Romantic Getaway in Okinawa: 7 Unforgettable Experiences for Couples

Okinawa is made up of 160 islands in the East China Sea and is full of amazing romantic things to do. Easily accessible by car or boat from the main island, the remote islands boast natural beaches for tranquil escapes. Enjoy a picnic on white sands or a soulful barbecue under the stars.

Beyond the natural beauty, discover Okinawan crafts like Ryukyu glass and Yachimun pottery. Join us as we look at some of the highlights of Okinawa recommended for couples, including walks around historic sites that bring to life the rich history of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

1. Yachimun no Sato

Unique pottery from skilled artisans

Good for: Couples, Families

In the pottery village of Yomitan, you’ll find more than a dozen Yachimun workshops in an area called Yachimun no Sato. Different potters produce pieces at each workshop, and there are galleries to browse at several kilns. With its simple texture, Okinawa’s Yachimun pottery is perfect for everyday use.

Each artist’s unique works are on display, including pieces with traditional arabesque and dot painting, others with fine line-engraved patterns, and others with a focus on Okinawan clay and enamel. These pieces come in various forms such as coffee cups, teacups, teacups, plates, and vases. Really any Yachimun piece will make a great souvenir that you can actually use and enjoy when you get back home.

Location: 2653-1 Zakimi, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0301, Japan

Phone: +81 (0)98-958-4468

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2. Blue Cave

A mesmerizing world of blue light

Good for: Couples, Adventure

Take a boat from Cape Maeda and head for Okinawa’s premier snorkeling spot: Blue Cave. The tunnel-shaped Blue Cave is an opening in the rock face of the cape, a special place that can only be entered by snorkeling or diving. The sun shines into the cave, creating a mysterious world full of blue light. After putting on your snorkel and taking a lecture on how to swim, you can enter the cave and enjoy the deep blue space to your heart’s content.

Don’t forget to take a commemorative photo as you hold your hands together to form a heart shape. If you’re traveling as a couple, you might prefer to take a private tour limited to one group.

Location: 469-1 Maeda, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0417, Japan

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3. Hamahiga Island

Mystical energy on a sacred island

Good for: Couples, Budget

Hamahiga Island, known as an “island where gods live,” is dotted with mysterious locations that seem to flow with mystical energy. Accessible by a bridge from the main island of Okinawa, it’s ideal for a day trip.

Visit Shirumichu, home to the gods Amami Kiyo and Shinerikiyo, where a limestone cave awaits at the end of a long staircase. Then, explore Amamichu, the grave of the two gods. Walk across to the small rocky island where the tomb is located and pray for a good harvest and good health. Along the way, enjoy an untouched sandy beach or a meal at a local restaurant, immersing yourself in this remote island’s serenity.

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4. Nakagusuku Castle Ruins

Panoramic views from ancient stone walls

Good for: Couples, Photo

Nakagusuku Castle Ruins, a World Heritage Site, is one of Japan’s 100 Famous Castles, showcasing the Ryukyu Kingdom’s history. Visiting this famously impregnable castle is a great way to soak up the history of Okinawa. Explore original features like the elegant back gate praised by Commodore Perry for its elegant archway, a well that shows how water was secured within the castle grounds, and the Nishi no Kurowa area where troops were trained.

The hilltop castle ruins are scenic spots overlooking the Pacific Ocean to the east, the East China Sea to the west, Yomitan to the north, and the Chinen Peninsula to the south. Here you can enjoy panoramic views while strolling through historic sites out in the open.

Location: 1258, Tomari, Nakagusuku, Okinawa 901-2402, Japan

Open: October–April: daily from 8.30 am to 5 pm. May–September: daily from 8.30 am to 6 pm

Phone: +81 (0)98-935-5719

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5. Ryukyu glass workshops

Creating your own unique glass masterpiece

Good for: Couples, Families

You can find ryukyu glass workshops in all corners of the main island, highlighting this distinctive Okinawan craft known for its thick, simple design with embedded air bubbles. These pieces are ideal as souvenirs to take home, but if you want to get creative, try making your own Awamori glass as a personalized memento.

Start by selecting your favorite color. In a kiln heated to 1,300 degrees, molten glass is wound around a pipe, blown to inflate, and finished by attaching the base of the glass. Open the mouth of the glass with fire tongs and you’re done. Visitors’ handmade glasses are slowly cooled in the workshop and then posted to you at a later date.

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6. Yojima Island

A private island adventure

Good for: Couples, Families, Photo

Yojima Island is a natural paradise full of tropical plants, colorful flowers, and lush greenery. After enjoying an ecotour around the island, take a sea kayak to explore its coast. Feeling peckish? Head to the beach for a barbecue lunch. After eating, take a nap in a hammock or try your hand at making wind chimes. A tour of this uninhabited island is an ideal getaway for a couple, with a wide range of activities to choose from including jet skiing and lure fishing.

If you really want to eat in peace, try having a picnic on this uninhabited island surrounded by coral reefs, located about 15 minutes by private boat from Hotel Moon Beach in Onna Village.

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7. Bibi Beach Itoman

Sunset serenity with ocean views before departure

Good for: Couples, Nightlife, Photo

To squeeze every last drop out of your stay in Okinawa, you can always watch the sun set at Bibi Beach Itoman before heading to the airport. Right next to the resort hotels and conveniently located 10 km from the airport, Bibi Beach is a great place to spend your last night in Okinawa.

Sit down on the white sands and watch the sun descend over the ocean. Or, cross the bridge and walk to the observatory on the sea, where you can sit back on a bench while gazing at the deep red sky. No doubt you’ll want to talk about the memories of your trip to Okinawa while looking up at the planes that occasionally pass overhead.

Location: 1 Chome-6-15 Nishizakicho, Itoman, Okinawa 901-0306, Japan

Open: April—October: daily from 8.30 am to 8.30 pm. November—March: daily from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm

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