Fun for the Whole Family! Family-Friendly Tourist Spots in Okinawa
Okinawa, one of Japan’s premier tropical resorts, is packed with spots that both adults and young children can enjoy together. From interacting with flora and fauna that thrive in the unique climate to savoring refreshing tropical sweets and participating in hands-on craft experiences found nowhere else, why not create lasting memories with your children? Here are some spots recommended for families with children where you can enjoy experiences unique to Okinawa.
1Blue Seal Ice Park
Enjoy ice cream in a cute fairyland-like space
This experience-based museum allows visitors to enjoy original ice cream bar decorating while learning about the history of Blue Seal, Okinawa's classic ice cream store. In addition to the Experience, visitors can actually observe the ice cream making process and take pictures using a photo machine with an original frame exclusively for Blue Seal.
The Blue Seal main store is also located here, so of course you can also enjoy shopping. Original picture books and children's clothing are also available, and we recommend choosing memorable items with your children.
Experience the world's one and only ice cream bar decorating
A must-do experience when you come here is the one-of-a-kind ice cream bar decoration. The process is very simple: choose the shape of the ice cream bar, flavor, coating chocolate color, and the color of the drawing chocolate pen. Next, five of the 12 toppings are placed on a tray, and based on the tray, the design of the original ice cream is roughly drawn out on a piece of paper, and then the ice cream is actually decorated.
The price of 1,800 yen, which includes an original ice cream bag and the experience of being in a -20°C freezer, is also very reasonable. This is an experience that children and adults alike will be enthralled by.
Local Guide
Be sure to enjoy your own ice cream bar decorations while eating ice cream born in the U.S. and raised in Okinawa.
- Blue Seal Ice Park
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5-5-6 Makiminato, Urasoe City, Okinawa MAP
30 minutes drive from Naha Airport
9:00-18:00 (last admission 17:00)
None
Admission free, Ice bar making experience: 1,800 yen
098-988-4535
Yes (free of charge)
2Tomarin
Gourmet foods and souvenirs for bridging to remote islands
The complex terminal building at Tomari Port. From the port, ships depart from and arrive at the islands of Tokashiki, Zamami, Akashima, Aguni, Tonaki, Kume, Minami Daito, and Kita Daito.
Inside the building, there is a ticket office for each route, as well as a convenience store that sells Okinawa's unique awamori and light meals, a box lunch stand, Okinawan restaurants and cafes, and an event deck adjacent to the building, where you can enjoy an event if the timing is right.
Traveling to remote islands by boat or forklift
The sight of many ships coming and going, cargo, and the forklifts that transport them are all exciting situations for children who love vehicles. You can enjoy watching the scene, or of course, go out to a remote island.
Some remote islands can be reached with a 30-minute boat ride, so why not take a day trip while enjoying the scenery and splashing water from a boat in an easygoing manner? There is also a green space (small park) with a large lawn next to Tomarin, so we recommend buying a packed lunch and enjoying a picnic.
Local Guide
The beautiful ocean of Okinawa, with its dynamic boats coming and going, is a different view from that of a tourist beach. This is a great spot for children who love rides and those who are inquisitive.
3Senagashima Underwater Road
About 7 minutes drive from Naha Airport! Bridge to Senaga Island
The road leading to Senaga Island, a remote island accessible by car near Naha Airport. It is a perfect spot for a drive with beautiful ocean views on both sides of the road.
After crossing the road, Senaga Island is home to the Senaga Island Umikazi Terrace, a Property where you can enjoy stores, restaurants, and sweets, Sunset Park, which, as its name suggests, offers a beautiful sunset view, and the Ryukyu Onsen Senaga Island Hotel, one of Okinawa's leading resort hotels with a hot spring, where you can enjoy the whole day! The "Sunset Park" offers a beautiful view of the sunset.
A spectacular spot where you can watch airplanes take off and land up close.
The island is also famous for its close proximity to airplane takeoffs and landings. Many people gather here to watch planes take off and land, some standing idly looking out at the ocean and others holding large cameras in their hands, hoping to catch a glimpse of the moment when the planes make a loud noise and take off in a powerful flight.
Of course, children who love airplanes are also very excited! If your timing is good, you may even be able to experience the roar of the Air Self-Defense Force's F-14 scramble. Since it is close to Naha Airport, it might be a good idea to visit before you leave and tell your children that they are about to board that plane.
Local Guide
An aircraft approaching the first runway of Naha Airport passes right overhead! This is an experience that is hard to find in everyday life.
- Senaga Island Underwater Road
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- Secho, Toyomigusuku City, Okinawa MAP
- Approximately 7 minutes from Naha Airport by car
- 098-850-0024（Toyomigusuku City Hall)
4Mura Sakura Experience Kingdom
Active or leisurely. You are sure to find an Experience that suits your personality.
This Experience spot is a recreation of a gorgeous Ryukyu Dynasty townscape on a 15,000-tsubo site. Originally used as an open studio for the NHK historical drama "Winds of Ryukyu," the Property was later turned into a tourist facility when it was transferred to Yomitan Village.
On the premises, visitors can experience traditional crafts such as pottery, Ryukyu glass, and Bingata, coloring of seersucker, and indigo dyeing, as well as a wide variety of experiences such as marine sports, horseback riding, and sugar cane harvesting. You are sure to find an Experience that suits your child's age and personality.
Winter-only events are available to enhance the festive atmosphere!
Another highlight is the Ryukyu Lantern Festival held every winter. During the festival, the grounds are brightly decorated with countless lanterns, creating a breathtaking spectacle. A photo of your child illuminated by the beautiful lanterns is a memorable moment that can only be captured at this time. A photo contest will be held, so it will be fun to submit your best photos.
Other attractions include a "Night Lantern Stage" with performers, light and sound projection mapping, and a café to satisfy children's curiosity.
Local Guide
It is also a great place for your child's free research as it gathers a variety of Experiences! The good old Okinawan townscape is also a tasteful view that is hard to find.
- Experience Kingdom Murasakimura
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- 1020-1 Aza Takashiho, Yomitan-mura, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa MAP
- Approx. 63 min. from Naha Airport by Car
- 9:00-17:30
Restaurant Taiki: Lunch buffet 11:00-15:00, Dinner buffet 18:00-22:00 - None
- Adults 1,000 yen, junior high and high school students 500 yen, elementary school students 400 yen, free for infants
- 098-958-1111
- Free
5Okinawa Children’s Kingdom
A zoo where you can meet 150 kinds of animals
This is the southernmost zoo in Japan, where you can see animals that can only be found in the Ryukyu Islands, such as Yakushima monkeys and Ryukyu dogs. You can meet about 150 kinds of animals, from large animals such as the powerful elephants, giraffes, and hippopotamuses to small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs.
Visitors can also enjoy feeding guinea pigs, sheep, and island goats, as well as experience horseback riding. Migratory birds typical of the tropics and amphibians and reptiles such as frogs, lizards, and snakes are also on display, so visitors can enjoy encounters with many animals.
Okinawa's only Children's Museum that expands children's potential
Based on the concept that "understanding and creation begin with surprise," the Wonder Museum, Okinawa's first children's museum, allows children to discover wonders and surprises on their own. The museum offers a variety of hands-on experiences based on the themes of science, art, and philosophy, nurturing imagination, awareness, and curiosity.
Workshops and events are held regularly, so it is recommended to check before you visit. By the time you leave the museum, you may be able to see your child's face peeled off.
Local Guide
There are many places to enjoy not only the animals, such as a ride corner and a water and greenery plaza! There are also restaurants and parlors, so if you get tired, you can take a rest while touring.
- Okinawa Children's Country
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- 5-7-1 Goya, Okinawa City, Okinawa MAP
- Approx. 65 min. from Naha Airport by Car
- April-September: 9:30-18:00 (admission until 17:00)
October - March: 9:30 - 17:30 (admission until 16:30) - Tuesdays, December 30 and 31, and January 1
Open on Tuesdays during G.W., spring, summer, and winter vacations. - Adults 500 yen, junior high and high school students 200 yen, elementary school students from 4 years old to 100 yen, toddlers (up to 3 years old) free
- 098-933-4190
- Available
MAP
Local Guide in Charge of This Article
- Yasuhiro Kobayashi Entertainer full of smiles
HOSHINOYA Okinawa
Yomitan, Okinawa
A luxury resort along one of the best coastlines in Okinawa. Guest rooms all have ocean front desks and offer a spectacular view of the horizon.
Direction Approximately 1 hour by cab from Naha Airport
- Sample Room Rates
- Per person, per night From 27,324 yen
OMO5 Okinawa Naha by Hoshino Resorts
Naha City, Okinawa
Conveniently located within walking distance to Kokusai-dori Street. You can enjoy the tropical atmosphere of Naha to the fullest.
Direction Approximately 6 minutes walk from Kencho-mae Station on the Yui Rail
- Sample Room Rates
- Per person, per night From ¥6,000
BEB Okinawa Seragaki by Hoshino Resorts
Onna Village, Okinawa
Guest rooms with open-air swimming pools and comfortable kitchens and balconies are available for a relaxing stay.
Direction Approx. 70 min. by highway bus from Naha Airport
- Sample Room Rates
- Per person, per night From 5,175 yen