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Historic Caves.
Three caves, three stories — Ryukyu royalty, wartime survival, and the rituals of village life. All before lunch.
A half-day journey through Okinawa's underground, connecting three very different caves and the extraordinary human stories inside them. The morning moves from the glow of ancient stalactites to the quiet weight of wartime memory, to the playful traditions of old village life — then finishes at a local market in Onnason, where lunch is yours to choose.
The day.
- 08:45
Meet & move
Welcome at the meeting point. A short intro to Okinawa's limestone landscape, then we're off.
- 9:25
The cave that saved lives twice
A lit limestone cave in, known locally as Nuchishinuji Gama — the cave where life was preserved. A Ryukyu-era prince once hid here and survived civil war. In 1945, 300 villagers sheltered inside for three months during the Battle of Okinawa, and when the war was over, 302 came out.
- 10:30
The cave where 1,000 souls were saved
A natural, unlit cave in Yomitan where over a thousand terrified villagers hid as U.S. forces landed on 1 April 1945. Two elderly men — both returned from working in Hawaii — stepped forward, spoke to the soldiers, and led everyone out alive.
- 12:00
The cave of dances
A small coastal cave in Onnason used for centuries by villagers rehearsing kumiodori dance before the annual Mura Ashibai festival. Tradition held that the street parade began from this very spot. Quiet, intimate, and unlike anything we've visited that morning.
- 13:00
Wrap-up
Lunchtime — Onnason market
The first cave is the right place to start. It's lit, accessible, and eases you in gently — a proper limestone cave with a 200-metre walkway, glowing stalactites formed over tens of thousands of years, and a history that stretches from Ryukyu royalty to wartime survival. The red and white stalactites in the central chamber are a genuine centrepiece. By the time you leave, the group is warmed up and the morning has a shape to it.
The second cave is something else entirely. No lighting, no boardwalk, no renovations. We bring our own torches, duck inside, and let your eyes adjust. It feels like stepping back in time — raw limestone, low ceilings, the kind of quiet that makes you lower your voice. What happened here in April 1945 is one of the more remarkable stories of the entire Battle of Okinawa, and standing in the dark inside it, you feel the weight of that differently than you would reading it in a museum.
The third is smaller and more personal — a coastal cave used not for refuge, but for rehearsal. Villagers would gather here before the annual festival to practice their dance performances, then set off from this very spot in parade. After the intensity of the second cave, it's a gentle way to surface.
Lunch at the Onnason market rounds the morning off. Real food, local farmers, honest prices. Pick up a bowl of soba, a bag of passion fruit jam, or just a coffee and somewhere to sit. There's no rush.
The practical bits.
- Bilingual local guide (English & Japanese)
- Entry fees for the caves
- Transport between sites throughout the morning
- Lunch and drinks at the Onnason market
- Personal souvenirs and shopping
- Transport to/from your accommodation (available for some locations for private tours)
- Personal travel insurance
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes (essential — cave floors can be uneven or damp)
- Sunscreen and a hat for between stops
- Cash for lunch and souvenirs at the market
- Drinks for along the way
- Difficulty: Moderate. No trekking, swimming, or climbing involved. We will venture into the back of one cave where we will wear helmets and use flash lights.
- This tour runs in all weather — caves are sheltered regardless of conditions outside.
- Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Contact us if you have mobility concerns.
- Group sign up discount available.
Full payment due at booking to secure your dates and reservations.
Full refund if you cancel 48 hours prior
We build small, hand-walked trips and we'd love to take you out.
— The Evertrail crew
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What guests said.
Read all reviews
A few weeks ago I did the 3 day Northern Okinawa tour and it was incredible. The Nago forests are spectacular it felt as if we had been transported into a different ancient time. Century old trees teaming with life and cascading waterfalls this place was really special. The trekking wasn’t too difficult and we were given enough rest stops to sit and take in the beauty. The dinner with Shimura san was well deserved after a long day. Quite the spread of local authentic food all freshly prepared. Zip lining, kayaking through the mangroves, the cliffs at Cape Hedo, an incredible 3 days definitely the highlight to our Japan Trip. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We recently completed the 3-Day 2-Night Northern Okinawa Experience with Evertrail Tours Japan and it was one of the best travel experiences we have had in Japan. This was not a tourist package. It was a genuine adventure into the wild heart of Okinawa and gave us access to places and experiences we would never have found ourselves. From the start, the organisation and hospitality were excellent. We were met at our hotel on the first day by Yumi and taken on our first river trek through beautiful untouched scenery. Due to wet weather, the team proactively offered multiple alternative activities rather than simply cancelling plans. We chose to visit a real Karate dojo where we were introduced to Okinawan Karate training by Karate Master Matsuda-san, who genuinely felt like a real-life Mr Miyagi. It became one of the highlights of the trip. The adventure side of the tour was outstanding. We spent a full day river trekking through jungle landscapes, climbing waterfalls, jumping into crystal-clear pools, and abseiling down waterfalls. The guides balanced safety and excitement perfectly throughout. The accommodation and food were also exceptional. After the trekking day we stayed at a wonderful mountain lodge and enjoyed authentic home-cooked Japanese cuisine using fresh local ingredients. It felt personal and completely unlike a standard hotel experience. Our final day with Aya explored the history of the local caves that sheltered hundreds of people during the war. It added an emotional and deeply human perspective to Okinawa that most visitors never see. Overall, this was a fabulous experience and gave us a genuine connection to the real Okinawa, its nature, history, culture, and people. Highly recommended for anyone wanting something authentic, adventurous, and unforgettable.
My husband and I booked the tour with Things To Do Japan from 3-5 Feb 2026 (culture and coast tour). It was our first time in Okinawa and we were looking to experience Okinawa through the eyes of a local! Aya was our guide and she felt more like a good friend showing us around her beautiful Okinawan island home. Throughout the trip, she shared with us insights and stories not just about Okinawan history and culture, but also about her personal connection to Okinawa (which made the journey all the more personable and memorable! There's a saying that people make the place and we really loved how Aya embodied that with her passion for this island) Beyond exploring various breathtaking local hideaway spots, Aya's sincerity and hospitality made this trip to Okinawa worthwhile! Water boots etc were provided for water activities and we especially loved the spontaneous roadside stop for local fruits! On our last day there, we requested if it would be possible for transport to be arranged to drop us off at the airport and we were glad that Things To Do Japan were able to accommodate this request. Would recommend this company especially if you are tight on time planning your own trip to Okinawa and want a peace of mind Thank you Aya and David for a memorable first trip to Okinawa! <3
