We will be on a cruise this spring that stops for a day each in Ishigaki and Okinawa. I am surprised by the few and not-so-interesting tour options offered by the cruise line. We RARELY take ship tours in the first place, but I look at them to find out ideas of where to go on our own or with a private guide. Does anyone want to offer any "must do" ideas for these places, or tips on how to get the most out of one day in each place?

I was born on Okinawa and lived there as a child and as an adult. I'd be curious what their day tours are comprised of. My family of 6 was just there in May last year, staying in Naha, Chatan (American Village), and in the Motobu peninsula.

Okinawa has become hugely popular for Asian tourists, but the island is less prepared for English-speaking tourists (which means renting a car, buying a ferry ticket is often confusing) so an organized tour may actually be the easiest route. (There's, of course, the large American military presence which is a mixed bag for the native population, but you will likely see only a few American soldiers and their families in "tourist Okinawa.")

Being half-Okinawan, and aware of the victimization of the people during WWII by both the mainland (Japan) and the Allies, it both saddens and inspires me to see tourism flourishing. Sad in that few know the history and understand the levels of suffering and sacrifices made by the Okinawan people who are, culturally, linguistically, historically, very different from the Japanese. But also inspiring to see the extraordinary rebuilding into the modern, successful island that brings in as many tourist as Hawaii every year.

Not sure exactly which month you'll be there, but just a warning that the island sun can be intense and unpleasant, especially on a beach where its intensified. Be ready with sunglasses/hat, sunscreen, and iced drinks. Many Okinawan people wear long sleeves in the sun to prevent burns. I don't know how they stand it.

So depending on interests (history, vs shopping, vs water sports, vs nature), there will be a lot on offer.

• For shopping, Kokusai Dori (Kokusai = international, dori = street) is chock-a-block with restaurants and shopping. I like the little warren of streets thru Heiwa dori.
  • Okinawa brown sugar is really rich and nice to bring home.
  • There's a shop called Kaisou in Heiwa dori which has some lovely Okinawan clothes/accessories. https://kaisouokinawa.com/
  • Calbee has a store here, but I believe that's more a Japan thing
  • Okinawa glass and their pottery (esp. their Shisa guardian dog pairs) are popular, too.
• For food, I hope you can sample Okinawa soba, or beni-imo (the purple sweet potato). Goya (bitter cucumber) in goya-champuru is my favorite, but it's an acquired taste so you might not want a whole plate of it. There's also a thick, sweet brown rice drink that you might want to try. Picture below. I always called it Genmai years ago, and you could drink it either warm or cold. It's a bit different today, but if you can find the little glass bottle drink, that's the one I recommend. There's also a lot made of the mingling of American food into their diet, with spam, Blue Seal ice cream, taco rice, etc. Okinawa has their own beers and sakes (ex. Orion beer, awamori).
• For WWII history, there is the Kaigungo (underground Japanese Navy HQ), or the Memorial Peace Park. For Okinawan history, there is the Ryukyu village and Shurijo (but sadly, Shurijo's main building was destroyed by fire in 2019. They are rebuilding, and the castle is open, but the main building isn't yet completed.
• For nature, I'd leave that for Ishigaki. But if they're offering beach excursions on Okinawa, it seems they'd take you to the north side of the island, which will be very different from Naha. Again, be ready for the sun. I am not at all a beach person, so can't say much to that.

Have fun on your cruise!

The genmai drink I used to drink came in a glass bottle with cardboard seal. SImilar to this. I found this drink in Heiwa dori. I don't recall seeing these in the convenience stores, but they may be there.

This is the Kaisou store in Heiwa dori.

I'm not on a cruise, just taking a few day trip from mainland Japan to Okinawa and Ishigaki - thanks for all the information!!

ChgoGal thanks for the excellent post.