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 just too many places worth visiting. Okinawa feels like a destination where travelers of all types 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 dishes. It doesn't feel like Japan at all~ I ended up choosing a sea-view restaurant to enjoy a steak meal. The scenery was so relaxing. Gyokusendo Cave (Free parking lot) - About a 30-minute drive away, you can marvel at the wonders of nature that took hundreds of thousands of years to form. The underground stalactite cave boasts over a million stalactites. The tranquil and dimly lit cave is incredibly calming. 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 plan your visit accordingly to avoid missing out on key attractions.) 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 you feel like you're truly at the beach. Besides marine life, there are also land animal exhibits and limited feeding experiences. I tried feeding a sloth this time—it was so adorable, hanging on a tree and slowly grabbing 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 both the eastern and western areas. The stone-built ruins exude a strong sense of history! Shurijo Castle (Prefectural paid parking lot) - Unfortunately, the castle was previously damaged by fire, so what I saw this time was the reconstruction process. Side note: There are many cats and ducks nearby, super cute. Day 3: Northern Village/American Village Blue Cave Diving (Parking provided by the diving company) - The most recommended activity! You must go diving in 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 will still offer amazing 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—it's breathtaking! American Village (Both 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 architecture and people from all over the world gathering here. After dusk, the area becomes lively, with music playing everywhere and neon lights on the buildings giving off a 70s-80s American vibe. 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 famous attraction in Okinawa besides Kokusai Street. While the overall experience was good, I found DMM Aquarium's presentation more innovative and interesting. Churaumi Aquarium is often crowded, making it hard to take good photos. Some display tanks require queuing, which felt a bit congested and slightly detracted from the experience. Day 5: Okinawa's northernmost point, return car in Naha Cape Hedo - The northernmost point of Okinawa, about 50 km 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. Hopefully, someone else can witness it for me! 📍【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 architecture is perfect for photos. There are various types of restaurants, and you can watch planes take off and land. 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. It has various restaurants, indoor amusement parks, and beautiful architecture for photos. It's suitable for all ages. Note that it's quieter during the day, so it's best to visit around dusk. Restaurants require reservations; otherwise, you're likely to encounter full bookings. 🥘【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 - Under VESSEL HOTELS, located in central Okinawa near the US military base. The location is ideal for self-driving trips, making it easy to explore 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 to travel. It's recommended to plan your itinerary according to the route direction to avoid wasting time waiting at traffic lights.