Top touristy ideas?

[Janice Lindenhall]

We are finally settling in here in Okinawa (2 months now) and are looking forward to having our first visitor (my mom) come in mid-Nov. However, we haven't explored the island too much and wanted to know what are your top "must see and do" things you would recommend? I have 3 kids (ages 3-7) and would like to do some things including them and others just me and my mom. What do you recommend?

[Tara H]

HEY!
I am waiting out my moms visit to hit Shuri Castle. As with most tourist sites you really only need to go once.(-:
Have you done the aquarium. That would work for everyone. Cape Zanpa would be fun and not far.
We love to go south. YOu could go to the peace memorial park. Playgrounds to run around in and history for the parents. The glass factoy is down there too.
The botanical gardens?
We love the fukushen gardens in naha plus it's free. YEAH!
If it rains go to round one.
Hit pineapple park while your up at the aquarium.
Let me sleep on it and think of some more.

[Janice Lindenhall]

Thanks - those sound like great suggestions. We haven't been much anywhere yet. We did book Okuma for 3 nights... are there any good restaruants or excursions from there in case we get bored there? I really appreciate any and all of your ideas!

[Sarah C.]

If your kids like to be up close and personal with animals check out Neo park...bring some cut up stale bread to feed the birds...they are wonderful! There is also a petting zoo (seperate fee) that had lots of animals they can hold and feed.

As for you and Mom there are some great massage places around if you want to do a spa experience...i have even heard great things about the on base ones.

Oh also up at La Busena hotel they have the underwater observatory, glass bottom boat rides and the parking is free so you can just wander on their beach as well.

There are tons of parks/playgrounds around that are so nice to go to now that it is cool and you can pack some food to eat there...we just went to Dolphin Park yesterday and it was fabulous...the beach is right there too if you want to check it out.

If you go to the OkiHai site and look under "To DO" there are lots of things listed as well us unde "To Parent" there are some things to do indoors and outdoors for kids too. It is a great resource.

Boy you are SO LUCKY to have only been here 2 months and already having a visitor...i dont know if I can get anyone to come here to see us so enjoy it!!

[Brittney Nicole Delosrios]

If you are going to be up atOkuma you can go to Hiji falls it is right across the street. Their are signs. You have to do a lot of walking and their are a lot of stairs you have to climb but it is beautiful.

[JaNae]

I haven't been here all that long but if I were to have visitors soon my top three things would be:

1) Go to a festival (visit: http://www.ocvb.or.jp/index.php?current=Page_Header&action=Top_... on the right side under the calender is a list of the Festivals coming up- click on the name and it will give you information.

2) I agree with Tara- Fukushen gardens in Naha is free and beautiful, definitely what I'd imagined a Japanese garden would be like.

3) Go out to eat. Here's a list of some great restaurants: http://www.okinawahai.com/my_weblog/2009/06/to-eat-in-review.html

Oh and of course you can't forget to go and comb the beach and take her to the roller slide.
Hope that helps.