14 recommended spots to enjoy on rainy days in Okinawa

Perfect for an Okinawa trip on rainy days! We introduce spots where you can have fun even in bad weather!

Okinawa is known for its blue seas, white sandy beaches, and abundant nature. It is one of Japan's premier resort destinations. However, if you come all the way to Okinawa and it rains, many might find their excitement drop and become disappointed.

But in Okinawa, there are plenty of indoor spots that are fun even on rainy days. This time, we introduce recommended spots where you can comfortably enjoy Okinawa even on a rainy day. Knowing these spots makes it possible to change your schedule on the fly.

There are many charms of Okinawa that can only be discovered on a rainy day.

1. Ocean Expo Park Marine Culture Museum

At the Ocean Culture Museum in Motobu Town, you can learn about the history and culture of maritime peoples. There are about 750 exhibits, and maritime materials, food, music, and more are displayed according to their respective themes, making you feel as if you’ve time-traveled to the Age of Exploration. A large screen and the floor display the magnificent Okinawan sea, so you can enjoy the ocean even indoors.

Moreover, the museum’s specialty is stargazing in the planetarium hall. With reclining seats for comfortable viewing, films featuring Okinawa’s seasonal starry skies and local folklore related to the stars are shown.

Even on rainy days, it is a recommended spot that leaves you with many memories.

2. Yanbaru Kuina Ecological Exhibition and Learning Facility

The Yanbaru Kuina is characterized by its black wings and red beak, eyes, and legs, and is an endemic species found only in Okinawa. Since the Yanbaru Kuina loves rain, bad weather is the perfect time for observation. You can see the Yanbaru Kuina moving actively.

Although the number of Yanbaru Kuina once dropped to around 700 birds, thanks to local and governmental conservation efforts, their population has now recovered to 1500. This facility allows you to see these precious Yanbaru Kuina even in the rain.

3. Okinawa World

At Okinawa World in Nanjo City, you can see traditional Okinawan streets with old houses featuring distinctive red-tiled roofs and one of Japan’s largest limestone caves. In the traditional houses, you can experience making traditional crafts or take commemorative photos dressed in Ryukyu dance costumes. Additionally, at Habu Museum Park, you can learn about the ecology of habu snakes and watch a habu show.

The limestone cave within the facility was formed over 300,000 years, and its size is among the largest in Japan. From over one million stalactites, you can feel the history of Okinawa’s magnificent natural world.

4. Okashigoten Onna Branch

A standard souvenir of Okinawa is the purple sweet potato tart produced by Okashi Goten. At Okashi Goten, in addition to the purple sweet potato tart, sweets made from Okinawa’s local specialties such as purple sweet potatoes and brown sugar are sold. The exterior of the shop is designed with Shuri Castle in mind, and inside there is a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal while gazing at the sea, making it possible for families to relax even on rainy days.

Furthermore, at the Onna branch only, you can experience making purple sweet potato tarts three times a day, making it a great activity to create travel memories. Surely, the purple sweet potato tart you make yourself will taste even better.

5. Shisa Park Ryukyu Kiln

In Okinawa, many homes display shisa (lion-dog statues) as talismans. For a memorable experience, why not try making your own original shisa at the experiential workshop Ryukyu Kiln in Nago City? At Shisa Park - Ryukyu Kiln, not only can you make shisa, but you can also create pieces using a potter’s wheel.

Furthermore, with shisa and pottery from all over Okinawa available, you might even have a hard time choosing a souvenir. Since each shisa has a different expression, finding your favorite one is fun. Whether you’re an adult or a child, visit Shisa Park - Ryukyu Kiln where the whole family can make a shisa of their own.

6. Ryukyu Glass Village

Okinawa’s specialty is the dazzling, beautifully shimmering Ryukyu Glass. At Ryukyu Glass Village in Itoman City, you can tour workshops and galleries where vibrant Ryukyu Glass is crafted. In addition, you can experience making Ryukyu Glass, which will surely become a cherished memory.

At Ryukyu Glass Village, you can also purchase tableware and goods made from a variety of Ryukyu Glass, making it a great spot for souvenir shopping. On rainy days, why not let the beauty of Ryukyu Glass soothe your soul?

7. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

A must-visit spot on Okinawa’s main island, the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium allows you to enjoy viewing tropical fish, coral, and the vividly colored creatures that inhabit Okinawa. In the massive Kuroshio Sea tank surrounding the facility, various marine life including the whale shark—said to be the largest of its kind—and manta rays swim about.

At the touch pool, you can interact with sea cucumbers and starfish, which you don’t normally get to touch, making it a popular exhibit with children. You can also enjoy a dolphin show that delights both adults and kids. With a cafe that offers meals while you gaze at the tanks, this spot is highly recommended for family trips or couples.

8. Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum

If you’d like to experience Okinawa’s history and art, why not visit the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum in Naha City? This museum and art gallery feature many exhibits related to Okinawa.

In the museum, you can learn about Okinawa’s history and natural heritage from ancient times to the modern era, and using the free audio guide makes the experience even more insightful. The art museum displays numerous works by artists from Okinawa or those connected to the region, offering a great opportunity to immerse yourself in art.

9. Experience Kingdom Murasaki Mura

“Experience Kingdom Murasakimura” was originally a filming studio for a historical drama, and after being transferred to Yomitan Village, it opened as an experiential theme park. The vast grounds feature red-tiled buildings enclosed by stone walls, and the garden is planted with genuine Ryukyu pines and deigo trees, faithfully recreating the streetscape of the Ryukyu Kingdom during the major trading era of the 15th century.

At Experience Kingdom Murasakimura, you can try your hand at traditional Okinawan crafts such as shisa-making and indigo dyeing, as well as creating everyday items. There are also experiences like Ryukyu dance, Okinawan karate, and making Okinawa soba, ensuring fun for both children and adults. With dining facilities, bathhouses, and accommodations on site, you can comfortably spend a rainy day here.

10. Himeyuri Peace Memorial Museum

The southern part of Okinawa Prefecture is famous for its World War II battle sites, drawing many visitors to the Peace Memorial Park. However, on rainy days, why not head to the Himeyuri Peace Memorial Museum instead?

The “Himeyuri Tower” is a cenotaph for the Himeyuri students who were mobilized as nurses during the fierce Battle of Okinawa and lost their lives. The Himeyuri Peace Memorial Museum, built on the same grounds, conveys the horrors of war and the importance of peace and life. Inside the facility, you can view the personal belongings and portraits of the 227 students who perished, along with invaluable testimonial videos from survivors.

11. Makishi Public Market

For the people of Naha City, the indispensable "Kitchen of Food" is the Daiichi Makishi Public Market. At the Daiichi Makishi Public Market, you can purchase fresh vegetables, fish, meat, and fruits produced in Okinawa Prefecture. There is a service where the ingredients you buy can be cooked for you at a dining area on the second floor, allowing you to fully enjoy the freshness of the food.

You can purchase Okinawa’s representative ingredients such as goya, island shallots, and tropical fruits, and in some shops, nationwide shipping is available. This market is also convenient for buying your favorite ingredients as souvenirs.

12. Orion Happy Park

If you want to taste Okinawa’s local beer, Orion Happy Park is recommended. Here, you can tour the Orion Beer factory and drink freshly brewed Orion Beer. Inside the factory, there is also a restaurant where you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients alongside Orion Beer, making it ideal for an indoor trip for adults.

In a gallery that recreates the atmosphere of the Showa 40s, you can learn about the history of Orion Beer and even experience barrel-filling. There is also a shop selling original goods, so why not use it as an opportunity to create memories of Okinawa or to purchase souvenirs?

13. Ryukyu Hot Springs

You might not typically associate Okinawa with hot springs, but did you know that there are places with natural hot springs bubbling up?

A highly recommended natural hot spring facility is “Dragon God’s Bath” located at the Senagajima Hotel in Ryukyu Onsen. Senagajima Hotel is a lodging facility situated about a 10-minute drive from Naha Airport and uses natural hot spring water drawn from 1000 meters underground. The water quality of Dragon God’s Bath is a sodium chloride-type strong saline spring, which is said to offer various benefits.

This makes it a great choice for those looking to soothe their tired bodies on an Okinawa trip. At Senagajima Hotel, you can enjoy various types of baths including a large open-air bath, a stone bath, a reclining bath, and a standing bath—perfect for relieving travel fatigue.

14. Shuri Ryusen

Located just a short distance from Shuri Castle, “Shuri Ryusen” is a shop where you can both purchase coral dye and try your hand at dyeing.

During the experience, you choose one item from T-shirts, furoshiki, or tote bags, and have it dyed using Ryukyu Bingata or coral dye techniques.

For coral dyeing, fossilized coral is used, making it possible to create patterns reminiscent of fireworks. You can also create Okinawan-style designs such as shisa and fish, making it an ideal souvenir. Be sure to experience Okinawa’s traditional culture through Ryukyu Bingata or coral dyeing.

◎ Summary

If you have visited Okinawa, you surely want to enjoy your trip regardless of the weather. Although rainy days might dampen your mood, thinking that opportunities like these may not come again can make you feel fortunate as you enjoy your Okinawa trip.

Of course, the spots introduced are fun even on sunny days. If you find yourself in Okinawa under unfavorable weather conditions, consider these spots as a guide to enjoying your trip. With some prior preparation, you can have a smooth and enjoyable travel experience even in bad weather!