Okinawa is famous for its natural beauty—especially its white sand, clear seawater, and breathtaking scenery. And usually, the best time to visit is under clear skies and sunny weather if you’re looking for a calming sea breeze! But for those who are planning to visit Okinawa from late April to early July? Well, that’s tsuyu (梅雨-rainy season) in Japan, but you don’t have to worry! We have summed up some of the best activities to do in Okinawa during the rainy season.
The sky may not be blue, but a holiday is still due!
The Best Activities For Tsuyu in Okinawa
Gyokusendo Cave, Okinawa World
The first suggestion is the famous Gyokusendo Cave, located in the Nanjo area, in the southern part of Okinawa’s main island.
Okinawa World is a tourist attraction that highlights Okinawan culture, including the animals and plants that initially inhabited Okinawa. It is also home to the second-longest cave in Japan, Gyokusendo Cave.
Gyokusendo Cave is a five-kilometre long underground cave that features astounding stalactites and stalagmites. Known as the most beautiful cave in East Asia, Gyokusendo Cave has a series of well-maintained pathways with amazing views.
Aside from the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave, there are a lot of other attractions, such as a mini zoo, the Kingdom Village, and shows that represent Okinawa’s culture.
Photo by Author
Since most of the attractions are indoor, Okinawa World is a perfect destination to enjoy Okinawan culture during the rainy season!
The entrance ticket price is 2,000 yen for adults and 1,000 yen for children.
Location: Maekawa-1336 Tamagusuku, Nanjo, Okinawa 901-0616
Hours: Mon-Sun 09:00-17:30
Phone: 098-949-7421
Website: homepage
Heiwa-Dori Street, Kokusai Dori, Naha
Located along Kokusai Dori, one of the most crowded streets and most famous tourist attractions in Naha, Heiwa-Dori is a great choice to escape the rainy days!
Heiwa Dori is an indoor 336 meters long street with more than 200 shops and restaurants. You can find almost everything here, so it’s the perfect place to spend a day shopping! From Okinawan snacks to clothes and accessories, everything seems to follow a very Okinawan theme in Heiwa-Dori.
It’s also a good place to look for some omiyage souvenirs (お土産) for friends if you want to give them something authentically Okinawan and introduce them to a touch of Okinawan culture!
Another unique point of Heiwa-Dori is you can find more authentic Okinawan culture, such as freshly made juice from Okinawan fruits, different types of Okinawan beers, Okinawan printed shirts (that look similar to Hawaiian shirts), and many more.
Photo by Author
Heiwa-Dori is super easy to reach from the main outdoor shopping street Kokusai Dori. You can see the gate directly from the main street, and it takes only a few minutes to walk there from the nearest monorail station.
At night, Heiwa-Dori may not be as lively as Kokusai Dori, but you can still enjoy some traditional restaurants and bars located along the street.
Location: 3 Chome Makishi, Naha, Okinawa 900-0013
Okinawa Fruits Land, Nago
Another indoor spot in Okinawa to get away from the rain is Okinawan Fruits Land, located on the upper side of the island in Nago-shi. Okinawa Fruits Land introduces you to different types of tropical fruits and plants that you may not be able to find in the other parts of Japan.
You can have a wonderful day out without getting wet—all while enjoying the taste of each piece of fruit! However, besides offering various kinds of fruits, Okinawa Fruit Land also has bird zones with tons of colorful birds living inside!
Location: 1220-71 Biimata, Nago, Okinawa 905-0005
Hours: Mon-Sun 09:00-17:00
Phone: 0980-52-1568
Website: Okinawa Island Guide
Photo credits: Pixabay, Kadoyatakumi
Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort
Another option for spending a dry day during the rainy season is to visit the famous Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort! A day pass at Sheraton Sunmarina Resort provides you with a complete package of indoor pools, outdoor pools, access to a beautiful beach, many rides, a kids’ play area, several outdoor activities, and more.
You can still enjoy a wonderful yet relaxing full day in Sheraton Sunmarina Resort, even on a rainy day! They provide a top-quality wellness center and spa for you to enjoy your “me-time,” amazing indoor pools with a good environment, and many children’s activities to entertain the little ones.
You don’t have to stay in the Sheraton Sunmarina Resort to enjoy their facilities. However, you should double-check your ticket because there are differences in what you can access with your day pass. For more information regarding facilities and activities in Sheraton Sunmarina Resort, click here.
The price to enjoy a one-day-pass Sheraton Sunmarina Resort is about 5,500 yen for adults, with some possible additional charges inside.
Location: Aza, 66-1 Fuchaku, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0494
Hours: 09:00-18:00
Phone: 098-965-2222
Website: homepage
Don’t Worry, and Enjoy Okinawa During Tsuyu!
Even though the best season to visit Okinawa may not be the rainy season, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Okinawa during that period.
With its beautiful sunny days and warm atmosphere, Okinawa will always be a good destination no matter the time to get away from the midst of the bustle.
Enjoy!
Devy Mufliha,
Indonesia
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Featured photo credit: Canva
