Top 10 Things To Do In Okinawa Japan (from a local)
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- Опубліковано 16 лют 2023
- I'm Matt, an American living in Okinawa, Japan. Watch as I explore all of Okinawa's coolest places, try the most bangin' foods, and share whatever else I find interesting here in Okinawa.
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All great suggestions, Matt! I loved snorkeling with my dad when we were stationed in Okinawa! You are so right about the crystal clear, beautiful water. It's like nowhere I've ever been.
So true!
Great video Matt! I was in Okinawa with the 3d Marine Division. I was at Kadena AFB outside of Futenma I left in late 1971. I loved it. A place I will never forget. It's strange a physical therapist I had was born in Okinawa; she told me I would not recognize it.
I was all of 19 years old. A buddy of mine was dating a girl whose father was in the Air Force, she also was born there. They introduced me to a girl who at best spoke broken English and of course, I could not speak her language. To make a long story shorter we dated for six months and with some frustration we could communicate. I saw more of Okinawa than most people stationed there all by cab.😊 She could never introduce me to her parents because he hated Americans. I get it. When I left it was one of the hardest decisions I had to do. Come home. Take care! Love your cap. I hope your business is up an running
Great, thanks for sharing, Matt. Hope to visit Okinawa soon.
Good job Matt I think you put together a good list. My list would be similar although I would focus more on the ocean for diving, snorkeling, and fishing. Visiting other islands in the Okinawa prefecture too. And of course eating, like Okinawa soba, gurukun, black squid soup, etc. Also, we lived mostly on the military bases so for us those especially Kadena would be on our visit list. Thanks...trying to visit Okinawa in October 2023.
Hey Matt and Kit! Great video! I lived in Okinawa for 9 years as a civilian working at Camp Foster. My family and I enjoyed it very much and miss everything about it! We wish we could retire there!
RIGHT ON MATT!!! THE BEACH and SNORKELING!! By far, our family of children's favorite assignment...UNANIMOUS! We were stationed at KADENA twice...1966-70 and '75-'77. Yes, I agree with All of your other picks also...NAHA, THE CASTLES, HEDO POINT and Of course American Village. And like you said...Get in a car and go see! Our parents did exactly that for us and all we have is very fond memories of OKINAWA and OKINAWA PEOPLE. Okinawa climate has a warm tendency and so do the Okinawa People. Scenically, it is so stunning by the day or even the hour...During the Summer months we could depend on 15-20 minute rain showers to cool everything off late afternoon... And suddenly be refreshed with a cool beautiful sunset...Paradise!
This, in my opinion, is the best “Top Okinawa” video I’ve seen. We’ll done. Bise-Fukugi Tree Road is one of our favorite spots to take visitors.
Thank you 🙏
Island hopping! Great video 🙏
A couple of your choices weren't around when I lived there and I was there when Expo park was opened, the aquarium they initially had was pretty impressive, but it does sound like they even improved it. Talking about snorkeling, one summer we went to Ishigaki, to be able to visit Iriomote and Taketome islands (Taketomi is famous for star sand) we stayed at a Minshuku there and there were several mainland Japanese college students who had been there almost all summer diving, we went out with them with the Minshuku owner, he had a glass bottom boat, we went out about a mile and the divers all went in, the coral reef was incredible and even at a mile out from the island, it was only about 6 feet from the surface, so if you don't dive or snorkle, a glass bottom boat tour might be just up your alley. and I loved touring castles sites when I was there, there were several that were not parks, that you had to do a little hiking to get to. . you also forgot about camping, we went to Sesoku (which now has a bridge, but when we went there you went by an old WW2 landing craft, we camped on the beach on the west side of the island. and lastly when we drove around the island clockwise, after Oku, the road was still dirt, it was an adventure in itself. . .other things not on your list: the Japanese Underground Headquarters in Tomigusuku, and to go with your hidden gems, Himeyuri Shrine (The Cave of the Virgins). . .very good list, and if there is one thing I learned about Okinawa, there was always something new to discover👍👍❤❤
Thanks mountainneko. Always enjoy your comments because I think we shared similar experiences in similar time periods, although for some things you beat me there. I dove once under the Sesoko bridge and stupidly got low on tank air when a ferry boat was directly above me. Obviously I survived. Got some nice sand dollars that time. Oh well, great memories, although I am not so crazy about things in Okinawa today...maybe I am just an old fart.
@@davidhyder9609 I think we share the old fart syndrome
I was there Aug74 to Sep75, at Camp Foster. Wish I'd seen more of the island. Beautiful benches.
Can't forget about Nago Pineapple Park, it's a must-visit for the free samples alone
So me and my cousin are planning a trip hopefully for October 2025. We plan on staying in Okinawa for a week. If y’all are still there, and have your tourism gig up and running we already decided we would love to meet you guys and get a proper tour of this beautiful place!
The one that I still have to see and haven’t yet is the Kerama islands. I seriously need to ride some ferries.
Awesome video, I will be visiting Okinawa in May.
How exciting!!
I have a question for you, what is the best way to email, or DM you?
#1 Ryukyu Mura, #2 Hedo Misaki, #3 Shuri Castle, #4 Kerama islands, #5 Ogimi village, #6 suicide cliffs, #7 churaumi aquarium, #8 Teguchi beach and park, #9 Mihama (American village) and #10 Matsuyama if you like the nightlife and want to understand Japanese entertainment then this is your place. I’ve lived in Okinawa for 30 years and trust me this list is it.
Can you advise what beaches are best (soft sand)
Hi! Did you and your friend open that business? My husband and I are going to Okinawa in April and we don't feel comfortable driving there so I was wondering if you did open the pick up and drive around business. Do you have a website?
Exactly; that's how I travel. I've rented a car for 10 days and have no itinerary and no hotel reservations. Just drive from morning to late afternoon. Thanks man.
Great video! Visiting Okinawa for my honeymoon in a month. Do you know if any of the beaches on main island have good reefs for snorkeling aka without a boat?
Yes! Of course! The farther north you go on the main island, the better the snorkeling will get. 😊
I lived there for 6 years. I left in 1988 and it has developed soooo much. I want to show my family what I call HOME before I die. It is my bucket list. If your touring company is up and running when I can afford the trip there I will definitely check you guys out. Honestly, I would just love to move back permanently.
Very very helpful. Definitely going to send this to my friends. We are doing a Japan trip this September and Okinawa is on the list. Was trying to find things to do and see besides the aquarium which is mandatory lol. Worked at my local aquarium for 7.5 years and have a masters degree in marine biology, so how could I not. I'm from and live in the Caribbean, so pretty used to Tropical beaches and might look for more of the historic stuff instead.
Thanks for the tip bro! How about offshore fishing there?
I served there in the 60's, I wish you would have actually shown more of your 10.
Can't wait... I lived there 4 1/2 years... I married my lovely girlfriend from there... Our Daughters 14th birthday is today, February 16nth! Hope all is well Muteki MattSAN!
Thank you! Happy birthday to your daughter! 🥳
@@MutekiMatt TY Matt... Pleasure...
Good time to travel end of september into october in terms of taifun?? Good video, thank you❤
Great video!! We will be here for 1 day from a cruise ship in March 2025. Love the idea of visiting the different capes, beaches and Shurijo Castle. Is there rental car places by the cruise port? Or can you send me info on your tour?
New subscriber from Hyubsama stream... Nice collab! CX
Thank you for a great video! We are planning to visit Okinawa in late August for a week. Please tell me if you think that's a bad time to go as I heard August-September is typhoon season. However, some have said that typhoons don't last long in Okinawa, around 1-2 days. Would appreciate hearing a local's opinion. Thanks!
Hey, thank for watching! I wouldn’t worry about the typhoons to much. They don’t happen to often, and when they do, they are usually not dangerous, however it may ruin some plans you might have. I find them kind of fun though if you’ve never been in one. 😂 August is really hot and humid though so just something to think about.
Can you advise what beaches are the best? Soft sand and clear water (no crushed coral sand) in Okinawa
The crushed corals are so sad.. i was so shocked seeing them everywhere 😢
My husband and I live in Michigan, USA. We are considering a trip to Okinawa in 2025. I don’t know if I’m sure I’ll want to go for sure because of the weather. I hear that it’s VERY VERY humid. I’m looking to relax and get a TAN! I work night shift so I want my body to feel the sun ! 😊
I would go every day to the beach to see the Gravure photo shoots!
How dare you leave out Pineapple Park. Papapapapapapineappuru!
Papapapapapapa pinappooo… went once and that damn song is stuck in my head forever
@@justgeo3879you look pretty strong in that profile picture, shoot me a msg any time cutie 😉
Hey Matt loved your recon tour as number 9 ...this got me in because always an essential part of my visits to a new country....we are coming for the basketball world cup...go Boomers....would love to do a tour with you...we are having trouble getting a van for out trip
Please tell me Dragons Palace arcade still exists there! It’s very nostalgic for me (was in Okinawa from 2004-2007), as are the sticky picture machines!
3 years here we come
How many days required for Okinawa?
And will get easily hotels?
Thanks in advance 🎉
Hi. Is parking generally free eg. at American Village, beaches, aquarium etc? TQ
Thanks for the informative video.
What do you think of the botanical garden near the aquarium? That's a place I was thinking I might like to see when I come. Do you think a one day trip is enough to do with the aquarium and garden?
What is the best way for me to get from central naha up the aquarium? Are there buses that leave the Naha city center, go up to the aquarium, and return from the same stop frequently, so that I could leave in the morning, come back in the evening?
Nice video. One of my favorite places is Oku/Oku Beach. Check it out if you haven't been there. You can literally spend a day up there and never see another person.
I'm visiting Okinawa from the UK in 2 weeks, what's the weather like in March? Is it pleasant enough for someone that comes from a cold climate?
Should be great 👍 It’s actually been quite warm recently.
@MutekiMatt awesome stuff and thanks for the informative video 😊
Hello! Thank you for your video 🙏. We would like to come with my family and would like to know which city in Okinawa is best to enjoy the beach and settle in a hotel as a family ?
I really enjoyed this Video, i will travel there from 15th to 22nd of may. Im doing my own Travelblog there. Your Video really did inspire me, although i already planed a few of the things you mentioned anyways 😁. If you up to meet me when im there i would be glad. I will write you a Message later 🙂.
6:21 that hat rules
Great and useful video! Please include some captions/text to include as pointers so easy to skip the video and get to main points if in rush :) thanks
Where do you recommend snorkeling?
Kokusai dori is a tourist trap.
Go hiking. Also the outer islands.
According to Cairo Declaration of 1943-11-27: “ Japan will also be expelled from all other territories which she has taken by violence and greed (including Okinawa Islands)”. Cairo Declaration is cited in Clause 8 of the Potsdam Declaration of 1945-07-26, it further states "Japanese sovereignty shall be limited to the islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku, and such minor islands as we determine.", which is referred to by the Japanese Instrument of Surrender legally signed on 1945-09-02. As such, it constitutes the bedrock of post WWII international rule-based order. Therefore, Japan should stop the occupation of Okinawa Islands. The people of Okinawa Islands should have the right to exercise self-determinization and start the process of de-japanization.
Thanks for sharing this. It looks like Japan is not abiding by their agreement - presumably because the declaration cannot be enforced?
Hello! How can I find your for touring! It seems u haven’t been using UA-cam or instagram for long
I’m planning on going back to Okinawa next year in June but this time Im taking my bicycle with me. My new friends at MAIYO bike shop in Ginowan is putting my bike together and we can meet up there. I saw you riding your bike on another video you posted and I really like to explore Naha, Kokosaidori street Ginowan, Chatan / American Village on my bike. If you’re interested please let me know. Hooah!
Sounds like fun, but my bike would be terrible for that. Lol 😆 It’s super heavy.
Peace memorial Park in Okinawa is similar to the memorial park in Saipan. Suicide cliff and banzai cliff were the two areas that the Japanese families were jumping off to end their lives. Also many Okinawans died during the war in Saipan as well.
@@MutekiMattI’ll be in Okinawa in July
I’m here in Okinawa! July 1 -12
Hi Matt! Retired military here. Suggest you hook up with "Stephanie at Poppins Smoke" to get the retiree business. I want to go to Hacksaw Ridge and Shuri Castle. Love both you and Kit!
what's a retiree business?
Great list Matt, though I do disagree with American Village. Being American, I don't really need to see more things American with a hint of an Okinawan influence. As for the restaurants, I've seen Tabieats go there multiple times and I know you can find good restaurants elsewhere.
I was disappointed that you didn't include the Himeyuri Peace Museum on the list. But I am biased since my mom did go to school with many of the girls that died there. That would be another very spiritual place, too. My wife and daughter were very affected going through the museum and had to cut their visit short and go outside.
Thank you. Ya, I was hesitant to put American village on there. The reason I did though is because I had an American friend who lives in Tokyo come a visit and he was missing American things because they aren’t as available in Tokyo. At least not like here. I think it being an American hub in Japan in general makes it special. I agree though. I think it’s much better if you’re not coming from america.
For sure, Great Restaurant are easy to come by here. The himeyuri peace museum would have been good. I forgot about that.
@@MutekiMatt Thanks for the reply. American Village would have an appeal to American ex-pats and visitors from other countries.
No Complaints about the overall experiences that I had there.... Even in the Mainland!
Matt do you have any advice for me on where to get a rental car in Okinawa in the October 2023 time frame? Looking at rental for two weeks, a passenger size van. I think I am eligible for car rental from the military bases like Camp Kinser and Kadena AB but their websites suck (nonexistent). I have heard and it appears to me to be true that the rental car industry in Okinawa got wiped out from the COVID pandemic and it hasn't recovered yet. Thanks for your help
Sorry David I’ve never had to rent a car here, So I’m not much help.
The link isn’t working! I would love a tour with a local to show me around! 🙏🏽 Is anyone free? Can I book a tour for Mid June?!?
Attend the many festivals to learn about culture.
I was stationed on camp schwab in henoko.
Miss that area.
I miss oki.
How are things going Matt? If you can think of a Video collab or us please let us know! would love to work with you again.
Hey Matt, the link to your tour guide business isn't working. Wanna hit me up, I'd love to schedule a tour!
Great Video. We are a family of 4 with kids 11 and 13. We are looking to be there around the end of March 2024.....lets meet up.
Where is best to stay in okinawa For 3 days Naha or Chatan or somewhere else ? We like beach nightlife shops culture culture
I've been trying to figure this out myself . From what I've rea so far, it sounds like it's probably best to take Naha is one's home base, and plan trips to other locations from there.
We have family that live in Japan but I don’t speak Japanese. I only speak English. Can you tell me, where a person would buy Japanese blankets from? My mom calls them futons(pronounced with a Japanese accent), but when I look it up on the Internet, it shows me a futon (pronounced with an American accent) bed, but that’s not what I’m looking for. I’m looking for a comforter that’s very beautifully designed and thick in nature. My grandma gave my mother two of them before we left Okinawa to come to the United States. Since then, my father’s family has destroyed, my mothers blankets, and my mother is terribly upset about it as she takes very good care of her things, especially when it has sentimental value for her. Her mother also gave her some mink blankets. Do you know where they would sell those in Japan as well? Also, can we buy them and ship them to the US? Any help would be appreciated and thank you in advance!
Did you start your tour company
Yes I did. tours.ryu9style.com/ 😊
Okinawa is a village or city?
for $537 USD for a tour??? Hahahahhahahahahahahaha
I’m okinawan and born there, I think you miss this one and it’s #1, have sex with the ladies and you telling me is not #1 or even make the list. I’m not saying rape them as it was happening by the American servicemen, consensual sex, and you got that right about Okinawa is a occupied country with king Tamagusuku as their king with a castle in Tamagusuku city but now three cities grew so much it became one. Name was changed but the ruined of a castle remains. FYI King Tamagusuku was a bad king hated by his subjects. Hope #1 thing to do must be #1 in your favorite things to do in Okinawa video.
I forgot to add this the girls were underage high schoolers
3 years living in Okinawa makes you a local? Where I live, you’re considered a local after at least 20 years.
I've been stationed in the marine corps on island for over three years now. Am I considered a local
lol
Where I’m from you aren’t a local, if you aren’t from there.
@@nom3rcy125I was stationed in Georgia for 3 years. I’m a local. Lol
Who gives af he lives there. Look up the definition of a local. It just means someone who inhabits an area.
Are you doing tours this May?
Why you guys are charging now on u tube thats bot nice well see ya
Three years you are not a local. Do you speak hogan?
L
cam to much just on your face
Dive. Then dive. After that dive. If you are not in the water you have failed.
Never saw another person in 18 months except sea wall off Kadena diving. Maeda Point. Forgot it. Bolo Point.
North End. The end. Not the beaches. The end.
Did I say north end. Google Earth. Alot like Pacific side. We never went south after cliff trip.