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JUN 6 2025

12 recommended spots to enjoy Okinawa on a rainy day! Recommended indoor sightseeing spots where you can stay dry

Continuous rain. You may feel disheartened at times, thinking, "This is your trip to Okinawa..." However, there are many spots in Okinawa that you can enjoy even when it's not sunny.
In this article, we will suggest some recommended spots in Okinawa for a rainy day where you can have fun with your family, relax with your partner, or have fun with friends. A trip that is not affected by the weather may bring you new memories.

Enjoy it even in the rain! Popular and popular spots

When you think of Okinawa, you think of blue seas and blue skies, but there are also days when the weather is not so good due to the rainy season and typhoons. However, there is no need to worry about that! First, we will introduce you to some noteworthy spots that are perfect for visiting on rainy days, from the classic aquarium to the latest experience facilities that adults will love.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: Watch 8.8m whale sharks swim leisurely

画像: 8.8mものジンベエザメが悠々と泳ぐ「沖縄美ら海水族館」

About an hour and a half's drive from Naha Airport, Ocean Expo Park in Motobu Town in northern Okinawa is a large complex where you can experience the ocean, nature, and culture of Okinawa. The vast grounds are packed with many spots that will keep you engrossed even on rainy days.

画像1: 提供:国営沖縄記念公園(海洋博公園)

Provided by: Okinawa Memorial National Government Park (Ocean Expo Park)

One of the most famous attractions is the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium located inside the park. Here you can dynamically experience the underwater world of Okinawa, including a huge tank where an 8.8m long whale shark, the world's longest captive whale shark, swims leisurely, as well as manta rays and colorful tropical fish.

Image 2: Provided by: Okinawa Memorial National Government Park (Ocean Expo Park)

Provided by: Okinawa Memorial National Government Park (Ocean Expo Park)

Also, right next to the aquarium are the Sea Turtle Pool and Manatee Pool, which you can enjoy for free. You'll definitely feel relaxed watching the manatees, who are said to be the inspiration for mermaid legends, swimming leisurely.

Image 3: Provided by: Okinawa Memorial National Government Park (Ocean Expo Park)

Provided by: Okinawa Memorial National Government Park (Ocean Expo Park)

In addition, the Oceanic Culture Museum located within the park introduces canoe culture and the wisdom of life passed down on the islands of the South Pacific through interactive exhibits. Even on rainy days, you can spend a precious time experiencing the magnificent story of the sea and people. There is also a planetarium on-site, making it a recommended spot for families and couples.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

address424 Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture (inside Ocean Expo Park)
phone0980-48-3748
Opening times8:30-18:30 (last entry 17:30) *Please check the official website for extended hours.
Closed DayPlease check the official website
webOkinawa Churaumi Aquarium Official Website

Marine Culture Museum

address424 Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture (inside Ocean Expo Park)
phone0980-48-2741
Opening timesSummer season (March to September) 8:30 to 19:00, Regular season (October to February) 8:30 to 17:30
Closed DayPlease check the official website. *Excluding temporary closures due to typhoons, etc.
webOceanic Culture Museum Official Website

Tropical Dream Center: A tropical stroll surrounded by colors and scents

Image 4: Provided by: Okinawa Memorial National Government Park (Ocean Expo Park)

Provided by: Okinawa Memorial National Government Park (Ocean Expo Park)

The leaves of the plants wet with the moist rain are also beautiful, and the air is somehow dreamy. You can spend such time at the Tropical Dream Center in the Ocean Expo Park mentioned above.

Image 5: Provided by: Okinawa Memorial National Government Park (Ocean Expo Park)

Provided by: Okinawa Memorial National Government Park (Ocean Expo Park)

This botanical garden has five greenhouses, where tropical and subtropical plants, fruit trees, and over 2,000 orchids are in full bloom. Once you step inside, you'll find yourself in a tropical paradise. The soft fragrance of the orchids will be wafting through the glass, and the light reflecting off the wet leaves will make them sparkle.

On rainy days, we recommend joining a flower guided tour to learn more about the charms of the plants. With a discount ticket available only to participants, you can also enjoy a break at the cafe and choose souvenirs at a discount.

To finish off the day, enjoy the view of the rain-soaked ocean from the 36m-high observation deck. A tranquil and dramatic view that can only be seen on a rainy day awaits you.

Tropical Dream Center

address424 Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture (inside Ocean Expo Park)
phone0980-48-3624
Opening timesSummer season (March to September) 8:30 to 19:00, Regular season (October to February) 8:30 to 17:30
Closed DayPlease check the official website. *Excluding temporary closures due to typhoons, etc.
webTropical Dream Center Official Website

DMM Kariyushi Aquarium: An aquarium adventure that stimulates all five senses

DMM Kariyushi Aquarium is located in the shopping mall "IIAS Okinawa Toyosaki" in Tomigusuku City, about 20 minutes by car from Naha Airport. It is an aquarium where you can encounter various marine life, animals and plants, mainly from the Okinawa region. In addition to exhibits, it is a "new type of entertainment aquarium" that offers multiple experience programs such as feeding.

画像1: 五感で触れるアクアリウム・アドベンチャー「DMMかりゆし水族館」

In the area where giant cylindrical tanks in which jellyfish swim are lined up, the graceful appearance of the jellyfish is captivating in a fantastical space interwoven with light and sound.
In addition, in "Churaminamo," where you can look down on the large tank from directly above, you can watch the thrush sharks and southern pufferfish swimming, as if you were walking on the water. The fantastical space where light and water intersect is filled with an extraordinary feeling.

Image 2: DMM Kariyushi Aquarium: An aquarium adventure that stimulates all five senses

The experience of interacting with Asian small-clawed otters is sure to warm your heart even on a rainy day. When you feed the otters and gently touch their soft, squishy hands, you'll be swept up in a whirlwind of cuteness.

Not only can you see the animals on display, but you can also enjoy a variety of hands-on programs that will put a smile on your face, so it's recommended for families and couples alike. Another great thing about this aquarium is that you can enjoy shopping at "IIAS Okinawa Toyosaki" on your way back.

DMM Kariyushi Aquarium

addressOkinawa Prefecture, Tomigusuku City, Toyosaki 3-35 IIAS Okinawa Toyosaki
phone098-996-4844
Opening times9:00-20:00 (last admission 60 minutes before closing time)
*Opening days and business hours may change without notice.
Closed Daynone
webDMM Kariyushi Aquarium Official Website

"Little Universe Okinawa" - lots of futuristic exhibits you'll want to take photos of

On a rainy day in Okinawa, you can fly through the sky, travel through a miniature town, and create your own avatar... Such mysterious experiences can come true at "Little Universe Okinawa." Located in "IIAS Okinawa Toyosaki," the same building as the previously introduced "DMM Kariyushi Aquarium," this experiential entertainment facility makes full use of the latest technology.

Image 1: "Little Universe Okinawa" has lots of futuristic exhibits that you'll want to take photos of.

As soon as you step inside the facility, you'll be enveloped in a 360-degree image of the "infinite universe." It's a space where the future and the past mingle, as you explore a world that recreates a miniature version of Shuri Castle using AR, or get a full-body scan of yourself to create a real avatar and 3D stamps.

Image 2: "Little Universe Okinawa" has lots of futuristic exhibits that you'll want to take photos of.

We recommend the "Kagami no Komichi" tunnel of light created by two mirrors. The fantastic reflection of the light and the deep space will make you feel as if you have entered another world. There are plenty of spots that will make you want to take a picture with your smartphone in hand.

Little Universe OKINAWA

addressOkinawa Prefecture, Tomigusuku City, Toyosaki 3-35, Ieas Okinawa Toyosaki, Aquarium Building 3F
phone0570-098-333
Opening timesWeekdays 11:00-18:00, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 10:00-19:00
*Business hours may change. Please check the official website for the latest hours.
Closed Daynone
webLittle Universe Okinawa Official Website

Oriental Hotel Okinawa & Spa: A luxurious rainy day stay surrounded by forest

About an hour's drive from Naha Airport. Located in the northern part of Okinawa's main island, close to the nature of Yanbaru, the Oriental Hotel Okinawa Resort & Spa is a stay-style hotel where you can experience the comfort of a resort and the charm of a rich forest. With the rebranding in 2021, it has been reborn as a space where you can feel nature and culture with the concept of "Play with the island and connect with the forest".

Image 1: A luxurious rainy day stay surrounded by forest at the Oriental Hotel Okinawa & Spa

There are programs that can be enjoyed by non-guests as well, and one that is recommended for rainy days is "hammock yoga" in the garden pool area before swimming. This yoga experience, which allows you to develop balance and flexibility while surrendering yourself to the hammock, is easy to participate in even for beginners.

Image 2: A luxurious rainy day stay surrounded by forest at the Oriental Hotel Okinawa & Spa

Don't miss the hotel's original hands-on puzzle-solving game, "Mystery Solving Treasure Hunter." There are two types of hands-on puzzle-solving games, each with a different theme, such as the forests of Yanbaru and the ocean of Okinawa. Not only is it great for families, but adults will also find it engrossing, making your time at the hotel even more enjoyable.

If you are looking for a place where you can fully experience the deep nature of Okinawa without being affected by the weather, the Oriental Hotel Okinawa Resort & Spa is the perfect choice, where the stay itself is a special experience.

Oriental Hotel Okinawa & Spa

address1490-1 Kise, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture
phone0980-51-1000
webOriental Hotel Okinawa & Spa Official Website

Nago Pineapple Park: A tropical theme park where you can enjoy both sweets and plants

Photo 1: Nago Pineapple Park, a tropical theme park where you can enjoy both sweets and plants

About an hour and 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport is the pineapple theme park "Nago Pineapple Park" in the northern part of Okinawa's main island.

Photo 2: Nago Pineapple Park, a tropical theme park where you can enjoy both sweets and plants

You can enjoy a stroll through the gardens, filled with tropical plants, either on foot or in a cart. There are walkways not only on the ground but also in the air, so you can view the scenery from a variety of angles. Many of the walkways in the air are covered, making it a popular destination for rainy days.

The park is packed with photo spots, including an area with ornamental pineapples and a dinosaur area. It's a relaxing space that can be enjoyed by adults as well as families.

Photo 3: Nago Pineapple Park, a tropical theme park where you can enjoy both sweets and plants

The adjacent Nago Pineapple Winery sells wine and sparkling wine made with Okinawan pineapples, making for a great souvenir selection. The carefully crafted products manufactured in the winery's own factory make great travel mementos or gifts.

Nago Pineapple Park

address1195 Tamemata, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture
phone0980-53-3659
Opening times10:00~18:00
Closed Daynone
webNago Pineapple Park Official Website

Factory tour to taste "freshly brewed Orion Beer" at "Orion Happy Park"

About an hour's drive from Naha Airport, "Orion Happy Park" in Nago City is a factory tour facility where you can enjoy the charm of Okinawa's representative beer, "Orion Beer", with all five senses. It will be renovated in April 2025, and the exhibits and experiences will be more comprehensive. It is also accessible by bus from Naha city, so it is an easy spot to visit even without a rental car.

Photo 1: Factory tour to taste "freshly brewed Orion Beer" at "Orion Happy Park"

Inside the facility, you can learn about the entire process of how Orion Beer is made, from the ingredients to the canning process. You can also get an up-close look at the factory line, making it an irresistible experience for beer lovers.

Image 2: Factory tour to taste "freshly brewed Orion Beer" at "Orion Happy Park"

After the tour, there is time to sample some freshly brewed beer (up to two glasses per person)! It's a special experience to taste a glass of beer after learning about the manufacturing process. Soft drinks are also provided for drivers and minors, so it's safe for families.

In addition, in the space that recreates a "machi yagwa (small town shop)" from the 1960s, you can feel the history of Orion Beer and life in Okinawa. The retro atmosphere is also recommended as a photo spot.

This is a perfect rainy day spot for beer-loving adults, as well as for families who want to experience Okinawa's unique food culture.

Orion Happy Park

address2-2-1 Agarie, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture
phone0570-00-4103
Opening times9:30~16:00
Closed DaySundays, Mondays, and New Year's holiday period
webOrion Happy Park Official Website
*Tours are limited in number so we recommend making a reservation in advance.

Ryukyu Glass Village: A glass theme park where you can experience the joy of crafting

About 25 minutes by car from Naha Airport, in Itoman City, the southernmost tip of Okinawa's main island, is the Ryukyu Glass Village, the largest handmade glass workshop in the prefecture. In addition to being able to observe artisans blowing glass in front of a kiln at about 1,300℃, it is an experience-oriented spot where you can actually make your own Ryukyu glasswork.

Photo 1: Ryukyu Glass Village, a glass theme park where you can experience the joy of crafting

At the on-site experience facility "WORKSHOP ThinkThink," you can enjoy a variety of experiences, including glassblowing, gel glass, accessory making, painting, and photo frame making. The cheerful and friendly staff will provide you with careful support, so it's safe even for those with small children.

Image 2: Ryukyu Glass Village, a glass theme park where you can experience the joy of crafting

In addition, at the art space "RYUKYU COCOON," Ryukyu glass is exhibited as a fantastic installation, making it a beautiful photo spot that will make you want to take pictures. You can spend a moment surrounded by colorful glass art that will stimulate your senses.

Ryukyu Glass Village (RGC Co., Ltd.)

address169 Fukuchi, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture
phone098-997-4784
Opening times9:30~17:30
Closed Daynone
*If a typhoon is approaching and wind speeds exceed 25 m/s, the store may close, so please call to check.
webRyukyu Glass Village Official Website
*All experiences other than the Glass Making Experience can be taken home on the day.

Experience the mysterious world beneath the earth! "Okinawa World"

Image 1: Experience the mysterious world beneath the earth! "Okinawa World"

About 30 minutes by car from Naha Airport, Okinawa World in Nanjō City, Okinawa Prefecture, is one of the largest theme parks in Okinawa, themed around nature, history, and culture. Among its attractions, Gyokusendo Cave, one of the largest limestone caves in Japan, is particularly popular.

Image 2: Experience the mysterious world beneath the earth! "Okinawa World"

Gyokusendo Cave was formed over the course of an enormous period of approximately 300,000 years, and is 5,000 meters long with over one million stalactites. Currently, approximately 890 meters of the cave is open to the public, and within the cave you can see a wide variety of beautiful natural formations, including icicles, stalagmites, and cave pearls.

The fantastical space created by the stalactites is like another world. Another attractive feature is that you can comfortably view the cave even on rainy days.

The temperature inside the cave remains at 21°C throughout the year. It is cool and refreshing in the summer, and comfortable even in the middle of summer or on rainy days. In addition, there is a "Southern Island Cave Exploration" tour (※) only available in the summer, where you can explore normally inaccessible areas with a caving instructor, so active people can enjoy it to the fullest.

Gyokusendo Cave, where you can experience the mysteries of nature up close, is a recommended rainy day spot for families, couples, and friends.

* Reservations are required for exploration tours.

Okinawa World

address1336 Maekawa, Tamagusuku, Nanjō City, Okinawa Prefecture
phone098-949-7421
Opening times9:00~17:30
Closed Daynone
webOkinawa World Official Website

Get to know Okinawa in depth and take an intellectual trip to the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum (Okimyu)

Image 1: Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum (Okimyu) - a great place to get to know Okinawa better

About 20 minutes by car from Naha Airport, the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum (Okimyu) is a complex where you can experience Okinawa's nature, history, culture, and art all at once. It's a popular indoor spot that you can enjoy even on rainy days.

The museum's permanent exhibitions offer a wide range of exhibits, including Okinawa's geology and biology, diverse culture and history, arts and crafts, etc. The museum was formerly the Okinawa Civil Government Higashionna Museum, which was established immediately after the Battle of Okinawa, and is filled with valuable materials that can only be found at a facility that has been weaving Okinawa's memories for over 70 years.

There is also a hands-on experience room where you can play with experience kits related to the exhibits, and the exhibits have been designed to make it easy for people of all ages, from adults to children, to learn about Okinawa.

Image 2: Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum (Okimyu) - a great place to get to know Okinawa better

In addition, the adjacent museum collection exhibition features works by artists with ties to Okinawa, making it a great place for those who want to experience art. The museum shop on the first floor is a great place to find souvenirs, with exhibition goods, Okinawan crafts, and limited items featuring the original character "Okimyu-chan."

This is a recommended spot for a rainy day when you want to satisfy your intellectual curiosity.

Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum (Okimyu)

address3-1-1 Omoromachi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
phone098-941-8200
Opening timesTuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 9:00-18:00, Friday, Saturday 9:00-20:00
*Opening and closing times are subject to change.
Closed DayMondays, New Year's holidays, etc.
*If Monday is a national holiday, substitute holiday, or Memorial Day, the museum will be open and closed the following weekday.
webOkinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum Official Website

Enjoy walking and shopping outside! Recommended spots around Kokusai Street on rainy days

When you hear Kokusai Street, you might imagine walking outside and getting wet in the rain, but there are actually facilities where you can shop and eat without getting wet. Let's find a way to have fun in the center of Naha without worrying about the weather.

"Ichiba Hondori" and "Makishi Public Market" are places where you can enjoy local Okinawan experiences even on rainy days

Located close to Naha's Kokusai-dori, Ichiba Hondori is a traditional shopping street frequented by locals. The 150m-long street is lined with around 60 stores, including long-established shops selling local sweets, general goods, bags, boutiques, and cosmetics, and offers a glimpse of the everyday life of the local community as well as tourists. The arcade means you can stroll around without getting wet even on rainy days.

Photo: "Ichiba Hondori" and "Makishi Public Market" are places where you can enjoy local Okinawan experiences even on rainy days

Just beyond that is the Makishi Public Market, a famous food spot that has long been known as Naha's "kitchen." What started as a black market after the war remains a popular spot where you can experience Okinawa's unique food culture.

The market's specialty is the "lifting system." This unique system allows you to have fresh seafood and meat purchased on the first floor cooked on the spot in the restaurant on the second floor, and is extremely popular with tourists. You can enjoy Okinawan cuisine to your heart's content while surrounded by the lively atmosphere unique to the market.

In addition, there are arcade shopping streets dotted around Kokusai-dori, making it a comfortable place to enjoy eating your way around even on rainy days. In the area, which has a deep atmosphere, there are also izakayas where you can experience the "senbero" culture, making it a great place for adult travelers.

Makishi Public Market

address2-10-1 Matsuo, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
phone098-867-6560
Opening times8:00-22:00 *Varies by store
Closed DayEvery fourth Sunday of the month (open every day in December), New Year's (January 1st to 3rd)
webMakishi Public Market Official Website

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Ryubo Department Store, Okinawa's only department store, is a must-visit during your Naha sightseeing trip.

Photo 1: Ryubo Department Store, Okinawa's only department store, a must-visit during your trip to Naha

Located close to Kokusai Street in the center of Naha, and directly connected to the Yui Rail's Kencho-mae Station, Department Store Ryubo is a long-established department store with a long history that was founded in 1948. As the only department store in the prefecture, it continues to provide products and services that suit modern lifestyles while cherishing Okinawa's traditions.

Photo 2: Ryubo Department Store, Okinawa's only department store, a must-visit during your trip to Naha

Inside the building, there are shops selling popular Okinawan sweets, foods, and local crafts, making it the perfect place to look for souvenirs or do some light shopping during your trip. Rakuen Department Store on the second floor is a select shop that stocks "good things" carefully selected by professional buyers from within the prefecture and around the world.

Photo 3: Ryubo Department Store, Okinawa's only department store, a must-visit during your trip to Naha

Also on the same floor, Rakuen CAFÉ uses local ingredients and serves vegan and allergy-friendly menus. They serve healthy dishes that do not contain animal or dairy products, and are open from 8am for breakfast, lunch, and as a bar. It's the perfect place to take a break during sightseeing or relax on a rainy day.

Department Store Ryubo is a great place to enjoy shopping and gourmet food, even on rainy days. It's a reliable spot where you can enjoy the charms of Okinawa regardless of the weather.

Department Store Ryubo

address1-1-1 Kumoji, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
phone098-867-1171
Opening timesB1F-2F 10:00-20:30 (Rakuen CAFÉ 8:00-20:30), 3F-8F 10:00-20:00
*Business hours may vary at some stores.
Closed DayNew Year's Day
webRyubo Department Store Official Website, Rakuen Department Store Official Website

Rainy days are the perfect chance to rediscover the charm of Okinawa!

Even if it rains during your trip to Okinawa, there's no need to be disappointed. There are plenty of indoor spots to enjoy, including nature, culture, shopping, and gourmet food, scattered throughout the prefecture. From theme parks and aquariums for families to relaxing spaces for couples, to experience-based facilities that will satisfy adults, there are plenty of places to enjoy depending on the occasion.

The best part about sightseeing on a rainy day is being able to experience a different side of Okinawa than you would on a sunny day. Be positive and enjoy the changes in your plans, and make the most of your special trip to Okinawa.

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The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.

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