underrated summer vacay spot - Okinawa, Japan 🇯🇵🏯🎏🍙
hiii zesties! i recently visited okinawa during the summer was it was SO hot… (i went in august…) but i still had a really good time w my fam :”) we stayed there for 6 days and i think it was just enough!!
some highlights were
1. the good food🤤
- WOW the okinawan steak was just amazing, i highly recommend Big Heart Steak House (they have many outlets), and I also saw Steak House 88 many times but didn’t get to try :(
- visit yakiniku king for a $30+ yakiniku buffet per pax! (so so worth omg and so good)
- other highlights were okinawan soba (must try!), the garlic shrimp & taco rice!
- for all my mister donut lovers, they have so much more flavours to choose from over there 😋😋😋
- BLUE SEAL ICE CREAM!!!! they’re famous for it and it was amazing, we had it a few times :”)
- makishi public market: rly rly fresh and yumz seafood, there’s quite abit of shopping to do around the area as well!
2. sightseeing 🎎
- cape manzamo: famous rock formation & amazing place to catch sunsets
- churaumi aquarium: i LOVED! one of the only aquariums to see a whale shark (it was huge eh…) and overall 10/10
- american village: tbh i was expecting more but there was nothing much imo, but the buildings and the whole village was vv pretty and i loved the vibes
- okinawan beaches: so many beaches around the island and it’s just a great place to tan/chill especially during the summer
3. shopping 🛍️🛍️
- naha kokusai dori shopping street: i didn’t take much pics but there’s a bunch of shops & don don donki where i bought so many okinawan snacks home!!! just a really vibey street to do some window shopping & eat!!
- MALLS. there are quite a few malls in okinawa but the one thing that really stood out to me was AEON MALL Okinawa Rycom. a huge mall with so many shops like GU, Uniqlo, Sports Depot, a lot of cutesy shops with sanrio stuff & a really huge vintage store
⭐️Overall i rate it a 7.5/10 because the weather lowered the rating tbh…. we went in at the start of august so it was SO hot… but i would highly recommend going in may/june instead!!! also, okinawa is a great place to do activities like diving and snorkeling if you’re adventurous and love water activities!!! it’s such a beautiful island and it’s really like the Hawaii of Japan :”)
hope this gave you some inspo for your next summer vacay!!! ⛱️🕶️☀️
#summerdiary #MyLemon8Journey #summerbreak #summervacation #okinawa #japan #travelrecommendation
If you're planning a trip to Okinawa, here are some extra tips from my experience that might help you make the most of your visit. First, timing really matters! While I went in August and it was quite hot, visiting around May or June is perfect—the weather is warm but not overwhelmingly hot, ideal for beach days and outdoor activities like snorkeling or diving. Okinawa is often called the 'Hawaii of Japan' for a reason! Food lovers, you’ll definitely want to try the garlic shrimp and Okinawan soba—both local favorites that truly capture the island’s flavors. Don't miss out on the Blue Seal ice cream, a refreshing treat and uniquely Okinawan. For sightseeing, besides Cape Manzamo’s breathtaking sunsets and scenic rock formations, the Churaumi Aquarium is an absolute must-visit. Seeing the giant whale shark up close was unforgettable and the whole aquarium offers an amazing experience for all ages. If you enjoy shopping, Naha Kokusai Dori street has a vibrant atmosphere with lots of local shops and eateries. I picked up lots of Okinawan snacks to bring home! Also check out Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom for popular brands mixed with vintage and cute Sanrio goods. Lastly, if you're looking for a romantic or memorable self-drive vacation, Okinawa’s varied beaches, wildlife, and natural beauty create the perfect backdrop. Renting a car lets you explore hidden gems at your own pace. Overall, Okinawa offers a unique blend of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty that makes for an enriching summer holiday. Hope this adds some helpful insight for your next trip!
hello! how many days did u stay/recommend? 😊