【Free Travel in Okinawa】2024 Enjoy Okinawa! 15 Must-Visit Sightseeing Spots
Okinawa is a place that everyone wants to explore, with its rich nature, world heritage sites and many other tourist attractions. This article introduces many must-visit tourist attractions in Okinawa. Why not take a trip to explore the unique culture of Okinawa, which is full of the leisurely vacation atmosphere of the southern country?1. Shuri Castle
Shuri Castle, built in the 14th century, is a building that allows you to deeply feel the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The current Shuri Castle was restored in 1994 after four fire disasters. Shuri Castle, which has been the political and diplomatic center and religious sanctuary of the Ryukyu Kingdom for 450 years, was listed as a World Heritage Site in 2000. The bright red castle tower uses a special structure that uses Japanese and Chinese technology. The colorful decorations complement the southern atmosphere and are full of rich and gorgeous style from time to time. Why not try to appreciate and recall the prosperous scene of the Ryukyu Kingdom in Okinawa's representative tourist attractions.
Located on a hill, Shuri Castle overlooks the streets of Naha City. Its symbols are the main hall representing the kingdom's rule and the main hall square in front of the center of Shuri Castle. Since Shuri Castle is the royal palace of the kingdom, there is also a golden palace inside, which is forbidden to men like the O-oku of Edo Castle, and its appearance has been restored to the appearance of the kingdom era. The Ryukyu Kingdom is also a maritime country, with frequent trade exchanges with Japan, China, and Southeast Asian countries, which has nurtured a unique culture. Shuri Castle also hosts well-known kingdom-specific cultures such as the "Ryukyu Dance Performance" and the "Three Lines Experience Meeting".
Business hours
April to June 8:00-19:30
July to September 8:00-20:30
October to November 8:00-19:30
December to March 8:00-18:30
April to June 8:30-19:00 (ticket sales end at 18:30)
July to September 8:30-20:00 (ticket sales end at 19:30)
October to November 8:30-19:00 (ticket sales end at 18:30)
December to March 8:30-18:00 (ticket sales end at 17:30)
Closed: First Wednesday and Thursday in July
Price: Adults 820 yen, high school students 620 yen, junior high school and elementary school students 310 yen, free for children under 6 years old. ※Group ticket discounts are available for those holding a one-day or two-day ticket for the "Okinawa Urban Monorail YUI-RAIL"
Address: 1-2 Shuri Kinjo-cho, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: Take the Okinawa Urban Monorail and get off at "Shuri Station", then walk for about 15 minutes
2. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
At the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, a must-see popular tourist spot in Okinawa, you can enjoy a variety of marine life swimming in a tank that recreates the waters near Okinawa. The "Kuroshio Sea" is the world's largest tank that the aquarium is proud of. Watching the graceful swimming of whale sharks and manta rays makes you feel like you are in the southern sea. The mysterious "Deep Sea Journey" and the "Okichan Theater" with cute dolphin shows are very popular among tourists. A visit to this huge Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium will make even adults feel like they are back in their childhood.
In addition to the huge tank "Kuroshio Sea", there are also the "Coral Sea" that displays about 70 types of corals and the "Sea of Tropical Fish" that faithfully reproduces the underwater details of Okinawa's coral reefs. There are many places to see in the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. Among them, the Kuroshio Adventure (aquatic viewing area) that can be visited above the "Kuroshio Sea" tank is particularly recommended. Take the Kuroshio Expedition Elevator and look down at the scenery in the huge tank from the water. If the time is right, there will be staff to explain, so that you can learn more about the Kuroshio Sea, the marine life that lives in it, and the mystery of this aquarium.
Business hours
October to February 8:30-18:30 (last entry 17:30)
March to September 8:30-20:00 (last entry 19:00)
Closed: First Wednesday and Thursday in December
Price: Adults 1,850 yen, high school students 1,230 yen, junior high school students and elementary school students 610 yen, children under 6 years old free
Adults 1,290 yen, high school students 860 yen, junior high school students and elementary school students 430 yen, children under 6 years old free
Address: 424 Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
3. Gangala Valley
The Gangala Valley, which was once a stalactite cave, collapsed and formed the subtropical forest rich in nature. Here you can not only enjoy the natural beauty formed by the power of nature, but also visit the remains of the ancient people's residence. There are many different ways to play. You can also choose to join a guided tour with a professional guide and enjoy the fun of walking in the valley forest. You can also enjoy the strange stalactites, rocks, and huge fine-leaved banyan trees along the route, allowing you to carefully appreciate the beauty of nature! The "CAVE CAFE" is located at the entrance. It is made of stalactite caves and provides you with Okinawa's unique drinks and ice cream. Don't forget to wear clothes and shoes that are easy to move around in.
If you are taking the designated time tour, you need to arrive at the CAVE CAFE, which has preserved the ancient stalactite cave, before the meeting time to complete the formalities. Enter the Taiko no Mori with a professional guide and walk along the forest trail of about 1 km. The "Omushi Ficus" standing deep in the valley is 20 meters tall and estimated to be about 150 years old. It is revered as the sage of the forest. After paying respect to the forest guardian "Omushi Ficus", go to the wooden bridge handmade by the staff to overlook the beautiful scenery of the forest and the sea.
Price: 2,200 yen for adults, 1,700 yen for high school students, vocational school students (technical schools, vocational training colleges, etc.) and college students (student ID required), free for junior high school students (accompanied by a guardian) and below.
Address: 202 Maekawa, Tamaki, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture.
Access: Take the Ryukyu Bus System No. 54 Maekawa Line or No. 83 Gyokusendo Line from the Okinawa City Monorail "Asahibashi Station" and get off at the "Gyokusendo-mae Bus Stop" and walk about 2 minutes
4. Kouri Bridge
Kouri Island, an outlying island located in Nakijin Village, is also a place where you can enjoy a beautiful sea view. The Kouri Bridge connects the island to Yagaji Island in the north of Okinawa Main Island. On the 1,960-meter-long Kouri Bridge, you can enjoy the natural scenery of the emerald blue sea and blue sky. The Kouri Beach located next to the bridge is a peaceful sea with different depths and beautiful white sand beaches. It is also a popular tourist spot for sea bathing. Why not take a trip to the Kouri Bridge to enjoy the beautiful sea view, which is one of the best in Okinawa.
After crossing the Kouri Bridge, you can reach Kouri Island. This 7.9-kilometer-wide, nearly circular coral reef island has a myth about the Ryukyu people. According to the legend, a boy and a girl fell from the sky, and when they grew up, they married and gave birth to children, and those children became the Ryukyu people. In addition to Kouri Beach, there is also Tinu Beach, which has a heart-shaped rock and is called Heart Rock, and Chigunu Beach, which is said to be a cave where the children in the myth lived. During the whale watching season, you can also enjoy the heroic appearance of whales from the "Island Station" high in the north of the main island, and if you are lucky, you can also see "whales blowing water".
Address: Kouri, Nakijin Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture
5. Himeyuri Tower & Himeyuri Peace Memorial Museum
The "Himeyuri Tower" in Itoman City is a monument built to commemorate the female students who provided care at the Okinawa Army Hospital during the Battle of Okinawa in the Pacific War. The monument was built on the site of the Third Surgery Department of the Okinawa Army Hospital. The adjacent "Himeyuri Wahei Memorial Museum" displays the remains of the victims and the testimonies of the survivors, such as video and notes, which still convey the tragedy of the female students known as the "Himeyuri Student Corps" and the misery of war. When you come here, you can't help but feel a solemn atmosphere in your heart. From the heroic memory of the Battle of Okinawa, you can learn and pray not to embark on the painful memories of war again. It is recommended for friends who want to learn more about the history of Okinawa.
The Himeyuri Memorial Tower was built on April 7, 1946, and commemorates the Himeyuri student members who died in the Battle of Okinawa. The Himeyuri Student Corps, which was formed by the students, included 222 students from the Okinawa Normal School Women's Department and the Prefectural First High School for Girls, and 18 teachers. The memorial tower commemorates the sacrifices of the Student Corps, including 227 students and teachers. The Himeyuri Peace Memorial Museum was proposed by the Himeyuri Association and opened in June 1998. The second exhibition room in the museum has a three-dimensional perspective model of the trench of the Army Hospital during the initial mobilization. The fourth exhibition room reproduces the Ihara Third Surgical Trench, known as the Himeyuri Cave, in life size.
Business hours: 9:00-17:30 (last admission 17:00)
Price: 310 yen for adults, 210 yen for high school students, 110 yen for junior high school and elementary school students
Address: 671-1 Ihara, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture
Transportation: Take bus No. 89 or 34 from Naha Terminal to Itoman Terminal, which takes about 30 minutes. From Itoman Terminal, take bus No. 82, 107 or 108 and get off at Himeyuri no Tomae, which takes about 15 minutes.
6. Orion Park
Okinawa's "Orion Beer" has always been popular for its refreshing taste and is the most well-known beer in Okinawa. Located in the Nago factory on the main island of Okinawa, there is an "Orion Land" where you can tour the factory, which is well received by tourists. In addition to the factory tour, it is also fun to eat at the restaurant or shop in the park. In addition to the unique brewing barrels placed in the lobby, during the beer manufacturing process, you can gradually feel the care of Orion Beer using excellent raw materials and water to carefully brew Orion Beer. There is also a tasting time after the tour. Please make a reservation before leaving!
The best match for Okinawan cuisine is Orion beer. Here you can learn about the entire production process from brewing raw materials, crushing to bottling and canning. The tour registration is from 9:20 to 16:40, and there is one every 20 minutes. The beer you try after visiting the factory is freshly made and tastes like nothing else. There is also an Orion beer garden "Yamahara no Mori" in the factory, where you can enjoy freshly brewed Orion beer and dishes with local Okinawan ingredients.
Business hours: 9:20-16:40
Closed: December 31-January 3, designated closed days
Price: Free
Address: 2-2-1 Higashie, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture
7. Katsuren Castle Ruins
The Katsuren Castle Ruins located on Katsuren Peninsula in Okinawa Main Island is a castle wall built by Amawari, known as a famous person, in the 12th century. It was listed as a World Heritage Site in 2000. The castle wall, which cleverly utilized the natural terrain, is about 100 meters high at its highest point. It is also well-known as a scenic spot in Okinawa because it offers a view of the surrounding sea. The ancient castle built with beautiful curves of the stone walls deeply impresses visitors. Come to the Katsuren Castle Ruins to feel the vast and beautiful sea of Okinawa and the history of Ryukyu.
Katsuren Castle has a total of 1st to 4th wads, and the limestone stone walls are built into a stepped castle fortress. The highest 1st wad is about 100 meters high, and you can see Kinbu Bay and Nakajo Bay on both sides, the mountains in northern Okinawa, and the Chinen Peninsula in the south. The 1st wad also has Tamanomiuji, which protects Katsuren Castle. The 2nd wad has the remains of the shaden, and the 3rd wad includes the 2nd wad and the shaden front garden. It is said that the fourth wain had two arch gates, the Minamihara Gate and the Nishihara Gate. From the first wain, you can see not only the beauty of nature, but also the vortex of memories of Okinawa's history.
Business hours: 9:00-18:00
Address: 3908 Minamihara, Katsuren, Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture
8. Okinawa World Culture Kingdom Gyokusendo
Located in southern Okinawa, the vast area of Okinawa World Gyokusendo has many places to see and do, including stalactite caves and the castle town of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The large stalactite cave "Gyokusendo" with a total length of about 5,000 meters has also been designated as a national natural monument. In the 890-meter public area, you can enjoy more than 1 million stalactites. In the "Venomous Snake Museum", in addition to exhibiting reptiles, there are also venomous snake performances, which is a rare facility in the world. The "Ryukyu Glass Workshop" where you can make your own Ryukyu glass products is also very popular. Leave your Okinawa experience in this theme park with many ways to play!
At "Okinawa World Gyokusendo", you can enjoy the breathtaking stalactite beauty of Gyokusendo, and then walk through the stalactite cave to reach the Kingdom Village. Whether you take a walk in the tropical fruit garden in Kingdom Village, experience glass making at the Ryukyu Glass Workshop, or take a trip to the castle town of the Ryukyu Kingdom, you can get closer to Okinawa culture. After that, it is recommended to go to the Nandu Sake Brewery or the Viper Museum Park. In Gyokusen Cave, there is also a limited-time "South Island Cave Exploration" event that allows you to explore the undisclosed area cave. With the weak light of the headlamp, go deep into the source of the underground river and set off to the unknown area known as the last new world!
Business hours: 9:00-17:00 (last acceptance time, closed at 18:00)
Closed: Open all year round
Price: Package (Gyokusen Cave, Kingdom Village, Viper Museum Park) 1650 yen for adults, 830 yen for children
Address: 1336, Tamaki Aza-Maekawa, Nancheng City, Okinawa Prefecture
Transportation: About 30 minutes by car from Naha Airport
9. Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki Island is the third largest island in Okinawa. Located in the center of the Yaeyama Islands, which are connected by islands with their own characteristics, it naturally became a tourist base nearby. The new airport opened in 2013 has made transportation more convenient. The extremely transparent "Kabira Bay" is one of the representative tourist attractions of Ishigaki Island. Water entertainment activities such as snorkeling and kayaking are also very popular. There is also "Umotoyama" on the island, which is proud of being the highest in Okinawa with an altitude of 525.5 meters. It is an island suitable for enjoying the rich nature of Okinawa. Quietly look at the blue sea and sky and enjoy the supreme happiness. Go to Ishigaki Island for a trip.
Ishigaki Island is an island located in the center of the Yaeyama Islands, the southwesternmost part of Japan. You can take a ferry to the other 9 islands of the Yaeyama Islands from the Ishigaki Port Island Terminal in the southwest of the island. Except for Yonaguni Island, all other islands must be departed from Ishigaki Island. There are many charming islands waiting for you to visit, such as Hateruma Island, the southernmost inhabited island in Japan, which is famous for its beautiful starry sky, Taketomi Island, where you can enjoy a leisurely time in Okinawa, and Iriomote Island, an island of nature that has not been developed on a large scale.
Address: Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Website (Japanese): http://www.yaeyama.or.jp/
10. Manzamo
"Manzamo" is a tourist attraction located in Onna Village on the main island of Okinawa. It is said that the name came from King Sho Kei of the Ryukyu Dynasty, who called this place "a grassland that can accommodate 10,000 people sitting." With the clear sea that you can see clearly from the cliff as the background, the strange rocks in the shape of elephant trunks and the long cliffs form a magnificent scenery. The contrast between the uneven rock walls and the smooth and beautiful East China Sea is amazing. This is also a recommended driving and photography holy place.
There are many ways to enjoy Manzamo. You can quietly look at the magnificent view of the cobalt blue sea, or rest on the coral reef grass plateau that even King Sho Kei praised, or you can do nothing and leisurely look up at the blue sky. After relaxing here, you can go to Onna Seaside Park to enjoy the magnificent view of Manzamo from other angles. There are many water entertainment facilities in Onna Seaside Park, such as "Kayaking out to sea to see the magnificent Manzamo" and "Taking a banana boat to see Manzamo". The view of the 30-meter-high Manza-Mountain from the bottom of the cliff is very touching. From July to September, you can also enjoy the beautiful sunset of Manza-Mountain.
Address: Onna, Onna Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture
Website (Japanese): http://www.okinawastory.jp/spot/1388
11. Seiza Utaki
Seifa Utaki is one of the most sacred places in Okinawa. It is a sacred place where important ceremonies were held during the Ryukyu Dynasty and is also a World Heritage Site. The towering rock wall is surrounded by rich green nature, and there is a mysterious and solemn atmosphere. Since you can also see Kudakashima, which is known as the island of the gods, it is a place of prayer and has attracted many people's faith, forming a powerful energy spot. When you visit, don't forget to go with respect and gratitude, and go with a calm heart.
Sefa Utaki is one of the seven Utaki built by Amamiku, the creator god of Okinawa, and is the highest sacred place in the Ryukyu Kingdom. In the past, even the king could not enter the sacred area, and men were prohibited from entering. The rituals of Sefa Utaki are performed by the king and the goddess of the highest status in the kingdom, who protects the kingdom. Sefa Utaki has 6 sacred areas, each with a place of worship. In the sacred area and barrier where men are prohibited from entering, the king can only enter the gate of the prison at most, and 6 incense burners are set up here as the avatars of the 6 places of worship.
Address: 270-1 Ajikutekane, Chinen, Nancheng City, Okinawa Prefecture
Website (Japanese): http://www.okinawastory.jp/feature/heritage/sefautaki
12. Ikei Island
Ikei Island, an outlying island located in Uruma City, can be reached from the main island of Okinawa via the "undersea road" that offers a panoramic view of the ocean. The scenery near the Ikei Bridge is also a tropical seascape unique to Okinawa. The vast sugarcane fields that stretch out across the island are so relaxing, but if you want to describe the charm of Ikei Island in one sentence, you have to mention the beautiful beach with extremely high transparency. Ikei Beach, which is very popular, or the wide sandy beach of "Odomari Beach" are especially recommended. Please enjoy a relaxing vacation on Ikei Island, which is perfect for both driving and water activities.
If you want to go to Ikei Island, the most remote island called "Ikei Island", you must first use the 4.75-kilometer-long undersea road with a sea station in the middle, then reach Heianza Island, where most of the island is an oil reserve base, cross the undulating Miyagi Island, and cross the Ikei Bridge, which is impressive with a strong contrast between the blue sea and the vermilion bridge, to reach this outlying island that can be reached by car. A famous tourist attraction on the island is the "Ikei-no-sato Nakahara Ruins", which was designated as a national historic site after the restoration of a Jomon period pit dwelling discovered near the center of the island.
Address: Yona Castle, Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture
Website (Japanese): http://www.okinawastory.jp/spot/1266
13. Shikinaen Garden
Shikinaen, a villa from the Ryukyu Dynasty, is a mansion with a unique Ryukyu style. The vast garden is decorated with Chinese-style buildings. It was once a high-level diplomatic venue for entertaining Chinese envoys, so it is listed as a World Heritage Site along with Shuri Castle. It is also very elegant to visit the quaint historical buildings while enjoying the flowers, trees and gardens that change with the seasons in the garden. You must not miss this elegant tourist spot where you can feel the history of Okinawa.
The garden of Shikinaen adopts the circular garden architecture that is used in many daimyo gardens, and uses a variety of styles such as Japanese, Chinese, and Ryukyu. The building itself adopts Chinese and Ryukyu styles, and the landscape planting near the pond uses Japanese flowers and trees, giving the garden a beautiful view with distinct seasons. The clever integration of the Three Kingdoms culture, which is closely related to politics and economy, has created a unique garden style for this maritime kingdom that prospered through trade. What you can't miss when you come to Shikinaen is the clear spring "Ikutoku Spring" that even the envoy praised. The "freshwater red algae" that grows naturally in the spring is designated as a national natural monument, and the rare species is worth seeing.
Business hours
9:00-18:00 (last admission 17:30)
9:00-17:30 (last admission 17:00)
Closed: Wednesdays (closed the next day if it is a holiday or "Comfort Day 6/23")
Price: Adults 400 yen, junior high school students and younger 200 yen
Address: 421-7 Azashinji, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
14. Mihama American Village
Located in Chatan Town on the main island of Okinawa, "Mihama American Village" is a resort with a strong American atmosphere. The large Ferris wheel that stands out in the vast area is its landmark, and there are also commercial facilities, restaurants & cafes, hotels, movie theaters, etc. nearby. "Sunset Beach" in the American Village is a place where you can enjoy the beautiful sunset. Why not try to take a walk along the seaside trail at sunset? After the gorgeous lights are turned on at night, it is also very suitable to stroll around this fashionable and dazzling town. Whether it is shopping or dining, come to the American Village and you will be satisfied at once!
Mihama American Village has everything and sells everything. You can buy all the necessary items for your trip at once, so it is OK even if you come empty-handed. There are all kinds of shops, from authentic shops to limited shops. You can take a break at Sunset Beach during shopping, watch a movie or even experience the exfoliation of the feet being fed to fish, and then relax and go on a treasure hunt shopping trip. After shopping, you can enjoy the beautiful sunset sea view on the terrace while enjoying the food. It must be an unforgettable memory trip.
Address: Azamihama, Chatan-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
Website (Japanese): https://www.okinawa-americanvillage.com/
15. International
Kokusai-dori, located in the city of Naha, is a commercial avenue about 1.6 kilometers long. There are many restaurants and souvenir shops of different styles on both sides, and there are many fashionable shops in the nearby alleys. Because it was the first place to recover after the war, it is called the "Miracle Mile" and is one of the most prosperous streets in Okinawa Prefecture. I would like to recommend the "Kokusai-dori Street Stall Village" which opened in 2015. Here you can enjoy creative meals made with local ingredients, which of course has caused a lot of discussion. Please enjoy the unique Okinawan food and shopping fun on Kokusai-dori.
In the past, there was an "Eni Pyle International Theater" named after "Eni Pyle", a military reporter who died in Okinawa. This theater can be said to be a landmark of this shopping street, and it is even called "Eni Pyle International Theater Street". Later, it was gradually called "Kokusai-dori". Kokusai-dori is composed of Asato Sancha-dori on the east entrance and the north exit of the prefectural government on the west entrance. Since YUI-RAIL Makishi Station is close to the east side, it is easy to reach without a car.
Address: Makishi 1-chome-1, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
Website (Japanese): http://www.okinawastory.jp/spot/1017
Enjoy a fulfilling trip to Okinawa amidst the rich nature
Okinawa has beautiful southern seascapes. Whether it is water activities on the emerald sea, or historical sites where you can personally experience the traditional history of the Ryukyu Dynasty, or even large theme parks, there are a variety of ways to play waiting for you to explore. Come on a trip to Okinawa to heal your body and mind!
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