Many popular tourist destinations are in the northern area of Okinawa main island. Here’s our recommended bus route from Naha to the northern area that will please those who want to enjoy popular tourist destinations at a reasonable price. You don’t even need to drive, so just kick back and relax as you take in the beautiful ocean view from your bus window.
It may be a little dauting since lots of buses come to the Kencho Kitaguchi bus stop, but don’t worry, it’s hard to miss the bright red Okinawa Airport Shuttle. Enjoy Okinawa’s beautiful scenery from your bus seat during the ride up north.
Riding the bus 【Bus number】Okinawa Airport Shuttle 【Bus stop information】8:30am Kencho Kitaguchi ～10:24am Kinen Koen Mae 【The average budget】¥2,000 【Travel time】About 2- hour ※You can also take Express Bus #117 (nonstop to Churaumi) that departs at 8:21am. (Travel time: approx. 2 hours and 10 minutes; fare: ¥2,400)
Travel on foot It’s a 10-minute walk from the Kinen Koen Mae bus stop to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is certainly one of the best tourist destinations in Okinawa. Take your time and enjoy the Okinawa ocean world, from rare creatures and colorful fish to beautiful corals. The highlight of the aquarium is the section called The Kuroshio Sea. It’s hard to take your eyes off of whale sharks that swim elegantly. Adults will also have fun like they used to as kids!
It’s a 10-minute walk from Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium to Bise Fukugi Tree Street. Depart the aquarium at noon and head towards the tree-lined street.
It’s a walking distance from Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium to Bise Fukugi Tree Street, where the scenery of good old Okinawa remains. Try renting a bike and ride along the street as you breath in the fresh air. Have a relaxing time in the cool shade from beautiful trees.
CHECK HERE! ●30-minute bike course [Bike rental] Regular bike: ¥500; kid’s bike: ¥300; electric bike: ¥1,000 (the price listed is for a 1-hour rental)
Have a relaxing time with the beautiful ocean view. After filling your lungs with fresh Okinawan air, get lunch at CAHAYA BULAN. The owner takes as much pride in his dishes as he does in the ocean view and natural surroundings of the café. Enjoy a luxurious moment in Okinawa.
To get back on bus, walk 5 minutes to Hotel Orion Motobu Resort & Spa bus stop.
【Bus number】Yanbaru Express Bus 【Bus stop information】2:18pm: depart from Hotel Orion Motobu Resort & Spa bus stop ～ 2:27pm: arrive at Nakijin Castle Ruins Entrance bus stop ～ [transfer to the free shuttle service] 2:33pm: depart from Nakijin Castle Ruins Entrance bus stop ～ 3:20pm: arrive at Kouri Island Bussan Center bus stop 【The average budget】¥290 【Travel time】About 1- hour 10minutes * The ride between Nakijin Castle Ruins and Kouri Island is free of charge.
At Nakijin Castle Ruins, transfer to the shuttle bound for Kouri Island; it’s about a 50-minute ride to Kouri Island. Kouri Beach has a white sandy beach and crystal-clear water; it lies at the entrance to the little island with a circumference of about 8 kilometers. The shallow water at the beach makes it perfect for swimming.
Kouri Island is known as the “island of love,” the setting of Okinawa’s version of Adam and Eve. At the northern side of the island lies Tinu Beach, which is home to the heart-shaped rock that became famous after appearing in a TV commercial.
Kouri Ocean Tower is a great observation deck that overlooks the surrounding islands and the beautiful blue water unique to Kouri Island. Definitely check out the breathtaking panoramic view of the island from this deck, which stands 82 meters above sea level. The entire island is considered a “power spot”!
Riding the bus 【Bus number】Yanbaru Express Bus 【Bus stop information】4:35pm: depart from Ocean Tower bus stop → 4:44pm: arrive at Untenbaru bus stop → [transfer to bus #72 Yagaji Line] 5:00pm: depart Untenbaru bus stop → 5:33pm: arrive at Onaka bus stop (bound for Yofuke, Isagawa, Nago Bus Terminal)→ [transfer to bus #20 Nago Nishi Line] 6:07pm: depart Onaka bus stop → 6:12pm: arrive at Yofuke bus stop *The ride between Kouri Island and Untenbaru is free of charge.
*It’s a 5-minute walk from Untenbaru bus stop to Nagumagai Restaurant. From Onaka bus stop to the restaurant is a 30-minute walk.
By the time you leave beautiful Kouri Island and get to downtown Nago, you’ll probably be hungry for dinner. We dined at Nagumagai Restaurant, a popular place that serves more than 200 dishes, from Okinawan-style set meals and steaks, to local dishes made with rare ingredients. Fill up your empty stomach with local dishes at this restaurant frequented by locals!
Riding the bus 【Bus number】Okinawa Bus 【Bus stop information】#20 Nago Nishi Line, Yofuke (bound for Naha and Futami) ～ 10:19pm: arrive at Naha Bus Terminal Oriba G bus stop 【The average budget】¥1810 【Travel time】About 2- hour 10minutes
After departing Nago and dozing off on the bus for about two hours, you’ll arrive at Naha Bus Terminal.
The bus trip to the northern area is filled with fun activities! If you’re looking for an even cheaper option, look into a Local Bus Pass to get unlimited bus rides for three days. Enjoy your bus trip in Okinawa!
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