Travel Bookmark🔖Okinawa Yomitan Village: I created a 'Model Course' using my second travel note.

Hello! This is the 22nd installment of Travel Bookmark's model courses, and this time,

it is based on a trip I actually experienced during the latter half of Golden Week in May 2024. I used local buses to travel from Naha to Yomitan, focusing on sightseeing and gourmet experiences enjoying local ingredients. I stayed at a seaside condominium-style accommodation, where I spent time relaxing on the beach while also enjoying activities like sunset SUP and snorkeling with whale sharks. I also fully enjoyed the charm of the Yomitan area by visiting popular local izakayas and famous Okinawa soba restaurants.

📖 Model Course Overview

This is a 4-day, 3-night model course for May 2024, during Golden Week, focusing on Yomitan Village, Okinawa. The accommodation is a spacious seaside condominium, characterized by a stay that emphasizes privacy. It is packed with activities to enjoy the extraordinary, such as a bus trip from Naha to Yomitan, snorkeling with whale sharks, and sunset SUP. You can also enjoy gourmet food at izakayas using local ingredients and famous Okinawa soba restaurants. This plan allows you to experience the laid-back charm of Yomitan and the beauty of the sea and starry sky.

📒 Travel Note Used as the Basis for the Model Course

Travel note from when I went to Yomitan Village, Okinawa, during Golden Week 2024

🛫 Airline Used

📍 Japan Airlines (JAL)

Outbound
I used Japan Airlines (JAL) for the trip from Haneda Airport to Naha Airport. At Haneda Airport, I made use of the Sakura Lounge, where I spent a relaxing time enjoying light meals and drinks before the flight. I also recommend securing a window seat through advance seat selection to enjoy the view over Tokyo during the flight.

Inbound
For the return trip, I also used Japan Airlines (JAL) from Naha Airport to Haneda Airport. At the Naha Airport Sakura Lounge, I was able to enjoy Okinawa-specific light snacks like baked curry bread and purple yam bread, as well as Awamori, making for the perfect moment to conclude the trip.

🏨 Accommodation Used

📍 Beach Resort Morimar (Yomitan Village)

• Spacious Condominium Type
  　A spacious 66㎡ room equipped with two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a living-dining area. While it doesn't have a pool or events like a resort hotel, it is perfect for a stay where you can fully enjoy the sea right in front of you.

• Excellent Location
  　You can overlook a beautiful ocean view from the balcony and spend a luxurious time watching the sunrise and sunset.

• Surrounding Environment
  　There are supermarkets and izakayas within walking distance, where you can enjoy meals using local ingredients and shopping. I especially recommend 'The Big Toya Store' and the meat wholesaler-run izakaya 'Katsu'.

👉 Recommended for the following people

• Those who want to experience local life
  　Perfect for those who want to stay in a condominium-style accommodation rather than a resort hotel, feeling the local life of Okinawa.

• Those who want to fully enjoy nature
  　Recommended for those who want to experience activities that enjoy nature, such as snorkeling in the sea right in front, sunset SUP, and stargazing at night.

• Those who want to relax in a quiet environment
  　This course is perfect for travelers who want to spend time at their own pace in the quiet environment of Yomitan Village, away from the hustle and bustle.

• Gourmet lovers
  　There are plenty of spots where you can enjoy local flavors, such as the famous Okinawa soba restaurant 'Hanaori Soba', the meat wholesaler-run izakaya 'Katsu', and 'Yomitan Monogatari' where you can enjoy local Awamori.

This model course is perfect for those seeking local food culture, beautiful nature, and a relaxing stay.

🧭 [Model Course] Okinawa Yomitan Beachfront Stay: A 4-day, 3-night trip enjoying nature and gourmet food with whale shark & SUP experiences

Day 1: Travel from Naha to Yomitan, relaxing stay at a seaside condominium

• Morning
  Take the Japan Airlines (JAL) flight departing Haneda Airport at 10:30. It is also recommended to spend time at souvenir shops or cafes before boarding at the airport. Since you can enjoy the view of Tokyo from the window seat on the left side of the plane, consider booking your seat in advance.

• Afternoon
  After arriving at Naha Airport, take the Yui Rail to Naha Bus Terminal. If you are planning to travel by bus, using the Yui Rail is recommended. When heading to Yomitan Village by local bus, it is smoother if you check the bus stops and schedules in advance. If you have waiting time, it is convenient to buy a light snack at a convenience store inside the bus terminal.

• Evening
  Walk from the bus stop in Yomitan Village to the condominium 'Beach Resort Morimar'. The accommodation is attractive for its spacious guest rooms and the view of the sea spreading out right in front of you. There are two bedrooms, ensuring enough space to organize your luggage or relax indoors.

• Night
  Dinner at the izakaya 'Katsu' within walking distance. You can enjoy fresh local Wagyu steak and Okinawan cuisine at a reasonable price, and it is a shop loved not only by tourists but also by locals. After dinner, relax while watching the night sea while feeling the sea breeze on the balcony of your accommodation. Spend the first night of your stay in Yomitan Village in a relaxed manner.

Day 2: An active day enjoying the resort's nature

• Morning
  After having a light breakfast at the condominium, enjoy the spectacular ocean view from the balcony. On sunny days, the beauty of the highly transparent sea catches your eye. For a morning walk, it is recommended to visit the nearby beach and relax while listening to the sound of the waves.

• Afternoon
  Visit 'Hanaori Soba', a popular Okinawa soba restaurant in Yomitan Village. 'Hanaori Soba', topped with beef tendon and braised pork belly, is characterized by the firmness of the noodles and the deliciousness of the soup, and it is highly rated by locals and tourists alike. Please enjoy a hearty bowl in the shop that is bustling even after noon.

• Evening
  Participate in a sunset SUP experience hosted by 'GoriDive'. It is an activity that even beginners can enjoy, set in the beautiful sea of Yomitan Village. Under the instructor's guidance, you start by kneeling, and once you are stable, you practice standing up and paddling forward. At sunset, the sunset reflected on the sea surface is spectacular, and you can enjoy a photogenic moment. After the tour, you can use the showers and changing rooms at the shop.

• Night
  After the activity, return to the hotel and spend time relaxing while enjoying a light dinner or snacks. For stargazing at night, it is also recommended to use a beach mat purchased at Daiso and watch the starry sky while lying down. You can enjoy a unique Okinawan starry sky experience.

Day 3: A day to enjoy whale sharks and the spectacular view of Yomitan

• Morning
  Have a light breakfast at the condominium and spend a relaxing morning enjoying the beautiful sea view of Yomitan Village. A morning beach stroll is also recommended, where you can enjoy relaxing time such as the highly transparent sea and picking up seashells.

• Afternoon
  Participate in the 'Top Marine Zanpa' whale shark snorkeling tour. It takes about 10 minutes by boat from Yomitan Fishing Port to reach the whale shark enclosure. The powerful experience of observing a large whale shark up close underwater is something you can only taste here. While swimming around the enclosure with a snorkel, you will be moved by the sight of the whale shark sucking in food with its large mouth and swimming gracefully. After the tour, freshen up with the showers in the facility.

After that, it is also recommended to enjoy light snacks at the direct sales shop in the fishing port. Mozuku seaweed tempura, sea grapes, and white fish tempura are fresh and reasonably priced. You can enjoy the flavors of Okinawa while having a light meal.

• Evening
  In the evening, head to the beach near the hotel again. Watching the moment the sun sets is exceptional, and you can feel the magnificent nature unique to Okinawa. While relaxing on the sandy beach, taking photos along the beach is also recommended.

• Evening
  For dinner, visit the locally popular 'Awamori Pub Yomitan Monogatari.' You can enjoy traditional Okinawan dishes like Goya Champuru and purple sweet potato croquettes along with Awamori. Spend a relaxing time in the sophisticated wood-toned interior while soaking in the local atmosphere.
  After returning to the hotel, it is also recommended to look back on the memories of your trip while stargazing.

4th Day: Wrapping up the trip and returning to Naha

• Morning
  Welcome the final morning at the condominium and enjoy a light breakfast as usual. It is recommended to use the morning time to stroll around the beach or walking paths near the hotel. Spend a relaxing time while imprinting the beautiful scenery in your mind.

• Afternoon
  After checking out, use the DD app to call a taxi and head to Naha Airport. During the ride, one of the pleasures is hearing about Okinawan culture and area information from the local driver. After arriving at Naha Airport, set aside time to enjoy shopping at the duty-free shops. You can get great deals on brand-name goods and local specialties.

• Evening
  Before your return flight, use the 'Sakura Lounge' inside the airport to relax for a moment before boarding. Since Okinawan-style light meals and drinks are provided, you can savor the final lingering memories of your trip.

• Night
  Depart for Haneda Airport on a JAL flight. During the flight, it is also recommended to look back on the memories of your trip while enjoying the view from the sky. Once you arrive at Haneda Airport on schedule, head straight home, and your 4-day, 3-night Okinawa trip comes to an end.

👍 Points of the Model Course

• Efficient Schedule
  This is a well-balanced itinerary that allows you to fully enjoy the areas centered around Naha City and Yomitan Village in a short period. A trip that utilizes public transportation and taxis instead of using a rental car as a means of travel is ideal for those who want to avoid the stress of driving.

• Charm of a Stay-Type Resort
  You can enjoy spacious guest rooms and beautiful ocean views at a beachfront condominium. It is characterized by a free and relaxing stay that you cannot find at a resort hotel.

• Activities Unique to Okinawa
  There are plenty of activities unique to Okinawa, such as SUP and tours where you can swim with whale sharks. You can rest assured as friendly guides will support those trying them for the first time.

• Rich Gourmet Experience
  I have included spots where you can enjoy delicious local cuisine, such as the Wagyu steak at 'Izakaya Katsu' and the Okinawa soba at 'Hanaori Soba.' You can fully enjoy the food culture unique to the local area.

• Harmony of Nature and Culture
  Enjoy the superb views of the sea and sunset, and the starry sky at night. It is a trip where you can fully savor the nature of Okinawa while also experiencing the warmth and culture of the local people.

This model course is not only perfect for efficiently enjoying the charms of Okinawa, but it is also content optimized for enjoying a relaxing time. Throughout the entire course, you can fully experience the local charms of Yomitan Village and Naha!

🔔Bell