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In 2024, my family and I embarked on an unforgettable adventure to the land of the rising sun—Japan! As one of my favourite countries in the world, I couldn’t wait to share its beauty with my husband and our daughter. Japan is full of culture, excitement, and unique experiences that can captivate any traveller. For me, this trip was particularly special as I had the chance to reconnect with my exchange student from high school after 10 years apart, and we even met up at Tokyo Disney with her little one.

Our then 18-month-old daughter did so well during our trip, and I was amazed at how quickly she picked up a few words of Japanese. She started saying “arigato” when we left shops, and would even smile and reply with “kawaii” when other girls called her cute. It was heartwarming to witness her embracing a new culture so naturally.

After exploring mainland Japan, we decided to venture further south to a destination I’d never visited before—Okinawa. We rented a car through Avis, which also provided a car seat, and set off on our journey. The first thing that struck me as we drove through the countryside was how different the architecture was from mainland Japan. The buildings are mostly made from concrete-like materials and painted in shades of grey or soft pastels. Along the roads, you’ll also notice family tombs tucked into the mountainsides—these are places where families can visit their ancestors, a beautiful reminder of Okinawa’s deep cultural roots.

Our base on the island was the Rizzan Sea-Park Resort in Tancha Bay, a perfect spot for families who love outdoor activities like snorkelling and scuba diving. Most resorts in the area can arrange tours directly from their properties, making it incredibly convenient for guests. We visited some snorkelling spots off the beach, like Gorilla Chop—a serene bay just 40 minutes from Tancha Bay. If you’re planning a family trip, this area is ideal as it offers stunning views and direct access to marine life from the jetty or swimming out to the reef off the beach.

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The Rizzan Sea-Park Hotel was a fantastic place to stay. The staff was incredibly warm and friendly, especially towards our daughter, and she received so much love and attention. The resort itself is vast, offering a variety of very good dining options. One of our favourites was the BBQ buffet on the beach, where we got to grill our own meats and vegetables right at our table, an experience that felt so interactive and fun. We used our hotel credit to explore the different restaurants within the resort, and it was so convenient to enjoy delicious meals without having to venture far. Every night, the resort hosted cultural performances, including traditional dances and drumming, which not only entertained us but also sparked a deeper interest in Okinawa’s ancient history. Okinawa is home to the Ryukyuans, the island’s indigenous people, who, although not officially recognized by the Japanese government, are deeply proud of their heritage.

One of the standout attractions, especially for families, is the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. This massive aquarium is home to an array of marine life, including the majestic manta rays and a giant whale shark in a vast tank. It’s a great way to introduce younger children to the wonders of the ocean—my daughter, being too young to snorkel, was mesmerized by the creatures swimming right in front of us. The aquarium also has a fantastic restaurant with a kids’ menu and a view directly into the massive tank, so you can watch the rays glide by as you enjoy a meal. Afterward, we visited a nearby street food market, where we indulged in a variety of cuisines—an excellent way to end a day of ocean exploration.

As our time in Okinawa came to an end, we made our way to Naha for a final night at the Sanrio Character hotel before flying home. Naha, the capital city of Okinawa, has a lively atmosphere that blends both modern and traditional Okinawan culture. While we didn’t encounter many Western tourists in Tancha Bay, Naha felt more cosmopolitan, with a noticeable mix of locals and international visitors. One thing I’ve always found interesting about Japan is that it’s still a predominantly cash-based society. On our last day, I stopped by a grocery store in Naha to pick up some local snacks for the flight home, only to realize I had run out of cash. When I went to pay with my card, I was politely directed to the ATM to withdraw cash. It’s a small detail, but one that always reminds me of how different Japan is in certain respects. Even stores the size of a Coles in the middle of a city only accepted cash—no cards or Suica cards, which are usually convenient on the mainland.

Okinawa & Japan: A Family-Friendly Destination

What truly stood out to me throughout our journey was how Okinawa, and Japan in general, is such a wonderful place for families, especially those traveling with young children. The country offers an abundance of child-friendly activities, from aquariums and theme parks to accessible resorts with amenities tailored to families. Okinawa, in particular, was a fantastic destination for us, blending natural beauty with a rich cultural experience. We never once felt overwhelmed or out of place with our little one, and she, in turn, adored the new sights, sounds, and people she encountered along the way.

Japan and Okinawa will always hold a special place in my heart. I can’t wait to return with my family in the future and continue exploring everything these incredible destinations have to offer. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, Japan’s hospitality, rich culture, and family-friendly atmosphere make it an exceptional choice for a vacation with loved ones.