[Spring Okinawa Travel Guide] Blue Seas and Tropical Resort Time to Enjoy from Spring

Located inside Ocean Expo Park in Okinawa, this aquarium is designed so visitors can explore the exhibits while descending from the 4th floor to the 1st floor. At the aquarium’s main attraction, the huge “Kuroshio Sea” tank, you can observe whale sharks, the world’s largest fish, as well as the reef manta ray, which the aquarium was the first in the world to breed successfully. Right next to the aquarium is also the “Okichan Theater,” where dolphin shows are held several times a day.
In the surrounding area, the beach season begins in March, and walking around in the mild spring weather is especially pleasant.

Located at the foot of Kouri Bridge leading to Kouri Island, this beach is known for its open scenery with views of the bridge.
White sand stretches out on both sides of the bridge, and the beach is also popular as a viewpoint with sweeping views of Kouri Bridge.
Swimming is usually possible from late April, and the area also offers parasol rentals and a full range of marine activities. With restrooms and showers available, it’s a great place to enjoy seaside fun from spring onward.

This small island in Okinawa’s Yaeyama Islands has a circumference of only Approx. 9.2 km. It is known for its preserved traditional Okinawan townscape, where white sand roads connect houses with red-tiled roofs surrounded by coral stone walls.
Scenes of water buffalo carts moving slowly between private homes and the beautiful seaside with its white sandy beaches are also part of its charm. Spring brings comfortable weather for walking around the island, letting you enjoy the quiet pace unique to a remote island.

The main island of the Miyako Islands, Miyakojima is known for its open scenery surrounded by beautiful seas.
The ocean here is famous for its highly transparent emerald-green and cobalt-blue waters, and the island is also well known as a popular destination for marine sports such as diving and snorkeling.
The shallow waters are full of fish you can see up close, and you can also cross bridges to visit the surrounding islands. In spring, the weather becomes even more pleasant for spending time outdoors, making time by the sea especially enjoyable.

These castle ruins, built on a hill in central Okinawa Main Island, are known for a structure that makes use of the natural cliff terrain. They were registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2000.
Katsuren Castle, built using natural cliffs, is said to have been an impregnable fortress, and its beautifully curved stone walls are especially striking.
From the highest enclosure, you can enjoy wide views of the surrounding area, and the comfortable spring weather makes exploring the ruins especially pleasant. It is loved as a place where you can appreciate both history and scenery.

Deep in the mountains of Kudeken, Chinen, Nanjo City in southern Okinawa Main Island lies the most sacred site of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Throughout the forest are uganju, places of prayer, and in the deepest part of the woods is a highly revered sacred area called ibi. It is also one of the component sites of a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage listing and has long been carefully protected and passed down by local people. Spring brings comfortable weather for walking, allowing visitors to experience its sacred atmosphere in the quiet forest air. When visiting, it is important to spend time here respectfully.

A scenic spot along the East China Sea in Onna Village, located in central Okinawa Main Island.
This cape of Ryukyu limestone, formed from uplifted coral, has been shaped by the waves into Approx. 20-meter-high cliffs with a distinctive form said to resemble an elephant’s trunk. Below the cliffs spreads a cobalt-blue sea, making it one of Okinawa’s most famous scenic places.
In spring, the color of the sea stands out clearly, and the pleasant breeze makes it a wonderful time to enjoy the scenery of the East China Sea.

This seaside cafe in Tamagusuku, Nanjo City, Okinawa, is known for its open setting with views of the sea and sky through its windows. In a prime location right in front of the ocean, it serves coffee, light meals, desserts, and more.
Another nice feature is the rooftop and beach terrace seating, where you can relax with the sea breeze close by. Spring brings gentle sunshine that makes time by the shore even more enjoyable. It’s also an easy stop when visiting Sefa Utaki.

This restaurant serves creative Italian cuisine made with fresh Okinawan ingredients and is conveniently located for a stop during sightseeing around Kouri Island.
Set on a hilltop with a 270-degree panoramic view, it offers sweeping views of the emerald-green sea. In spring, the sea breeze feels especially pleasant, and the scenery from the terrace seats is even more beautiful. Stop by before or after visiting Kouri Beach to enjoy both the view and your meal at a relaxed pace.

Since opening in 2011, this popular burger shop has focused on local production for local consumption while serving hamburgers that evoke the feel of authentic America.
Its lineup includes burgers made with local ingredients such as rare Tarama beef and yellowfin tuna from the waters near Okinawa, and one of its charms is being able to enjoy the natural flavor of the ingredients without preservatives or chemical seasonings.
It’s an easy place to stop during sightseeing in Miyakojima and a casual way to enjoy the taste of the island.

Located on a small hill in Motobu Town in northern Okinawa Main Island, this cafe is known for its excellent location overlooking the sea and Ie Island.
It has indoor seating in a traditional old house with a red-tiled roof as well as open terrace seating, making it easy to relax and enjoy the view. The signature handmade pizza is a classic style topped with cheese and vegetables on house-made dough, making it a convenient meal stop during sightseeing.
It’s a perfect place to visit after extending your trip from Churaumi Aquarium.

A local eatery on Taketomi Island that has been in business for over 50 years.
Its signature dishes include Yaeyama soba, a traditional dish from the Yaeyama region, and soki soba made with hon-soki pork ribs. The restaurant serves food rooted in island life, and its simple, comforting flavors are well loved.
It’s easy to stop by while exploring the island and a great place to experience food culture that feels true to Taketomi Island.

A spring flower event held on Ie Island, which you can easily reach in Approx. 30 minutes by ferry from Okinawa Main Island.
Held every year from late April through Golden Week, the Ie Island Lily Festival draws many visitors with fields covered in blooming Easter lilies and 100 varieties of lilies from around the world.
The island’s open scenery overlooking the blue sea, together with masses of blooming white lilies, makes this a colorful festival well worth visiting during a spring trip.

A spring annual event held in the Yanbaru area in northeastern Okinawa Main Island.
Every March, azaleas in bright shades of red, purple, pink, and white bloom across a vast area of Approx. 4.5 hectares. The site is also famous as one of the earliest places in Japan to see azaleas bloom, and Approx. 50,000 azaleas have been planted throughout the park, filling it with color in March.

A spring annual event held at Southeast Botanical Gardens in Okinawa City, where colorful flowers bloom throughout the grounds, with bougainvillea especially at its best.
The highlight of the event is the Approx. 8-meter Bougain Tower, one of the tallest of its kind in Japan. Towering flowers fill your field of view, with vivid colors by day and a magical illuminated atmosphere at night.
It’s an event where you can fully enjoy the bright, festive feel of spring in Okinawa.

Halekulani Okinawa, located along the coast of Onna Village, one of the most scenic areas on Okinawa Main Island, is the first hotel in Japan for the Halekulani brand, which boasts a history of over 100 years in Hawaii.
The white-based guest rooms all have ocean views, allowing for a relaxing stay with the sea breeze close at hand. Spring is also a comfortable season for spending time at the outdoor pool and beach, where you can unwind surrounded by open, beautiful scenery.

A luxury hotel perched on high ground on Kouri Island, a remote island connected to Okinawa Main Island by bridge, it is known for spectacular ocean views from every guest room. The cobalt-blue sea seen from the rooms leaves a lasting impression, and the hotel offers a calm stay limited to guests ages 13 and older.
In spring, the sea breeze is especially pleasant, making it easy to relax and take in the view at the slow pace of island life. It’s an adult hideaway that pairs well with sightseeing on Kouri Island.

A stay-style resort that blends into Taketomi Island’s village of red-tiled roofs, offering a quiet stay in harmony with the island’s scenery. The guest rooms are villa-style, letting you spend time in a setting unique to Taketomi Island, with Ryukyu red-tiled roofs and white sand roads.
A wide variety of activities are also available, including experiences related to island crafts and folk events. Spring brings pleasantly fresh air, making it a great time to enjoy village walks and seaside strolls while settling into the rhythm of island life.