Okinawa Oujima｜Cat Island × Hidden Fishing Village × Must-Try Tempura

Where to go in Okinawa when the beaches are closed in winter? 🌊 Okinawa Oujima｜Cat Island × Hidden Fishing Village × Must-Try Tempura in Okinawa A healing half-day trip to a small fishing village in southern Okinawa is here! If you want to experience the purest and most authentic Okinawan fishing village vibe, "Oujima" is a must-add to your itinerary! This place is free from overdeveloped commercial facilities but offers small beaches, cats, fishing ports, hidden island spots, and Okinawa's most famous tempura shop. It's a small island that instantly relaxes you as soon as you step onto it. --- 📍 Where is Oujima? Located in southern Okinawa, about a 30–40 minute drive from Naha. Drive across a small bridge, and you'll instantly enter a tranquil fishing village world. 🚗 Best way to get there: Self-drive The roads on the island are narrow, so it's recommended to park near the tempura shops. You can enjoy your tempura while strolling around. There's also a small parking lot on the island. --- 🐾 Three Highlights of Oujima --- ① 🐱 Cat Island: Meet the island's furry residents while strolling Oujima is home to many friendly cats. They lazily wander around fishing boats, the harbor, and near the tempura shops, embodying the soul of the island. Whether you're a cat lover or not, you'll surely be melted by their therapeutic charm. --- ② 🐟 Japanese Fishing Village × Local Hidden Gems Unlike touristy spots, Oujima isn't flashy or filled with shops. Because of this, you can witness the most authentic, Japanese-style island daily life. The island is filled with: - Retro wooden houses - Fishermen hanging fishing nets - Coastal hidden spots with trees and shrines - A small bridge with sea breezes and crystal-clear waters Walking around is very relaxing, and every casual photo you take tells a story. --- ③ 🍤 Must-Try Okinawan Tempura on Oujima Oujima is most famous for its super affordable and delicious tempura. 🔥 Top local tempura shops: - Nakamoto Fresh Fish Tempura Shop - Oshiro Tempura Shop Freshly fried, generously portioned, and reasonably priced. Enjoying it while feeling the sea breeze is pure bliss! 👉 Must-try flavors: ✔ Fried Fish ✔ Seaweed Tempura ✔ Squid Ink Tempura ✔ Sweet Potato Honestly, I regretted not ordering two of each because they were so delicious. The freshly fried tempura is bursting with flavor, and even restaurant tempura can't compare. The moment it's fried, it's handed to you hot, and the aroma is irresistible with every bite. --- 🌊 Bonus Highlight: Sunset Hidden Spot During sunset, Oujima transforms as golden sunlight bathes the coast. I followed the locals to the rocky shore and felt like I had entered a different world. The unique Okinawan blue sea, topped with a layer of gold, made me instinctively take more photos. With the sea breeze blowing, I didn't want to leave. --- ⏱ Suggested Itinerary Duration 1.5–3 hours is enough to: - Eat tempura - Stroll around - Take photos - Enjoy the sea view I personally recommend visiting in the afternoon and not planning anything else afterward. Just relax until you head back to your hotel or go for dinner. 📌 Tips - Besides tourists, locals also come to buy tempura, so there might be a queue. - Use the restroom before buying tempura. - Check the tempura shop's business hours. - There are few shops on the island, so bring your own drinking water. - Be gentle when interacting with the cats.