Naha: North Okinawa Sightseeing Tour & Churaumi Aquarium

The Naha: North Okinawa Sightseeing Tour & Churaumi Aquarium promises an unforgettable day exploring Okinawa’s natural wonders. From sampling fresh pineapples at Nago Pineapple Park to marveling at whale sharks at the renowned Churaumi Aquarium, this tour offers a diverse itinerary that showcases the island’s cultural and marine treasures. With stunning vistas at Cape Manzamo and an opportunity to stroll along the beaches of Kouri Island, this 10-hour adventure is sure to leave you with memories that’ll have you wanting to uncover more of Okinawa’s beauty.

This experience made our article of Naha’s Best 20 Tours.

Key Points

• This 10-hour tour provides a comprehensive sightseeing experience in northern Okinawa, including Nago Pineapple Park, Kouri Island, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, and Cape Manzamo.
• The tour is priced at $51.80 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and includes transportation, English and Japanese guides, and multilingual audio support.
• Highlights of the tour include exploring pineapple fields, admiring natural rock formations on Kouri Island, and witnessing the world-renowned Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.
• The Nago Pineapple Park offers a one-hour stop to learn about pineapple cultivation and sample fresh pineapple and pineapple-based products.
• Cape Manzamo, known for the "Elephant Rock" formation, provides an opportunity for stunning coastal views and photography.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Naha: North Okinawa Sightseeing Tour & Churaumi Aquarium is a comprehensive 10-hour excursion that takes visitors on an immersive exploration of Okinawa’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.

Priced from $51.80 per person, this tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights include a visit to the Nago Pineapple Park, Kouri Island, the renowned Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, and the scenic Cape Manzamo.

Transportation is provided, and the tour includes live English and Japanese guides as well as multilingual audio support.

While not suitable for non-folding wheelchair users, this tour is likely to sell out, so early booking is recommended.

Nago Pineapple Park

One of the highlights of the Naha: North Okinawa Sightseeing Tour is the visit to the Nago Pineapple Park.

Visitors can:

1. Explore the park’s pineapple fields and learn about the cultivation process.
2. Ride a pineapple-shaped cart through the plantation.
3. Sample fresh pineapple and pineapple-based products.
4. Browse the park’s gift shop for pineapple-themed souvenirs.

The one-hour stop at Nago Pineapple Park offers a unique insight into Okinawa’s agricultural heritage and the island’s most famous fruit.

Kouri Island

Next on the itinerary is a visit to Kouri Island. This scenic beach locale offers stunning coastal views.

Visitors can admire the natural rock formations and take in the peaceful atmosphere. The tour allows 25 minutes to explore the island.

Guests can stroll along the shore, snap photos of the picturesque scenery, and soak up the island’s tranquility.

Kouri Island provides a brief but memorable respite from the day’s sightseeing schedule, allowing participants to appreciate Okinawa’s breathtaking natural beauty.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

After visiting the scenic Kouri Island, the tour now takes participants to one of the largest aquariums in the world – the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.

Visitors will spend 2.5 hours exploring this impressive facility, which houses:

1. The massive whale shark exhibit, allowing a close-up view of these gentle giants.
2. The Kuroshio Sea tank, featuring a 10-meter-deep acrylic window showcasing a diverse array of marine life.
3. The aquarium’s renowned coral exhibit, with over 800 species of coral.
4. Numerous other exhibits featuring sea turtles, manta rays, and a wide range of tropical fish.

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Okashigoten Onna

Following the tour of the impressive Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, the group now makes its way to Okashigoten Onna, a beloved local confectionary shop.

This stop offers a chance to discover Okinawan sweets and souvenirs. Browsing the vibrant displays, visitors can find an array of traditional treats, including colorful candies, cookies, and snacks.

Popular items include the signature pineapple cakes, known for their moist texture and tart-sweet flavor.

The 25-minute shopping time allows ample opportunity to peruse the selection and select the perfect local delicacies to bring home as gifts or personal indulgences.

Cape Manzamo

The group now arrives at the remarkable Cape Manzamo, a scenic coastal area renowned for its striking "Elephant Rock" formation.

The tour guide explains the key features of this natural wonder:

1. The towering limestone rock formation resembles the shape of an elephant’s trunk, carving an iconic silhouette against the azure ocean backdrop.

2. Visitors can explore the area’s hiking trails and admire the stunning views from various vantage points along the cliffs.

3. A popular spot for photography, the site offers breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding coastline and Okinawa’s crystal-clear waters.

4. Admission to Cape Manzamo is included in the tour, providing an opportunity to appreciate this natural gem.

Transportation and Pickup Information

Passengers are provided convenient pickup locations to begin the day’s adventure.

The tour departs from three central spots in Naha: Kenmin Hiroba (Okinawa Kencho-Mae) at 8:15 AM, Orion Hotel Naha at 8:35 AM, and T-Galleria Okinawa by DFS at 8:45 AM.

Participants should arrive 10 minutes early and look for the bus with the Jumbo Tours name. Round-trip transportation by bus is included in the tour price.

A multilingual tour conductor will lead the group to each attraction’s entrance, allowing participants to explore the sites independently at their own pace.

Guide and Audio Support

Though the tour is self-guided, participants have access to both live tour guides and multilingual audio support. Live guides are available in English and Japanese, providing helpful insights and context.

For those who prefer more independence, the tour also offers:

1. Multilingual audio guides in Chinese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Thai.
2. Detailed tour conductors who’ll lead the group to each attraction’s entrance, allowing participants to explore at their own pace.
3. Comprehensive information to enhance the sightseeing experience.
4. Flexibility for participants to move freely and discover the highlights of North Okinawa.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour operator beforehand, as some tours may have restrictions or provide complimentary refreshments.

Is There a Place to Store My Luggage During the Tour?

There is no dedicated luggage storage provided during the tour. However, participants can leave their luggage on the bus while exploring the attractions. The tour guide will ensure the safety of belongings left on the bus.

Are There Any Restroom Stops Along the Way?

Yes, there are restroom stops planned throughout the tour. Participants will have the opportunity to use the restrooms at the various attraction sites, ensuring comfort and convenience during the sightseeing experience.

Can I Purchase Additional Tickets at the Aquarium?

Yes, additional aquarium tickets can be purchased on-site. The tour does not include admission to the aquarium, so participants have the flexibility to decide whether they want to visit and purchase their own tickets.

Is Photography Allowed at All the Tour Stops?

Photography is generally allowed at the tour stops, though some restrictions may apply. It’s best to check with the tour guide or attraction staff for specific guidelines on photography during the tour.

Sum Up

The Naha: North Okinawa Sightseeing Tour & Churaumi Aquarium provides a comprehensive package that showcases Okinawa’s natural beauty and cultural attractions. From sampling fresh pineapples to marveling at the impressive marine life at the Churaumi Aquarium, this tour offers a memorable experience for visitors seeking to enjoy the unique wonders of Okinawa.

You can check availability for your dates here: