7-Day Whale Watching & Water Exploration in Okinawa
Customisable Itinerary
4.9 • 2 travellers have booked with Amandine N.
Trip Overview
Embark on a seven-day adventure to Japan's southern islands, the region of Okinawa.
Over the course of seven days, you will travel to Okinawa's beaches, learn about the Ryukyu culture, walk through mangroves and swim in some of the most beautiful waters in the world.
This trip is the ideal addition to a longer trip on mainland Japan or it is perfect by itself for those that want to venture deeper into Japan's beautiful south.Embark on a seven-day adventure to Japan's southern islands, the region of Okinawa.
Over the course of seven days, you will travel to Okinawa's beaches, learn about the Ryukyu culture, walk through mangroves and swim in some of the most beautiful waters in the world.
This trip is the ideal addition to a longer trip on mainland Japan or it is perfect by itself for those that want to venture deeper into Japan's beautiful south.
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Highlights of this Trip
Two-hour whale watching tour around Zamami Island
Kayak and hiking adventure to Pinaisara Falls
Snorkelling tour on Barasu Island
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at Naha Airport on Okinawa Main Island
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Welcome To Okinawa! A private car and English-speaking guide will greet you directly at the arrival lobby. You will then head to your accommodation. Naha in the south of the main island is the capital city of the Prefecture and the centre of business, culture and more. It is the main gate to the other islands and the first stop on your itinerary. Churaumi Aquarium is said to be one of the best, or you can travel to Okinawa's Kokusai dori (Naha main street) for shopping and food.
Accommodation
Hyatt Regency Naha Okinawa★5 star
Activities
Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial MuseumOptional Activity
Churaumi AquariumOptional Activity
Kokusai-doriOptional Activity
Transportations
Plane from Tokyo to Naha
Private Driver from Naha Airport to Hyatt Regency Naha, Okinawa
Destinations
Itoman
Naha
Motobu
Day 2
Zamami Island & Humpback Whale Tour
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Zamami Island is the second-largest island in the Kerama archipelago. The island is worldwide famous for its "Kerana blue" waters, beaches and fine diving spots. Today, you will first join a two-hour whale watching tour before enjoying the rest of the day at your leisure at one of the island's famous beaches such as Ama beach or Furuzamami beach.
Accommodation
Hyatt Regency Naha Okinawa★5 star
Activities
Zamami Whale Watching Association
Ama BeachOptional Activity
Kaminohama ObservatoryOptional Activity
Transportations
Ferry from Naha to Zamami
Ferry from Zamami to Naha
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Naha
Zamami
Day 3
Fly from Naha Main Island to Ishigaki Island
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Today, after checkout, you will head to the airport and take a short domestic flight from Naha to Ishigaki Island. Ishigaki Island is the third-largest island in Okinawa. It offers many great scenery spots where you can enjoy stunning views of Kawahira Bay, selected as one of Japan's 100 best landscapes. Ishigaki is also a wonderful base to explore the Yaeyama archipelago.
Accommodation
Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas★4 star
Activities
Paddleboard IshigakiOptional Activity
Ishigaki Island Sunset BeachOptional Activity
Transportations
Private Driver from Hyatt Regency Naha, Okinawa to Naha Airport Terminal
Plane from Naha Airport Domestic Terminal to Ishigaki Airport
Minivan from Ishigaki Airport to Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Naha
Ishigaki
Zamami
Day 4
Day Trip from Ishigaki Island to Taketomi Island
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Just off the coast of Ishigaki Island, Taketomi Island has a beautifully preserved village. Only here can you experience the feel of what Ryukyuu culture is. Thanks to preservation efforts, the small village consists almost entirely of traditional style, one-storied houses, which are surrounded by stone walls, and covered with red-tiled roofs. Once on the Island, you can hop on your rental bicycle and tour the island, the beaches and of course, the traditional village.
Accommodation
Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas★4 star
Activities
Kondoi BeachOptional Activity
Kaiji BeachOptional Activity
Transportations
Ferry from Port of Ishigaki to Taketomi Port
Bicycle from Taketomi Port to Taketomi Port
Ferry from Taketomi Port to Port of Ishigaki
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Ishigaki
Taketomi
Day 5
Day Trip from Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island
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Iriomote Island is 90% covered by a semi-tropical jungle. Because of its rich environment and wildlife like the Yamaneko wild cat, the island is now a National Park. Today's excursion will take you on a canoeing tour to the Mariyudu Waterfall, a trek through the mangrove forest, and a boat and snorkelling tour to Barasu island.
Accommodation
Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas★4 star
Activities
Kayak and Hike to Pinaisara Falls
Boat and Snorkeling Tour to Barasu Island
Transportations
Ferry from Port of Ishigaki to Iriomote Island
Ferry from Iriomote-jima to Ishigaki
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Ishigaki
Taketomi
Day 6
Full Day at Leisure on Ishigaki Island
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Today, you will have the entire day free at your leisure. You can enjoy the beaches around the island or even just stay at your hotel and enjoy a quiet pool and spa day. You can also choose to take a side trip to Kuro Island (25 minutes by ferry) and swim with the sea turtles. Surrounded by coral reef and ideal for diving and snorkelling, the island is famous for being a nesting ground for sea turtles and for the cows roaming leisurely in the meadows.
Accommodation
Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas★4 star
Activities
KuroshimaOptional Activity
Kabira Bay Lookout PointOptional Activity
Kabira Ishizaki Manta ScrambleOptional Activity
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Ishigaki
Taketomi
Day 7
Return Flight to Tokyo
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Unfortunately, today marks the last day on Okinawa Island. A private taxi will take you to the airport for your flight back to Tokyo where you can choose to continue your adventures or take a flight back home. Osaka, Fukuoka and other airports are also available.
Transportations
Taxi from Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas to Ishigaki AirportOptional Activity: AU$ 20 per person
Plane from Ishigaki Airport to Haneda Airport
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Ishigaki
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What’s included?
6 nights accommodation
3 activities
6 breakfasts
Airport transfer
Domestic flights
Ground transportation
Licensed English speaking guides
Travel insurance
What’s not included?
Alcohol beverages
Entrance fees
Entry visas / airport departure tax
Gratuities
International flights
Laundry
Personal expenses
Trekking permits
Starting From
AU$ 7,041/ per traveller sharing
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Benefits of this trip
Japan in 7 days
5-star, 4-star accommodation
24/7 in-destination support from your local designer