Okinawa has been known as a popular destination thanks to its tropical climate, beautiful beaches and rich marine life. However, there’s hesitation when I considered venturing into this lovely Japanese prefecture. Due to limited transportation access to attractions, driving is the most preferable means of navigation in Okinawa. However, I don’t have a driving license (you don’t really need a car in Hong Kong), and it horrified me to waste my time on public transportation. Fortunately, we came across Jumbo Tours on Klook that offers a range of day trips covering different popular tourist spots.

Before doing my research, the only attraction in Okinawa that I was aware of was Churaumi Aquarium. Have you seen the photo of a giant whale shark swimming elegantly in the background and silhouettes of people at the front? It’s captivating. Jumbo Tours operates six Hip Hop Bus Tour, and we picked A Course which covers the famous aquarium, Nago Pineapple Park, Kouri Island, and Cape Manzamo. The tour is convenient and reasonably priced, only cost around US$50 per person including all the entrance tickets.

Featuring a cart ride that takes you around the pineapple fields, Nago Pineapple Park is for sure a kid’s favorite. Mums and dads can buy a handful of pineapple products in the souvenir shop or sample various pineapple-flavored alcoholic beverages before relaxing on Kouri beach. Though the time we spent on Kouri Island was not enough for us to get a tan, we still managed to take in and take a few pictures of the Kourio Bridge and the turquoise water. Then it came to the highlight of the trip: Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. Located within the Ocean Expo Park, the aquarium contains four floors showcasing a wide variety of tropical fish, coral, sharks, and deep-sea creatures. If time allows, enjoy your lunch at the ground floor restaurant while whale sharks and manta rays swim past.

Before heading back to Naha city, we were whisked to Cape Manzamo – an interesting rock formation that looks like an elephant trunk – in time for a beautiful sunset. It’d be a romantic way to wind down the day if there’re fewer visitors nearby.

As the schedule of the Hip Hop bus tour is jam-packed, it may not be suitable for those who intend to relax and enjoy the city slowly. But if you’re a first-time without much planning, this tour is definitely a good deal.