Okinawa With Kids
Okinawa is Japan’s tropical paradise, a wonderland of beautiful beaches and rich culture. It is the perfect escape from the bustle of Japan’s bigger cities, and an excellent place to visit with kids.
Okinawa is one of the best family holiday destinations in Japan. It boasts tropical beaches, crystal-clear waters, fascinating wildlife and a relaxed atmosphere that feels completely different from mainland Japan, but it’s only a short flight away.
Often described as ‘Japan’s answer to ‘the Japanese Hawaii’, Okinawa combines beautiful coastlines, family-friendly attractions and unique Ryukyuan culture with the infamous convenience and safety that make Japan such an incredible destination for travelling with children.
We visited Okinawa as part of our latest Japan family adventure and quickly fell in love with the island’s slower pace of life, stunning scenery and family-friendly attractions. Whether you’re planning a beach holiday, a wider Japan itinerary or simply wondering whether Okinawa is worth visiting with kids, you’ll find all of our guides, reviews and tips here.
First Time Visiting Okinawa? Start Here
Planning your first Okinawa family holiday? These guides cover everything you need to know before you go, from where to stay and how to get around to our honest thoughts after visiting with children.
Okinawa With Kids: Ultimate Guide
Where to Stay in Okinawa With Kids
Do You Need a Car in Okinawa?
How Many Days Do You Need?
Our 5 Day Okinawa Itinerary
Top Okinawa Attractions
Okinawa isn’t just a beach resort! The islands offer plenty to keep children entertained beyond the beaches. From giant whale sharks and marine life encounters to shopping districts and family adventure theme parks, we’ve picked the top attractions in these guides:
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: Is It Worth Visiting?
Pokémon Center Okinawa: What To Know
American Village Okinawa With Kids Review
Best Things To Do in Naha With Kids
Blue Seal Ice Cream Okinawa
Where To Stay in Okinawa
Choosing the right area can make a huge difference to your Okinawa trip. Whether you’re looking for family resorts, beach access or a convenient base for sightseeing, these guides will help you find the best fit.
We have focused on Okinawa Main Island here, as that’s where we stayed for the duration of our visit:
Okinawa Hinode Resort and Spa
Where to Stay in Okinawa With Kids
Planning Your Okinawa Trip
One of the biggest questions families face is how to organise transport, attractions and sightseeing across the island.
It’s harder to find this information, because Okinawa isn’t as popular with international tourists as Mainland Japan, so we’ve put it all together below:
Do You Need A Car In Okinawa?
Guide to Driving in Japan
Best Day Trips From Okinawa
The Ultimate Okinawa Packing List
Why Visit Okinawa With Kids?
Okinawa offers something very different from Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Instead of busy cities and packed sightseeing schedules, families will find tropical beaches, outdoor adventures, marine life, family resorts and a more relaxed pace of travel.
If your kids love beaches, water-play, and sunshine breaks then they will love Okinawa.
For many families, Okinawa provides the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy a different side of Japan while still benefiting from the safety, cleanliness and convenience that make Japan such a fantastic destination for children.