Top 10 must-see attractions in Okinawa: Ryugu Cave and Cape Zanpa Lighthouse
Okinawa is located in the southern part of Japan and consists of several islands, the largest of which is Okinawa Island. It is located in the East China Sea between Shikoku and Taiwan and is a tropical archipelago in Japan. This tropical paradise combines Japanese culture with unique island customs. If you plan to travel to Okinawa, don't forget to explore the following 10 famous tourist attractions!Okinawa Attraction 1: Shuri Castle
First, let's go to the source of Okinawa's history - Shuri Castle. As the political center of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Shuri Castle witnessed Okinawa's long history and culture. Strolling here, it's like traveling back to the ancient Ryukyu Dynasty era, immersed in magnificent architecture and legendary stories. The architectural style of Shuri Castle combines the characteristics of China, Japan and Ryukyu, reflecting the unique Ryukyu architectural style. The buildings in the city are mainly divided into three parts: the inner city, the outer city and the front palace. You can spend an afternoon exploring here!
Attraction address: 1-2 Shurikinjocho, Naha, Okinawa 903-0815, Japan (Google Maps)
Business hours: 8am – 6:30pm
Attraction official website: oki-park.jp/shurijo
Okinawa Attraction 2: American Village
Want to experience the international atmosphere of Okinawa? Then come to American Village! This lively place brings together various Western-style shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. Go shopping during the day and enjoy delicious food at night, and experience the collision and fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. Okinawa American Village originated from the commercial district around the US military base after World War II. It is a small town near the US military base. With the existence of the US military base, a large number of Americans and other foreigners gathered here, forming a unique international atmosphere. Later, with the reduction and withdrawal of the US military base, this area gradually transformed into a commercial and entertainment center.
Attraction address: Mihama, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0115, Japan (Google Maps)
Opening hours: 10am–10pm
Attraction official website: www.okinawa-americanvillage.com
Okinawa Attraction 3: Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a world-class aquarium located in the north of Okinawa Main Island and one of the largest aquariums in Japan. Here, you can watch all kinds of marine life and participate in wonderful underwater performances. It is a parent-child activity attraction. The main tank of Ocean Expo Park is one of the largest indoor aquarium display pools in the world, with a capacity of 770,000 liters. This huge tank displays a variety of marine life in the waters of Okinawa, including sharks, fish, turtles, etc., and you can also watch these colorful marine life up close and learn about their ecological habits and conservation significance.
Attraction address: Mihama, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0115, Japan (Google Maps)
Opening hours: 10am–10pm
Attraction official website: www.okinawa-americanvillage.com
Okinawa Attraction 4: Gyokusendo Cave
Okinawa Ryugu Cave is a famous limestone cave in the southern part of Okinawa Island. It is definitely a must-see for adventure lovers. The cave was discovered by the Okinawa Provincial Museum of Nature in 1967. The cave was formed by the dissolution of underground limestone. After millions of years of geological action, it formed a magnificent underground cave landscape. The underground cave landscape inside Ryugu Cave is breathtaking. The cave is spacious and deep, and various stalactites and stone flowers such as stalagmites, stalactites, and stone flowers constitute a magnificent underground landscape. Various rocks of different shapes can also be seen inside the cave, such as Jianshan and Guanyin statues, which make people feel as if they are in a deep underground world.
Attraction address: Maekawa-1336 Tamagusuku, Nanjo, Okinawa 901-0616, Japan (Google Maps)
Business hours: 9am – 4pm
Attraction official website: www.gyokusendo.co.jp
Okinawa Attraction 5: Cape Zanpa Lighthouse
Located on the west coast of Okinawa Island, Cape Zanpa Lighthouse is one of the oldest and most representative lighthouses on Okinawa Island. According to folklore, Cape Zamami is the residence of a sea god, and the lighthouse is the guardian lighthouse of the sea god, guiding the ships and protecting them from shipwrecks. Therefore, local residents have a special reverence and awe for the Cape Zanpa Lighthouse, and often hold some sacrifices and prayers to pray for the protection and blessing of the sea god.
Attraction address: Uza, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0328, Japan (Google Maps)
Opening hours: 9:30am–4:30pm
Attraction official website: www.tokokai.org
Okinawa Attraction 6: Shichiri Mihama Beach
Shichiri Mihama Beach is located in the middle of Okinawa Island, close to Naha, the capital of Okinawa. It is located on the west coast of Okinawa Island, adjacent to the beautiful east coast. You can enjoy the sunshine, beaches, waves and bathing beaches here. There are also various water sports facilities and services around the beach, such as snorkeling, diving, surfing, boating, etc. The sunset here is also very beautiful. If you like the sea and the blue sky, remember to include this place in your itinerary!
Attraction address: Shimoichigi, Mihama, Minamimuro District, Mie 519-5203, Japan (Google Maps)
Okinawa Attraction 7: Kokusai Dori
Kokusai Dori is located in the downtown area of Naha City, starting from Tomari Port in the south and ending at Asato in the north, with a total length of about 1.6 kilometers. This commercial street was built in the 1950s and was originally established to meet the daily needs of residents around the US military base. Over time, Kokusai Dori has gradually developed into the most prosperous shopping, food and sightseeing center on the main island of Okinawa. There are all kinds of shops, department stores, boutiques, gift shops, souvenir shops and food streets on both sides of the street, selling Ryukyu specialty products, Japanese famous brands and international brands. Whether it is clothing, accessories, cosmetics or handicrafts, you can buy the souvenirs you want here.
Attraction address: Naha, Okinawa, Japan (Google Maps)
Okinawa Attraction 8: Manzamo
Manzamo is located in Onna Village on the west coast of Okinawa. It is a huge limestone platform shaped like a huge elephant trunk, hence the name "Manzamo" (meaning "elephant trunk"). There are observation decks, walking trails and rest areas on the coastline, where you can enjoy the coastline landscape and sunset views. In addition, the coastline is dotted with strange and diverse rocks of various shapes, such as Senjojiki, Stone Giant, Turtle Rock, etc. The contours and textures of the rocks present fascinating light and shadow effects at different times and angles!
Attraction address: Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0411, Japan (Google Maps)
Business hours: 8am – 7pm
Attraction official website: www.manzamo.jp
Okinawa Attraction 9: Katsuren Castle Ruins
Katsuren Castle was built in the 14th century and was an important castle during the Ryukyu Kingdom era. As one of the three major castles in Ryukyu, Katsura Castle was once an important political, economic and military center at that time. During the Japanese Unification War, Katsuren Castle became an important stronghold for Okinawa to fight against foreign enemies many times. Today, the ruins of Katsura Castle have become an important tourist attraction on the main island of Okinawa, attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists. You can walk around the ruins and feel the ancient architectural style and vicissitudes of history. There are also some interpretive boards and displays around the site, which introduce the history, architectural features and cultural significance of Shengren Castle.
Attraction address: 3807-2 Katsurenhaebaru, Uruma, Okinawa 904-2311, Japan (Google Maps)
Business hours: 9am–6pm
Attraction official website: www.katsuren-jo.jp
Okinawa Attraction 10: Naminoue Shrine
Namigamigu Shrine is located in the center of Naha City, backed by the Jewel River and facing the Pacific Ocean. The main hall building is located on a high platform and is composed of a roof covered with red Ryukyu tiles and white walls, full of a simple and solemn atmosphere. Naminogu Shrine is an important shrine that enshrines Dragon, the god of the sea, and is regarded by local residents as the protector of the ocean and navigation. From January 1st to 3rd every year, the shrine holds a grand New Year's sacrifice.
Attraction address: 1 Chome-25-11 Wakasa, Naha, Okinawa 900-0031, Japan (Google Maps)
Business hours: 9am–5pm
Attraction official website: http://naminouegu.jp/
Okinawa Island's unique historical heritage, diverse natural landscapes, and warm and hospitable local people will fascinate you. Whether you are traveling alone or with family and friends, Okinawa will bring you unforgettable experiences and precious memories. So why not take a trip to Okinawa and experience this passionate and vibrant tropical paradise!
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