Create Unforgettable Memories Together in Beautiful Nature: 19 Best Date Spots in Okinawa

A resort complex on Senaga Island, a small island (approx. 1.8 km around) connected to Naha Airport by a sea road.
The whitewashed buildings lined up along the island’s ocean-facing slope look like a charming little town.
It’s easy to see why the design is said to be inspired by European seaside resorts like Italy’s Amalfi Coast and Santorini in the Aegean Sea.
It’s also a hugely popular date spot for its spectacular views, including sunsets that paint the Kerama Islands and sparkling airport night scenery.

A resort town located approx. 40 minutes by car from Okinawa’s Naha Airport.
With shops, restaurants, a natural hot spring, amusement facilities, and even a neighboring beach, it’s always lively with families, couples, and visitors.
The village was built on the site of a former U.S. military base airfield, and the streets are lined with shops designed to evoke an American townscape.
From street performers to American-size portions, the fun, international atmosphere is part of its appeal.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a popular attraction inside Ocean Expo Park.
Take the escalator down from the 4th floor to the 3rd floor to reach the aquarium entrance.
The layout feels like diving deeper into the ocean as you go down to the 2nd and 1st floors, where a magnificent world of Okinawa’s mysterious sea life unfolds.
At the main highlight, the massive “Kuroshio Sea” tank, you can see whale sharks—the world’s largest fish—as well as the giant manta ray, the first species of manta successfully bred in the world.

A theme park that packs Okinawa’s charms into one place and is hugely popular with visitors from Japan and abroad.
Okinawa’s largest limestone cave, Gyokusendo Cave, was formed over approx. 300,000 years, and its more than one million stalactites will remind you just how mysterious and grand nature can be.
Beyond Gyokusendo, there are plenty of other highlights, including the “Ryukyu Kingdom Castle Town,” a recreation of old Ryukyu lined with traditional houses registered as Tangible Cultural Properties, and the “Tropical Fruit Garden,” where rare tropical fruits like shikuwasa and lychee are grown.

Shurijo Castle, painted a vivid vermilion, is Japan’s only red castle and a powerful symbol of Okinawa.
From 1429 to 1879, for 450 years, it stood as the political, diplomatic, and cultural center of the Ryukyu Kingdom, known for its imposing presence.
Its distinctive architecture and stonework—blending Chinese and Japanese castle-building traditions—are considered to have great cultural and historical value, and it was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2000.

A park in Nanjo City, Okinawa, near the UNESCO World Heritage site Sefa Utaki and Azama Sansan Beach, known for its incredible views.
Walk along the breezy paths, and a sweeping panorama of endless blue ocean and sky fills your view.
The lookout is especially spectacular, with shimmering Pacific waters in gradients of emerald green over coral reefs, plus views of Kudaka Island and Komaka Island in the distance.
It’s particularly beautiful in the morning and late afternoon, when sunlight makes the sea sparkle—an unforgettable moment that’s perfect for a date.
From the soothing sound of waves to the scent of the sea, the natural beauty here delights all five senses and brings the healing feel of a tropical resort.

A valley in southern Okinawa’s main island formed when a limestone cave collapsed hundreds of thousands of years ago.
Along an approx. 1 km course, a subtropical forest nurtured over a long span of time spreads out, giving you a sense of nature’s grandeur and the passage of ages.
Throughout the valley are fascinating spots, including lush forests filled with subtropical plants, archaeological sites still being excavated in the search for ancient people, and caves where visitors have come for centuries to pray for new life.

A theme park that recreates a traditional Ryukyu village with relocated old houses from across the prefecture, where you can enjoy hands-on experiences as well as folk music and performing arts events.
Popular programs let you connect with Okinawan culture, including painting a shisa statue, making an Okinawan glass kaleidoscope, crafting a coral photo frame, and trying on Ryukyu attire. Trendy options like real-life treasure hunts and puzzle escape games are also available.

An aquarium that opened in 2020 in Toyosaki Town, a trendy area filled with beaches, resorts, and shopping facilities, approx. 20 minutes by car from Naha Airport. With the concept of “zero-distance excitement” and immersive fantasy experiences, its innovative exhibits let you truly feel the wonders of nature and living creatures.
A large tank showcases marine life swimming in Okinawa’s nearby waters. The ceiling above the tank is also glass, so from the second-floor glass floor, it feels as if you’re walking on the water’s surface. There’s also a cafe inside, where you can relax and enjoy a meal while watching colorful Okinawan fish.

Located in central Naha, Kokusai Dori Shopping Street is Okinawa’s signature main street and the city’s largest downtown area, also known as a hub for commerce and entertainment.
Along an approx. 1.6 km stretch, around 600 businesses—including restaurants, souvenir shops, department stores, cafes, variety stores, and hotels—line the street, drawing crowds of visitors from Japan and overseas. Every Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm, it becomes a pedestrian-only zone, with open-air cafes and a variety of events.

A tree-lined path in the traditional Bise village area, laid out in a grid pattern, located Approx. 5 minutes by car from Ocean Expo Park, home to Churaumi Aquarium.
Along an Approx. 1 km path, thousands of fukugi trees standing 10–20 meters tall line both sides, creating a distinctly Ryukyu atmosphere.
With the leaves forming a canopy that shades the walkway, time seems to slow down—making it ideal for a relaxed stroll that feels like a tropical escape.

One of Okinawa’s most iconic scenic spots, located along the East China Sea in Onna Village near the center of Okinawa’s main island.
This cape of Ryukyu limestone formed by uplifted coral was carved by waves into dramatic cliffs approx. 20 meters high, known for a shape said to resemble an elephant’s trunk.
The view of blue skies, cobalt waters, and white spray crashing against the cliffs is truly spectacular. Don’t miss the beauty of the East China Sea as it shifts color with the season, weather, and time of day.

Tinu Beach is located on the northern side of Kouri Island, a small island Approx. 8 km around, surrounded by beautiful emerald-green waters.
Among Kouri Island—long known as the “island of love”—it’s especially famous as a romance-themed power spot thanks to the heart-shaped rock formation known as Heart Rock.
Many visitors search for the best angle to make it look like a heart in photos, and it’s also well known as a great photo spot.

Cape Maeda is located in Onna Village in northern Okinawa’s main island.
The sea cave beneath its cliffs glows blue when sunlight pours in, giving it the name “Blue Cave.” It’s one of the most popular diving and snorkeling spots on the main island of Okinawa.
The shimmering sapphire-blue water is truly magical.

A road Approx. 5 km long that connects four islands—Henza Island, Hamahiga Island, Miyagi Island, and Ikei Island—from the Katsuren Peninsula in Uruma City.
The appeal of Kaichu Road is the exhilarating drive that feels like you’re cruising right over the sea.
The emerald-green waters spreading out on both sides, along with the islands in the distance, create a truly breathtaking view.
On clear days, the blue sky and crystal-clear sea blend together into scenery that looks like a painting.
It also changes its mood by time of day, and the dreamy atmosphere from around 6 pm to 12 am, when the Heanza Kaichu Bridge is lit up, is perfect for bringing you closer.
Along the way, there are also popular attractions like “Umi no Eki Ayahashi-kan” and Katsuren Castle Ruins, where you can enjoy local food and experience Okinawa’s history.

The Shuri Kinjocho Stone-Paved Road is part of the Pearl Road, one of the routes developed in the 16th century during the Ryukyu Kingdom era to connect Shuri Castle with regions across Okinawa.
This sloped road runs through the quiet residential neighborhood of Shuri Kinjocho, Approx. 500 meters from Shuri Castle.
For Approx. 300 meters, the path—averaging Approx. 4 meters wide—is paved with 20–30 cm pieces of Ryukyu limestone.
Nearby, you can also see the sacred worship site Uchikinjo Ugami and a massive akagi tree said to be its sacred tree, estimated to be over 200 years old.

Kouri Ocean Tower sits on a hill on Kouri Island, and its striking white tower—beautifully contrasted against the sea known as “Kouri Blue”—makes it easy to spot.
Inspired by sails, with the island imagined as a sailing ship, the tower rises to 82 meters above sea level. Indoor observation floors on the 2nd and 3rd levels and an ocean deck on the rooftop offer panoramic views of the emerald-green sea, the straight stretch of Kouri Bridge, and sweeping scenery of the island and main island.

Naha’s only beach, located near Naminoue Shrine, regarded as the highest-ranking shrine in Okinawa and the first among the Ryukyu Eight Shrines.
Part of Naminoue Umisora Park, developed as a waterfront park, it’s beloved by both locals and visitors.
The beach is divided into two areas—Wakasa-side and Tsuji-side—separated by the cliff where Naminoue Shrine stands. The Wakasa side is next to Wakasa Seaside Park, while the Tsuji side has restaurants such as fast food options.

A permanent exhibition created by teamLab, the popular art collective known for presenting works in Japan and around the world.
With “collaborative creativity (Kyoso)” as its concept, you can freely create an art world while having fun with family, friends, and others sharing the same space.
Every artwork is interactive—by touching, walking, or moving, the visuals and sounds change, so there’s always something new to discover.
Some works even bring the fish or animals you draw into the exhibition space, giving you a strong sense of connection with the art.

Cape Hedo (Hedomisaki), located at the northernmost tip of Okinawa’s main island, is often called one of the prefecture’s top stargazing spots.
It’s also popular for its powerful natural scenery, including dramatic views where the East China Sea meets the Pacific Ocean from sheer cliffs.
Facing west, Cape Hedo is beautiful from the post-sunset magic hour until the stars fully emerge, and the sky’s ever-changing expressions are worth watching.
At night, a star-filled sky stretching to the horizon surrounds you, creating an unmistakably romantic atmosphere.
With very little light pollution, it’s another great place to enjoy brilliant stars with the naked eye.
Nearby, the Yanbaru Kuina Observation Deck offers an extraordinary experience—stargazing while listening to the sound of waves.

Kunigami Village Forest Park is a nature-rich park in northern Okinawa’s main island.
With trails, campsites, and lookout points, you can explore subtropical forests while observing a wide variety of plants, animals, and waterfalls.
It’s also nice to have well-maintained facilities like parking and restrooms, making your visit more comfortable.
With almost no artificial light, you can fully enjoy the darkness and quiet.
From the Milky Way visible year-round to as many as 82 constellations shining clearly overhead—and frequent shooting stars—it’s perfect for a romantic night. The chorus of wildlife and the soothing scent of the forest add to the experience.

Cape Zanpa in Yomitan Village in central Okinawa is one of the prefecture’s most scenic places, with 30-meter-high cliffs stretching for Approx. 2 km.
Along with the dramatic view of the East China Sea, the white Zanpa Cape Lighthouse offers a 360-degree panorama.
It’s especially famous for beautiful sunsets, and the moment the sun sinks is breathtakingly dreamlike.
The dynamic sight of waves crashing against the rocks is another highlight.
At night, Cape Zanpa transforms into a hidden gem for stargazing.
With almost no artificial light, on clear nights it’s not unusual to see countless stars, as well as stars close to the horizon and even the Milky Way with striking clarity.
Why not arrive around sunset and relax until it’s time to enjoy the stars?

Kaya-uchi Banta is a sheer cliff Approx. 80 meters high in Kunigami Village in northern Okinawa’s main island.
By the way, “banta” means “cliff” in the Okinawan dialect.
It’s a place where you can feel the grandeur of Okinawan nature, with sweeping views of the blue sea and rugged rock faces, and on clear days you can even see Iheya Island and Izena Island in the distance.
One of its biggest draws is the quiet, untouched natural setting.
At dusk, the cliffs and sea glow orange, welcoming you with an ethereal scene.
Then at night, you’ll likely be overwhelmed by the countless stars spreading across the sky.
The Milky Way can be especially clear here, and stargazing while listening to the waves feels extraordinary and deeply romantic.

Hyakuna Beach (Hyakuna Beach) is a natural beach in Nanjo City in southern Okinawa’s main island.
It’s known for its soft, white sand and shallow, calm waters.
Loved by couples for the peaceful sound of the waves and relaxed resort feel, it’s a favorite spot for dates.
There are also plenty of marine activities like snorkeling and kayaking, where you can enjoy beautiful coral reefs and colorful fish up close.
The view from the beach—toward Kudaka Island and Ojima—also evokes Okinawa’s original scenery.
As the sun sets, everything comes together and you’ll feel wrapped in an emotional, unforgettable atmosphere.
Then the night deepens, and you can admire a sky full of stars stretching all the way to the horizon.
With few streetlights and little foot traffic nearby, it’s perfect for spending quiet time together.

Kumejima (Kume Island), located Approx. 100 km west of Okinawa’s main island, is a beautiful remote island surrounded by emerald-green waters.
With one of Japan’s clearest seas, beaches often called the best in the East, and expansive untouched nature, it’s a wonderful place to refresh both body and mind.
From swimming and snorkeling to strolling and driving, there are endless ways to enjoy a date here.
The relaxed island pace—so different from the city—also feels wonderfully comfortable.
Don’t miss Hatenohama, the island’s signature spot, where pure white sand stretches for over 7 km.
With panoramic views in every direction, it’s a popular place to spend special time together.
Getting there from the main island is also easy—Approx. 35 minutes by plane, as outlined below.

Iriomote Island, the second-largest island in Okinawa after the main island, is a treasure trove of nature, with approx. 90% of its land covered in subtropical jungle.
Known for its unique and diverse ecosystem, it’s home to many endangered species and Natural Monuments, including the Iriomote cat.
Nicknamed the “Galapagos of the East,” it was registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 2021.
Its greatest appeal is the variety of landscapes found only here, including rivers, waterfalls, and mangrove forests.
For couples, we recommend Hoshisuna-no-Hama (Star Sand Beach), with sand mixed with star-shaped grains, and Pinaisara Falls, where you can share an adventure by canoeing or trekking together.
Access from the main island is summarized below.
You’ll head first to either Iriomote Uehara Port or Iriomote Ohara Port, but the two ports are Approx. 50 minutes apart by car, so choose the one closer to your destination.

Taketomi Island, part of Okinawa’s Yaeyama Islands, is a small island with an outer circumference of only Approx. 9.2 km.
The entire island is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and its village—lined with red-tile-roof houses and roads covered in white sand—feels like the original Okinawan landscape.
The townscape preserves old Okinawa strongly, and simply surrendering to the slow passage of time is enjoyable in itself.
Ride the island’s signature water buffalo cart at a leisurely pace, and it’s sure to make your time together feel extra special.
Kondoi Beach, with its shallow waters and exceptional clarity, is a popular date spot.
Its calm, relaxing atmosphere is part of the charm, and watching the sunset melt into the sea before a starry sky creates a romantic memory you won’t forget.
Here’s how to get to Taketomi Island.

Ishigaki Island, the center of the Yaeyama Islands, is a popular destination where you can enjoy rich nature and a wide range of activities.
Its beaches—stretches of white sand and emerald-green waters—are especially beautiful, drawing divers from all over the world.
While snorkeling and diving, you can enjoy coral reefs and colorful fish, and Ishigaki is also known for a high chance of encountering rare creatures such as manta rays and sea turtles.
For couples, we recommend Kabira Bay (Kabirawan), the island’s premier scenic spot.
Once praised as the most beautiful place in Okinawa, its world-class clarity and stunning seascape dotted with small islands speak for themselves.
Take a commemorative photo with the bay in the background for a lifelong keepsake, or enjoy the underwater world on an easy-to-join glass-bottom boat cruise.
Access is as follows.
Ishigaki Island also works well as a hub for the Yaeyama Islands, making it a great base for visiting nearby islands like Iriomote and Taketomi.

Miyakojima is a resort island at the heart of the Miyako Islands in Okinawa Prefecture.
Its waters are among the clearest in Japan, and the vivid blue known as “Miyako Blue” spreads out in every direction.
It’s popular for marine sports such as diving and snorkeling, where you can enjoy coral reefs and colorful tropical fish up close.
Yonaha Maehama Beach, with its white sand stretching 7 km and deep blue sea, is paradise itself.
With a wide range of activities and beautiful sunsets, it’s a place you won’t get tired of even after a full day of fun.
At the nationally designated scenic spot Cape Higashi-Hennazaki, you can enjoy sweeping panoramic views from a cape reaching out into the sea—share the scenery together.
There are also many restaurants around the island where you can enjoy Okinawan specialties like Miyako soba, umi budo (sea grapes), and tropical fruits, making food another highlight for couples.
For access to Miyakojima, use the following as a guide.

A cafe in Nakijin Village, Okinawa, that opened in September 2024 in an outstanding location with sweeping views of Haneji Inland Sea and subtropical greenery. Their signature acai bowl—packed with rich acai, house-made chia seed pudding, and plenty of fresh fruit—is a healthy, nutrient-rich standout. The lunch poke bowls, made with tuna and Norwegian salmon, are also popular for their authentic flavor.
Inside, the cafe is a free-seating space. Choose your favorite spot—whether it’s the glass-walled interior that feels like it’s floating above the forest, or the outdoor counter where spectacular views stretch right in front of you—and spend your time however you like.

Located on Senaga Island in Okinawa, POSILLIPO cucina meridionale is a restaurant themed around Southern Italy.
From the open, glass-walled dining room, you can enjoy sweeping ocean views and even watch planes as you dine.
Sunset is an especially great time to visit, when the beautiful ocean view creates a romantic atmosphere.
The menu features dishes that feel truly Italian, including Neapolitan pizza baked in a wood-fired oven by skilled craftsmen, fritto made with fresh seafood, and handmade fresh pasta.
Standouts include the classic “Margherita Extra” and the chef-recommended “Phantom Beef: Iejima Beef Scottata.”
Another big plus is the wide selection of wines and cocktails to pair with your meal.

Dining 19 is a dining and bar venue on the 14th-floor top level of Rihga Royal Gran Okinawa in Naha.
From its scenic seating, you can take in sweeping views of the Kerama Islands, the East China Sea, and the city below.
The modern, calm atmosphere—and private rooms—make it ideal for spending quality time together.
If you book in advance, you can also receive special services for anniversaries and proposals.
Lunch is buffet-style, while dinner is served as a course meal.
Using carefully selected ingredients sourced from across Japan, the thick-cut signature roast beef is especially delicious. It’s also popular because you can enjoy different flavors with four types of condiments and seasonings.

Italian Restaurant Chura-Nuuji is an upscale Italian restaurant on the 3rd floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa in Nago City.
Its name means “beautiful rainbow” in the Okinawan dialect, and as soon as you step inside, you’re welcomed into an elegant space that blends Ryukyu architecture with modern interiors.
The attentive service is top-tier, fully living up to The Ritz-Carlton name—perfect for a memorable dinner as a couple.
The highlight is its creative Ryukyu-Italian cuisine, prepared by the chef using traditional techniques with fresh, Okinawa-specific ingredients.
There’s an a la carte menu, but many guests choose the chef’s recommended “DEGUSTAZIONE” course.
Centered around pasta, fish, and meat, you can enjoy seven dishes in total, savoring each one crafted to bring out the best of the ingredients.

A resort hotel standing on Cape Busena, one of Japan’s largest resort areas.
With facilities suited to Okinawa’s climate and warm, loyal hospitality, it creates a refined, relaxing atmosphere designed for adults.
The open-air style guest rooms and public spaces, filled with pleasant tropical light and breezes, feature a calm, simple design so that nature itself becomes the best interior decor.
A variety of restaurants and shops, an esthetic spa, and marine programs all help create an elegant resort lifestyle for adults.

A resort hotel facing Tiger Beach on Okinawa’s west coast. With the concept of a “picturesque resort,” it creates spaces that look like a photo no matter where you point your camera.
On an expansive property of Approx. 10,000 tsubo, beautiful scenery is everywhere—and it’s hard not to want to take pictures.
All 399 guest rooms have ocean views. With colonial design touches and beds placed to maximize the sea view, you can enjoy the resort feeling even while staying in your room.
The hotel also features a full lineup of restaurants, including Western cuisine, buffet dining, teppanyaki, and Japanese food.

A luxury hotel that is the second Halekulani property in the world, following its more than 100-year history in Hawaii.
In the Forbes Travel Guide ratings, it became Okinawa’s only property to earn five stars in both the “Spa” and “Hotel” categories in 2024—an exceptionally high-end facility.
Located along the beautiful coastline of Onna Village, all 360 rooms offer ocean views with deep-blue waters close at hand.
With coral-blue seas and white-sand beaches spreading out before you, you’ll be transported into an elegant world from the moment you arrive.
Inside the hotel are four restaurants and one bar, serving original menus made with ingredients from Okinawa and other regions across Japan.
Its spa treatments, which incorporate Okinawan natural materials, are also perfect for a graceful, relaxing time.