Special feature on Okinawa family trip! A popular marine sports / manufacturing experience guide for families with children

Okinawa is the most popular destination for family trips! It is good to spend time relaxing on the beach while enjoying the tropical atmosphere, but why not try sea activities with your children, immerse yourself in craft making, and experience something unique to Okinawa? Therefore, this time, we will introduce recommended sightseeing spots where you can play with children both indoors and outdoors.

Why Okinawa is recommended for family trips

Beautiful white sand beaches and emerald green sea Although it is Japan, it is full of tropical atmosphere Okinawa Is very popular as a destination for domestic travel!
Since it is also a mecca for marine sports, many people visit it every year for diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, etc.

However, in the case of a trip with small children, " Are there any activities that even children can experience? "" I'm worried if my child can enjoy it properly ... There must be many moms and dads who are worried.
But don't worry! It depends on the plan content, but in Okinawa There are many marine sports that you can participate in from 0 years old Therefore, you can enjoy various games according to your child's growth.

Activities that fully stimulate the five senses are Gives a lot of "awareness" to children It's a great experience. A trip to Okinawa with a lot of extraordinary feelings will surely be a series of excitement and excitement for children!
Why don't you experience the surprises and discoveries that can only be experienced in Okinawa with the whole family?

Travel to Okinawa with children! What is the recommended season / time?

When it comes to traveling to Okinawa, many people think of "summer". In fact, From July to August, the number of tourists with children who used the summer vacation increased at a stretch. , It is very busy every day.

But if your child is still small or not intended to swim in the sea Okinawa travel is recommended in every season is. Therefore, we will introduce the charm of each season, taking into account the unique characteristics of Okinawa.

The popular season for traveling to Okinawa is from July to August

The most popular season for traveling to Okinawa is From July to August, Golden Week and Silver Week is. Since the number of tourists is the largest, airplanes, hotels and tourist destinations are crowded with many people. To fully enjoy the sea of Okinawa, we recommend this time of summer.

However, Okinawa from July to September is the "typhoon season" when many typhoons approach But there is also. Precipitation also increases during the typhoon season, so Outdoor leisure and indoor play It is safer to plan both.
* There is a gap every year after the rainy season and the typhoon season, so please consider it as a reference.

Late June is a little-known season for traveling to Okinawa!

If it's convenient for your family Also recommended in late June is.
The rainy season ends in mid-June in Okinawa, so in late June before the typhoon season begins, A little-known time It is also said.

Compared to the high season, the travel price is cheaper and you can swim in the sea, so if you want to travel with a large family or go to the sea but are worried about crowds, it is recommended to plan in late June.

Okinawa Travel: Winter is also recommended for sightseeing!

If you think that it may be too early for children to experience marine sports, we also recommend a winter trip to Okinawa.

Okinawa is relatively warm all year round Even in winter, it doesn't feel very cold at around 18 ℃. .. You can't enter the sea, but you can experience making crafts indoors or " Churaumi Aquarium "or" Okinawa Zoo & Museum You can go to tourist facilities such as "" and enjoy it even in winter.
Except for consecutive holidays and the year-end and New Year holidays, you can significantly reduce your travel costs.

What do I need for my child to travel to Okinawa?

When traveling with children, you will inevitably have a lot of luggage. There are also large shopping malls in the city, so it is a good idea to omit as much as possible what can be procured locally. Below is a summary of what you should have for your child.

List of belongings you want to have for your child

・ Clothes, underwear, socks

If you are traveling for 3 nights and 4 days, bring 3-4 clothes each. If you use the hotel's laundromat, you can save a lot.

·pajamas

If your child is still small, the pajamas provided at the hotel may not fit. Check the size of your pajamas when you book your accommodation and bring them with you if necessary.

・ Diapers, diapers for playing in the water

If it is bulky, local procurement is OK!

・ Baby food, milk, baby bottles, wipes

These may be available at the hotel. Check in advance to know the amount and number of sheets you are likely to need.

・ Medicine (regular medicine, anti-sickness medicine, etc.), maternal and child handbook, health insurance card

If you are not used to it, you may suddenly get sick, so bring your medicine, maternal and child health insurance card, and health insurance card.
If you're on a boat or boat while traveling, don't forget to take a sickness remedy.

・ Sunscreen cream, hat

Okinawa tends to have strong sunlight throughout the year. Children's skin is delicate, so sun protection is necessary not only in summer but also in spring and autumn.

・ Swimwear, rush guard, beach sandals

If you go to the beach, don't forget to have a bathing set.

Here are other useful things to bring.

• towel
• Plastic bag
• Snacks and toys when you're sick
• Straws for PET bottles
• Hugging strap
• Lightweight and compact B-type stroller

What are the recommended accommodation areas for your trip to Okinawa?

The most important thing in choosing a hotel is " Access to the place you want to visit Is in.
The main island, which is the center of Okinawa, is " Southern "" Chubu "" Northern It is divided into three, each with different charms. Therefore, we will introduce hotels and sightseeing spots that are popular for family trips, taking into account the characteristics of each area.

Southern area of Okinawa main island

mainly" Naha "" Itoman It can be divided into. As it is the gateway to Okinawa, it is the most prosperous area on the main island of Okinawa.
Okinawa Prefecture's only railway in Naha City Yui Rail Is running, so you can move smoothly in the city.

Okinawa: Recommended sightseeing spots

・ Naha Kokusaidori Shopping Street

This is the main street of Naha city. There are plenty of restaurants and souvenir shops where you can enjoy Okinawan gourmet food, and it is crowded with many people from locals to tourists every day.

・ Shuri Castle

It is a tomb of a king and queen during the Ryukyu Kingdom era, which has been designated as a World Heritage Site.
Yui Rail " Shuri Station It is a 15-minute walk from.

Okinawa: Recommended hotels

・ Hotel Ocean (Naha Kokusai Dori)

Rental services such as strollers, floats, and sandbox sets are available. There is also a kids space and a kids pool inside the building.

Central area of Okinawa main island

About 30 minutes by car from Naha Airport. " Yomitan "" Chatan "" Koza "" Uruma "" Ginowan "" Urasoe "" Onna Village Is an area with such things as.

A complex facility where you can enjoy shopping and gourmet food from the ruins of the former Ryukyu Kingdom castle Mihama American Village Until, the charms of old and new Okinawa are tightly packed.

In addition, there are blue caves and Manzamo, etc. Onna Village Is also known as one of the best resorts in Japan. There are many large hotels with excellent services in the surrounding area, and it is also popular with families.

Okinawa: Recommended sightseeing spots

・ Okinawa Zoo & Museum

It is a theme park consisting of three facilities, centered on a zoo where you can see 150 kinds of creatures.
You can also meet rare creatures unique to Okinawa.

・ Mihama American Village

It is a large complex facility where shopping and gourmet food are lined up on the site of about 5 Tokyo Domes.
Experience-based trick art amusement is popular in the area with the symbol Ferris wheel.

Okinawa: Recommended hotels

・ The Beach Tower Okinawa

This tower hotel is located in the American Village. We have a full range of services for babies who can get powdered milk, baby food, diapers, etc.

・ Renaissance Resort Okinawa

This hotel is located at the southern end of Onna village. The kids program is popular, where you can get to know dolphins and sea creatures and experience the work of a hotel. There are also rooms for cute families.

Northern area of Okinawa main island

About 2 hours by car from Naha Airport. mainly" Yambaru (Kunigami Village, Ogimi Village, Higashi Village) , " Motobu Peninsula (Motobu Town, Nakijin Village) , " Nago It can be divided into. It is an area with particularly untouched forests in Okinawa, and the area called Yanbaru is a subtropical jungle.

Okinawa: Recommended sightseeing spots

・ Churaumi Aquarium (Kaiyohaku Park)

One of the standard spots for traveling to Okinawa. Whale sharks and manta rays that swim in a huge aquarium are famous.
There are many athletics, planetariums, and beaches around the aquarium, so if you want to enjoy the entire Kaiyohaku Park, it's not enough for a day.

・ OKINAWA Fruits Land

An experience-based theme park where you can see tropical fruits, bright plants, and tropical animals. At the cafe inside the facility, you can eat sweets made with plenty of fruits from Okinawa.

Okinawa: Recommended hotels

・ Marine Piazza Okinawa

This hotel is located about 5 minutes by car from Churaumi Aquarium. "" On the hotel grounds Motobu Genki Village At, you can experience marine sports and traditional Okinawan culture, including a dolphin program where you can meet dolphins.

Rent-a-car is recommended for traveling during your trip to Okinawa!

The main means of transportation in Okinawa are buses and taxis, and monorails in Naha city. If you want to visit sightseeing spots, Sightseeing bus tour "or" Sightseeing taxi It is also recommended to use ", but when it comes to long-distance travel, children tend to get bored and jerky ... In such a case, renting a car is one way to do it.

When renting a car in Okinawa Take the "Rent-a-car company shuttle bus" from the airport terminal of Naha Airport to the car rental company's sales office To do. Almost every company arrives in about 15 minutes.
It is expected to be crowded during consecutive holidays and during the Obon festival, so if you make a reservation in advance, the procedure for the day will proceed smoothly. Also, Child seat rentals are also available for children under 6 years old Don't forget.

Activities that you can experience with children in Okinawa

There are many activities in Okinawa where children and adults can play together. Depending on the plan, participation is OK from 0 years old! So, here are some recommended activities that you should definitely join with your children when you go to Okinawa.

Recommended marine sports: snorkeling

You can participate from 1 year old " Snorkel Is a popular activity among children. Even if you can't put your face in the water, you can observe the water with box glasses while riding on a floating ring, so you can play without getting your face wet.

Of course, you can wear a life jacket during the experience, so you don't have to worry if your mom and dad can't swim.

Sea kayaking

Compared to boats like those in parks, it is easier to turn around and is relatively small. Sea kayaking "" Is unexpectedly easy for children in the upper grades of elementary school.
Children who can't row alone can enjoy riding with mom or dad, so even if there are siblings with different ages and physical strengths, everyone can play together.

When you arrive at your destination, a plan that allows you to play with plus alpha, such as picking up shells and observing starfish and sea cucumbers, is also popular. The shells you find will surely be a lifelong treasure!

Recommended marine sports: diving

In Okinawa, where shallow beaches continue, from the middle grades of elementary school, " diving You can challenge. If the tour is open to children, you can rest assured that there are plenty of diving equipment for children, and staff and instructors who are accustomed to handling children will explain in an easy-to-understand manner during the experience.

In diving, " Clark's anemone , Feeding tropical fish, and exciting experiences for children as well as moms and dads are waiting for you!

Parent-child fishing

The sea of Okinawa has many points that are relatively easy to catch, so it is perfect for children's fishing debut! Boat fishing If so, you can experience it from the age of six.
You can take the fish you caught home with you, so after enjoying fishing, it's a good idea to have a barbecue on the beach. "Inhabiting the tropics" Gurukun (Takasago) , And high-class fish " Akajin Mebai (Leopard coral) You can also aim for rare fish that are rarely seen.

Recommended marine sports: parasailing

Marine sports " Parasailing Is the children's " I want to fly in the sky! It's a dream-like activity that will make your dream come true.
You can enjoy a walk in the air by pulling the parachute attached to your body with a motor boat and making it look like a kite. Although it depends on the tour company, there are many patterns in which participation is OK from the age of 4 (children under elementary school age are accompanied by a guardian).
By adjusting the length of the rope from the boat, you can decide the height you can fly, so you can experience it at a height that children are not afraid of.

Mangrove exploration

If you want your child to feel like exploring, Mangrove tour It is also recommended to participate in.
What is a mangrove? A general term for plants that live in the "intertidal zone," which is filled with seawater at high tide. That thing. The mangrove forest is home to many unseen plants and rare creatures, as the breathtaking wilderness remains intact.

After cruising the mangrove river in a kayak, it's fun to land on the tidal flats and trek through the woods. Children who love living things will surely get excited! Depending on the content of the plan, you can participate from 0 years old.

Maritime athletic

" Maritime athletic "" Is an activity to move a huge "float" floating on the sea. There are various attractions such as slides and trampolines in the middle of the float, and you will challenge one by one.
A life jacket is worn during the experience, so even children who are not good at swimming can rest assured. Depending on the plan content, you can play from 6 years old.

Whale watching

In the sea of Okinawa, " Whale watching You can enjoy.
Whale watching is an activity to observe wild whales on a boat. When you find a whale, the captain will bring you closer, so you can see the whale in a surprisingly close range. There is no doubt that both children and adults will be impressed by the power that is different from what you see through the aquarium's aquarium!

Depending on the content of the plan, whale watching can be participated from 0 years old, but the winter sea will be colder than expected, so be sure to take measures to protect yourself from the cold.

It's OK even in the rain! Indoor and manufacturing experience that can be enjoyed with children

In Okinawa, where unique culture and customs remain, there are many workshops where you can handcraft traditional crafts that have been handed down from ancient times. Manufacturing experience Through this, children should be able to enjoy the history and culture of Okinawa while playing!
Therefore, we would like to introduce a recommended manufacturing experience that you will definitely want to try when you go to Okinawa.

Shisa making experience

In Okinawa, " Shisa There are many workshops where you can make handmade items. Above all, a full-fledged "made from Ryukyu soil" Making pottery shisa Is very popular. Almost any workshop can participate from the middle grade of elementary school.
It starts with making the shape of a shisa from clay, and is completed through processes such as kiln baking. Therefore, it takes about a month and a half to get the work, but it will be a wonderful experience for children as it will be possible to make a full-fledged Shisa.
* If you send the completed Shisa by mail, a separate shipping fee may be charged.

On the other hand, more easily Making shisa If you want to experience " Shisa painting experience Is also recommended. This is a simple task of painting a pre-baked shisa with paint. If you want to experience it with mom and dad, you can participate from around 2 years old.
It takes about an hour, so it's nice to be able to experience it in a little spare time between sightseeing trips. If you have a painting-only plan, you can take the finished work home as it is.

Gel candle making experience

To commemorate the trip to Okinawa, "The image of the sea" Gel candle Why don't you try making it? By arranging shells, corals, miniatures made of glass, etc. on colorful sand and pouring the gel, a gel candle that glitters like in the sea is completed.

It's relatively easy to do in a manufacturing experience, but it's a simple task that will test your creativity! Make the most of your child's free inspiration and creativity while taking on the challenge. You can participate from 3 years old.

Amulet making experience with mars (salt)

If you want to experience something a little different, " Amulet to put Mars How about making it? Mars is an Okinawan dialect of " salt That. In Okinawa, it has long been a custom to put Mars in a small bag as a talisman and carry it as a talisman.
As a memorial to your visit to Okinawa, it's fun to handcraft and carry a matching mars case with the whole family. The modern arrangement of the Mars strap is also popular as an accessory.

Original wood sanshin making experience

If you want to experience Okinawan traditional music, Wood Sanshin Why don't you try making it? You can experience making a full-fledged musical instrument by finishing roughly cut wood into a three-line shape using a file, engraving blade, thread saw, etc.
Authentic sanshin craftsmen will support you, so you can actually enjoy playing with the finished wood sanshin. At the end of the experience, there is also a simple playing class, so you may be completely addicted to the world of traditional music! You can experience making wood sanshin from the age of six.

* Please check the latest information for tours, prices, timetables, phone numbers, etc.