Okinawa Travel】Traveling with Children: Techniques for Traveling with Children! Introducing activity tours and popular sightseeing spots that children can also enjoy!
Table of Contents
- 1 Enjoy your trip to Okinawa with the whole family!
- 2 Summary of information you need to know because you are traveling with children
- 2.1 1) "Sun protection is a must" when playing on the beach in Okinawa.
- 2.2 (2) When playing on the beach in Okinawa, "it is strictly forbidden to let children walk barefoot."
- 2.3 (3) Choose a beach with a watchman.
- 2.4 (4) Local purchase is recommended for items that can be procured locally.
- 2.5 (5) Making full use of rental items is also recommended.
- 3 Recommended tours that can be taken with children!
- 4 Introducing popular sightseeing spots in Okinawa for traveling with children!
- 5 summary
Enjoy your trip to Okinawa with the whole family!
Characterized by its unique subtropical climate and rich, untouched nature, Okinawa is a tourist destination that has developed a unique culture and history that differs from that of the main islands.
Okinawa is a rare place where children can play in close proximity to nature, as they can take advantage of the natural surroundings.
In addition, the experience of Okinawan culture will give you a different way to enjoy Okinawa than other tourist destinations because it will make you think about many different things.
With such attractions, there are many ways to enjoy Okinawa that can be enjoyed only on a family vacation.
Okinawa has many places of interest for both adults and children, and knowing them beforehand may make your trip more fulfilling.
In order for the whole family to enjoy a trip to Okinawa, it is important to know the spots where even children can have fun.
Summary of information you need to know because you are traveling with children
There is a big difference between adults and children in terms of physique and physical strength.
Therefore, it may be necessary to take measures even if they are not a concern on a normal trip.
Here is some information you should know because you are traveling with children.
1) "Sun protection is a must" when playing on the beach in Okinawa.
The sun in Okinawa can be extremely harsh, so much so that even adults must take measures to protect themselves from sunburn or it can be hazardous to their health.
Children have thinner epidermis and a weaker barrier function against ultraviolet rays than adults, so they require even more thorough sun protection.
If no measures are taken, problems such as fever and other health problems due to sunburn may occur.
Prepare sunglasses, sunscreen, and clothing to wear over your water gear.
(2) When playing on the beach in Okinawa, "it is strictly forbidden to let children walk barefoot."
When playing on the beach in Okinawa, never walk barefoot.
Coral reefs and various types of shellfish exist in the sea around Okinawa.
In Okinawa, where many beaches are natural and untouched by humans, you may find coral and shells lying on the beach.
Therefore, if children are allowed to walk barefoot, they can be injured by various objects lying on the beach.
Also, depending on the season, jellyfish may be launched, which could result in stings.
Be careful to always wear shoes when walking on the beach, as there are many hazards naturally lurking on the beach.
(3) Choose a beach with a watchman.
If you want to enjoy the beach with your children, choose a beach with supervision.
Many dangers may lurk in the ocean, including jellyfish.
Even if an adult can avoid the danger, a child may unknowingly touch or approach it due to lack of knowledge.
Beaches with a lifeguard are safe for swimming because they are environments that have been pre-checked and maintained to avoid such marine hazards.
Furthermore, if a problem should occur, a nearby monitor will be able to respond quickly and appropriately.
There are several beaches in Okinawa with watchmen, among which Emerald Beach, Manza Beach, and Renaissance Beach in Ocean Expo Park are the most suitable for children.
Each beach should be safe and secure, as there are lifeguards on duty and jellyfish prevention nets available.
(4) Local purchase is recommended for items that can be procured locally.
If you are traveling with children, a change of clothes, diapers, and various other necessities are essential.
This will cause problems, such as difficulty in getting around, since the luggage will be larger than usual for a trip.
In Okinawa, there are many stores where you can buy essentials for your children.
Therefore, bulky necessities such as a change of clothes, diapers, and baby formula can be purchased locally.
The burden should be greatly reduced by utilizing local stores.
(5) Making full use of rental items is also recommended.
If your child is still small, you may need a stroller or other equipment.
However, bringing a stroller on a trip can be a large piece of luggage, making it difficult to get around.
In Okinawa, strollers can be rented at Churaumi Aquarium and other tourist attractions.
If you can rent items such as strollers locally, it will lighten the burden of transportation.
Many spots with many children are available for rent, so we recommend checking in advance.
Recommended tours that can be taken with children!
One of the best parts of a trip to Okinawa is a tour that lets you experience nature.
However, many people may be concerned about whether they can participate in such tours when traveling with children.
In fact, some tours can be enjoyed by small children.
Here are some recommended tours that can be taken with children.
snorkeling
This tour allows you to visit the Blue Cave while snorkeling in the emerald green waters of Okinawa.
Even children who are not used to the ocean will enjoy themselves, as equipment necessary for snorkeling, as well as floatation rings and box glasses specifically for children, are provided.
Even one-year-olds are provided with size-fit wetsuits so they can play while protecting their body temperature and skin.
In addition, visitors can feed the tropical fish and have the rare experience of playing with them in close proximity.
The instructor in charge will take photos and videos, and the data will be received by the end of the day, making this tour an ideal way to create memories.
canoe
This mangrove kayaking tour is suitable for children as young as 2 years old.
Many people may feel anxious about capsizing when canoeing or kayaking with children.
The Hishikawa River, where this tour is held, is characterized by a gentle river current that is less susceptible to waves and wind, allowing people to play safely without worrying about capsizing.
Another great point is that since you are accompanied by a guide, you can enjoy the tour with the peace of mind that you will be protected from various dangers.
The Hija River and mangroves are home to rare plants and animals, which you may encounter if you are lucky.
The nature that can only be experienced in Okinawa will remain in your child's memory for a lifetime.
Sightseeing Bus Tour
This tour is an efficient way to enjoy sightseeing spots on the main island of Okinawa.
The bus tours are conducted by staff with extensive knowledge of Okinawa, so you will be able to fully enjoy the attractions of each region of Okinawa.
This tour costs 5,980 yen for high school students and older, and 4,500 yen for those aged 3 to junior high school students. The price includes admission to Churaumi Aquarium.
Churaumi Aquarium is a famous aquarium in Japan, where visitors can encounter a wide variety of species such as whale sharks, sharks, and stingrays.
You can enjoy Okinawa at a very reasonable price because you can also visit other famous places such as Kouri Island, Gokashi-Goden, Manza-Mao, and Chatan American Village.
Since it is a bus tour, there is no burden of transportation even with children.
This is one of the tours I would recommend for a family vacation.
Shisa making experience
In this tour, visitors can make a shisa, the guardian deity of Okinawa, out of special clay.
Visitors can choose their favorite Shisa from more than 50 different sizes and shapes, and shape them with clay.
You can also paint freely, so you can make your own shisa.
You can take home the finished Shisa on the same day, so it will be a good memory of your trip to Okinawa.
The guide will give a detailed lecture beforehand, so even inexperienced visitors and children should be able to quickly understand how to make it.
This tour is packed with many attractions for children, including the opportunity to make their own unique shisa and experience Okinawan culture.
glass boat experience
A glass boat is a special type of boat with a glass bottom that allows passengers to enjoy the view of the ocean floor while riding on the boat.
It is known as one of the most popular activities because even those who are not good swimmers can look into the underwater world.
It is also popular with children, as it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and genders.
Glass boat tours are offered throughout Okinawa, and are recommended for those who want to enjoy underwater sightseeing and for those who are looking for a tour that can be enjoyed with children.
Introducing popular sightseeing spots in Okinawa for traveling with children!
In Okinawa, where there are many sightseeing spots, there are also many places that can be enjoyed only when traveling with children.
Traveling with children on a trip that is different from your usual trip will be enhanced by visiting these spots.
Here are some popular tourist spots in Okinawa for traveling with children.
Bios Hill
Bios Hill is a place where visitors can enjoy rare Okinawan plants, beautiful natural orchids, and the powerful natural beauty of the site.
Visitors can enjoy various activities such as a jungle cruise utilizing the lake set up in the park, athletic activities utilizing nature, canoeing, and SUP.
You will also be able to interact with the animals as goats, chickens, and other animals are released in the park.
There are also places where visitors can experience traditional Ryukyuan costumes and crafts, and many other ways to enjoy the area.
Thus, this facility can be a great playground and learning experience for children, as they are exposed to nature and culture.
The basic information about Bios Hill is as follows.
Basic Information
Admission: 900 yen for children / 1,800 yen for adults
Business hours: 9:00-18:00
Address: 961-30, Ishikawa Kadekari, Uruma City, Okinawa, Japan
Shuri Castle (in Kyoto)
Shuri Castle was used as a residence area for the king and his family during the Ryukyu Kingdom period and as the administrative headquarters of the kingdom's rule.
Because of its architectural style that incorporates features of both Japanese and Chinese cultures, the castle is also known as a symbol of Okinawan history and culture.
Shuri Castle is characterized by the fact that it is divided into a free area and a paid area.
You can experience the charm of Shurijo Castle even in the free area, but you will learn more about the characteristics of the Ryukyu Kingdom period by visiting the paid area as well.
However, Shuri Castle was destroyed by fire several years ago, and restoration work is currently being rushed.
However, despite this situation, there are so many sights to see that it is an ideal spot for sightseeing with children.
The basic information about Shuri Castle is as follows.
Basic Information
Admission: Free for children under 6 years old / 160 yen for elementary and junior high school students / 300 yen for high school students / 400 yen for adults
営業時間：8:30～18:00
住所：沖縄県那覇市首里当蔵町3-1
Ocean Expo Park
海洋博公園は、国際海洋博覧会の跡地に作られた国営公園です。
敷地内には日本でも有名な水族館である美ら海水族館や、2,000株以上のランや珍しい植物が展示されている熱帯ドリームセンター、海と人との関係を学べる海洋文化館などの有名な施設があります。
また、ウミガメ館やおきなわ郷土村、エメラルドビーチなどは無料で利用できるため、1日居ても遊び足りないくらい多くの魅力があるエリアです。
各施設では自然の大切さや沖縄文化について学べるため、お子様にとっては非常に有意義な時間になるはずです。
楽しみながら多くのことが学べる海洋博公園は、子連れにこそオススメしたい場所です。
そんな海洋博公園の詳細は、下記の通りとなります。
Basic Information
入場料：無料(美ら海水族館・熱帯ドリームセンター・海洋文化館などの有料施設は別途料金発生)
営業時間：8:00～19:30
Address: 424 Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Churaumi Aquarium
海洋博公園の敷地内にある美ら海水族館は、世界最大規模の大きさを誇るジンベエザメや、世界初の繁殖に成功したナンヨウマンタが泳ぐ大迫力の巨大水槽が有名な水族館です。
館内では470群体のサンゴや、色鮮やかでユニークな魚たちと出会えるため、他の水族館では味わえない体験ができるでしょう。
また、普段なかなか見られない深海の生き物たちが約100種類展示されているため、貴重な出会いができるはずです。
お子様にとって新鮮で新しい発見の連続ができる美ら海水族館は、子連れ旅行の際には絶対に訪れていただきたい場所です。
そんな美ら海水族館の基本情報は、下記の通りとなります。
Basic Information
入場料：6歳未満無料/小人(小・中学生)710円/中人(高校生)1,440円/大人2,180円
営業時間：8:30～18:30
Address: 424 Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Okinawa Children's Country
沖縄こどもの国は、琉球弧と呼ばれる独特の自然環境における生物と出会える動物園と、感性を刺激するワンダーミュージアムで構成された人気の観光地です。
動物園には沖縄ならではの希少な生物と出会えるため、珍しい体験ができるでしょう。
また、ふれあい広場ではモルモットやヒヨコ等を実際に触れるため、命の大切さを学べます。
ワンダーミュージアムでは、触れて体験できるハンズオン展示や、知恵や感性を刺激するワークショップを体験できるため、夢中になって楽しめるはずです。
科学の不思議や技術の進歩などを体験できるため、お子様にとって非常に良い経験になるでしょう。
そんな沖縄こどもの国の詳細は、下記の通りとなります。
Basic Information
入場料：3歳以下無料/4歳以上～小学生100円/中高生200円/大人500円
営業時間：9:30～18:00
住所：沖縄県沖縄市胡屋5-7-1
Blue Seal Ice Park
ブルーシールアイスパークは、世界で一つだけのオロジナルアイスバーが作れるテーマパークです。
トッピングやデコレーション、アイスの形や味、その他トッピングを好みに応じて選択して組み合わせることでアイスを作れます。
できたアイスは美味しく食べられるため、お子様にとっては天国のような場所でしょう。
館内ではブルーシールの歴史や当時の時代を学べるヒストリーゾーンや、アイスを作る小さな工場を見学できるミニプラント、-20℃の冷凍庫を体験できるコーナーなども用意されています。
美味しく学べる施設であるため、訪れるのであればお子様と一緒がおすすめです。
そんなブルーシールアイスパークの詳細は、下記の通りとなります。
Basic Information
入場料：1,800円(体験料)
営業時間：9:00～16:00
住所：沖縄県浦添市牧港5-5-6
summary
今回はお子様と一緒に楽しめる沖縄旅行のおすすめツアーやスポットをご紹介させていただきました。
お子様と一緒に多くの体験できるのは、自然や文化を活用した沖縄ならではのものです。
遊びながら学べる環境が整っているため、お子様にとって良い刺激になるでしょう。
沖縄には今回ご紹介させていただいたもの以外のツアーや施設が数多くあるため、事前に詳しく調べておくことをおすすめします。
沖縄旅行は大人だけではなくお子様にとっても良い思い出になる場所であるため、旅行の際は家族全員で楽しめるようにプランを検討していきましょう。
Thank you for taking the time to read this to the end.
