Not At The Beach

Not at the Beach cover page

A guide to other summer activities on Okinawa by Louise Dupuy

Here on Okinawa, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches, and as much as we love a good beach day, we’re here to show you there’s more to summer on Okinawa than sand and surf!

1. Get your walking boots on

Grab your hiking boots and get exploring through one of Okinawa’s beautiful trails. Hiji falls is the largest waterfall on island at 85 feet, and only a 45-minute hike from the aforementioned Hiji campground, so you can tick both off your list. Another place worth your time is Ishikawa Dake in Uruma. A little more challenging, the mountain trails will appeal to seasoned hikers and parents wishing to wear their kids out!

2. Sleep under the stars

Embrace your adventurous side and explore one of Okinawa’s camp sites. There’s Okinawa Sports Park; with great facilities including recreational, and at only 2,710 yen per night it’s a snip, too. There’s also Hiji Camp-jo in the North, at 2,000 yen per night and a 500 yen per adult entrance fee, you then have access to some of the most beautiful natural spots on island.

3. Shake it up!

Cool off with an indulgent shake at The Shack! Open Wednesday-Friday 1700-0000 and Saturday – Sunday 1300-0100, there’s plenty of time to grab one and treat yourself! Small are 900 yen, large 1500 yen.

4. Embrace local culture

Discover a slice of the Ryukyus with a shrine visit. There’s Naminoue-Gu in Naha’s port area, a beautiful Shinto shrine with a spectacular view out across the bay. Gokuku-Ji is a Buddhist temple right next door. You can hit both in a day easily. There’s Narita-San, a short distance from Nakagusuku Castle ruins, also a Shinto shrine, and this can be done in a day with the castle if desired, and of course, stunning Futenma Shrine, only a short drive from Camp Foster’s legion gate. With free entry and all in areas with food and drink access, they make for a cheap and enlightening day out. Witness traditional ceremonies, and purchase lucky charms to treasure throughout the year.

5. Make a splash

Comprehensive Park in Hiyagon is a water park; it has pools, water slides, and a kids playground, as well as full sports facilities. A full day can be had here, (it’s open daily except Tuesdays). Admission ranges from 100 yen for 3-6 year-olds, to 860 yen per adult. Itoman City also has a pool; Nishizaki recreation pool is open daily (July 18th- August 31st) from 0900-1900, is 750 yen for adults, 500 yen for 6-18 year olds, and 250 yen for infants. Like your pools a little warmer? Head over to Terme Villa Chu-La in American Village. The natural hot spring has a constant temperature of 41.2*C. Open daily for bathing from 0700-2300, and outdoor area 1000-2200. Please note: tattoos must be completely covered for entry into public water parks, and some places may not permit people with tattoos at all.