Itoman, a popular fishing town for travelers, offers a chance to experience the simple, old fashioned Okinawan lifestyle and culture.
This article features information useful for long trips to Itoman, which is the southern part of Okinawa.
Staying in Itoman for long-stay trips to Okinawa
A fishing town 25 minutes from Naha Airport
Itoman, a fishing town 25 minutes from Naha Airport by car.
Itoman is easily accessible by car. The town is a 25-minute drive from Naha Airport.
[Itoman is popular among Okinawan tourists | Access from Naha Airport]*On your way to Itoman, you will pass through the city of Tomigusuku, which is famous for the tourist attraction Senaga Island and the outlet mall Ashibina.
There are also many local supermarkets and direct sales stores, so you can get a feel for the local daily life.
Travel to Okinawa for a relaxing stay in the southern part.
Many tourists who prefer to stay in the southern part of Okinawa are anglers, surfers, those who want to master Ryukyu karate, and those who want to experience Okinawan culture.
[Itoman for long trips to Okinawa | Exploring Okinawa](1) Surfer’s paradise!
“Suicide” is a surf spot with good waves all year round.
Many surfers move to the southern part of Okinawa in search of these waves, and devote their days to surfing.
(2) Fishing enthusiasts
Itoman is a well-known fishing town, and there are many fishing spots. Many tourists charter fishing boats here.
(3) Mastering Ryukyu Karate
When you are staying in Okinawa for a long time, you could take a karate class in Okinawa, the birthplace of karate. These hands-on courses only teach you the basics of karate, but you can learn more as you go.
Some tourists visit ever year to enjoy a few days off work. Others stay for a longer period of time from early spring to early fall to make friends with the locals and participate in tug-of-war events, like the Itoman Tug-of-War.
Avoiding Okinawa’s famous “big traffic jam!”
[Itoman for a Long-Term Stay in Okinawa | Commuting Rush]* Please refer to the above illustration. You can take National Route 58, National Route 329 and National Route 330 lines from the central part to the northern part, and you can take National Route 331 line to the southern part.
It’s better to avoid National Routes 58 and 330 during rush hour (7:00-8:30 in the morning and 5:00-7:00 in the evening) because there is always a traffic jam.
Access to Itoman City
When you are staying for a long time, it is a good idea to know about supermarkets and other useful spots for daily life.
[Itoman for long trips to Okinawa | Access to Useful Places](1) Michi-no-Eki Itoman
Michi-ni-Eki Itoman is a convenient roadside station that has the Itoman Farmer’s Market, which sells locally-grown vegetables, and the Fish Center right next door.
*There is also a restaurant “Yakiniku Bannai” where you can eat the original “Junboku island pork” which is highly praised by foreign tourists (only open to individual customers on weekends).
(2) CAINZ Home
This is Cainz Home Center in Itoman. There is also a supermarket next to it, so it is convenient for when you want to cook your own food. There are also beauty salons and other stores, which are helpful for travelers staying for a long time.
(3) Shiozaki City
If you are tired of cooking for yourself on your long-term trip, you can visit the local Okinawa soba and set meal restaurants.
What do you think? This article gave you some useful information on living in Itoman, which is a popular place among long stayers.
When you are here on a long trip, you can stay in Itoman to explore in the southern part of Okinawa and try different hands-on activities such as tofu making, glass making, and other traditional crafts.
Please make friends with the locals and enjoy the traditional Okinawa.
Summary
Access information for Itoman, which is convenient for long trips in Okinawa:
– A straight line along the coast, 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
– On your way to Itoman, you can see Senaga Island and the outlet mall Ashibina.
– The southern part of Okinawa is a mecca for surfing, fishing, and karate.
– How to avoid the famous Okinawan traffic jams
– Michi-no-Eki Itoman, CAINZ, and Shiozaki City are convenient for living.
