While "rental cars" are a classic for Okinawa sightseeing, "cycling" is now attracting attention among travelers with a keen sense of discovery. Especially in Naha city, with its narrow alleys, hilly roads, and hidden gems of restaurants, the agile bicycle is the ultimate mode of transportation.
This time, we will report on the best lunch-time cycling course we explored with our staff member Jojo, starting from e-charity Naha, which proposes "eco-tourism" using refurbished bicycles for environmental conservation!
1. Departing from e-charity Naha!
The weather this day was clear and sunny. With a temperature of 20℃, it was perfect for cycling, requiring only a T-shirt and a light jacket, an ideal condition.
We chose e-charity's rental electric bicycles. Even in Naha, with its many hills, the electric power allowed us to glide along without breaking a sweat. Utilizing refurbished bicycles is a sustainable way to travel, preserving resources. It's the beginning of an eco-friendly journey where our movement doesn't produce carbon dioxide.
2. Enchanting "Sagari-bana" and Historical Gates
Soon after starting, we passed through the Sagari-bana street.
What is Sagari-bana? It is a representative tropical plant of Okinawa, also known as the "phantom flower." Its most distinctive feature is its fleeting nature: it blooms at night and scatters by morning. It emits a sweet, vanilla-like fragrance, and the sight of its fallen flowers floating on the river is enchanting. While you cannot see the flowers during the day, cycling through the tunnel of lush green leaves is a very pleasant experience.
The flower language of Sagari-bana is "good fortune will visit." Please try to find it when you come to Okinawa.
Overwhelmed by the Giant Banyan Tree at Sogenji Temple
Next, we visited Sogenji Temple, the former royal mausoleum of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Although it was destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa and only beautiful stone gates remain, the highlight here is undoubtedly the giant banyan tree. Among Okinawa's temple ruins, Sogenji is my favorite.
Passing through the gate, a colossal tree sits as if covering the sky. Its intricately intertwined aerial roots convey the weight of history that has protected this place over a long period. Legend has it that a spirit called "Kijimuna" resides in banyan trees, and witnessing its sheer size makes it easy to believe this tale. We stopped our bicycles, took a deep breath in the shade, and fully recharged our energy.
3. Okinawa is a "Tuna" Holy Land! To Tomari Iyumachi
"Tomari Iyumachi" near Naha Port is an absolute must-visit spot. When thinking of Okinawan cuisine, "Okinawa soba" and "Goya champuru" often come to mind first, but did you know that "tuna" is actually incredibly famous here?
Why Okinawan Tuna is Delicious
Okinawa boasts one of the highest tuna catches in Japan. Its greatest characteristic is that the tuna caught in nearby waters is sold in markets as "never-frozen 'raw' tuna." Furthermore, during the season when bluefin tuna fishing is allowed (typically from April to June), Okinawa becomes a true tuna paradise! You can enjoy top-quality, fatty "raw bluefin tuna" at prices unbelievably reasonable compared to mainland Japan.
This time, I bought a tuna futomaki overflowing with ingredients at the "Iyumachi Tuna Market." With this in hand, we headed to the seaside.
4. Levee Lunch and Watching an Old Man Fish
We cycled to the seaside levee, where the sea breeze felt refreshing. This levee is usually my fishing spot. We spread out the futomaki we bought earlier at this scenic spot where hardly anyone comes. Isn't this tuna futomaki cheap at 500 yen? This price range is also unique to Okinawa!
Eating tuna while gazing at the blue sky and clear sea, its freshness and chewy texture were exceptional. It truly felt like I was receiving the blessings of Okinawa, a "Blue Zone (region of healthy longevity)."
While eating, an old man was fishing nearby. When I asked, "What did you catch?", there was a splendid black sea bream (Chinu) in his bucket! "Today's a good day," he said with a laugh. These casual interactions with locals are the real pleasure of renting a bicycle, something you can't experience with buses or rental cars.
5. Experiencing Okinawa's "Prayer" and History at Ameku-guu
Next, we headed to Ameku-guu, a prestigious shrine counted among the Ryukyu Hachi-sha (Eight Shrines of Ryukyu), located on a hill overlooking Naha Tomari Port.
The Appeal of Ameku-guu and the Culture of Prayer In Okinawa, there's a unique culture of nature worship centered around "Utaki" that predates the arrival of Buddhism and Shinto. Ameku-guu also has a cave (Gama) beneath its main hall, where traces of ancient beliefs can be seen. Even today, Okinawan people quietly offer prayers at such sacred places, wishing for milestones in life and everyday peace. It's a serene and spiritual atmosphere, distinct from the commercialized splendor of tourist spots. It's a place where you can feel a sense of calm, as if touching the "roots of Okinawa's heart."
The Foreigners' Cemetery is also nearby, allowing visitors to feel the multi-layered history of Naha, a city with a rich international flavor.
6. Blissful Coffee Time at Once a week coffee Garden
After some exercise and settling our stomachs, we cycled uphill to a hidden cafe called "Once a week coffee Garden."
It's a wonderful cafe, established about a year ago, housed in a renovated old building. If the weather is good this season, the outdoor seating is definitely recommended! Spending time at the cafe with a view overlooking the port and a meticulously maintained garden is the best!
I took a breather, enveloped in the aroma of roasting coffee beans wafting through the shop.
・My choice: Hot coffee. A clear flavor where the individuality of the beans is clearly felt.
・Jojo's choice: Seasonal cinnamon roll & latte.
The cinnamon roll was crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. The spicy aroma perfectly matched the sweetness of the milk in the latte. This time, the seasonal cinnamon roll had strawberry sauce, which looked great too!
Why do cafes visited during a cycling trip feel so luxurious?
7. A Surprise on the Way Home! The Secret of Okinawa Zenzai
On our way back to e-charity Naha, we passed by "Fuji-ya," a famous Okinawan shop. There, I shared the secret of "Okinawa Zenzai" with Jojo, who was with me.
"Jojo, do you know? When you order 'zenzai' in Okinawa, you don't get warm mochi, but cold shaved ice!"
Jojo was surprised, exclaiming, "What, it's ice!?" Okinawa zenzai, with fluffy shaved ice topped on sweet, plump adzuki beans, is the perfect reward after a hot day of cycling. Although we only took pictures that day, it's one of Okinawa's highly recommended gourmet treats for summer.
Conclusion: If you want to enjoy Naha with all your senses, rent a bicycle
Safely returned to e-charity Naha. Electric assist bicycles are incredibly powerful and comfortable for getting around Naha City.
・The scenery of small alleys that you would just pass by in a car.
・Stopping to gaze at historical banyan trees and caves.
・Warm conversations with locals.
・An eco-friendly choice to protect Okinawa's beautiful sea with zero emissions.
A trip with an Okinawa rental bicycle is not just a means of transportation; it's a rich activity in itself. Immerse yourself in the city of Naha, healthily and sustainably.
Booking is super easy and convenient on e-charity Naha's website! No license is required and prices are reasonable, so anyone can easily use it. They offer various plans and optional services, not just electric assist bicycles.
For your next trip to Okinawa, instead of renting a car, try getting on a bicycle. You'll discover an "unadorned Okinawa" that isn't in any guidebook, waiting just for you.
