Take the advice from someone who has lived in Okinawa, Japan for over 3 years. These locations were my favorite places to take my clients for their photos! Here are my top 10 photography locations in Okinawa, Japan:
1. Yomitan Gala
This location was one of my favorites! If you’re planning your next session, this is a beautiful scenic place. Yomitan Gala has many different areas such as: corn fields, tons of greenery, a private beach, and a stone walkway that sits right on the ocean. Not only do you get to enjoy the location for what it is, but you will occasionally see people riding horses on the beach here as well.
2. Cape Zanpa Lighthouse
This is one of the very popular locations for photographers to take their clients! Cape Zanpa has a gorgeous lighthouse view with high cliffs that overlook the ocean. If you walk down far enough you’ll enter a beach pathway. Most days you’ll be able to catch the amazing ice cream shop when they’re open!
3. Toguchi Beach
This beach is known for it’s beautiful sunsets! In certain seasons, the ocean water pulls back so much that you can walk out to the beautiful cove and take some gorgeous sunset shots!
4. Mermaid’s Grotto
If you’re a photographer that also loves to scuba dive, this is the place to go! Mermaid’s Grotto is a location that is very popular for photoshoots because of what it has to offer. There are certain seasons that the water rises (like the image below) and it is the most beautiful thing during sunsets.
5. Moon Beach
Moon beach is a hotel that has plenty of areas to take your clients for photos. This hotel reminded me so much of Hawaii because of the way the hotel was built, as well as the views you get from it. This one is very tropical! It also has a infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
6. American Village
American Village is one of the most popular places in Okinawa. It is right along the seawall and it have so many great restaurants and shops to offer.
7. Hotel Nikko Alivila
This hotel quickly became one of my favorite locations when starting out my business! Hotel Nikko Alivila offered a Spanish vibe that was so rare to see in Okinawa. Not only was the outside gorgeous because of the staircase and architecture, but the lobby was the most beautiful part.
8. Botanical Gardens
This location was the most convenient for me since it was only 7 minutes outside of our base gate. Yes, you heard that right. 7 minutes! I used and abused this gorgeous location, and every time I had a session here, it would never disappoint. Majority of the time my clients would recommend this place because it was so unique with tons of greenery. The tall green trees gave photos life!
9. Downtown Naha
Unfortunately, I do not have any professional photos taken at this location. Downtown Naha has some very unique areas for photos, especially solo portraits or an urban couples session. Enjoy some of the awesome unique food trucks they have to offer while you’re there!
10. Walk the neighborhoods near Toguchi Beach
For this session, I wanted something different. I used Toguchi beach a ton of times for clients and I have always drove past the neighborhood. One day I noticed that the neighborhood would be a great location for this birthday session. We walked around and found some cool/unique areas for her session and she loved the outcome. Park in the Toguchi parking lot and take a stroll around the area!
