The Japan Travel Series

• Part 1: Planning, Packing & Booking Our Dream Japan Trip
• Part 2: 5 Days in Tokyo: Shibuya Sky, TeamLab Planets & ASMR Head Spa
• Part 3: Coastal Kamakura: Bamboo Forests, Mt. Fuji & Traditional Onsens
• Part 4: Kyoto & Nara Realities: Bullet Trains, Deer Parks & Cultural Sights
• Part 5: Tropical Okinawa & The 26-Hour Journey Home: Is It Worth Visiting? (You are here)

This content includes advertisement and affiliate links. To read the full policy on this, click here.

Introduction

After the intense pace, overstimulation, and heavy sightseeing of Tokyo, Kamakura, and Kyoto, we were ready to slow down. Flying south to Okinawa felt like embarking on an entirely different holiday – trading historic temples and neon-lit streets for turquoise waters, tropical heat, and resort living.

However, island life in Japan came with its own set of surprises. From navigating strict poolside rules and ineffective sunscreens to island snorkelling, language barriers, and a grueling 26-hour journey home back to the UK, here is the honest truth about our time in Okinawa and whether wrapping up a Japan trip in the tropics is really worth it.

Day 10 (1 July 2026): Flying to Okinawa

We took the airport bus from just outside the hotel to Osaka Itami Airport. Our flight was not leaving until early afternoon, so we did not have to rush too much. The airport itself was really cool, with all the check-in machines being so much higher tech compared to what we are used to in the UK and Europe – it was basically all self-service!

The flight itself was two hours, and when we landed, we took another bus to the resort, arriving around 7:00 PM and heading straight for dinner. This was the only hotel of our trip that was half board in terms of meals. After dinner, we went for a walk to see what was in the local area, grabbing some supplies from the konbini while we were there.

Best Moments:

• Japan Airlines Service: The flight with Japan Airlines was amazing. All of the short-haul flights I have taken from UK airports did away with included drinks years ago (I must have been about 10 years old the last time tea, coffee, or soft drinks were offered without paying!). On this flight, we were offered drinks, and the plane was modern with seat-back screens for a short flight.
• Naha Airport Aesthetics: Naha Airport was beautiful with live orchids everywhere.
• Pokémon Sightings: While on the bus from Naha Airport to the hotel, we saw a Pokémon monorail go by, which brought so much joy!
• Tropical Arrival: Arriving at the resort was a breathtaking experience. While I have been to a lot of European coastal destinations, this was my first time somewhere truly tropical.

Lessons Learned:

• Pool Opening Hours: I had hyped myself up thinking I could go for a quick evening swim on arrival, but pools have strict opening hours in Japan, so this was not possible.
• Board Basis Importance: I am so glad we had half board meals included at the hotel, as there really was not much open or available in the surrounding area.
• Room Views: While we were really grateful the hotel upgraded our room (it was massive!), I wish I had enquired about a sea view. Our room had no view at all and was dark, even in the middle of the day.
• Anniversary Acknowledgement: It might be worth noting that this was the only hotel on our trip that did not acknowledge our wedding anniversary at all.

Day 11 (2 July 2026): Exploring the Area

After all of the sightseeing we had done at the other stops, we wanted to keep Okinawa low-key. After breakfast, we decided to head to the hotel’s private beach for a while. Once done there, we headed out into the local area to see if there were any gift shops and to get some lunch. We found a ramen shop and enjoyed traditional Okinawan soba noodles with a light broth.

In the afternoon, we went to the hotel pool. We had hoped to visit a local bar that evening, but it only opened at 9:00 PM. When we arrived, a private event was taking place (which should have finished by the time we arrived according to the sign outside), so they told us to come back in an hour. Already over it, we headed back to the hotel instead.

Best Moments:

• Ocean Wildlife: Seeing the fish in the ocean was such a cool experience – there were so many different species compared to what I have seen before!
• Unique Local Vibes: The local area had a unique vibe compared to European beach resorts. I enjoyed seeing things you would not see anywhere else, like the Shisa lion statues guarding entrances and the tsunami measurement signs in the streets.

Lessons Learned:

• European vs. Japanese Beach Holidays: While still thoroughly enjoying the experience, this day was the moment I realised I prefer Europe for a beach holiday. We got very burnt at the beach and were not allowed to use our own parasol (we normally buy one for European beach trips), and sunbed/parasol rentals were very expensive on the hotel beach.
• Daytime Closures: When walking around town, all of the shops and bars were closed during the day – the ramen shop was literally the only place open besides konbinis. I tried to walk into a gift shop thinking it was open, but the shop owner politely shooed me away.
• Snorkelling Restrictions: The use of snorkels outside of official or organised dive spots seems to be heavily restricted in Japan, being against the rules on the hotel beach and many other places. As a strong swimmer, this was a bit frustrating.
• Sunscreen Ineffectiveness: The severe sunburn was not through lack of trying to apply sunscreen. People always recommend Asian sunscreen and skincare online, but I personally found the Factor 50 sunscreen we used did absolutely nothing. If you have sensitive skin, definitely bring your usual trusted brand from home.

Day 12 (3 July 2026): Snorkelling at Yojima Island

We met our guides at 8:30 AM to take a boat to Yojima Island. On arrival, we were a little worried as we were the only English speakers on the trip – everyone else was Japanese. The guide gave a talk in Japanese, which my phone could not translate well, but he conveyed key information to us later.

To begin, we had a short snorkelling tour around the bay where the guide picked up various sea creatures to show us, including starfish and sea cucumbers. After this, we went on an island nature walk; the guide brought flashcards with English translations so we could join in. To end the trip, we had a lovely lunch with traditional foods before returning to relax by the hotel pool.

Best Moments:

• Holding Marine Life: Holding a real-life starfish in my hands was an unexpectedly cool experience.
• Thoughtful Guides: The guides were amazing at making us feel included despite the language barrier. They kept offering to take photos of us (a rare treat on this trip as it’s so difficult to take photos together when travelling as a couple), and one guide gave hibiscus flowers to all the women on the tour to put in our hair.
• Connecting with Locals: We got talking to a Japanese family during lunch who were lovely and so interesting to chat with.
• Tropical Flora & Fauna: The island was beautiful – the plants, lizards, and butterflies were like nothing I have seen before.

Lessons Learned:

• Patience with Language Barriers: When booking local tours, you need to be prepared to be patient in receiving information if it is not delivered in your language. While it worked out fine in the end, we were initially quite anxious.
• Mandatory Life Vests: During the snorkelling tour, we were required to wear life vests. While nice for floating without expending energy, it meant you could not dive down to see the marine life more clearly. Thankfully, snorkels were allowed on the guided tour, so we could keep our faces in the water continuously.
• Strict Pool Rules & Cultural Nuances: On returning to the hotel, I spent some time by the pool. While reapplying sunscreen, the lifeguard asked me to wash it off before entering the water, which is apparently related to how pool filtration systems are maintained in Japan. Given how harsh the tropical sun was and how easily my skin burns, having to wash off Factor 50 wasn’t ideal! If I were to visit again, I would definitely pack a UV-protecting rash guard so I could stay covered in the water without relying solely on sunscreen.

Day 13 (4 July 2026): A Day of Rest

We intentionally spent our last full day relaxing at the beach and pool, knowing we had a massive journey back to the UK the following day. In the evening, we caught a Hawaiian performance hosted by the hotel, and before turning in for the night, we popped to the konbini to pick up a few final souvenirs.

Best Moments:

• Unscheduled Time: It was lovely just being able to take a full day to relax with absolutely nothing on the itinerary.

Lessons Learned:

• Resort Atmosphere Differences: The atmosphere poolside in Japan is starkly different from European destinations. While the resort was beautiful, it lacked the relaxed vibe of Spain, Greece, or Portugal. There were strict rules, no option to enjoy a casual drink or snack by the pool, and nowhere near enough sunbed seating for the number of guests. While this may have been specific to the hotel we stayed at, deep down, I think I will always prefer Europe for a pure beach holiday.

Day 14 (5 July 2026): The 26-Hour Journey Home

We left the hotel via taxi to Naha Airport at 5:00 AM to embark on 26 hours of travel home. The early morning drive was peaceful. After checking in, we took a short flight to Tokyo Haneda for a three-hour layover before our long-haul connection to London Heathrow. We spent the last of our yen, grabbed ramen and gyoza, and picked up some matcha powder.

Our flight back to London was with British Airways. After roughly 14 hours in the air, we landed at Heathrow, collected our luggage, and drove home, finally arriving around 1:00 AM completely bewildered by the time difference.

Best Moments:

• Special News Abroad: Unrelated to the itinerary, we learned of our friends’ engagement while sitting in departures at Naha Airport – finding out while being so far away felt really special.
• Airport Matcha: I became completely obsessed with the matcha I picked up at Tokyo Haneda Airport (though I am gutted at how expensive it is to repurchase back here in the UK!).

Lessons Learned:

• British Airways Long-Haul: I do not think I can ever willingly fly long-haul with British Airways again. It was an uncomfortable flight – boiling hot, my seat barely reclined/moved upright, the entertainment system on Mike’s seat was broken, and the food was dreadful. Economy class made up only the back third of the plane, and the overall experience felt like a push to encourage upgrades.
• Post-Flight Driving: While having our own car at Heathrow was convenient, we would not drive home after a 26-hour transit again (despite sleeping at various points throughout the plane journey to ensure the drive was safe to complete). Taking a coach would have been far less stressful and allowed us to relax on the final leg.

Part 5 Summary: Final Reflections on Japan

Okinawa was an intriguing end to an unforgettable journey. While it delivered stunning tropical views, unique marine life, and memorable island experiences like our Yojima snorkelling trip, it also highlighted how much beach culture varies across the globe. For us, the strict rules and lack of relaxed seaside infrastructure meant it did not quite rival a traditional European beach holiday, but it provided a fascinating look at Japan’s island culture.

Looking back on the entire trip – from the high-energy streets of Tokyo to the coastal beauty of Kamakura, the cultural realities of Kyoto, and the tropical shores of Okinawa – Japan exceeded our expectations in almost every way. It is a country of incredible contrasts, exceptional hospitality, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Thank You for Following Along!

This concludes our 5-part Japan itinerary series! Whether you are currently planning your own trip or just browsing for travel inspiration, I hope sharing our honest experiences, best moments, and lessons learned helps you make the most of your adventure.

Have you been to Japan, or is it on your bucket list? Let me know in the comments below!