10 Best Family Things to Do in Naha

Okinawa World is a unique theme park combining education and adventure. It has 3 distinct sections where you can learn about Okinawan culture and history: Gyokusendo Cave, Habu Park, and Kingdom Village.

Families can take part in traditional craft experiences, including weaving, dyeing, paper making, and glass blowing. Don’t miss out on Eisa ­– a traditional Okinawan dance accompanied by drums, usually for the festival honouring ancestors in August. You can get to Okinawa World by bus from Naha Airport. The theme park is within a 30-minute drive from central Naha, making it a great family day trip in Okinawa.

Tomigusuku Park is a great place to let the kids blow off some steam in Naha. It has long and winding slides that are set on a big hill, which helps you get maximum momentum. At the bottom, you can find a play area with swings, climbing frames, and nets, as well as a smaller slide for the little ones.

Tomigisuku Park is a part of Kaigungo Park, which is also home to the Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters. You can venture down into the underground tunnels if history is more your scene.

Naminoue Wakuwaku Kids Land can be found inside the Costa Village Espana building in Naha. It’s an upbeat and colourful indoor playground with several ball pits.

Inside, you’ll also find different areas with varying themes, such as a pink dessert bouncy castle, fake shop stands, and a hula hoop corner. You can take a break at the onsite café, which has many books and lockers, or buy cute products as mementoes of your visit.

Namco is a large games arcade within Iias Okinawa Toyosaki, one of the largest retail and entertainment complexes in Naha. It’s within a 20-minute drive of Naha Airport, making it a great place to enjoy a light activity before or after your flight.

Namco arcades can be found all over Japan, but what’s special about this Okinawa branch is its “Rapid River” VR game. It puts you on a white-water rafting adventure and requires teamwork to steer the raft. You'll also find many colourful rides for toddlers, plus skill cranes and slot machines for all ages.

The West Marine Underwater Sightseeing Tour is a wonderful way to explore the East Sea with your little ones. West Marine offers several cruises that take you off the coast of Naha.

However, the best cruise option for daytime family fun is the Underwater Sightseeing Tour. You get to spend 1 hour out on a large sightseeing boat. You can stay on the top deck for beautiful seaside views, or head below for an underwater view of the sea.

Mollyfantasy Naha is a colourful and lively arcade specifically built with kids in mind. Here, you won't find the standard arcade games and prizes, but special Mollyfantasy games and toys.

There are plenty of cooperative and competitive games for children to play together. Fun claw machines, UFO catchers and smaller rides are available for toddlers. Mollyfantasy Naha is on the 3^rd floor of Aeon Mall. Parents can find massage chairs at the nearby rest area, as well as plenty of shops to peruse.

Tenbusu Naha is a great place to learn about Okinawa’s local customs and traditions. You can take part in traditional Ryukyuan or Eisa dance classes or try your hand at playing sanshin, an Okinawan 3-stringed instrument.

Every Thursday, you can watch traditional performances at Tenbusu Naha. Its onsite traditional craft centre offers Ryukyu glassware and traditional pottery workshops. There are also special events throughout the year, such as jazz sessions and plays.

Shurijo Castle is a historic landmark that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to ancient times. It features stone walls and vibrant red gates dating back to the 14th century.

While it was partially damaged by a fire in 2019, there are plenty of historic sights within the castle grounds. Every day between 8:55 am and 9:15 am, you can watch the ceremonial opening of the gates, known as ukejo. The castle is surrounded by quaint restaurants serving traditional dishes and treats, while the Shurijo Castle Park has stone-paved paths lined with native trees and plants.

Okinawa Art Experience Birafu lets you bring a little part of Okinawa’s culture back home. This local craft workshop is a great place for making cute versions of shiisaa – guardian lions derived from Chinese mythology.

You’ll often find shiisaa statues in pairs all around Okinawa. These guardian lions are said to protect from some evils. Okinawa Art Experience Birafu also offers various craft-making classes, including glass painting, etching, candle making, and decorative arts.

Cozy Beach Club is a lively all-day venue just a few minutes’ walk from Naha Beach. Despite the name, you won’t find any sand, but a lively BBQ area instead. This is a great family activity in the sun or after a day of sightseeing in Okinawa.

Cozy Beach Club has differently priced sections, from the reasonably priced Terrace Area (compact seating) to its fancier Ocean Area (plush sofas and a larger capacity for BBQ parties). You can buy BBQ ingredients and drinks or bring your own. You'll find a paddling pool and various fun games and activities in the kids' area.