Reader’s Question:

Family Trip to Okinawa

Travel Plans

We are going on our first family trip to Okinawa with our 3-year-old and 0-year-old children! We plan to stay at the Renaissance Resort Okinawa.

Dinner Options

We would like to have
dinner outside, but when searching for nearby dining options, it seems that only Okinawan cuisine, izakayas, and trendy cafes come up. Since it looks like there aren’t many options that our children can eat, we are considering chain restaurants as well, even though we’re in Okinawa.

Suggestions Needed

If you know of any kid-friendly conveyor belt sushi chains, food courts, or family restaurants within about a 30-minute drive, please let us know. Thank you!

Family Adventure in Okinawa: Finding Kid-Friendly Dining Options

Okinawa—ah, what a beautiful gem of an island! This was our first family trip with our little ones, and let me tell you, it was an unforgettable experience. I mean, how could it not be with those stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and, of course, the warm sun kissing our skin? We stayed at the Renaissance Resort Okinawa, which was nothing short of a paradise for families. But let’s be real, traveling with a three-year-old and a 0-year-old can be a bit of a juggling act, especially when it comes to figuring out where to eat. Spoiler alert: we found some fantastic options!

Child-Friendly Dining: A Family’s Quest

When we first arrived, I was all pumped up to dive into Okinawan cuisine. I could almost taste the Okinawa soba and the famous taco rice in my dreams. However, as I began searching for dinner options, I quickly realized that many of the local restaurants tend to focus on authentic Okinawan dishes, izakayas, and those cute little trendy cafes that are all the rage. Don’t get me wrong; I love a good izakaya, but I wasn’t sure how well our little ones would fare with the menu. My three-year-old is a picky eater—food must be a certain color, shape, and texture, or it’s a hard pass. Meanwhile, our baby was still trying to figure out solid food! So, here I was, scrolling through dining options while my kids were happily splashing around in the resort’s pool, when the idea popped into my head: “What about chain restaurants?” I know, I know—who wants to eat at a chain when you’re in a beautiful place like Okinawa? But sometimes, practicality wins, especially when you want to keep the kids happy and fed!

Searching for Sushi: Conveyor Belt Delights

One of our first finds was a conveyor belt sushi restaurant called “Sushiro.” Oh my goodness, it was like the heavens opened up! Conveyor belt sushi is a godsend for families. You can literally take your time, and it’s all about the fun of picking out what catches your eye. For our three-year-old, it was like a game—“Ooh, what’s that? Can I have that one?” And for the baby, well, we just picked some soft, easy-to-eat items and let the little one explore new flavors. Sushiro is not just kid-friendly but also wallet-friendly—it’s pretty affordable too! The sushi is fresh, and there’s a variety of options, from classic nigiri to rolls that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. The best part? If you want to order something specific, you can just use the tablet at your table. Super convenient when you’re trying to wrangle two kids while also trying to maintain your own sanity.

Food Courts: A Culinary Adventure in One Place

Another hidden gem we stumbled upon was a local food court. I know, I know, food courts might not sound glamorous, but hear me out! This one had everything from ramen shops to Hawaiian poke bowls, and yes, even a McDonald’s (which we sadly avoided because of the allure of local flavors). The beauty of a food court is that everyone can choose what they want. My husband went for a steaming bowl of ramen, while I couldn’t resist the allure of some fresh sashimi. The kids? Well, they enjoyed some fried chicken and sweet potato fries. It was a win-win situation! I loved how this food court gave us the chance to try a little bit of everything. Plus, it felt super casual, which is perfect when you have kids in tow. No one cares if you’re munching on sushi while your toddler is painting the table with rice. We even found a little play area where they could burn off some energy before we headed back to the hotel. Talk about a parenting win!

Family Restaurants: The Comfort of Familiarity

Now, if you’re looking for something a bit more familiar, family restaurants like “Saizeriya” or “Gusto” are popular in Japan and have made their way to Okinawa too. They have a variety of Western-style dishes that can cater to even the pickiest little eaters. We decided to give Saizeriya a shot one night after a long day of beach fun. The menu is extensive, with everything from pasta to pizza to rice dishes. I was pleasantly surprised by how tasty the food was, and the kids devoured the cheesy pizza while laughing over the colorful decor. What I loved most about these places was the casual atmosphere. No one gives you the side-eye if your toddler decides to throw a tantrum (trust me, it happens), and there’s generally a high chair available, which is a blessing when dining out with a baby. Plus, they often offer some great deals, and you can order dessert for a sweet treat after dinner.

Local Eats with a Kid-Friendly Twist

As much as I love chain restaurants, I also wanted to make sure we indulged in some local flavors. We stumbled upon a small, family-run restaurant that served Okinawan-style pancakes. They had a kid’s menu that included a simple, fluffy pancake with a side of fruit—which was a hit with the kids! Somehow, this little place managed to combine traditional Okinawan hospitality with a laid-back vibe perfect for families. The waitress was so sweet; she even brought out some plastic toys for my kids to play with while we waited for our food. All I could think was, “Why can’t every restaurant be like this?” The pancakes were thick, soft, and oh-so-delicious. I’m not sure if it was the food itself or the atmosphere, but it felt so special to dine there.

Final Thoughts: Dining in Okinawa with Kids

So there you have it—our culinary journey through Okinawa with our little ones. It might not have been all fancy izakayas and high-end sushi bars, but we found plenty of kid-friendly options that made our trip enjoyable. The beauty of traveling is learning to adapt and embrace the unexpected, and that’s exactly what we did. If you’re planning a family trip to Okinawa, don’t stress too much about dining. There are definitely places that cater to families, and sometimes, the most memorable meals come from unexpected finds. Whether it’s conveyor belt sushi, food courts, or family restaurants, you can create wonderful memories around the dinner table, no matter where you eat. So pack your bags, grab the kiddos, and get ready for an adventure! Okinawa is waiting, and your taste buds will thank you for the journey. Happy travels!