Whether you value practicality or you have a passion for fashion, the right pair of glasses can improve your everyday life, and enhance your whole wardrobe. The Japankuru team has been exploring Japan top to bottom on foot, with routes centered on our favorite JINS eyewear shops, from Shibuya to Kyoto, northern Sapporo to Fukuoka in the south. But this time, we’ve shifted the spotlight to Okinawa with a family road trip. Join us, along with little Mei-chan and her mom and dad, as we discover fun walks around JINS Urasoe PARCO CITY, and driving destinations further afield! Find glasses for the whole family while soaking in the unique Okinawan vibe – from the chicest frames to the most practical lenses.

Get Great Deals on Glasses Shopping in Okinawa

This winter the Japankuru team headed out on a 3-day, 2-night Okinawa road trip adventure, with a perfect blend of luxurious relaxation and excitement for the whole family. Our family vacation plan for Okinawa included a stay at the elegant ORIENTAL HOTEL OKINAWA RESORT & SPA, with plenty of hotel-exclusive activities and chances to play and learn, followed by a scenic road trip along the coast. Highlights included a sampling of local delicacies and attractions on the road – the best parts of any road trip!

But, most importantly, we didn’t have to worry about any unexpected bad weather ruining the trip! Just a 20-minute drive from Naha Airport, San-A Urasoe West Coast PARCO CITY Shopping Mall is a delightful stop on your journey, rain or shine – and it’s the ideal place to shop for Okinawa souvenirs before heading home.

For the first shop on your shopping trip, don’t miss the JINS store on the 3rd floor of PARCO CITY. You’ll find glasses that bring out the best in your beach outfits and your everyday wardrobe, along with discounts for the best deals on Japanese glasses. Add a little flair to your Okinawa looks with some stylish and functional pair of glasses, and make the most of your Okinawa vacation!

San-A Urasoe West Coast PARCO CITY (サンエー浦添西海岸パルコシティ)
3-1-1 Irijima, Urasoe, Okinawa
Hours: 10:00 – 22:00
Official Website (jp)

Enjoy the Wait With a JINS 30min Night Walk

Get your eyes checked, choose your favorite frames, and let the glasses-making process begin: JINS is known for preparing new glasses in as little as 30 minutes after payment! Spend 3,900 or more, and you’ll receive a special “Night Voucher” lens cloth as well – the key to unlocking local fun and exclusive discounts at participating shops and restaurants. Designed to help foreign customers enjoy their time in Japan as much as possible, you can follow a JINS 30min Night Walk route to explore all the fun of PARCO CITY while waiting for your new glasses, and show the exclusive lens cloth at participating stores for discounts and freebies. Unlock an elevated shopping experience in Okinawa!

Note: Certain eyewear options, such as blue light-blocking or photochromic lenses, may take multiple days to deliver if out of stock. Check with staff about glasses assembly times to ensure your purchase will work with your travel schedule.

JINS
3rd Floor (next to MUJI)
Hours: 10:00 – 22:00 (may vary depending on building hours)
Official Page

Let AI Help You Choose the Perfect Pair of Glasses

Overwhelmed by the variety of frames at JINS? Let the JINS BRAIN AI system help! Using big data, this system quickly analyzes frames on your unique face shape and recommends the ones that suit you best, saving you the hassle of going back and forth between a dozen different options, trying to establish which ones really look right on you. Leave more time for enjoying your 30min Night Walk with the family!

Find Function-Packed Frames for the Whole Family

Simple With a Modern Twist: Classic Designs and Sporty Options

If your preferences lead you to understated, timeless designs, the CLASSIC Series from JINS is a must-see. From iconic gold-rimmed glasses to modern acetate frames, this collection has everything you need to express your personal style.

If you prioritize an active lifestyle, we recommend the specialized Sports Fit Series. Featuring hinge-free temples, these glasses fit gently yet securely, minimizing the risk of slipping. The rubber nose pads further enhance the fit, while the wide field of view in each design ensures the frames won’t get in your way. By combining functionality with a sleek, stylish aesthetic, this series has been shaped to fit any athletic setting.

Fashion and Weightless Comfort: Why Choose When You Can Have Both?

Different looks call for matching eyewear, and with the JINS range of fashionable tinted “Color Lenses” you can coordinate your frames with your daily look. Matched with your makeup, or your latest outfit, these lense add an unexpected touch of style to enhance your overall look. For added practicality, you can also choose photochromic lenses, which transition to deeper tones to offer optimal UV protection outdoors while maintaining a stylish edge.

For day-to-day wear outside of formal settings, well-designed lightweight frames are essential to staying comfortable all day long, just like your favorite cozy loungewear. The JINS HOME series is specifically designed for relaxing at home, remaining comfortable for hours thanks to skin-friendly materials like silicone nose-pads that reduce pressure. Whether you’re wearing them for a day of online meetings as you work from home, or just scrolling on your phone while lying on the couch, these frames have a sleek fit that will make them an indispensable part of your day-to-day life.

Okinawa Night Walk Plans: Okinawan Souvenirs & a Coffee Break

Recommendation ① T-SHIRT-YA.COM PARCO CITY Store

T-SHIRT-YA.COM is brimming with Okinawan charm, making it an ideal place to look for gifts and souvenirs. Their extensive selection of t-shirts and tropical island-style shirts features bold designs and unique hand-drawn illustrations. You’ll find motifs like the iconic shisa (guardian lion-dogs), tropical fruit, and other symbols Okinawa’s unique island culture. For Mei-chan, we picked out a floral shirt with dots that reminded us of Okinawa’s enormous whale sharks, a subtle design that fit in perfectly with the Okinawa island vibes while still remaining practical for everyday life back in Tokyo.

Remember – you can show your exclusive JINS lens cloth at checkout for a special discount! Plus, if your total exceeds a certain amount, you can shop tax-free, too.

T-SHIRT-YA.COM
1st Floor
Hours: 10:00 – 22:00
Official Page

Recommendation ② Ueshima Coffee

Is it really an island vacation if you don’t take every opportunity to sit back and relax? After getting some Okinawa souvenir shopping done, we recommend a little break at a cozy Japanese cafe. On the first floor of San-A Urasoe West Coast PARCO CITY, Ueshima Coffee offers aromatic coffee and baked goods, with a stunning view of the coastline through large floor-to-ceiling windows. Relax by the window with a refreshing drink and a sweet treat and enjoy the unique atmosphere, a mix of traditional Japanese coffee shop and island getaway, until you feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the rest of Okinawa.

Before you pay, show the Night Voucher lens cloth from JINS earlier for a 50 yen discount on each drink. A little magic to make your coffee taste even better!

Ueshima Coffee (上島珈琲店)
1st Floor
Hours: 10:00 – 22:00
Official Page

Exclusive Japankuru Discounts for Foreign Shoppers

You can make the most of every moment in Okinawa by checking out all the deals and discounts available with the Night Voucher, leisurely browsing the shops at San-A Urasoe West Coast PARCO CITY, and enjoying the beachy resort atmosphere of the mall. Soon enough, though, it’s time to head back to the third floor to pick up your newly crafted glasses from JINS! If your purchases qualify for tax exemption, don’t forget to visit the designated counter on the first floor to handle the tax refund process before heading out.

Tax Refund Counter
1st Floor, next to the escalator (highlighted on the map)
Hours: 10:00 – 22:00
Official Page

Want the best possible deal on your new glasses? In addition to the standard tax refund discount for foreign shoppers, Japankuru is offering an extra special deal – get another 5% off with our special JINS coupon! You can use the savings to buy even more souvenirs.

Note: The JINS coupon from Japankuru is valid through August 31, 2025. It cannot be combined with other discounts, and can only be used once per transaction at select tax-free JINS stores in Japan. It is not applicable to promotional items, JINS MEME, or accessories. Please show the coupon to staff before making your purchase for confirmation.

From Naha to Nago: Three Family-Friendly Okinawa Road Trip Destinations

After finding the perfect pair of Japanese glasses, it’s time to hit the road for the next leg of your Okinawan adventure! We’ve picked out three must-see attractions along the stretch of roads from Naha Airport all the way up to Nago in the north. Whether you’re planning a quick Okinawa getaway or a leisurely trip exploring every nook and cranny of the islands, these three spots make great anchors for a memorable family road trip.

Explore Naha: Kokusai-dori, Fresh Fries, & Tsuboya Yachimun-dori

Drive up to Kokusai-dori, and the distinct international flair of the area is the first thing to hit you. The neighborhood has been strongly influenced by the American military culture of the nearby base, and the local restaurant scene has particularly embraced steak as a star attraction. Steak House 88 is especially popular, serving up plenty of meat with a strong whiff of nostalgia. The interiors are dressed up with a light sprinkling of American memorabilia, and the menu features a variety of cuts and portion sizes, with meals starting at just 1,000 yen. (And while this might be an American-style restaurant, it’s still in Japan, so no tips required!) Even kids and those with smaller appetites can find the right portion size. Just don’t forget to pair your steak with their signature 88 sauce – it’s the perfect way to jazz up each bite.

If you can still fit anything in your stomach after the hearty meal, take a stroll down Kokusai-dori Street to find countless street food options, including the delightful fresh-fried potato snacks at Calbee+. Their famous “Jaga Pokkuru” snacks are a popular packaged souvenir from Japan, but here on Kokusai-dori, you can enjoy piping-hot fries as well. They make a great snack as you browse the shops, but watch out – Naha’s crafty pigeons can and will try to steal the fries out of unsuspecting hands.

Kokusai-dori Street (国際通り)
Naha, Okinawa
Official Website (jp)

Calbee+ Okinawa Kokusai-dori (沖縄国際通り店)
3-2-2 Makishi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
Hours: 10:00 – 21:00 (fried snacks available until 20:30, or while supplies last)
Official Website (jp)

Keep walking and you’ll come across a quiet enclave that seems far removed from the bustling main Kokusai-dori Street. Turn onto Tsuboya Yachimun Street via Heiwa-dori Street to enter a world of Okinawan-style architecture, lined with pottery shops, art galleries, cafes, and little street food shops, all steeped in local culture. Stroll past the unique island-style buildings, and pop into the many studios belonging to local pottery artists to find beautiful handmade souvenirs. If you have time, you can join a family-friendly pottery workshop to create your own handmade keepsake, too.

Tsuboya Yachimun Street (壺屋やちむん通り)
1-16 Tsuboya, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture

Embrace Nature: Ride with Water Buffalo & Feed Baby Goats at Bios no Oka

Bios no Oka (sometimes called Bios Hill) is an Okinawan theme park within a sprawling natural forest, providing the perfect space for little ones to run, explore, and revel in the joys of nature. This family-friendly destination is designed with activities that bring parents and kids closer to the outdoors, but easily accessible without a hike out into the wilderness. Hop onto a rustic water buffalo cart to enjoy a slow ride at the unhurried pace of a buffalo, soaking up the sounds of Okinawa as you go, or take a cruise on the lake and admire the shimmering waters. Kids will especially love the petting zoo, where they can feed and play with friendly animals like baby goats. In this serene place so close to nature, it feels like time starts to slow down, giving the whole family a chance to connect with each other, and enjoy the natural beauty of Okinawa.

Bios no Oka (ビオスの丘)
961-30 Ishikawa Kadekaru, Uruma, Okinawa
Hours: 9:00 – 17:30 (closed Tuesdays)
Admission: adults 2,200 yen | children (4 years ~ elementary school) 1,100 yen
Official Website (jp)

Experience Okinawa’s Underwater Beauty: Churaumi Aquarium

Just a 30-minute drive from Nago City, the world-renowned Churaumi Aquarium is a must-see for families, especially those with budding scientists and animal lovers. The focal point of the facility is the massive Kuroshio Sea Tank on the second floor, where you can marvel at the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, gliding gracefully alongside majestic manta rays and other marine creatures. The tank is set up to reflect the underwater habitat off the coast of Okinawa, just outside the walls of the aquarium, letting children and adults feel the magic and learn about the ocean’s wonders. It’s a perfect place to inspire curiosity while enjoying the beauty of the marine world.

Churaumi Aquarium (美ら海水族館)
424 Ishikawa, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa
8:30 – 18:30
Admission: adults 2,180 yen | high schoolers 1,440 yen | elementary/middle schoolers 710 yen | children under 6 enter free
Official Website (en)

With unique interactive experiences perfect for immersing local Okinawan culture and expansive spaces made for exploration, these are some of our favorite Okinawa destinations for families with children. Traveling together offers unique challenges, but at these fun spots kids can burn off energy while learning something new, and parents enjoy quality family time in the relaxing island paradise of Okinawa. Put together your own Okinawa road trip with these shopping spots, city streets, and nature-filled destinations, and the whole family will leave Japan with great new glasses, souvenirs, and fond travel memories to last a lifetime.

▶︎ Find more Okinawa recommendations.

^{Original Article in Chinese by Shan Tseng
English Edition by Sophia Appelbaum}