Local Guide
6 special spots in Okinawa to visit in summer

Okinawa is one of the most popular domestic summer travel destinations. Surrounded by the beautiful ocean, Okinawa is like a foreign country with its unique culture that flourished during the Ryukyu Kingdom era, traditional food, and scenery that is different from that of mainland Japan. For those who visit Okinawa in the summer, here are some spots to make your visit even more enjoyable. We hope you will enjoy Okinawa more than just the ocean.

Hydrangea garden to visit during the rainy season

Hydrangeas spreading all over the area are breathtakingly beautiful!
Hydrangeas spreading all over the area are breathtakingly beautiful!

The cherry blossoms are at their best in January, and sunflowers and cosmos are at their best from January to February in Okinawa, which is much earlier than the mainland. How about hydrangeas? In Okinawa, the rainy season usually begins around the end of GW, and the hydrangea season usually peaks from mid-May to the end of June.

The Yohena Hydrangea Garden in Motobu-cho, northern Okinawa, is a must-see during this season. Located about 20 minutes by car from Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, the garden attracts many visitors from Japan and abroad during the peak season.

The reason why I started hydrangea as a hobby

Hydrangeas blooming in profusion are a sight to behold!
Hydrangeas blooming in profusion are a sight to behold!

Visitors are overwhelmed by the beauty of the approximately 10,000 hydrangea plants of about 40 varieties blooming in the grounds of about 3,000 tsubo (about 1,000 square meters). The garden was opened by the former owner, Yohena Uto, who began planting hydrangeas as a hobby when she was 60 years old.

He started with only two plants, but now, in season, the entire area looks like a blue carpet, with 30 flowers per plant, and the view of the voluminous hydrangeas is breathtaking.

Local Guide Comment
The hydrangeas that cover the mountain slopes are a sight to behold. The rainy rainy season is depressing, but the thought of seeing these hydrangeas makes me feel better.
Yohena Hydrangea Garden
  • address (e.g. of house) 1312 Izumi, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa MAP
  • Direction Approximately 80 minutes by car from Naha Airport
  • Business hours 9:00-18:30
  • Closed Open all year round during the season
  • Admission Fee Adults 400 yen, Junior high and high school students 200 yen
  • TEL 0980-47-2183
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo Group discounts available

Visit Shuri to see the one-night-only phantom flower "Sagaribana

The one-night-only sagaribana blooms at night and falls in the morning. ©️NPO Okinawa Environmental Club
The one-night-only sagaribana blooms at night and falls in the morning. ©️NPO Okinawa Environmental Club

Sagaribana flowers open only at night in summer and fall at dawn. It is an overnight flower that grows wild on Amami Oshima Island and in Okinawa. The language of flowers is "Happiness will come." It blooms densely like a Fuji, hanging down from the branches. They give off a vanilla-like fragrance and the area around them is filled with a sweet aroma.

There are several places in the prefecture where such sagaribana can be seen, but we recommend Shurisakiyama-cho for those staying in Naha. This place is also known as one of the eight best views of Shuri.

A hole-in-the-wall spot near Shuri Castle

Ruisen-dori Street is illuminated during the season of sagaribana. ©️NPO Okinawa Environmental Club
Ruisen-dori Street is illuminated during the season of sagaribana. ©️NPO Okinawa Environmental Club

About a 10-minute walk from Shuri Station, the elegant stone pavement (Baba-dori, nicknamed Zuisen-dori) near Shuri Castle is illuminated when the sagaribana season is in full bloom. The best time to see them is at night from June to August. About 30 sagaribana trees are planted along a 150-meter stretch of the street, which attracts many locals who come to take a night stroll during the season.

Incidentally, this area is still a little-known spot for tourists. Why don't you come and see for yourself the fleeting and romantic sagaribana that bloom only one night?

Local Guide Comment
The sweet-smelling overnight flowers are somewhat mysterious. Although the period when they can be seen is short, you should definitely plan your trip to Okinawa during this season.
Shuri Sakiyama-cho Sagaribana Row of Trees
  • address (e.g. of house) Shurisakiyama-cho, Naha City, Okinawa MAP
  • Direction 10 min. walk from Shuri Station
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • Parking None

Excellent transparency. One of the most beautiful beaches in Okinawa

The Kouri Ohashi Bridge stretches in a straight line. You can drive over the bridge as if you were flying over the sea. ©️Nakijin Village Tourist Association
The Kouri Ohashi Bridge stretches in a straight line. You can drive over the bridge as if you were flying over the sea. ©️Nakijin Village Tourist Association

If you enjoy driving during your trip to Okinawa, there are some driving courses that you should definitely keep in mind. One of them is Kouri Island, located in the northern part of Okinawa's main island. The island, with its pristine nature, is called "the island of love" because of the legend of Okinawa's version of Adam and Eve, and the entire island is said to be a power spot.

To get to the island, visitors cross the 2-km-long Kouri Ohashi Bridge, which is flanked by emerald-green waters that make you feel as if you are driving on the sea. Kouri Beach spreads out at the entrance of the island.

Kouri Island, where you can enjoy the blue sea and the sunset all day long.

The atmosphere changes completely from daytime to evening, creating a nostalgic scene. ©️Nakijin Village Tourist Association
The atmosphere changes completely from daytime to evening, creating a nostalgic scene. ©️Nakijin Village Tourist Association

The white sands and crystal clear waters are breathtakingly beautiful and captivate visitors. The beach is also characterized by its excellent facilities, including showers and toilets. The shallow waters of the beach make it safe even for those who are not good at swimming.

The island is also dotted with cafes offering spectacular views and panoramic ocean views. In the evening, visitors can enjoy a sunset view and feel disconnected from the real world. Nearby is the Kouri Fureai Hiroba, where you can find a variety of island specialties and souvenirs, and where you can also have a meal. Why not take a peek after enjoying playing in the sea?

Local Guide Comment
When crossing the Kouri Bridge, even Okinawans who are used to seeing the beautiful ocean will be impressed by the level of beauty. Recently, the number of fashionable cafes on the island has increased, making it more fun to visit.
©️Nakijin Village Tourist Association
©️Nakijin Village Tourist Association
Kouri Beach
  • address (e.g. of house) Kouri, Nakijin Village, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa MAP
  • Direction 85 minutes from Naha Airport by car
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 0980-56-1057（Nakijin Village Tourist Association)
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo Showers, toilets, changing rooms available

A green power spot with negative ions

A tree-lined avenue where you can feel like you are taking a forest bath. It is also pleasant to ride through on a bicycle.
A tree-lined avenue where you can feel like you are taking a forest bath. It is also pleasant to ride through on a bicycle.

If you are in need of relief from the stresses of everyday life, visit this power spot, located about 4 minutes by car from the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. The tree-lined avenue of Bise, lined with some 20,000 fukugi trees, is a healing spot surrounded by the gentleness of nature.

Surrounded by tall fukugi trees, it is cool even in mid-summer, making it ideal for a stroll. The chirping of birds, the sound of the wind, the rustling of the trees, and the sunlight streaming through the trees are pleasant, and you will feel as if your mind is being purified. You can also rent a bicycle and enjoy cycling.

Natural beaches for snorkeling beginners

The shallow sea surrounded by coral reefs allows even snorkeling beginners and small children to enjoy playing in the sea with peace of mind.
The shallow sea surrounded by coral reefs allows even snorkeling beginners and small children to enjoy playing in the sea with peace of mind.

After passing through the green tunnel, you will come to the sea. Bise Beach, with its well-maintained boardwalk, is a popular swimming spot for families, where you can see bears and colorful tropical fish. In fact, Bise Beach is also known as a snorkeling spot. On clear days, Ie Island can be seen in the distance, and in the evening you can watch the sun set over Ie Island.

Numerous studies around the world have proven that "nature relieves stress. The powerful Fukugi trees and the blue sea may help alleviate our worries, concerns, and daily stress.

Local Guide Comment
Surrounded by greenery, the Fukugi trees in Bise are a pleasant spot with lots of shade and a cool breeze passing through even in mid-summer. In winter, on the other hand, it is warm because the Fukugi trees block the wind from the sea.
Fukugi trees in Bise
  • address (e.g. of house) 626 Bise, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa MAP
  • Direction Approximately 100 minutes from Naha Airport by Car
  • Business hours Free of charge
  • TEL 0980-48-2371（Bise Ward Office)
  • Parking Free of charge

A Resort Property Where You Can Enjoy Gourmet Food, Shopping, and Spectacular Views All at Once

Enjoy gourmet food and shopping at this relaxing and inspiring island resort.
Enjoy gourmet food and shopping at this relaxing and inspiring island resort.

On Senaga Island, the nearest remote island from Naha, there is a Resort Property with about 40 stores where you can enjoy gourmet food and shopping. The blue sky and the circular white buildings on the slope of a hill make this spot feel like a foreign country. It is a place where you can really feel that you have come to a tropical resort.

There is an abundance of restaurants, including an Okinawa soba noodle shop, a store specializing in gelato using Okinawan fruits and vegetables, a hamburger store, and a taco rice store. Many of them use ingredients unique to Okinawa and offer menus that cannot be found anywhere else. It would be interesting to visit several of them.

A footbath to take care of your tired body after a day of sightseeing

Free footbaths. Use it when you are tired from walking around.
Free footbaths. Use it when you are tired from walking around.

Umikazi Terrace offers a close-up view of airplanes taking off and landing from Naha Airport. Many people go out with their cameras to take pictures of the powerful airplanes, and on a clear day, you can take a photojournalistic one. There is also a free footbath corner in the Property.

The hot spring water comes from a natural hot spring 1,000 meters underground on Senaga Island, and is said to be effective for cuts, burns, chronic skin diseases, neuralgia, muscular pain, and relief of fatigue. It is only a 15-minute drive from Naha Airport, so why not stop by on the last day of your trip to Okinawa?

Local Guide Comment
Traveling around a lot can be surprisingly tiring. Senaga Island also has a hot spring property, Ryukyu Hot Spring Ryujin no Yu (available for use by non-guests), which is a great place to relax after a long day of accumulated fatigue.
Close to the airport, so feel free to stop by even before your flight
Close to the airport, so feel free to stop by even before your flight
Senagashima Umikazi Terrace
  • Address 174-6 Senaga, Toyomigusuku City, Okinawa MAP
  • Direction Approx. 15 min. from Naha Airport by Car
  • Hours of Operation 10:00 - 21:00 (varies by store)
  • Closed Open all year round (may be closed due to weather)
  • TEL 098-851-7446
  • Parking Free of charge

Get your hands on the tropical fruit mango at a reasonable price!

Mangoes in Okinawa are in season from June to August. Fragrant, sweet and juicy mangoes are unforgettable once you try them!
Mangoes in Okinawa are in season from June to August. Fragrant, sweet and juicy mangoes are unforgettable once you try them!

For those who say, "I look forward to stopping by local supermarkets and markets during my travels," we recommend these places where you can purchase fresh farm products that are only available in the area at reasonable prices. There are currently 11 "farmers' markets" in Okinawa (including 2 on remote islands).

Nago City's "Hai Na! Yanbaru Market" in Nago City, "Chanpuru Market" in Okinawa City, and "Umanchu Market" in Itoman City.

Summer in Okinawa is all about goya (bitter melon)!

Goya is grown all year round, but its season is from June to August. At this time of year, the store is lined with goya in abundance.
Goya is grown all year round, but its season is from June to August. At this time of year, the store is lined with goya in abundance.

Unlike supermarkets, where winter vegetables are sold even in summer, farmers' markets allow you to experience the season and its seasons. In summer, dragon fruit, passion fruit, mangoes, and pineapples are on display, and the stores are crowded with locals and tourists who come for them.

Tropical fruits are sold at all stores, although the time of year and the amount handled may vary slightly. Many people buy them for mid-year gifts and souvenirs. Purchased farm products can also be delivered, so you can shop without worrying about overloading your luggage (some products cannot be delivered).

Local Guide Comment
Professionals such as chefs and café staff/staff members also visit the farmers' market to stock up. You can buy fresh and tasty produce at low prices, so there is no reason not to take advantage of it.
Farmers Market
  • address (e.g. of house) 4-20 Nishizaki-cho, Itoman City, Okinawa (Farmers Market Itoman Umanchu Market) MAP
  • Direction Approx. 15 min. from Naha Airport by Car
  • Business hours 9:00-18:00
  • Closed Closed on the 4th Wednesday of the month, January 1-3, and one day during the Lunar Bon Festival
  • TEL 098-992-6510（Farmers Market Itoman Umanchu Market)
  • Parking Free of charge

MAP

Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
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The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.