Raining days in Okinawa ☔️🌊🏝️
🌧️ Rainy Days in Okinawa – A Slow-Paced Getaway
3 Days, 2 Nights in Naha & Nearby – April2025 #travel #solo #okinawa #japan
Sometimes the best trips aren’t about rushing to see everything—but about slowing down and letting the mood of the place soak in (along with a bit of rain). Okinawa surprised me with its relaxed charm, even under gray skies.
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Day 1 – Arrival & Chilling Around Naha
I arrived in the evening and checked into Grand Cabin Hotel Naha. It’s a compact and clean place, perfect for solo travelers or anyone just needing a base to rest. Since it was already dark and drizzling, I didn’t go far. Instead, I wandered a bit near the hotel—just enough to breathe in the warm island air and get a taste of local life. The streets were quiet, the sound of rain soft on the pavement. Peaceful start.
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Day 2 – Umikaji Terrace & Okinawa Monorail Adventure
Despite the rain, I started the day with a trip to Umikaji Terrace. The white buildings with a seaside view were beautiful even with clouds above—kind of like a Mediterranean vibe but with an Okinawan twist. I grabbed a coffee and just watched the waves roll in. Not much else was needed.
Next, I hopped on the 1-day Okinawa Monorail Pass—a fun and easy way to explore the city without getting soaked. I stopped at various stations just to look around, but the highlight was Shurijo Castle Park. Although most of the main structures were still under reconstruction after the fire, the park area was beautiful and full of history. With fewer people due to the weather, it felt more personal, like walking through memories of a kingdom.
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Day 3 – Local Flavors & Seaside Chill
Started with a visit to Makishi Public Market. It’s a great spot to see Okinawan ingredients and grab a meal upstairs—you can pick your seafood downstairs and they cook it for you! I had fresh sashimi and Okinawan-style pork—so flavorful and comforting on a rainy day.
Later, I took a bus ride out to American Village, which felt like stepping into a completely different world. Quirky shops, cafes, and murals everywhere. I didn’t shop much—just wandered, got a snack, and then strolled by the beach. The sky was still moody, but walking along the quiet shore was the perfect slow moment.
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Nights in Naha – Rainy Walks & Shopping Streets
Every night, I headed out to the shopping street in Naha (Kokusai Dori). Even with the rain, the street was lively with locals and tourists dodging puddles, eating street food, and browsing souvenir shops. I got a few gifts, snacked on sata andagi (Okinawan doughnuts), and just enjoyed the atmosphere. The rhythm of the rain made it feel extra cozy.
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Final Thoughts
Okinawa in the rain might not be full of sun-soaked beaches, but it offers something just as special—a slower pace, a warm heart, and small moments that stay with you. If you’re ever caught in Okinawa with gloomy weather, don’t rush. Let the island’s relaxed energy lead the way.