Day trips · Okinawa · Japan
5 best day trips from Okinawa
Where to go when you want a day away from Okinawa, and how long it really takes.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: 663highland, CC BY 2.5
Quick answer
The classic day trip from Okinawa is Kerama Islands (About 35–50 minutes by high-speed ferry). The closest option is Kudaka Island, about 30 km away.
Key facts
- Day trips in this guide
- 5
- Closest
- Kudaka Island (30 km)
- Most popular
- Kerama Islands
Day trips compared
| Destination | Distance | Travel time | How | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kerama Islands | 35 km | About 35–50 minutes by high-speed ferry | Ferry from Tomari Port in Naha | Beach, Couples, Families |
| Yanbaru and Cape Hedo | 110 km | About 2–2.5 hours by car | Car via the Okinawa Expressway and Route 58 | Quiet stays, Families |
| Kudaka Island | 30 km | About 1 hour by car and ferry | Drive or bus to Azama Port, then a short ferry | Quiet stays, Culture |
| Iejima | 95 km | About 2.5 hours by car and ferry | Drive to Motobu Port, then a 30-minute ferry | Quiet stays, Couples |
| Kaichu Doro and the Yokatsu islands | 45 km | About 1 hour by car | Car from Naha | Couples, Quiet stays |
The day trips
35 km · About 35–50 minutes by high-speed ferry
1.Kerama Islands
Tokashiki and Zamami have white-sand beaches such as Aharen and Furuzamami, with coral and sea turtles close to shore. In winter, boats from Zamami go whale watching for humpbacks.
- Getting there
- Ferry from Tomari Port in Naha
- Best for
- Beach, Couples, Families
110 km · About 2–2.5 hours by car
2.Yanbaru and Cape Hedo
The forested north of the island is a UNESCO-listed national park, home to the rare Okinawa rail. Walk to Hiji Falls, drive to the cliffs of Cape Hedo at the northern tip, and stop at roadside stations for local produce.
- Getting there
- Car via the Okinawa Expressway and Route 58
- Best for
- Quiet stays, Families
30 km · About 1 hour by car and ferry
3.Kudaka Island
A small, flat island regarded as sacred in Ryukyu religion, explored by bicycle along quiet lanes. Some sacred sites are off limits, and visitors are asked not to take anything from the island.
- Getting there
- Drive or bus to Azama Port, then a short ferry
- Best for
- Quiet stays, Culture
95 km · About 2.5 hours by car and ferry
4.Iejima
An island off the Motobu Peninsula dominated by the steep peak of Gusukuyama, with lily fields in spring and quiet beaches. Rent a bike or scooter at the port.
- Getting there
- Drive to Motobu Port, then a 30-minute ferry
- Best for
- Quiet stays, Couples
45 km · About 1 hour by car
5.Kaichu Doro and the Yokatsu islands
A road of about 5 km runs across shallow sea to Henza, Miyagi, Ikei and Hamahiga islands, with fishing villages, small beaches and the sacred sites of Hamahiga.
- Getting there
- Car from Naha
- Best for
- Couples, Quiet stays
Day-trip tips
- Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
- The monorail takes nationwide IC cards and sells 24- and 48-hour passes.
- Highway and express buses connect Naha with the resort coast, Nago and the Motobu Peninsula, and airport limousine buses run to many of the big resort hotels.
- For trips over about 150 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best day trip from Okinawa?
Kerama Islands. Tokashiki and Zamami have white-sand beaches such as Aharen and Furuzamami, with coral and sea turtles close to shore.
+How long does it take to get from Okinawa to Kerama Islands?
About 35–50 minutes by high-speed ferry — Ferry from Tomari Port in Naha, about 35 km.
+How long does it take to get from Okinawa to Yanbaru and Cape Hedo?
About 2–2.5 hours by car — Car via the Okinawa Expressway and Route 58, about 110 km.