaka Itami Airport Currency Japanese Yen (¥) Language Japanese Time Needed 2-4 Days Transportation Excellent Public Transportation – Subway & Buses Famous For Street Food, Osaka Castle, Dotonbori Good for Families? Yes Walkability Excellent Osaka is an incredibly easy city to navigate thanks to its extensive subway and train network. Most attractions in this guide are accessible by public transportation, making Osaka an excellent destination to explore. Best Things to do in Osaka Osaka is one of my favorite cities in Japan. It offers something for everyone, from historic landmarks and lively entertainment districts to an incredible food scene and exciting shopping areas.  Whether you are visiting Osaka for a weekend or spending several days exploring the city, these are the best things to do in Osaka that deserve a place on your itinerary.  Looking for Tours While in Osaka?  I use Get Your Guide to book a wide variety of Tours from Day Trips to Private Food Tours.   View Tours Visit Osaka Castle No trip to Osaka is complete without visiting the famous Osaka Castle. Although not one of Japan’s original castles, it is a remarkable castle and one of Japan’s most beautiful.  Originally built in the late 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the castle played an important role in Japan’s unification and mains a symbol of Osaka and its history.  Today, visitors can explore the castle, learn about its history, and enjoy spectacular views of the city from the observation deck and castle walls.   I’ve visited Osaka Castle at least three times now. While the museum inside is interesting, I find the exterior of the castle to be much more enjoyable, it’s absolutely stunning!  Osaka Castle is well worth adding to your itinerary. I recommend at least two hours if not three to full explore the castle, museum, and grounds.  🔥 PRO TIP Visit Osaka Castle shortly after the castle opens to enjoy smaller crowds and better photo opportunities. If visiting in Spring, go on a weekday because Cherry Blossoms attract large crowds.  Quick Information 📍Location: Chuo Ward, Osaka 🚉Nearest Station: Osakajokoen Station or Tanimachi 4-chime Station ⏰Time Needed: 2-3 Hours 💰Admission: Osaka Castle museum fee is required, surrounding park is free to enter. ⭐Best For: History lovers, photographers, families, first-time visitors Explore Dotonbori If there is one place that captures the energy and spirit of Osaka, it’s Dotonbori.  Dotonbori is touristy but for good reason. It’s famous for its neon lights, giant billboards, and incredible street food, like Takoyaki. This lively entertainment district is one of the top things to do in Osaka and I always recommend it.  Dotonbori is packed with restaurants, shops, arcades, and entertainment, making it a must-visit area in Osaka both during the day and at night.  I love to take visitors here just to look at the iconic landmarks like the Glico Running Man sign or giant crab. It’s also an exciting place to walk around and just soak in the atmosphere. Don’t be afraid to eat around Dotonbori, try anything and everything.  Quick Information 📍Location: Namba District, Chuo Ward, Osaka 🚉Nearest Station: Namba Station ⏰Time Needed: 2-4 Hours (longer if you plan to eat and shop) 💰Admission: Free ⭐Best For: Food lovers, photographers, nightlife, shopping, first-time visitors Take the Escalator at Umeda Sky Building One attraction in Osaka that I most recently tried out, was the Umeda Sky Building. I saw it in photos and thought it looked interesting and wanted to experience it for myself.  Umeda Sky Building is a unique structure within a skyscraper with a glass-enclosed escalator in the center of the building which takes visitors to the Floating Garden Observatory for breathtaking 360-degree views of Osaka.  In my opinion, taking the escalator alone was worth the experience, but the views on top of the Sky Building were another addition I didn’t even expect.  The Umeda Sky Building is worth a visit Don’t pass it up! The Umeda Sky Building is a popular attraction in Osaka and can book up quickly, secure your tickets.  Book Online Tickets Here 📅 Check your travel dates now.  Tours can book up during holidays and weekends.  Quick Information 📍Location: Kita Ward, Osaka 🚉Nearest Station: Osaka Station or Umeda Station ⏰Time Needed: 1-2 Hours 💰Admission: Admission is required to visit the Floating Garden Observatory ⭐Best For: Couples, architecture lovers, and first-time visitors Wander the Aquarium The Osaka Aquarium (Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan) is another attraction I held off until my third visit. No particular reason, but I was in the area and figured I’d check it out.  The Osaka Aquarium is considered one of the best in Japan and one of the largest in the world. I personally like it better then Okinawa’s Churaumi Aquarium.  The design was interesting, you start at the top and work your way down following the giant tank in the middle. You’ll encounter sea otters, rays, an abundance of tropical  fish, penguins, and even a whale shark.  The Osaka Aquarium is the perfect attraction to add to your Osaka itinerary if you are traveling with a family, need a break from the city, or just want to explore it at your own pace.  Quick Information 📍Location: Tempozan Harbor Village, Minato Ward, Osaka 🚉Nearest Station: Osakako Station ⏰Time Needed: 2-3 Hours 💰Admission: Paid admission is required ⭐Best For: Families, couples, animal lovers, rainy days Looking for Tours While in Osaka?  I use Get Your Guide to book a wide variety of Tours from Day Trips to Private Food Tours.   View Tours Take Photos at Namba Yasaka Jinja If you are looking for a unique attraction in Osaka, don’t miss Namba Yasaka Shrine.  The shrine itself is beautiful and has a lengthy history, the main tourist draw here is the enormous lion head. Unfortunately, this has become a huge tourist attraction, so it can get quite busy.  According to legend, the lion head standing at 12 meters (39 ft) is said to swallow evil spirits and bring good fortune.  This is a free shrine to visit, but keep in mind it is still a shrine and active site for worship, so be respectful and quiet.  Quick Information 📍Location: Naniwa Ward, Osaka 🚉Nearest Station: Namba Station ⏰Time Needed: 15-45 minutes 💰Admission: Free ⭐Best For: Culture, photographers, first-time visitors Take it Slow and Enjoy Shitenno-ju If Japanese history and culture is your thing, I recommend visiting Shitenno-ji Temple to your Osaka itinerary.  Originally founded in 593 AD by Prince Shotoku, this temple is considered to be Japan’s first established Buddhist temple. Like many old buildings in Japan, a lot of temples original structures were burnt down and have since been rebuilt.  Today, you can walk the temple grounds, visit the five-storied pagoda and soak in the relaxing atmosphere. It’s hard to believe such a place exists in the heart of Osaka.  One of my favorite spots at Shitenno-ju are the turtle ponds which are home to dozens of cute turtles.  Quick Information 📍Location: Tennoji Ward, Osaka 🚉Nearest Station: Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station or Tennoji Station ⏰Time Needed: 1-2 Hours 💰Admission: Free ⭐Best For: Culture, history, peaceful experience Interested in a Day Trip from Osaka? I highly recommend Nara, it’s an easy train ride and one of my favorite places in Japan.   Read More Shop at Shin Saybashi-suji If you enjoy shopping, people-watching, or just soaking up the atmosphere of a lively city, then Shinsaibashi-suji is the place for you.  This is a covered shopping arcade and is known as Osaka’s premier shopping district. It’s home to hundreds of stores ranging from full out malls with luxury shops to local hole in the wall joints and delicious restaurants.  Since Shinsaibashi-suji is located in a covered shopping street, it’s the perfect place to browse if it’s raining in Osaka. Not to mention it is connected to the Dotonbori area.  I am not really a shopper, but I still love coming here and brining visitors along. It’s always lively, there are great restaurants here, and there are shops for everyone, even me.  Quick Information 📍Location: Chuo Ward, Osaka 🚉Nearest Station: Shinsaibashi Station ⏰Time Needed: 1-3 Hours 💰Admission: Free ⭐Best For: Shoppers, families, food lovers, first-time visitors Check out Parks Garden at Namba Parks To me, Osaka feels like one of Japan’s most modern cities. There are so many new areas here with modern architecture and a lot of green space.  Just south of Dotonbori, is Namba Parks, a huge shopping mall. My favorite part of Namba Parks is the Parks Garden. It’s a garden area located on the rooftop of the mall.  There are places to relax here or you can take a stroll and observe the impressive gardens and modern city surrounding it.  If the weather is to hot or if you are looking for a place to eat, you can always pop inside the mall to cool off and grab a snack.  Quick Information 📍Location: Naniwa Ward, Osaka 🚉Nearest Station: Namba Station ⏰Time Needed: 1 Hour 💰Admission: Free ⭐Best For: Shoppers, families, relaxation Learn about the Tombs at Furuichi Kofun Group Something for history lovers like myself, just outside the city are the Furuichi Kofun Group tombs also known as the Mozu Tombs or Keyhole tombs.  These burial mounts date back to the  Kofun Period (late 3rd to 6th centuries) and are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you look at satellite imagery, the large tombs are in the shape of a keyhole, although from ground level they just look like mounds or forested areas.  There are around 49 tombs in the area and the largest is the Nintoku-tenno-ryo Kofun which is considered to be one of the largest burial mounds in the world.  According to information at the site, Nintoku-tenno-ryo Kofun is the mausoleum of the 16th emperor, Emperor Nintoku.  Many of Osaka’s keyhole tombs are within walking distance from one another.  Quick Information 📍Location: Sakai, Osaka 🚉Nearest Station: Mozu Station ⏰Time Needed: 1-3 Hours 💰Admission: Free ⭐Best For: History enthusiasts, UNESCO World Heritage Collectors Must Try Food Experiences in Osaka There are a lot of dishes that come from Osaka. In fact, Osaka is famous for its food scene, especially the street food. Personally, I love Takoyaki and okonomiyaki and they are both abundant in Osaka.  Here are a few of my recommended must try food dishes in Osaka.  Eat Like a Local and Join a Food Tour in Osaka Book a Food Tour to really discover

There are few travel experiences quite like exploring every corner of Japan. From the snow-covered landscapes of Hokkaido to the tropical beaches of Okinawa, each prefecture has its own history, culture, and cuisine.  Most visitors that come to Japan visit famous cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, but I wanted to experience the country beyond the typical tourist route, and over the years, that journey led me to visiting all 47 prefectures in Japan.  Visiting every prefecture in Japan was not something I set out to accomplish overnight. It took me 7-years to accomplish this goal.  In this guide, I’m sharing what I learned from traveling across all 47 prefectures in Japan. I’ll highlight the destinations that surprised me, places I’d happily visit again, incredible food, and travel tips along the way.  From the snowy landscapes of Hokkaido to the tropical islands of Okinawa, I spent years exploring every corner of Japan. Along the way, I discovered hidden gems, delicious food, and lessons that completely changed how I travel. Here’s what I learned after visiting all 47 prefectures.  Affiliate Disclosure This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, please visit my affiliate link page. Thanks for the support! Japan’s 47 Prefectures Aichi Akita Aomori Chiba Ehime Fukui Fukuoka Fukushima Gifu Gunma Hiroshima Hokkaido Hyogo Ibaraki Ishikawa Iwate Kagawa Kagoshima Kanagawa Kochi Kumamoto Kyoto Mie Miyagi Miyazaki Nagano Nagasaki Nara Niigata Oita Okayama Okinawa Osaka Saga Saitama Shiga Shimane Shizuoka Tochigi Tokushima Tokyo Tottori Toyama Wakayama Yamagata Yamaguchi Yamanashi Aichi Akita Aomori Chiba Ehime Fukui Fukuoka Fukushima Gifu Gunma Hiroshima Hokkaido Hyogo Ibaraki Ishikawa Iwate Kagawa Kagoshima Kanagawa Kochi Kumamoto Kyoto Mie Miyagi Miyazaki Nagano Nagasaki Nara Niigata Oita Okayama Okinawa Osaka Saga Saitama Shiga Shimane Shizuoka Tochigi Tokushima Tokyo Tottori Toyama Wakayama Yamagata Yamaguchi Yamanashi Why I Decided to Visit Every Prefecture I have been living in Japan since 2019 and have lived in two different prefectures – Yamaguchi and Okinawa.  During my time in Yamaguchi prefecture, it was during the height of Covid-19. Although we were on lockdown, I was able to explore a lot of Japan, especially some of the more rural prefectures like Tottori, Shimane, and Kochi.  By the time Covid was over, I already visited around 30 prefectures, so I made it a personal goal to visit all 47 prefectures of Japan while I live here.  It took me 7 years to visit all of Japan’s 47 prefectures. Of course, I did a lot of international travel during those 7 years and visited numerous prefectures more then once.  Don’t Miss Out on Creating Memories and Exploring Japan If you are looking for guided tours, food tours, or even skip-the-line entrances, book in advance.  Book Tours, Entrances, and More ⏰ Attractions can be limited each day. Popular dates sell out weeks in advance — especially in summer and around holidays. Was it Worth It? For my personal travel goals and accomplishments, visiting all of Japan’s prefectures was well worth the journey.  Many visitors come to Japan and have the same itinerary, they visit Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Although I highly recommend these cities, there is so much more to Japan. Visiting every prefecture in Japan allowed me to visit small mountain towns like Shirakawa-go, try the best food in Japan in Fukuoka, and scuba dive around the beautiful islands of Okinawa.  Every prefecture was unique, with its own special attractions, local cuisine, and abundance of things to do. Of course, I have my favorites and ones I keep going back to. In the end, I am grateful to have visited every prefecture in Japan.  Things That Surprised Me Most After traveling across all 47 prefectures in Japan, I expected the country to be the same from one prefecture to the next. Instead, I was surprised by how drastically the country changed between prefectures.  These were some of the moments that stood out the most.  Rural Japan became my favorite Japan I expected to enjoy cities like Tokyo and Osaka the most. I discovered that some of my most memorable journeys within Japan came from driving around small towns, mountain villages, and quiet coastal communities.  Why it surprised me: Places I had never heard of prior to living in Japan left a bigger impression on me then popular destinations found in every guidebook.  Every prefecture genuinely feels different I expected regional differences, but nothing like the variety I I came across. I discovered that food, landscapes, traditions, architecture, and attractions, changed drastically from one prefecture to the next. Some prefectures like Hokkaido and Okinawa, feel like completely different countries.  Why it surprised me: Before living in Japan, I underestimated just how diverse Japan really is. Just stopping at local Michi-no-Eki’s on road trips, gave me a sense of regional differences.  Driving unlocked a different side of Japan I expected trains to be enough. I discovered that many of my favorite trips in Japan were during road trips.  Why it surprised me: I always thought travel by train is the best way to experience Japan, but in reality, the road trips created my most memorable times.  Check Rental Car Availability Booking a Rental Car is one of the best ways to explore Japan.   BOOK HERE The food changes more then I imagined I expected great food everywhere. So many people think of Japan cuisine as just sushi or ramen, but it is so much more complex than that.  I discovered that regional specialties are a huge part of the experience. I went to Miyazaki prefecture to try chicken nanban or Fukuoka prefecture for Japan’s best ramen.  Why it surprised me: Visiting every prefecture in Japan felt like I tried 47 different regional dishes.  The famous places weren’t always the most memorable I expected Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka to be my main highlights given their popularity and abundance of things to do.  I discovered that many of the places I still think about were in some of the more rural prefectures, like Takayama in Gifu prefecture or Iriomote in Okinawa prefecture.  Why it surprised me: Some of the best travel experiences and stories I encountered in Japan were some of the ones I knew least about or never planned.  If I had to summarize the biggest surprise in one sentence, it would be this: Japan became more interesting the farther I moved away from places I already knew. My Favorite Prefectures Is a favorite prefecture even a thing? Every one of Japan’s 47 prefectures had something memorable to offer and I have fond memories of each one, each prefecture with its own unique experience, beautiful nature, and kind people.  These prefectures aren’t necessarily the “best” prefectures, they are simply my favorites and left the biggest impression on me and are places I find myself wanting to return to again and again.  Edit Prefecture Why I Love It Best For Gifu Mountains and Takayama Food and Culture Nara Nara Park History and Deer Okinawa Beaches and Island Culture Beaches and Diving Tochigi Nikko and Mountains Temples and Nature Yamaguchi Iwakuni and Coastal Views History and Ice Cream Take the Hassel out of Planning and Let Someone Else do it.  I do a wide variety of travel, most trips I plan on my own but I have booked with private tours and guides and always learn so much from these types of tours.  Check Available Tours 📅 Check your travel dates now.  Tours can book up during holidays and weekends.  Gifu Prefecture I had one of my best travels in Japan while driving around Gifu Prefecture and I absolutely love the town of Takayama.  Why I Love Gifu Prefecture TakayamaHida BeefShirakawa-go Don’t Miss Gujo Hachiman CastleSanmachi-dori in TakayamaDiscovering Beautiful Waterfalls Nara Prefecture I’ve visited Nara Prefecture several times. Nara Park is still one of my favorite places in Japan, seeing the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) at Tōdai-ji is one of the most spectacular sites in all of Japan.  Nara is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area.  Why I Love Nara Prefecture Nara Park and the DaibutsudenHoryu-ji Area Don’t Miss Tōdai-jiFeeding the Deer A Day in Nara Park: How to Spend the Perfect Day Here I love Nara Park, check out my guide on how to spend the day here.  Read More Okinawa Prefecture Okinawa is like its own country. There are more differences then similarities when comparing Okinawa with mainland Japan.  Okinawa is unique, I love the island culture, the diverse food, and the abundance of water activities here.  Why I Love Okinawa Prefecture Island VibesDiving and SnorkelingFood Scene Don’t Miss Taking a ferry to the Kerama IslandsWander around Kokusai-doriEating Okinawa Soba Tochigi Prefecture The town of Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture is one of my favorite places to visit in all of Japan. Visiting the Shrines and Temples of Nikko along with driving around Nikko National Park, it’s a place that I keep coming back to.  Last time I visited Nikko, I also discovered the Four Seasons Bamboo Forest near the town of Utsunomiya and it’s a bamboo forest that outshines Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, with little to no tourists.  Why I Love Tochigi Prefecture Easy Nature Escape from TokyoNature and HistorySmall Town Vibes Don’t Miss Nikko National ParkShrines and Temples of NikkoFour Seasons Bamboo Forest  Read my Complete Travel Guide to Nikko Follow my recommendations and get the best of Nikko in my Guide.  Read More Yamaguchi Prefecture Yamaguchi Prefecture will always be a special place to me. My first time living in Japan, I was in Iwakuni for nearly 2 years.  Iwakuni is an amazing town, home of the famous Kintaikyo Bridge and Iwakuni Castle. There are many other amazing towns in Yamaguchi – Hagi, Shimonoseki, and Yanai to name a few.  Why I Love Yamaguchi Prefecture Coastal DrivesLittle to no TouristsIwakuni Don’t Miss Iwakuni’s Kintaikyo BridgeOshima Island (Yashiro Island)Visiting Hagi Most Underrated Prefectures Some of my favorite places and most memorable locations didn’t come from Japan’s most famous destinations. Instead, they happened i prefectures that many visitors overlook.  These underrated prefectures in Japan may not appear on every first-time itinerary, but these prefectures surprised me with its scenery, food, and hidden gems.  If you are looking for off the beaten bath type places in Japan, I’d start here.  Miyazaki Prefecture Miyazaki was my second to last of the 47 prefectures in Japan that I visited. My main goal for Miyazaki was to visit Takachiho Gorge and it did not dissapoint.  In fact, Miyazaki as a whole surprised me. The views along the roads we traveled were stunning. From misty valley’s to jagged mountains covered in lush greenery, I was in awe the whole time.  HighlightsTakachiho GorgeAma-no Iwato-ShrineChicken Nanban Shizuoka Prefecture I’ve visited Shizuoka Prefecture at least four times now. Of course, it’s known because it shares Japan’s famous Mount Fuji with Yamanashi Prefecture.  Don’t get me wrong, I love the days when you see Mount Fuji while in Shizuoka Prefecture, but that is not why this prefecture is underrated.  The Izu Peninsula is just to the south of Hakone is one of the prettiest parts of Japan with its beautiful waterfalls, amazing food, and authentic towns hardly explored by tourists.  HighlightsShuzenji OnsenBaird Brewery Gardens ShuzenjiJoren FallsWasabi Shimane Prefecture Shimane Prefecture is a part of Japan that still feels untouched by tourists. When I lived in Iwakuni, I took multiple road trips to Shimane Prefecture.  There are no big cities or major tourist attractions in Shimane Prefecture.  Instead, this prefecture is full of hidden gems like Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, the towns of Izumo and Matsue, and beaches at Hamada. HighlightsIwami Ginzan Silver MineIzumo TaishaMatsue Castle Tokushima Prefecture Tokushima Prefecture is located on the island of Shikoku, which I feel is an underrated destination in itself.  Tokushima Prefecture is home to the Iya Valley Vine Bridges and one of my favorite Japanese Gardens in the city of Tokushima. 

When I first started planning my Miyakojima itinerary, I found plenty of lists on beaches and attractions, but few guides explained how to explore the island over several days.  After spending 3-days driving around Miyakojima, I discovered that having a rental car gave me the freedom to visit famous beaches in the morning, stop at quiet viewpoints, and explore neighboring islands. This guide is based entirely on my own experience exploring Okinawa’s Miyakojima. I’ll share my exact itinerary, the places I recommend, driving tips, estimated costs, and so much more.  Affiliate Disclosure This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, please visit my affiliate link page. Thanks for the support! Edit Category Information Time Needed 2-3 Days Best Transportation Car Rental Best Time to Visit Late March to Early June & October to December Family Friendly Yes Budget $$-$$$ Where is Miyakojima? Miyakojima is about 300 kilometers (186 miles) southwest of Okinawa’s main island.  If looking at a map, Miyakojima is about half way between Okinawa’s main island and Taiwan.  Access to Miyakojima is accessible by flight. Miyako Airport is the main airport and offers connections to Tokyo, Ishigaki, and Naha.  Check Tour Availability Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit Miyakojima and explore with a guide who knows the area here.  CHECK AVAILABLE TOURS Why I Chose Miyakojima Honestly, while living in Okinawa, I made it a goal to visit one new outlying island each year. I’ve already done Iriomote (my favorite), Ishigaki, Kumejima, and Zamami Island. So, it only made sense to visit Miyakojima.  I didn’t want to visit Miyakojima just to check a box, I did my research and wanted to dive/snorkel, see local wildlife, and drive across the bridges. Iriomote – One of Japan’s Most Adventurous Islands  I highly recommend visiting the island of Iriomote, it’s one of my favorite destinations.   Read More Planning my Trip Living in Okinawa, there was not a whole lot of planning needed to visit Miyakojima. after all, it’s only a 45-minute flight from Okinawa’s main island and I visited in the off season.  But, like any vacation, planning is involved. I had to book flights, figure out where to stay based on my interests, and book a rental car, all within my price range.  Don’t Miss Out on this Once in a Lifetime Adventure Book a snorkel tour for your best chance to see and swim with sea turtles. It’s an incredible opportunity and learning experience.  Book this Snorkeling Tour ⏰ Spots are strictly limited each day. Popular dates sell out weeks in advance — especially in summer and around holidays. Flights to Miyakojima Getting to Miyakojima is relatively straightforward, with regular domestic flights available from several cities throughout Japan, including Naha, Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.  I booked a flight from Naha to Miyakojima through Japan Airlines.  The flight was 45-minutes and Miyakojima’s airport is small, so we were able to get out of the airport within minutes and find our car rental company.  Rental Car In my opinion, although not a must, renting a car was the right decision. Miyakojima has limited transportation and the bus system didn’t really work for my Miyakojima itinerary.  Having my own car allowed me to visit all the sites I had marked, drive to restaurants that weren’t at the expensive resorts, and gave me the freedom I was after to fully explore the island.  Parking was never an issue when driving and since Miyakojima is small and not as touristy, there was no traffic whatsoever.  Check Rental Car Availability Booking a Rental Car is the best way to explore Miyakojima. We had a rental for 3 days, absolutely a must!  BOOK HERE Hotel Miyakojima has a wide range of places to stay, from high-end resorts to local rentals. I was looking for something in between, based on my budget.  In my mind, I wanted that resort feel so I could relax at the end of the day but I didn’t want to spend a lot of money.  I ended up booking a few nights at the Hotel Seabreeze Coral based on price, location, and amenities.  Budget Miyakojima was as expected when it comes to expenses. Okinawa in general is fairly cheap, so I expected similar prices in Miyakojima, and I was right.  Here is a breakdown of how much I spent on my flight, hotel, meals, car rental, and personal expenses (attractions souvenirs, etc.).  Edit Daily Budget For Cost ($ USD) Airfare (Roundtrip) $73 Hotel per Night $111 Car Rental $61 Meals $30 Personal Expenses $20 3-Day Miyakojima Itinerary I spent nearly 3-days in Miyakojima and honestly, I would say 3 days gives visitors plenty of time to relax at the beaches, explore attractions, and even get a few dives or snorkel sessions in. My 3-day Miyakojima itinerary covers everything I did each day from landing at the airport and driving around the island to snorkeling in the mornings and find authentic local restaurants.  Day 1 Miyako Airport → Sun Pillar → Ikema Island → Higa Roadpark → Cape Higashi-Hennazaki Miyako Airport We flew from mainland Okinawa to Miyakojima. The flight is less then an hour, we landed in Miyakojima at 8:00 am and picked up our rental car from Orix Rent a Car.  Check Tour Availability Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit Miyakojima and explore with a guide who knows the area here.  CHECK AVAILABLE TOURS Sun Pillar Our Miyakojima hotel check-in wasn’t until 15:00, so we had plenty of time to explore Miyakojima. On the way to Ikema Island, we stopped at an interesting sculpture placed on a rock in the middle of a beautiful secluded beach. The sculpture was created by the Japanese artist, Marika Mori. According to a sign at the site, the Sun Pillar is a 4-meter tall luminous column.  Enjoying my Photos and Want to See More?  See and Get Exclusive Images at my Picfair Store, Here. Thanks for the Support!  View Store Ikema Bridge and Island Ikema Island is connected to Miyakojima’s main island by the picturesque Ikema Bridge. This 1,425 meter long bridge is an attraction in itself and offers beautiful views of the turquoise waters below. Ikema Island was worth exploring too. It was packed with beautiful beaches, observation decks, dive shops, and cafes. I stopped at Funakusu Beach and it had some of the clearest water I’ve ever seen!  Afterwards, as a wildlife enthusiast, I stopped by the Ikema Wetlands Observatory to try and spot local wildlife.  Lunch: パーントゥ食堂 (Paantu Shokudo) After spending time exploring Ikema Island, we stopped at a local Shokudo called パーントゥ食堂 (Paantu).  Shokudo’s are the best types of restaurants in Okinawa for lunch. These are very local restaurants that serve amazing food and a very reasonable price.  I ordered Squid Ink Yakisoba. It was your traditional Yakisoba dish that was black in color from the squid ink and had generous portions of squid. If you try this, just be warned, it might turn your teeth black!  Ishigaki – Explore More of Japan’s Islands  Ishigaki is another island I recommend. From picturesque beaches to traditional islands.  Read More Higa Roadpark Higa Roadpark is worth a brief stop on the way to Cape Higashi-Hennazaki.  We only parked here for about 5-10 minutes to take in the views. The Roadpark sits higher up, so you get spectacular views of the East China Sea and cliffs around Miyakojima.  Cape Higashi-Hennazaki We ended our first day at Cape Higashi Hennazaki. This cape has some of the best viewpoints on Miyakojima. It’s a narrow peninsula that stretches for two kilometers.  We leisurely took our time here, looking at the water below. The water was so clear we saw tons of fish, mainly parrot fish swimming in the pools below.  There are nice walking paths that lead to the lighthouse. Be warned, there is not a whole lot of shade here, so take it easy and protect yourself from the sun.  Day 2 Yonaha Beach → Kurima Island → Irabu Island → Miyakojima City Snorkel: Waiwai Beach I stayed at Hotel Seabreeze Coral in Miyakojima and was looking for nearby beaches to snorkel before getting my day started.  I found Waiwai Beach, and it’s popular for spotting sea turtles in the morning. I tried my luck but did not see any. I did see a lot of tropical fish and spectacular Nudibranchs.  Check Tour Availability Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit Miyakojima and explore with a guide who knows the area here.  CHECK AVAILABLE TOURS Yonaha Beach Afterwards, we drove to one of Japan’s most beautiful beaches, Yonaha Beach. It’s famous for its kilometers f soft white sand and crystal-clear water.  Yonaha Beach is one of those beaches that is perfect for relaxing and cooling off in the water. The beach is absolutely gorgeous. It’s not the best for snorkeling though, as the bottom is just sand.  There are restrooms, a cafe, and places to rent gear at Yonaha Beach.  Kurima Island Connected to Miyakojima by the Kurima Bridge, Kurima Island is a small island with a few places worth checking out.  For starters, I tried looking for coconut crabs here along the nature trail to Tako Park. I didn’t see any coconut crabs but was rewarded with an octopus statue at the end of the trail. There was a small parking lot for this trail just at the end of the bridge.  Kumejima – Island off the Beaten Path Kumejima can be reached by ferry from Naha port. Not as well know as Miyakojima but well worth visiting.  Read More Irabu Island Irabu Island is one of the most popular islands to visit on Miyakojima. It was definitely the most touristed when I visited. You cross the famous Irabu Bridge, one of Japan’s longest toll-free bridges.  The island is also home to beautiful beaches, Toriike Pond, hotels & resorts, great lunch spots, and beautiful views!  Irabu Bridge Irabu Bridge is one of if not the longest toll-free bridges in Japan. This bridge is famous and you’ll see photos of it on post cards or tourist information centers.  Driving across Irabu Bridge is a must do and has to be included on every Miyakojima itinerary.  The water below was so clear, we even spotted turtles swimming below. I think we spotted around six sea turtles while driving across Irabu Bridge.  Tori-ike Pond One of my favorite stops that we did in Miyakojima was the Tori-ike pond. It’s two pools separated by a natural bridge in the middle. Visitors can walk between the ponds on a designated path. There is a sea cave underneath that feeds water into the ponds. The ponds change with the tides. The ponds are deep, 25 meters.  Lunch: Irabu Soba Kame For lunch, we stopped at a popular Soba restaurant called Irabu Soba Kame.  This place was packed with visitors, so we ended up waiting outside for 15-20 minutes, well worth it! Irabu Soba Kame is a local restaurant set in a traditional home that serves up great Okinawa Soba.  Makiyama Observation Deck For some of the best views of Irabu Bridge, we headed to Makiyama Observation Deck. It’s a 10 minute walk to the observation deck but the views are 100% worth it.  Standing on the beach at night is Something I Still Think About.  One of the best ways to explore Miyakojima’s unique wildlife and join a Stargazing Experience, is by joining a tour with a local who knows the area.  Check Tour Availability 📅 Check your travel dates now. This tour can book up during holidays and weekends.  Miyakojima City Since we had to drive past Okinawa City back to our Miyakojima hotel, we explored the city a bit. Honestly, there is not much to see.  But, as a craft beer lover, there was a real good brewery, Island Brewing Miyakojima.  Island Brewing Miyakojima specialized in IPA’s and tropical beers. Their

Are you planning a trip to Okinawa and wondering whether it’s possible to enjoy the island without renting a car?  While having a vehicle makes it easier to explore Okinawa’s remote beaches and places up north, the good news is that you can experience many of the best things to do in Naha, entirely without relying on a vehicle.  Start your Okinawa vacation in the capital city, Naha. It is the perfect base to get a sense of Okinawa. It’s very walkable and has a reliable monorail that reaches places like the must-see Naha Castle.  Whether you are visiting Naha for a weekend getaway, arriving on a cruise ship, or stopping by to check out the tropical vibes, this guide covers the best things to do in Naha, must-see attractions, and local food recommendations, all without the need of a rental car.  Affiliate Disclosure This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, please visit my affiliate link page. Thanks for the support! Can You Visit Okinawa Without a Car? You can absolutely visit Okinawa without a car, especially if you plan on staying in Naha.  While renting a car is often recommended for visitors that want to explore northern Okinawa, Naha itself is well connected by public transportation and is very pedestrian friendly.  Many of Naha’s most popular attractions including Shuri Castle, Kokusai Dori, and Makishi Public Market are all accessible by monorail or on foot.  Okinawa’s Urban Monorail (Yui Rail) Outside of Kokusai Dori, the easiest way to get around Naha without a car is by using the Yui Rail, Okinawa’s monorail. It runs from Naha Airport to Tedako-Uranishi Station.  The Rui Rail runs frequently throughout the day. It’s both convenient and affordable.  The Yui Rail is clean, pretty basic in terms of navigation, and offers English signage, making it very useful for first-time visitors to Okinawa. Ready to Book Your Naha Adventure? You’ve got the full picture. Find the best deals on flights and hotels — everything in one place, no booking fees. Find flights BROWSE HOTELS Things to do in Naha If you are planning on staying in Naha and relying on the monorail to get around, you could easily spend 2-days in Naha and cover a good amount of the city.  I’ve been to Naha dozens of times and every time there is always something new to explore, it never gets old! In fact, I think Naha is probably one of the most underrated cities in Japan.  If you are visiting Naha before venturing on to explore more of Okinawa, or perhaps you just landed at the cruise terminal, I’ve listed out the must-visit attractions and things to do in Naha.  Shuri Castle One the seat of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Shuri Castle is a historic site in Naha that is a must visit. It’s not walkable from Kokusai Dori street or Naha Airport.  Instead, I recommend taking the Yui Rail to Shuri Station. From Shuri Station it’s a 10-15 minute walk to the entrance.  Shuri Castle unfortunately burned down October 31, 2019 and is still being rebuilt. But is expected to be complete November 23, 2026.  Visitors can still go o Shuri Castle and view the reconstruction in progress. You can still walk the castle grounds and explore within the walls, so it’s well worth visiting.  Shikina-en Royal Gardens Personally, I recommend visiting Shikina-en Royal Gardens within the same trip as Shuri Castle. It’s 1.8 km away or about 30 minutes of walking. If you are not up for the walk, take a taxi or call an Uber, it’s well worth it.  Shikina-en Royal Gardens is one of my favorite hidden gems in Naha. It’s a peaceful garden that was once used as a retreat by the Ryukyu royal family. If you are lucky, you might see a traditional performance going on. I was lucky enough to watch a sanshin (traditional Okinawa string instrument) performance.  Sueyoshi Park If you are more interested in nature and want to see what Okinawa really looks like, I recommend taking the monorail to either Gibo Station or Naha City Hospital Station and walk through Sueyoshi Park.  This is one of my favorite nature escapes in Okinawa, you can easily spend a half day here walking the shaded trails, crossing small bridges, and visiting the Sueyoshigu Shinto Shrine.  This is a great destination spot in Naha if you don’t have a car and want to experience a different side of Naha, plus it’s not touristy at all.  Naminoue Shrine Naminoue Shrine is an iconic Okinawa landmark. If you are going to the airport or coming from, you’ll see Naminoue Shrine perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean below. It’s a unique and beautiful shrine.  It’s accessible from Naha and can get crowded with tourists due to its beauty and accessibility. I love visiting earlier in the morning when it’s quieter and calmer.  Fukushuen Garden Not a far walk from Naminoue Shrine, Fukushuen Garden is a beautiful Chinese-style garden that feels like an oasis in the middle of Naha, complete with waterfalls, ponds, ridges, and traditional architecture.  Fukushuen Garden is not a huge attraction and doesn’t see many tourists, which is why I love it here. I highly recommend adding Fukushuen Garden to your Naha itinerary.  Kokusai Dori Shopping Street No visit to Naha is complete without spending time on Kokusai Dori, the city’s most famous shopping and entertainment street. Kokusai Dori is the heart of Naha.  As someone who lives in Okinawa, I find myself here regularly for the atmosphere, food, and shopping.  Kokusai Dori is perfect for both locals and tourists. You can find all your typical Okinawan souvenirs here and restaurants.  There are stores selling Shisa (Okinawa’s famous Lion-Dog guardian), Habushu (local awamori-based liqueur), and everything else related to Okinawa.  If you’ve been to mainland Japan and know of Don Quijote, you can find one here as well!  For clothing, I highly recommend getting a Kariyushi shirt. It’s a style of “Hawaiian” shirt that is from Okinawa. My favorite store to get these is Mango House, multiple locations.  Walk the Covered Arcade Streets Kokusai Dori is just one area of Naha that is full of touristy shops, restaurants, and local stores. But there are several covered shopping streets known as arcades that branch of Kokusai Dori that I feel are a must! The covered shopping streets offer more of a local feel, with narrow walkways filled with souvenir shops, snack vendors, craft stores, vintage stores, and family-run businesses.  These streets are completely covered, which makes for a perfect rainy-day in Okinawa.  At night, these shopping streets completely change as Izakaya’s and drinking establishments open.  Whether you are here to grab lunch and meander through the shops during the day or come to party at night, the covered shopping streets are one of my favorite places to explore in Naha.  Makishi Public Market If you are looking to experience Okinawan food and culture under one roof, head to the Makishi Public Market. It’s right off Kokusai Dori located within the covered streets.  If you plan to eat here or not, it’s fun to browse the local market filled with vendors selling fresh seafood, local produce, snacks, and regional specialties.  You can pick out your seafood downstairs and have a restaurant upstairs cook it for you. Although expensive, it’s worth trying out. Tip, there are free restrooms at Makishi Public Market.  Tsuboya Yachimun Pottery Street One of the most charming areas in Naha and a place I recommend buying a Shisa statue is Tsuboya Yachimun Pottery Street.  Tsuboya Yachimun Pottery is a historic neighborhood known for its traditional Okinawan pottery.  I’ve bought two sets of Shia at two different locations.  Even if you are not planning on buying anything, the quiet street and beautiful traditional homes make it a pleasant place in Naha to explore.  Hacksaw Ridge For those that are interested in Okinawa’s WWII history, I’ve included visiting Hacksaw Ridge, since you can take the monorail to Urasoemaeda Station and walk to Hacksaw Ridge.  For those that don’t know, Hacksaw Ridge oficially known as the Maeda Escarpment was a defense line for the Japanese military to protect the 32nd Army Headquarters at Shuri Castle.  An intense battle between the Japanese military and United States Marines occurred here.  This location was made famous by Mel Gibson’s movie, Hacksaw Ridge.  Outside of the WWII battle sites located here, there are castle ruin, the Urasoe Yodore Mausoleum, walking trails, and playgrounds.  Naha Attractions by Yui Rail Stations One of the best things about visiting Naha without a car is how easy it is to get around using the monorail or Yui Rail.  The monorail connects Naha Airport with many of the city’s top attractions. To help plan your trip, here are some of the best attractions and things to do in Naha near some of the Yui Rail Station.  Edit Station Best Attractions Naha Airport Naha Airport, Rental Car Centers Onoyama Park Onoyama Park, Okino-gu Shrine Asahibashi Naha Bus Terminal, Hotels Makishi Kokusai Dori, Tsuboya Yachimun Pottery Street Omoromachi Okinawa Prefectural Museum, Shopping & Dining Gibo Sueyoshi Park Shuri Shuri Castle, Shureimon Gate, Tamaudun Urasoemaeda Hacksaw Ridge, Urasoe Castle Ruins FAQs About Naha Can you visit Okinawa without a car? Yes, you can visit Okinawa without a car, especially if staying in Naha. Naha is served by the Yui Rail, local buses, taxis, and is walkable. Many of Naha’s most popular attractions can be reached on foot or via monorail. Is Naha worth visiting without a car? Absolutely! Naha is the perfect base for exploring Okinawa and you don’t even need a car. There are historic sites, local markets, shopping streets, gardens, beaches, and local restaurants that are easily accessible without driving.  How many days do you need in Naha? I recommend spending at least two days in Naha. This gives you time to explore Shuri Castle and other sites in the area then a whole day in and around Kokusai Dori.  What is the best way to get around Naha? Naha is very pedestrian friendly, so on foot is the best way to see Kokusai Dori, the arcade streets and Makishi Public Market. If you want to venture further from the city center, then Naha has a reliable monorail system.  Can you get from Naha Airport to the city center without a car? The Yui Rail runs directly from Naha Airport to central Naha. It’s a quick and affordable journey. Is Naha walkable? Many parts of Naha are very walkable, especially around Kokusai Dori. I’ve been to Naha dozens of times and find it to be one of the most pedestrian friendly cities in Japan.  What food should I try in Naha? I always say, the food in Okinawa is better then mainland Japan. The reason – you can find everything you do on mainland Japan, plus Okinawa Soba, Taco Rice, Goya Champuru, and Okinawa Tempura.  Check out my Okinawa Food Guide for a detailed guide and must-eat places.  Can you take day trips from Naha without a car? There are a lot of day trips from Naha that are offered. Several destinations can be reached by ferry, bus, or organized tour. Popular options include the Kerama Islands for snorkeling, American Village, and Nanjo.  Conclusion While most visitors associate Okinawa with rental cars and driving, Naha proves that you can have an incredible experience without getting behind a vehicle.  Without renting a car, you can see some of Okinawa’s top attractions, like Shuri Castle, Kokusai Dori, and the Royal Gardens.  As someone who lives in Okinawa, I often recommend visitors spend a few days exploring Naha before venturing around our tropical island. Naha offers a unique blend of Ryukyu history, modern attractions, and local food.  Whether you are visiting Naha for a weekend, arriving via cruise ship, or looking to save money on rental cars, there are plenty of