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Three unmissable spots that define Okinawa.
Picked for you — the three essential sights!
・Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: Be awed by the giant tank where whale sharks glide serenely — a window into Okinawa’s stunning sea world.
・Shurijo Castle Park: The vermilion symbol of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Witness its ongoing “restoration in progress.”
・Kokusai-dori (International Street): Naha’s main strip known as the “Miracle Mile” — food, souvenirs, and culture all in one place.
A massive tank with whale sharks — the highlight of many Okinawa trips.
Blue, vast, and beautiful — a moving ocean world!
Located inside Ocean Expo Park in northern Okinawa, this is one of the largest aquariums in the world, faithfully recreating Okinawa’s mystical seas.
The star is the giant “Kuroshio Sea” tank where whale sharks and manta rays cruise past a towering acrylic panel.
Its scale and beauty captivate visitors — time simply slips away.
◆ Highlights: From the “Aqua Room,” look up at the tank from below — it feels like strolling under the sea.
◆ Trivia: The dolphin shows at the outdoor “Okichan Theater” are free to watch.
◆ Access: Around 2 hours by car from Naha Airport. Highway buses are convenient.
The symbol of Okinawa that conveys the splendor of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Witness the present of a vermilion castle on its path to restoration.
Once the political and cultural heart of the Ryukyu Kingdom, the castle features a unique architectural style blending Chinese and Japanese influences.
After the 2019 fire, restoration is underway with a commitment to “visible reconstruction.”
Sites like Shureimon and Sonohyan-utaki Ishimon (both World Heritage) remain visitable.
◆ Highlights: The newly restored dragon pillars and the view from Higashi-no-Azana lookout are must-sees.
◆ Trivia: “Shurei no Kuni” (Land of Propriety) on Shureimon proclaims Ryukyu’s dedication to courtesy.
◆ Access: About 15 minutes on foot from “Shuri” Station (Yui Rail).
Naha’s liveliest main street — the famed “Miracle Mile.”
Souvenirs, food, culture — Okinawa comes together here!
Spanning about 1.6 km from the Prefectural Office North Entrance intersection to Asato, this street surged from postwar ruins to bustling hub, earning its “Miracle Mile” nickname.
Lined with Okinawan restaurants, souvenir stores, and department stores, it’s lively all day long.
Slip into the back alleys to find old-style markets and unique shops — just wandering is fun.
◆ Highlights: Sunday afternoons turn pedestrian-only, with Eisa drumming and other performances.
◆ Trivia: The Don Quijote store offers a huge range of souvenirs and is popular with locals and tourists alike.
◆ Access: Near “Kenchomae” and “Makishi” Stations (Yui Rail).
A scenic drive atop an emerald-green sea.
It feels like flying over the ocean!
The 1,960 m bridge links Yagaji Island with Kouri Island — a “love island” with Adam & Eve legends.
Gorgeous emerald waters flank both sides of the bridge.
On Kouri Island, find the heart-shaped “Heart Rock” beach, beautiful shores, and stylish cafes.
◆ Highlights: Park at the base and stroll onto the bridge for pictures.
◆ Trivia: Kouri is said to be the birthplace of humankind in Ryukyuan mythology.
◆ Access: About 1.5 hours by car from Naha Airport.
A dramatic cape on the East China Sea, famed for its elephant trunk-shaped rock.
A scenic spot once praised by the Ryukyu king.
Named when King Sho Kei admired it as a “field wide enough to seat 10,000 people.” Waves crash against uplifted coral cliffs in powerful scenes.
The cape top is a natural lawn — a breezy open space.
Sunset paints the sky and sea orange — a moving sight.
◆ Highlights: The elephant trunk-like rock is the iconic photo stop.
◆ Trivia: A new visitor facility with shops and a food court opened in 2020.
◆ Access: About 50 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
West Coast vibes in a colorful seaside entertainment town.
Shopping, dining, sunsets — everything in one walkable place.
Built on former U.S. base land, this vast seaside area has a resort-like feel with colorful buildings.
Vintage shops, import stores, restaurants, cafes, and a cinema draw crowds day and night.
Sunsets from the adjacent Sunset Beach are famous for their beauty.
◆ Highlights: At night the town lights up — the giant Ferris wheel sets a romantic mood.
◆ Trivia: The area is flat (an old airfield), making it easy to stroll widely.
◆ Access: About 50 minutes by bus from Naha Bus Terminal.
One of the Yaeyama Islands’ iconic views — selected among Japan’s 100 Landscapes.
Michelin 3 stars — a blue that leaves you speechless.
Often called Ishigaki’s most beautiful coastal view, Kabira Bay earned 3 stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.
The sea shifts from emerald to sapphire depending on time and weather — a must-see spectacle.
Nine uninhabited islets dot the bay, shaping the scenery.
◆ Highlights: Swimming is prohibited due to strong currents. Take a glass-bottom boat to admire corals and tropical fish.
◆ Trivia: Kabira is known as the first place in the world to cultivate black-lipped pearls (black pearls).
◆ Access: About 25 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport.
Green tunnels and dappled light — a soothing slice of old Okinawa.
Slow down and feel “Uchina time.”
Near Churaumi Aquarium lies a traditional village where ~20,000 fukugi trees were planted as windbreaks to protect homes from typhoons.
Walk the green tunnels — light sparkles through leaves and the world turns tranquil.
◆ Highlights: The lanes open to a coast with views of Ie Island.
◆ Trivia: Fukugi is said to be a “tree that invites good fortune.”
◆ Access: About 5 minutes by car from Churaumi Aquarium; rental bikes are great for exploring.
A theme park where you can experience old Okinawan life and culture.
See it, taste it, try it — rediscover Okinawa!
Historic houses (80+ years old) relocated from across the prefecture recreate a traditional village.
Try sanshin lessons, painting shisa statues, or making sata andagi — lots of cultural workshops await.
The traditional Eisa show thunders with drums — a powerful performance.
◆ Highlights: Several houses are Registered Tangible Cultural Properties — you can step inside.
◆ Trivia: Watch the water buffalo slowly turn the sugarcane press — a quintessential Okinawan scene.
◆ Access: About 60 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
“Okinawa’s kitchen” — a lively market beloved for over 70 years.
Colorful fish and pig faces — Okinawan food culture in one place!
Born from a postwar black market, the market has been the city’s pantry for decades. It was renewed in 2023.
The first floor brims with tropical fish, pig face skin (chiragaa), island vegetables — ingredients unique to Okinawa.
Chat with the obaa-sans (aunties) and browse — it’s a joy just to look.
◆ Highlights: Buy seafood or meat on the first floor and have it cooked upstairs — the popular “bring-up” system.
◆ Trivia: Okinawans say they eat every part of the pig “except the oink.”
◆ Access: Just off Kokusai-dori via Ichiba Chuo-dori arcade.
The Ryukyu Kingdom’s most sacred site and a World Cultural Heritage location.
A prayer space created by the deity Amamikiyo.
Believed to have been created by the creator goddess Amamikiyo, Sefa-utaki is the highest-ranking sacred site in Okinawa and part of the “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.”
Once men were forbidden; even the king is said to have donned women’s attire to worship here.
Dense forest, rocks, and springs are all objects of worship.
◆ Highlights: Through the twin boulders of “Sangui,” you can see Kudaka Island — the island of the gods.
◆ Trivia: This is a place of prayer. Dress modestly and keep quiet out of respect.
◆ Access: About 70 minutes by bus from Naha Bus Terminal (“Sefa-utaki Iriguchi” stop).
A theme park that condenses Okinawa’s nature, culture, and history.
One of Japan’s largest limestone caves and a dynamic Eisa performance!
This large-scale theme park showcases Okinawa’s appeal. The star, Gyokusendo, is a ~5 km limestone cave formed over 300,000 years.
In the recreated “Ryukyu Kingdom Castle Town” of century-old houses, try traditional crafts.
The powerful “Super Eisa” show and the habu (pit viper) museum (show now non-theatrical) are popular.
◆ Highlights: The blue-lit “Blue Fountain” inside Gyokusendo is especially mystical.
◆ Trivia: The on-site Habu Museum Park delves into everything about the habu — a little scary but fascinating.
◆ Access: About 30 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
Seat of the Northern Kingdom before Ryukyu’s unification — known for graceful stone walls.
Cherry blossoms, curving ramparts, and blue sea — a striking contrast.
In the 14th century (Three Kingdoms period: Hokuzan/Chuzan/Nanzan), Nakijin was home to the Hokuzan kings. It’s a World Heritage site within the Ryukyu Gusuku group.
Built atop a ~100 m hill, its long, winding walls evoke a miniature Great Wall.
◆ Highlights: From late Jan to Feb, it’s a prime spot for Japan’s earliest cherry blossoms (kanhizakura).
◆ Trivia: The “Shukaku” inner enclosure remains a sacred place of prayer.
◆ Access: About 1 hr 40 min by car from Naha Airport.
A primeval forest formed by the collapse of ancient limestone caves.
Guided tours through subtropical forest and the mysteries of life.
A mystical valley formed from cave collapse; access is by guided tour (reservation required).
Deep inside, a cave enshrines stalactites “Ikiga” and “Inagu,” said to bless childbearing and safe delivery.
The ~80-minute tour visits prehistoric dwellings and giant banyan trees.
◆ Highlights: The 20 m-tall, 150+ year-old “Ufushu” banyan pulses with life.
◆ Trivia: The entrance “Cave Cafe” is literally inside a limestone cavern — a unique stop.
◆ Access: Opposite Okinawa World; ~30 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
Among Okinawa’s oldest gusuku — don’t miss the elegant stone curves.
From the hilltop, a 360° panoramic view.
Prosperous in overseas trade, it was the seat of the powerful lord Amawari, who resisted unification to the end. It’s also World Heritage.
Perched ~100 m high, the summit overlooks both the Pacific and East China Sea.
◆ Highlights: The highest bailey “Ichinokuruwa” offers a sky-high view.
◆ Trivia: Free admission — stroll world-heritage walls at leisure.
◆ Access: ~60 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
Built by master castle builder Gosamaru — famed for its beautiful curves.
One of the few World Heritage sites where you can walk atop the walls.
Constructed in the early 15th century by the renowned Gosamaru, Zakimi is noted for superb masonry among Okinawan gusuku.
You can freely walk the walls — rare among World Heritage castles.
◆ Highlights: The arched stone gate uses a local wedge technique for strength.
◆ Trivia: Free entry — also a noted sunset spot.
◆ Access: ~70 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
Old Okinawa preserved — red-tiled roofs, coral walls, and sandy lanes.
Sway to the sanshin and enjoy island time.
Just ~10 minutes by high-speed ferry from Ishigaki, this village preserves classic red-tiled houses, coral walls, and white-sand lanes.
The must-do is touring by water buffalo cart — listen to sanshin as your guide shares stories.
◆ Highlights: At Kaiji Beach (“Star Sand Beach”), search for star-shaped foraminifera grains.
◆ Trivia: Water buffalo are clever — they know their names and each has a distinct personality.
◆ Access: ~10–15 minutes by boat from Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal.
A cape between the Pacific and East China Sea — a Miyakojima icon.
Chosen among Japan’s “100 Urban Parks” for its beauty.
A slender ~2 km cape stretching from Miyakojima’s southeast tip, designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty.
Climb the lighthouse for a 360° panorama — you’ll feel the Earth is round.
◆ Highlights: In spring, some 100,000 lily blooms turn the cape into a white carpet.
◆ Trivia: From parking it’s about a 10-minute walk to the lighthouse; there’s little shade — bring a hat.
◆ Access: ~35 minutes by car from Miyako Airport.
Japan’s only place for duty-free luxury shopping without a passport.
Score brand items tax- and duty-free within Japan.
Anyone departing Okinawa for elsewhere in Japan can purchase luxury goods without consumption tax or import duties.
Over 150 top brands span fashion, cosmetics, watches, and jewelry.
Purchases are collected at the airport — shop hands-free.
◆ Highlights: Okinawa-limited cosmetics and sweets make great gifts.
◆ Trivia: A rental car counter is on site — handy for the start or end of your trip.
◆ Access: Directly connected to “Omoromachi” Station (Yui Rail).
Final battlefield of the Battle of Okinawa — a place to learn the value of peace.
Before a blue sea, pray for everlasting peace.
On Mabuni Hill where the battle ended, the “Cornerstone of Peace” inscribes the names of all war dead regardless of nationality or status.
The nearby Himeyuri Monument and Museum tell the story of girl students mobilized to an army hospital.
◆ Highlights: The quiet sea beyond the Cornerstone contrasts poignantly with the loss memorialized here.
◆ Trivia: The “Flame of Peace” is kindled from Hiroshima’s and Nagasaki’s flames.
◆ Access: About 40 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
Vibrant glass that reflects Okinawa’s sun and sea — make your own piece.
Create a one-and-only glass with artisans’ guidance.
One of Okinawa’s largest glass studios — watch artisans’ deft work up close.
Born from recycled bottles after the war, Ryukyu glass has a charming heft and bubbles.
◆ Highlights: The hands-on glass-blowing experience is most popular and beginner-friendly.
◆ Trivia: Postwar, colored soda bottles from U.S. forces were reborn as Ryukyu glass.
◆ Access: About 25 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
A pineapple paradise — a tropical fruit theme park.
Ride the automatic Pineapple Cart through a subtropical jungle!
Explore pineapple fields, colorful flowers, and lush forests aboard a self-driving cart — a family favorite in northern Okinawa.
Sample pineapple wine, juices, and sweets aplenty — your basket may fill fast.
◆ Highlights: Fresh pineapple and the giant “Big Pineapple Parfait” are must-tries.
◆ Trivia: The park’s mascot “Papimaru” dreams of becoming the pineapple king.
◆ Access: ~70 minutes by car from Naha Airport (via expressway).
Go undersea in regular clothes — easily experience Okinawa’s marine life.
A Ryugu (Dragon Palace)-like world of colorful fish.
Reach the only underwater observatory on Okinawa’s main island via a pier from Cape Busena.
Descend a spiral staircase to view 360° through 24 windows into the natural sea with tropical fish.
Also ride a whale-shaped glass-bottom boat to see corals and fish from above.
◆ Highlights: You may spot popular clownfish (“Nemo”) from the observatory windows.
◆ Trivia: Adjacent to The Busena Terrace — venue of the 2000 Kyushu-Okinawa G8 Summit.
◆ Access: ~75 minutes by car from Naha Airport (expressway).
Bold cliffs up to 30 m line the East China Sea.
Striking contrast of a white lighthouse and rugged cliffs.
Known as the last place on the main island where the sun sets, this scenic cape has ~2 km of uplifted coral cliffs.
The ~31 m white lighthouse is the tallest climbable one in Okinawa.
◆ Highlights: On clear days, enjoy 360° panoramas reaching the Kerama Islands.
◆ Trivia: A ~7 m-tall shisa statue at the entrance is a popular photo spot.
◆ Access: ~70 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
An atmospheric slope of Ryukyuan limestone that preserves the old capital’s feel.
A familiar filming location for Okinawan historical dramas.
About 300 m of limestone paving continues from Shurijo toward the ancient port on the Kokuba River — once a main artery.
Surviving the war’s fires, it conveys the Ryukyu era’s townscape and is among the “100 Best Roads of Japan.”
◆ Highlights: The 200+ year-old “Great Akagi” tree along the slope is a revered power spot.
◆ Trivia: Limestone gets slippery when wet — wear sneakers.
◆ Access: Just by Shurijo Castle Park.
“Eastern Asia’s most beautiful” — a sandbar ringed by emerald sea.
Just sand, sea, and sky — that’s it.
A collective name for three sandbars stretching about 7 km offshore from Kumejima — a pure white beach with crystal-clear water.
Nothing around, only the sound of waves — unwind and be healed by beauty.
Appears mainly at low tide; tours by boat are the standard way to visit.
◆ Highlights: Superb snorkeling with tropical fish in ultra-clear water.
◆ Trivia: “Hate no Hama” means “Beach at the End.”
◆ Access: Tour boats depart from Tomari Fisherina on Kumejima.
The islanders’ soul food — a surprisingly deep bowl that varies by shop.
“Soba,” yet 0% buckwheat — that’s Okinawan style.
Made entirely from wheat flour (no buckwheat), with a light yet rich broth from pork bones and bonito.
Each shop differs in broth, noodle thickness, and toppings — the variety is endless.
◆ Highlights: Add a dash of “kōrēgusu” (island chili in awamori) mid-bowl to sharpen the flavor.
◆ Trivia: Okinawa is specially permitted to call this “soba” under fair competition rules.
◆ Access: Specialty shops are everywhere — find your favorite.
A champuru (mix) of Mexico, America, and Okinawa served over rice.
Taco fillings on rice — simple yet profound.
Taco meat, lettuce, tomato, and cheese over warm rice — invented in Okinawa for U.S. soldiers as a filling, affordable meal.
Today it ranges from stylish cafe plates to a home-cooking staple.
◆ Highlights: Slather with salsa and mix everything boldly for the best bite.
◆ Trivia: Birthplace is Kin Town — fans visit for the original taste.
◆ Access: Served at many diners and cafes around Okinawa.
A “road over the sea” connecting four islands with sweeping views.
Feel the sea breeze as you dash across blue.
This ~4.7 km causeway (not a bridge) links the main island to Henza, Hamahiga, Miyagi, and Ikei Islands.
Shallow, calm Kin Bay spreads to both sides.
The central “Ayahashi Hall (Roadside Station)” offers shops and a rest stop.
◆ Highlights: At low tide, vast tidal flats appear — enjoy shellfish gathering and tidepooling.
◆ Trivia: “Ayahashi” means “beautiful bridge” in Okinawan.
◆ Access: ~60 minutes by car from Naha Airport (expressway).
Bold cliffs up to 30 m line the East China Sea.
Striking contrast of a white lighthouse and rugged cliffs!
Known as the last sunset point on the main island. ~2 km of uplifted coral cliffs extend along the cape.
The ~31 m white lighthouse is Okinawa’s tallest climbable one.
◆ Highlights: On clear days, enjoy a 360° panorama reaching the Kerama Islands.
◆ Trivia: The ~7 m-tall shisa statue at the entrance is a popular photo spot.
◆ Access: ~70 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
Ryukyuan limestone paving that preserves the old capital’s feel.
A familiar filming location for Okinawan historical dramas!
About 300 m from Shurijo toward the port once linked to the Kokuba River — a major route in old times.
Survived wartime fires; chosen among Japan’s 100 Best Roads.
◆ Highlights: The 200+ year-old “Great Akagi” tree is a power spot.
◆ Trivia: Limestone is slippery when wet — wear sneakers.
◆ Access: Right by Shurijo Castle Park.
A sandbar wrapped in emerald sea — “Eastern Asia’s most beautiful.”
Just sand, sea, and sky — pure paradise.
Three sandbars ~7 km long offshore from Kumejima. White sand and crystal water define the scene.
◆ Highlights: Superb snorkeling with tropical fish.
◆ Trivia: The name derives from “the beach at the end.”
◆ Access: Boats depart from Tomari Fisherina.
Soul food of Okinawa — every shop has its own depth and character.
Called “soba” but made from wheat — that’s the Okinawan way.
Light yet rich broth from pork bones and bonito; noodles are 100% wheat flour.
◆ Highlights: Add a splash of kōrēgusu to tighten the flavor.
◆ Trivia: Special exception allows the name “soba” under local fair competition rules.
◆ Access: Found across the prefecture — hunt for your favorite bowl.
A fusion of Mexico, America, and Okinawa — on warm rice.
All the taco fixings on rice — mix and enjoy!
Born to serve U.S. soldiers an affordable, filling dish; now beloved at cafes and homes alike.
◆ Highlights: Plenty of salsa; mix boldly.
◆ Trivia: Kin Town is the birthplace — many chase the original flavor.
◆ Access: Widely available across Okinawa.
A causeway over bright blue waters, linking four islands.
Drive with the sea on both sides.
A ~4.7 km reclaimed road (not a bridge) connecting islets in Kin Bay.
◆ Highlights: Vast tidal flats at low tide; fun tidepooling.
◆ Trivia: “Ayahashi” means “beautiful bridge.”
◆ Access: ~60 minutes by car from Naha Airport (expressway).
Japan’s longest toll-free bridge — slicing through Miyako Blue.
No words needed — just drive this view.
The 3,540 m bridge links Miyako and Irabu Islands — the longest of its kind toll-free in Japan.
Clever ups and downs create a rollercoaster feeling over the sea.
◆ Highlights: Pull-outs on the bridge allow for scenic stops.
◆ Trivia: Opened access to Irabu and Shimoji Islands dramatically.
◆ Access: ~15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport.
A coral-born cave 200,000 years in the making.
Illuminations make for a fantastical underground world.
The largest cave on Ishigaki; once under the sea, it holds fossils like giant clams.
The interior is comfortable year-round; the tourist route spans ~660 m with varied formations.
◆ Highlights: “Forest of Divine Sculptures” and lit sections are especially dreamlike.
◆ Trivia: A stalactite resembling Totoro is a popular photo spot.
◆ Access: About 10 minutes by car from Ishigaki Port.
Nicknamed “Okimyu” — learn Okinawa’s nature, history, culture, and arts in one place.
All of Okinawa condensed into one complex.
A combined museum (nature/history/culture) and art museum (Okinawa-related artists).
Its unique white exterior evokes Okinawan gusuku castles.
Visit early in your trip to deepen your understanding.
◆ Highlights: The permanent exhibition traces Okinawa from origins to today with rich materials.
◆ Trivia: Outdoors you can see reconstructed old houses and raised granaries (takakura).
◆ Access: ~10 minutes on foot from “Omoromachi” Station (Yui Rail).
101 hands-on programs in a theme park that recreates a Ryukyu-era townscape.
Rainy-day friendly — tons of Okinawan cultural workshops.
Originally built as an open set for the Taiga drama “Winds of Ryukyu,” with streets of red-tile buildings.
Make shisa, blow Ryukyu glass, try indigo dyeing, learn sanshin — options abound.
◆ Highlights: Dress in authentic Ryukyuan attire and stroll the grounds as royalty or a warrior.
◆ Trivia: An on-site hotel lets you enjoy the illuminated nightscape.
◆ Access: ~60 minutes by car from Naha Airport.