On our Okinawa trip,
we visited Senagajima Umikaji Terrace for the first time.
Since we do not drive,
we booked an optional tour through VELTRA
that took us to Umikaji Terrace by open-top bus.
After visiting Umikaji Terrace,
the tour also included a meal at Sam's Restaurant near Kokusai Street.
The tour we joined was:
Open-Top Bus Tour with a Choice of Three Courses and a Meal at Sam's Restaurant / Umikaji Terrace Course
This exact tour has since ended,
but it was a very convenient and good-value way for us to visit without renting a car.
VELTRA currently offers similar sightseeing tours,
including open-top bus tours departing from Naha.
If you prefer sightseeing without driving,
this type of tour can be a convenient option.
▶ Check current Okinawa tours and availability on VELTRA
Getting to Senagajima Umikaji Terrace by Open-Top Bus
This is the open-top bus we took to Senagajima Umikaji Terrace.
Our meeting point was near the Okinawa Prefectural Government Office in Naha.
Driving is certainly one way to reach Umikaji Terrace,
but an open-top bus is especially convenient for
travelers who do not drive,
do not want the stress of driving,
or simply prefer to leave the transportation to someone else.
The weather was comfortable during our trip,
and the breeze on the open-top bus felt wonderful.
Even though it was an open-air ride,
the wind was not so strong that our hair became completely messy.
A guide also accompanied the tour
and shared information about Okinawa along the way.
Seats were assigned on our tour,
and there were also many visitors from overseas.
For older travelers who would rather avoid driving,
we found the bus a comfortable way to explore.
Tropical Drinks at nalco
Our first stop was nalco for a drink.
Our optional tour included food and drink vouchers
that could be used at nalco and de:.
This was one of the special benefits included with the tour we booked at the time.
Looking out over the beautiful ocean,
we enjoyed a tropical smoothie
and lemon soda.
It was such a relaxing moment♡
The drinks were also delicious.
The menu included flavors featuring Okinawan ingredients
such as shikuwasa citrus
and purple sweet potato.
See the location and details for nalco
The shop is located farther inside Umikaji Terrace,
so we found it efficient to walk toward the far end first
and then gradually make our way back toward the entrance.
▶ Check current Okinawa tours and availability on VELTRA
Colorful Sata Andagi at de:
Next,
we visited a shop called de:.
It specializes in colorful bite-sized sata andagi,
a traditional Okinawan deep-fried sweet.
When we had visited Ishigaki Island,
Onna Village,
and other parts of Okinawa,
we had mostly seen much larger versions.
So we were surprised to find
such cute and stylish mini sata andagi.
They were colorful and adorable.
Because each piece was small,
they were easier to eat than a large fried sweet
and may also appeal to people who do not usually enjoy very rich or sugary foods.
They would also make a cute Okinawan souvenir.
We were able to enjoy them using the voucher included with our tour, which made the experience feel like great value.
See the location and details for de:
Umikaji Terrace Is Full of Instagram-Worthy Photo Spots
Umikaji Terrace is filled with colorful,
stylish shops
and plenty of places to take photos.
The white buildings,
blue ocean,
and tropical atmosphere
almost make you feel as if you have traveled somewhere outside Japan.
There were lots of colorful flags,
which made the area feel especially cheerful♡
We also found cute illustrations painted on the walls.
Umikaji Terrace itself is very photogenic,
but there are many smaller photo spots scattered throughout the complex as well.
We even met a cat living around Umikaji Terrace.
It looked a little wild,
but seemed completely comfortable around people
and confidently stayed right where it was.
Another unexpected photo opportunity♡
▶ Check current Okinawa tours and availability on VELTRA
Senagajima, the “Island of Love”
Senagajima is also associated with romantic legends
and has several love-themed spots.
Visitors can write wishes on ema,
small wooden prayer plaques commonly found at shrines and other places in Japan.
Mamarin joked that romance was no longer on her agenda,
but plenty of younger visitors were writing wishes during our visit.
There are also other romantic photo spots,
including love-themed monuments,
a “Love Terrace,”
and Shadow Heart.
If that sounds fun,
it is worth taking a look while you are there.
See more about the love-themed spots at Senagajima Umikaji Terrace
Don't Miss the Sunset at Umikaji Terrace
One of the highlights of Umikaji Terrace
is the beautiful sunset.
With very little blocking the ocean view,
you can watch the sun slowly disappear over the horizon.
Enjoying a drink while watching the sunset
felt wonderfully luxurious.
We sat on a bench near the love-themed ema area
and watched the sunset.
Our VELTRA tour only gave us about 50 minutes at Umikaji Terrace,
and we found that quite rushed.
Next time,
we would like to stay for around two hours.
There are many restaurants here as well,
so we would love to return,
sit down for a meal,
and enjoy the ocean view at a slower pace.
If you are visiting Okinawa,
we definitely recommend adding Senagajima Umikaji Terrace to your itinerary.
It is especially attractive for travelers who enjoy
ocean views,
cafes,
shopping,
photography,
and sunsets.
▶ Check current Okinawa tours and availability on VELTRA
