Think you need to rent a car to enjoy Okinawa? Think again!
I explored Naha, Chatan, Onna Village, and the Churaumi Aquarium over a 3-day trip using only public transportation, taxis, and walking. Whether you don’t drive or just want to enjoy some sake without worrying about getting behind the wheel, this car-free Okinawa itinerary has you covered.
🚗 Trip Overview
Day 1: Naha, Kokusai Street, and American Village
- 10:45 Arrive at Naha Airport and send luggage to hotel via delivery service
- 11:30 Take Yui Rail to Kokusai Street
- 12:00 Enjoy steak lunch and snow salt soft serve
- 14:00 Ride local bus to American Village (~1.5 hours)
- 15:30 Explore American Village & Blue Seal ice cream
- 17:00 Check in at The Beach Tower Okinawa & watch the sunset
- 19:30 Dinner & fireworks at BRUAL
Day 2: Diving in Onna & Churaumi Aquarium
- 07:30 Hotel breakfast buffet
- 09:00 Taxi to “Wa” diving shop in Onna
- 10:00–13:30 Blue Cave diving tour & shower
- 13:45 Taco lunch at Blue Entrance Kitchen
- 14:30 Bus transfer via Nago Junction to Churaumi area
- 16:30 Check in at Royal View Hotel Churaumi
- 17:00 Walk around Emerald Beach & aquarium area
- 18:30 Okinawan dinner at Chinuman
Day 3: Churaumi Aquarium & Souvenirs
- 08:30 Enter Churaumi Aquarium & breakfast at Café Ocean Blue
- 09:30 Visit Manatee House, Sea Turtle House & dolphin show with feeding
- 12:00 Walk through Fukugi Tree Road & lunch at Fukugiya
- 13:13 Bus to Naha
- 15:30 Souvenir shopping on Kokusai Street with mango smoothie
- 17:00 Take Yui Rail to airport & buy Pork Tamago rice ball
- 17:30 Eat Pork Tamago on the flight home
🚶 Day 1: Exploring Naha and Chatan without a Car
Luggage Delivery for a Hands-Free Start
After arriving at Naha Airport around 10:45 AM, I used the luggage delivery counter at the departure lobby to send my suitcase to the hotel for just 800 yen. Traveling light made everything smoother.
I boarded the Yui Rail from Naha Airport Station to Kencho-mae Station. IC cards like Suica were accepted, making the ride seamless.
Classic Kokusai Street Eats
Around 11:30 AM, I arrived at Kencho-mae Station and walked over to Kokusai Street, a bustling area filled with souvenir shops and eateries.
🥩 Okinawa Steak for Lunch
I dined at the popular “Steakhouse 88 Kokusai Street” and ordered a 150g lean steak with soup, salad, and rice. The lean beef was satisfying yet light—perfect for female travelers.
🍦 Snow Salt Soft Serve
Craving dessert, I headed to Yukishio Kobo and got their signature snow salt soft serve. I recommend topping it with shekwasha (Okinawan citrus) salt for a refreshing zing.
Getting to American Village by Bus
At 2:00 PM, I boarded a local bus at Kencho-kitaguchi bound for American Village in Chatan. Due to seasonal traffic, the usual 50-minute ride took about 1.5 hours.
Note: IC cards like Suica are not accepted on this route, but you can use tap-to-pay with Visa or Mastercard. Still, allow extra travel time during busy seasons.
🏖️ Exploring American Village
After arriving around 3:30 PM, I wandered the colorful seaside town, snapping photos and enjoying a tropical float at the famous Blue Seal ice cream shop.
🏨 Sunset Stay at The Beach Tower Okinawa
By 5:00 PM, I checked in at The Beach Tower Okinawa. The ocean view from my room was spectacular, and I watched the sunset from the balcony—a picture-perfect moment.
🎆 Dinner & Fireworks at BRUAL
At 7:30 PM, I had a reservation at BRUAL American Village. I was seated at a cozy sofa spot with views of the fireworks. The atmosphere was lively, and I enjoyed a cheeseburger and beer.
During dinner, a brief 3-minute fireworks show lit up the sky—an unforgettable finale to a full day.
After dinner, I returned to the hotel and rested up for the adventures ahead.
🐠 Day 2: Diving in Onna & Exploring the Churaumi Area
Scenic Buffet Breakfast with Local Flavors
Day 2 began with a breakfast buffet at The Beach Tower Okinawa. I arrived around 7:30 AM and was seated at a balcony table with a lovely view.
The buffet featured Okinawan favorites like soba noodles, mozuku seaweed, and pork-tamago (egg and pork). It’s best to go early—by 8:00 AM, a line had already formed.
Stress-Free Blue Cave Diving by Taxi
After breakfast, I took a taxi to the Wa Diving Shop in Onna Village (around 40 minutes, ¥5,300). The ride offered stunning views of Okinawa’s coastline.
Once there, I changed into diving gear and received a full briefing. With an attentive instructor guiding me, I felt safe and confident even as a first-time diver.
Inside the Blue Cave, the shimmering blue light was surreal. I also saw clownfish and other tropical fish. A photo/video package was included, so I have lasting memories of the dive.
After showering and changing, I left the shop around 1:30 PM. Amenities like shampoo and hair dryers made it comfortable for female travelers.
Taco Lunch at Blue Entrance Kitchen
Next, I headed to nearby Blue Entrance Kitchen and enjoyed a hearty taco plate. The spicy filling and fresh salsa hit the spot after diving.
Buses to Churaumi Aquarium via Nago
After lunch, I took a local bus from Onna to Nago Junction, then transferred to another bus heading to the Churaumi Aquarium area. I arrived at Ishikawa Iriguchi bus stop around 4:30 PM.
From there, I walked to Royal View Hotel Churaumi and checked in. After a short break, I went out to explore.
Emerald Beach & Coastal Strolls
I enjoyed a slow walk around the nearby Emerald Beach and aquarium grounds. The white sand and green-blue sea were breathtaking.
Okinawan Dinner at Chinuman
Dinner was at Chinuman, a short walk from the hotel. Their menu included small portions of local specialties—perfect for trying a bit of everything.
Favorites included:
- Deep-fried jimami tofu: crispy outside, creamy inside with a light dashi broth
- Sea grapes (umibudo): pop-in-your-mouth texture and perfect with beer
I finished with somen champuru (stir-fried noodles), which was light and delicious. It was a relaxing, satisfying end to the day.
I stayed overnight in the Churaumi area to be ready for the aquarium in the morning.
🌊 Day 3: Churaumi Aquarium & Return to Naha
Morning at the Aquarium & Breakfast with a View
I arrived at the Churaumi Aquarium right at its 8:30 AM opening time. Since I had already purchased a ticket from the hotel, I was able to enter smoothly without waiting in line.
I headed straight to Café Ocean Blue inside the aquarium. For just 500 yen, I got a premium seat right next to the tank, where I could watch whale sharks swim as I enjoyed breakfast. Despite its popularity, the café was quiet in the morning and a perfect way to start the day.
Sea Life, Manatees & Dolphins
After breakfast, I explored the aquarium and spent time admiring the massive whale sharks, manta rays, and other colorful sea creatures.
Next, I walked over to the Manatee House and Sea Turtle House. One hidden gem was the small beach next to the Manatee House—it offered a quiet view of Ie Island and made for a peaceful break.
I then headed to the Okichan Theater for the dolphin feeding experience (500 yen), followed by the 11:30 AM dolphin show. Though short (about 15 minutes), the show was lively, with stunning ocean views in the background.
Strolling Fukugi Trees & Local Lunch
After the show, I strolled through the serene Fukugi Tree Road.
For lunch, I visited Fukugiya near the tree-lined path. I ordered a hearty bowl of soki soba (Okinawan pork noodle soup) and took some juushi (Okinawan-style rice) to go. It was a relaxing meal just 10 minutes on foot from the hotel.
🚌 Returning to Naha & Souvenir Shopping
At 1:13 PM, I boarded a highway bus back to Naha. I was able to board right in front of the hotel and waited comfortably in the lobby.
The ride took about 2 hours, and I arrived at Kencho-mae around 3:30 PM. I revisited Kokusai Street to shop for souvenirs like sata andagi, awamori, jimami tofu, and umibudo (sea grapes).
Needing a break, I stopped at a mango café for a refreshing smoothie. It was the perfect way to cool down in the Okinawan heat.
✈️ Final Treat: Pork Tamago at the Airport
Around 5:00 PM, I took the Yui Rail to Naha Airport. I picked up a famous Pork Tamago Onigiri (pork & egg rice ball) before heading to my gate.
The airport location was crowded, so I recommend buying one earlier from the Kokusai Street shop if you want to skip the wait.
I savored my Pork Tamago on the flight home—ending my Okinawa trip on a delicious note.
Summary: Enjoy Okinawa Without a Car
During this 3-day trip to Naha, Chatan, Onna Village, and Churaumi Aquarium, I realized that renting a car isn’t necessary to fully enjoy Okinawa.
Why It Works Without a Car:
- Yui Rail, buses, and taxis provide solid access to major tourist spots
- Early departures and time buffers help reduce stress from traffic delays
- Luggage delivery and cashless transit make moving around easy
- Taxis help bridge gaps to harder-to-reach places like Onna Village
Tips to Keep in Mind:
- Check bus times and transfers in advance, especially for longer routes
- Build in extra time for potential delays, especially during peak travel periods
- Not all buses accept IC cards like Suica, so carry some cash
- Hotel-to-hotel luggage delivery (800 yen) makes day trips lighter
- Some tourist areas close early—visit places like American Village or Kokusai Street during the day
Perfect for:
- Travelers who don’t drive or prefer not to rent a car
- Solo, small group, or girls’ trips with budget-conscious plans
- Visitors who want to enjoy drinks without driving concerns
You might assume Okinawa without a car is inconvenient, but with smart planning and local transport options, it’s surprisingly easy—and just as rewarding.
Why not make your next Okinawa trip a car-free adventure?
FAQs: Car-Free Okinawa Travel
Q. Can you really enjoy Okinawa without a car?
A. Absolutely! With Yui Rail, local buses, and taxis, you can easily visit popular areas like Naha, Chatan, Onna, and Churaumi Aquarium. Just plan your transfers ahead of time.
Q. Can I use Suica or PASMO on Okinawan buses?
A. Some buses don’t accept them. However, many routes allow Visa/Mastercard tap-to-pay, making cashless travel easy.
Q. How do I get to Churaumi Aquarium without a car?
A. From Naha, take an express or local bus. Some routes require a transfer at Nago, so check your schedule and allow extra time.
Q. Can I join ocean activities like diving without a car?
A. Yes! Many dive shops (like in Onna) offer shuttle service or are accessible by taxi. I joined a Blue Cave tour via taxi with no issues.
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