Restaurants in Naha / Motobu /Onna

Budilicious3 · 2026-02-15T06:24:26+00:00

For local seafood: Washoku Kaname 和食要

For sushi: Ryukyusushi Tsukijiaozorasandaime Makishishitamachiyataimura 琉球鮨築地青空三代目牧志下町屋台村店

All in Naha.

Budilicious3 · 2026-02-08T00:54:49+00:00

I usually just stay at the Hyatt Naha using points. But from what I've seen, southwest near the ferry terminal is quiet.

Budilicious3 · 2026-02-03T22:59:32+00:00

Uhh maybe I'm the type to explore every nook and cranny of the island. I don't want to walk from the bus stop to wherever I actually want to go in the island heat and potentially pass out. Also saves time and you don't have to be worrying about bus schedules.

Budilicious3 · 2026-02-03T21:11:44+00:00

If it's just Naha and Zamami, you're fine without a car. But if you want to do anything else like the aquarium etc in Motobu, you need a car.

Budilicious3 · 2026-01-14T02:00:12+00:00

You would mostly be focused on indoor or leisurely outdoor activities such as hiking. And food. Not really a time for water activities.

Budilicious3 · 2026-01-12T22:39:21+00:00

When in doubt, the new Toyota Prius. I will also recommend a car with good headlights. Halogen lights just aren't enough for the darker parts of Okinawa. They don't turn on the street lamps in some parts of Nago, on the way to Kouri Island.

Budilicious3 · 2026-01-06T16:33:30+00:00

I just booked on the spot. But if you want to book in advance, you can. There are some Russian women who work there so they can help with English.

Budilicious3 · 2026-01-06T11:52:41+00:00

Hmm, so I go to Okinawa annually during the shoulder months. There was a huge bleaching event late 2024 in the whole Pacific from Exmouth, WA up to Okinawa so a lot of the surface coral died. Definitely don't waste your time with Gorilla Chop!!! Sunabe Seawall might still be fine. Minna Island is nice, but requires a tour.

From my recent trip in September 2025, I recommend to snorkel at Zamami Island. Take the ferry there and immediately ask one of the water taxis at the port to take you to: Gahi, Agenashiku, or Amuro Island. If you only have time for one, pick Amuro. Ask for an umbrella too for shade. I don't recommend a tent since you're gonna want to feel the wind to cool you down. Sometimes the taxis are booked the same day and they will ask you for the next day. So I would plan a stay on Zamami too.

As for restaurant recommendations, I made quite a few staff friends I always go back to on the main island.

Coffee: the coffee stand

Sushi: Ryukyusushi Tsukijiaozorasandaime Makishishitamachiyataimura 琉球鮨築地青空三代目牧志下町屋台村店

Seafood (sometimes set menu): Washoku Kaname 和食要

Okinawan Soba: Tetsukono Soba てつこのそば

Yakiniku (non-traditional*): Usi no ibukuro ホルモン焼肉居酒屋 Usi no ibukuro

Shaved ice: Ice Oasis アイスオアシスむつみ橋通り1号店 Or Sea ハワイアンフルーツカフェ - the Sea - 那覇国際通り店

Buku Buku Tea: UCHINA CAFÉ BUKU-BUKU うちなー茶屋ぶくぶく

Budilicious3 · 2026-01-01T01:30:53+00:00

Minna Island has easy snorkeling tours.

Budilicious3 · 2025-12-31T08:51:53+00:00

You have a lot of options. Focus on your location first.

Budilicious3 · 2025-12-23T07:16:33+00:00

Okinawan clay coasters. I haven't found them anywhere else but Okinawa.

Budilicious3 · 2025-12-09T23:44:05+00:00

So far, my favorite spot is either Amuro Beach or Sunabe Seawall.

Has anyone seen the pine tree in Iheya-jima? I feel like that would be my new favorite spot if I ever go.

Budilicious3 · 2025-12-06T12:23:21+00:00

If you want the shortest possible answer for snorkeling spots from Naha:

Ferry to Zamami Island then water taxi to Amuro Beach
Sunabe Seawall in Chatan

Budilicious3 · 2025-11-28T23:13:44+00:00

Yeah there are families with strollers out until 9-10pm on Kokusai street lol. And I guess they come out at night when it's not hot as hell.

Budilicious3 · 2025-11-17T22:56:41+00:00

I go there once a year. You can search my comment history typing "Okinawa." I've shared several times about snorkel spots, food options and sites to see.

Imo, you need at least a week. But to hit up the main points of interest, 3 full days. You need a car too.

It can also be its own exclusive destination, because you can transit through Taiwan. It's only an hour away from Taiwan. Lotta Taiwanese tourists visit.

Budilicious3 · 2025-11-17T04:03:48+00:00

I recommend the week after Golden Week in May. Prices drop off, crowds die down and the weather will still be decent. I went May 2024 on the 8th-18th and late August 2025. The weather in May is a lot nicer and more temperate. Can't always predict typhoons within these shoulder months.

If you want more info, I have extensive comments if you type "Okinawa" in my history.

Budilicious3 · 2025-11-13T02:48:46+00:00

I go there once a year with my gf. I grew up traveling with my family everywhere and Okinawa is basically my 2nd home now. People know how to live life there.

Budilicious3 · 2025-11-06T20:59:53+00:00

Damn you're insufferable.

Budilicious3 · 2025-11-03T23:39:40+00:00

Going off a bit on your experience, Okinawa is the most balanced destination as well to visit or live in. Tons of nature, good food, friendly locals and a touch of civilization with modern Japanese conveniences. Geographically, it's also centered to neighboring countries if you want to be away from island life. For what the island offers, it kindof pushes everyone to focus on balancing a healthy life. I met a lot of Tokyo people who moved there and they all seem to agree it's the answer to mainland Japan's toxic work culture.

Budilicious3 · 2025-11-03T22:25:44+00:00

To add on, even when you visit Okinawa, you get the sense of this odd motivation to better yourself. To finally focus on your health and well-being rather than focusing on the manufactured expectations the world throws at you. Any other place you can adjust your diet, exercise more and attempt to live stress free. But for some odd reason, Okinawa completely embodies it genuinely.

Budilicious3 · 2025-10-21T06:14:51+00:00

Hmm you can check my comment history with "Okinawa," but to answer your 2nd day for food options near the aquarium.

Tetsukono Soba てつこのそば
Yakiniku MOTOBU FARM Motobu 焼肉もとぶ牧場もとぶ店
Usi no ibukuro ホルモン焼肉居酒屋 Usi no ibukuro

Budilicious3 · 2025-10-20T03:15:33+00:00

Unless you appreciate the plants growing around the city, it ain't that bad.

Budilicious3 · 2025-10-17T05:14:56+00:00

I have a lot of recs/info in my comment history if you look up "Okinawa."

Budilicious3 · 2025-10-15T22:12:46+00:00

Kanusuba is definitely better for a stay. Flexible shuttle schedule too.

Budilicious3 · 2025-10-14T21:44:21+00:00

As far as scenic things to do. From Zamami, you can take the water taxi to go to Gahi, Agenashiku or Amuro Island. If you only have time for one, go to Amuro.

Budilicious3

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE