Don't ever go on a self-driving trip to Okinawa again!

Don't come to Okinawa anymore. After visiting Okinawa, I no longer want to go to other tropical countries. This time, I spent 5 days and 4 nights on a self-driving trip in early June. Although the time wasn't very sufficient, there were so many places worth visiting. Okinawa feels like a destination where different types of travelers can enjoy themselves! I've marked the parking situation at the places I visited, hoping to help everyone plan their self-driving trips! 🗺【Itinerary】 Day 1: Naha City/Southern Area Senaga Island (Free parking lot) - First, I picked up the car near the airport and drove to Senaga Island. Here, a row of white houses is built along the hillside, giving off a Greek and Italian vibe. There are many restaurants offering cuisines from different countries, such as Turkish, American, and Mexican food. It doesn't feel like Japan at all~ I ended up choosing a sea-view restaurant to enjoy steak. The scenery was so relaxing. Gyokusendo Cave (Free parking lot) - About a 30-minute drive away, you can admire the natural wonders that took hundreds of thousands of years to form. The underground stalactite cave has over a million stalactites, and the tranquil and dim cave is truly relaxing. Outside, there are various Okinawan cultural displays, such as traditional musical instruments and glass-blowing performances. If you're interested in Okinawan culture, you'll likely spend a long time exploring here~ (Note: Closing time is 4:00 PM, so try not to visit too late to avoid missing out on many photo spots.) Originally, I planned to visit the DMM Aquarium afterward, but I was too tired and decided to postpone it to the next morning. Day 2: Northern Naha DMM Aquarium (Free parking lot) - This is a new aquarium in Naha. Unlike traditional aquariums, DMM Aquarium offers semi-open pools simulating shallow seas, complete with wave sounds and lighting effects, making me feel like I'm truly at the beach. Besides marine life, there are also land animal exhibits and limited feeding experiences. This time, I tried feeding a sloth—it was so adorable, hanging on a tree and slowly taking the carrot slice. Pokemon Center (Free parking lot) - Located in Aeon Mall, the Pokemon Center needs no introduction! Although it's not as large as the one in Osaka, for a fan like me, it was enough to spend all my travel budget there! Nakagusuku Castle (Free parking lot) - The ruins of the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom, located on a hill where you can overlook the eastern and western areas. The stone-built ruins exude a strong sense of history! Shurijo Castle (Prefectural paid parking lot) - Unfortunately, it was previously destroyed by fire, so this time I saw the reconstruction of Shurijo Castle. Side note: There are many cats and ducks nearby, super cute. Day 3: Northern Village/American Village Blue Cave Diving (Diving company provides parking) - The most recommended activity! You must dive when visiting Okinawa. Once underwater, you'll see tropical fish that you usually only see in movies or games. If you're not comfortable with scuba diving, snorkeling can also offer great views! Cape Zanpa Lighthouse (Free parking lot) - One of the few lighthouses in Japan you can climb. From the top, you can see nearly three-quarters of the view facing the sea—so spectacular! American Village (Free and paid parking available, but it gets crowded starting at dusk) - The most beautiful spot! This place feels like a parallel universe, with American-style buildings and people from all over the world gathered here. After dusk, it becomes lively, with music playing everywhere and neon lights on the buildings making you feel like you've traveled back to the 70s and 80s in America. There are also street performances and fireworks at night, making it hard to leave. Day 4: Nago City Nago Pineapple Park (Free parking lot) - A pineapple-themed botanical park, suitable for family activities. They also sell pineapple-related snacks and drinks—I regret not buying more! Churaumi Aquarium (Free parking lot) - This is probably the most well-known attraction in Okinawa besides Kokusai Street. Overall, I feel the DMM Aquarium's presentation style is more novel and interesting. Churaumi Aquarium is often crowded, making it hard to take good photos. Some display tanks require queuing to see, which feels a bit congested and slightly affects the experience. Day 5: Okinawa's northernmost point, return car in Naha Cape Hedo - The northernmost point of Okinawa, about 50 kilometers from Nago City. If the weather and your energy allow, it's a great spot to watch the sunrise. The eastern side is completely unobstructed, allowing you to see the sun rise from the sea horizon. Unfortunately, it was raining heavily when I visited, so I could only check in without seeing the sunrise. I hope someone else can witness the sunrise there! 📍【Must-Visit Attractions】 1. Diving in Okinawa 🤿! The shallow waters here are stunningly beautiful, filled with colorful tropical fish. This time, I joined a scuba diving session with Umi Diving Company. The instructor was friendly, could communicate in English, and actively helped me adapt to the underwater environment and took photos! 2. Senaga Island, close to the airport. The European-style buildings are perfect for photos, and there are various types of restaurants. You can also see planes taking off and landing. If you're lucky, you might even see fighter jets. It's recommended as the first or last stop of your trip. 3. American Village, a must-visit place that you'll never want to leave. There are various restaurants, indoor amusement parks, and beautiful buildings for photos. It's suitable for all ages. Note that it's relatively quiet during the day, so it's best to visit around dusk. Restaurants require reservations; otherwise, you're likely to hear "fully booked." 🥘【Must-Try Food】 Okinawa Meat Shop, Nago City. A small restaurant specializing in Shabu Shabu. The prices are on the higher side, but the taste is excellent, and the portions are generous. The black wagyu beef and Agu pork are tender and not chewy. The staff patiently explains each dish and how to eat it. 🏠【Accommodation Recommendations】 1. Naha Water City: Located within a 10-minute walk from Kokusai Street, it features an infinity rooftop pool. The hotel has paid parking, making it very convenient for different types of travelers. 2. Okinawa Arena - VESSEL HOTELS Group: Located in central Okinawa near the US military base, the location is suitable for self-driving trips and convenient for exploring central attractions like American Village and Nakagusuku Castle. 📣【Self-Driving Tips】 Okinawa has only one highway; the rest are regular roads with traffic lights, which may take longer. It's recommended to plan your itinerary according to the route direction to avoid wasting time waiting at traffic lights.