Okinawa
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Okinawa - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Sort by:
31 Recommendations
{{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }}
0 Recommendations
Loading...
-
1. Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum
Rows of black granite blocks inscribed with the names of the thousands who lost their lives in World War II cover the rolling, green hills around this excellent museum. Exhibits, some designed specifically for children, provide a rare opportunity to contemplate global issues. Focusing on the brutal Battle of Okinawa, interesting exhibits highlight each side's tactical perspective and the progress of the fighting. More personal displays reveal what life was like on the ground during the chaos and include testimonies of survivors (unfortunately, only a few of these are translated). A diorama portrays life in American-occupied postwar Okinawa. The museum is 80 minutes from Naha via bus; change from Bus 89 to 82 at Itoman Terminal. The total cost is ¥1,070.
614--1 Aza-Mabuni, Itoman, Okinawa-ken, 901-0333, Japan098-997–3844Sight Details
Rate Includes: ¥300 -
2. Shuri-jo Castle
The Seiden (central hall) of the royal castle Shurijo was destroyed by fire in October 2019; however, the castle walls, gateways, and many buildings still remain of the sprawling, grandiose seat of the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom. The castle, far more reminiscent of Beijing's Forbidden City than Kyoto's Imperial Palace, is still a marvel for the eyes. The original 15th-century castle was once part of an even more extensive property, but was mostly leveled during World War II when the Japanese Imperial Army made the complex its local headquarters. After reconstruction in 1992, Shurijo was named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once again Shurijo will rise like a phoenix from the destruction, supported by both local government and donations from around the world. Reconstruction of the Seiden is underway and is expected to be completed in 2026. It's a 10-minute walk from the Shuri monorail station.
1--2 Kinjo-cho, Shuri-ikehatacho, Okinawa-ken, 903-0815, Japan098-886–2020Sight Details
Rate Includes: ¥400 -
3. Yonaha Maehama Beach
Yonaha Maehama Beach is regarded by many as Japan's best beach, and it lives up to its reputation. White sand stretches for miles on a smooth, shallow shelf extending far into the warm, clear water. In front of the Tokyu Resort there's a section of water that is netted off to protect swimmers from jellyfish, and a lifeguard on duty from 9 to 6. Water-sports equipment rentals, showers, refreshments, toilets, and showers are available at a beach shack. Take on your friends or the locals at beach volleyball—this is an amazing place to play a game. The beach is 25 minutes by taxi, 40 mins by bus from Hirara Port area. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; swimming.
914 Yonaha, Miyako, Okinawa-ken, 906-0305, Japan -
4. Boraga Beach
On the southern shore of the island, a swimming pool filled with water from a cold natural spring sits next to a picturesque stretch of sand. Snorkel gear and kayak rentals can be arranged through the pool complex, which includes a refreshment stand. Many of the local dive shops offer snorkeling excursions, or multisport packages that include a visit to the pumpkin-shape rock formation. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (free); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling.
Miyako, Okinawa-ken, Japan -
5. Cape Higashi-Hennazaki
If you have a couple of hours to spare, take a leisurely walk out to see Cape Higashi-Hennazaki's rugged landscape. A twisty, narrow road atop a spine of rock leads through a thatch of green grass out to a lonely, perfectly lovely lighthouse. The 2-km (1-mile) peninsula retains an impressive, end-of-the-earth feeling, and in spring the ground is covered with trumpet lilies. The multicolored coral can be viewed from above. Allow about one hour to walk from the Bora bus stop at Boraga Beach. If you rent a scooter in Hirara, you can ride to the end of the road next to the lighthouse.
Miyako, Okinawa-ken, Japan -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
-
6. Chindami Sanshinten
Don't leave Okinawa without hearing the unique sound of sanshin music made from the three-stringed, snakeskin-covered instrument native to Okinawa and the Amami Islands. And you shouldn't leave Naha without taking a peek into one of the most highly regarded sanshin-maker's shops in the country. Higa-san will give you a free lesson, and several ranks of beginner-oriented sets let you choose a good arrangement if you want to take one home. (Buy one made with fake snakeskin, as real snakeskin is illegal in many countries.) Chindami Sanshinten is on the side street off Kokusai-dori.
-
7. Daisekirinzan
Set in the very north of the Yambaru National Park, Daisekirinzan is a family friendly park where you can wander among giant banyan trees and the limestone spires of Japan's only tropical karst landscape. Many of the unusual formations are considered power spots by the islanders. Of the four trails, the longer Wonder of Rocks Trail, marked in yellow, makes for a very interesting 1-km (½-mile) scramble. Daisekirinzan was one of the shooting locations for the TV series Cobra Kai. After visiting the park, it's just a few kilometers further to Cape Hedo, Okinawa's northernmost tip, for more otherworldly rock formations.
1241 Ginama, Kunigami Village, Okinawa-ken, 905-1422, Japan0980-41–8117Sight Details
Rate Includes: ¥1,200 -
8. Himeyuri Peace Museum
This moving museum tells the story of 240 girls from a high school near Naha. Mobilized as field nurses in the war's final months, their hellish experiences tending to wounded Japanese soldiers in hidden caves near the city are retold in an intensely poignant series of dioramas, textual explanations, and displays. Photographs and journals show the girls' innocence and hope before the war, providing a moving counterpoint to the ghastly conditions they endured during the fighting. Photographs of each girl drive home the war's tragic effects. The museum is an hour from Naha via Bus 34 or 89 (¥590), with a change in Itoman to Bus 82, 107 or 108 (¥330). Buses depart hourly and continue on to the Peace Memorial.
671--1 Aza-Ihara, Itoman, Okinawa-ken, 901-0344, Japan098-997–2100Sight Details
Rate Includes: ¥450 -
9. Ikema Island
Connected to the northwestern corner of Miyako Island by a bridge, this small island, ringed by a scenic coastal road, has fine views above and below the sea. The Ikema Wetlands in the center of the island is a wildlife protection area, and home to a variety of ducks, egrets, and waders. The island is 35 minutes by bus from Hirara Port.
Ikema-jima, Japan -
10. Irabu Island
This small island has two gorgeous and secluded beaches: Toguchi-no-hama Beach and Sawada-no-hama Beach. Irabu Island is connected to the main island by the longest toll-free bridge in Japan.
Irabu Island, Miyako, Okinawa-ken, Japan -
11. Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters
In these cold, clammy tunnels Admiral Ota and 174 of his men came to a dramatic end on June 13, 1945. He and six of his top officers killed themselves to escape capture or death by American forces. The grenade blasts that killed the rest of Ota's men left visible shrapnel damage on the walls. An information desk has pamphlets in English, but staff are unlikely to speak anything but Japanese. It's 25 minutes from the Naha Bus Terminal Asahibashi Mae via Bus 55, 88, or 98. Get off at the the Uebaru danchi-mae stop, and walk 10 minutes uphill to the ticket gate.
236 Aza Tomishiro, Tomigusuku, Okinawa-ken, 9010241, Japan098-850–4055Sight Details
Rate Includes: ¥600 -
12. Kiyomasa Touki
This kiln was started by a distant forebear of the current master, Takashi Kobashikawa, himself a government-designated Master of Traditional Crafts. Mugs and tankards are around ¥5,000, cup and saucer sets from around ¥6,500, and larger bowls and platters range from affordable to astronomical. Wrapping and domestic shipping services are available. From the Heiwa-dori arcade, head 200 yards until a small incline leads you up to the red-and-black sign.
Tsuboya 1--16--7, Naha, Okinawa-ken, 902-0065, Japan098-862–3654 -
13. Kokusai Street
You're sure to get caught up in the buzz of Kokusai Street, Naha's central hub for dining, shopping, and people-watching. It's an eye-popping introduction to Okinawa's varied demographics, from the crew-cut military personnel, Japanese teenagers on high school trips, honeymooning couples, and excited families, all while the local octogenarians do their daily shop at the market. You'll find many similarly laden souvenir shops filled with the local spirit awamori, shisa (lion-dog) figurines, purple sweet potato tarts, brown sugar, and Kariyushi shirts. However, amongst these you'll also find the stores of local craftsman selling traditional lacquerware, fabrics, and ceramics. The street is pedestrian-only on Sunday, making it the best time to visit.
Naha, Okinawa-ken, Japan -
14. Kosetsu Ichiba Market
Three covered shopping arcades run perpendicular to Kokusai Street. The arcades still have many souvenir shops, but they're mixed with food vendors and more practical local stores selling vegetables, everyday clothes, and recycled items. Sample deep-fried doughnuts, leaf-wrapped mochi, and tropical fruit drinks on your way to the Kosetsu Ichiba Market, a five-minute walk from Kokusai Street. Passing between outdoor fruit stalls into an unassuming doorway leads you to a carnival of delightful and grotesque butcher counters, fishmongers, and pickle sellers. Pig faces stare ghoulishly down from racks displaying every other part of the animal (including some you likely never thought anyone could eat). Multicolor shellfish, neon eels, and giant crustaceans are so shockingly exotic they seem like they were pinched from the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.
Naha, Okinawa-ken, Japan -
15. Nagamahama Beach
A lovely and often deserted beach on the west side of tiny Kurima Island, Nagamahama Beach can be reached via the bridge just southeast of Yonaha Maehama Beach. This is a fantastic place to spend the day snorkeling and picnicking on the fine white sand. Amenities: parking (free). Best for: snorkeling; solitude; sunrise; swimming; walking; windsurfing.
Kurima-jima, Miyako, Okinawa-ken, Japan -
16. Nakijin Castle
Nakijin Castle is the northernmost of Okinawa's UNESCO World Heritage sites. The hilltop castle ruins provide beautiful views over the forest and ocean to the islands of Izena and Iheya. In the 14th century, when Okinawa was split into three principalities, Nakijin Castle was the fortress of the northern Hokuzan region. Nakijin Castle and nearby Mount Yae are the two most famous spots for cherry blossom viewing in Okinawa. The castle grounds contain hundreds of cherry trees which bloom in late January. Access is easiest by rental car, but is also accessible by either the #65 bus from Nago (plus a 15-minute walk uphill) or the Yanbaru express bus which stops at the Nakijin Castle entrance. Both buses also stop in front of Okinawan Churaumi Aquarium/Ocean Expo Park.
5101 Imadomari, Motobu, Okinawa-ken, 905-0428, JapanSight Details
Rate Includes: ¥400 -
17. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium at Ocean Expo Park
With one of the biggest saltwater tanks in the world, this is the most impressive aquarium in Japan. A pioneering coral-breeding experiment explains the fragile tropical ecosystem, while tanks hold sharks, freaky deep-water species, and thousands of other sea creatures. The star attraction is the 30-foot-deep tank holding a majestic whale shark, a dozen manta rays, and fish native to Okinawa. Additionally Ocean Expo Park includes an Oceanic Culture Museum with a planetarium (¥190), the Tropical Dream Center (¥760) that houses a vast number of orchid species, and a reconstruction of a traditional Okinawan village. A short stroll north of the park is the idyllic village of Bise with its narrow roads lined by fukugi trees. You can get to Ocean Expo Park by car or via the Yanbaru Express bus service that runs from Naha Airport, via central Naha to the aquarium (two hours, 20 minutes). Up-to-date bus schedules are on the park website.
424 Ishikawa, Motobu, Okinawa-ken, 905-0206, Japan0980-48–3748Sight Details
Rate Includes: ¥1,880 -
18. Okinawa Karate Kaikan
Okinawa is the birthplace of karate, and it's definitely worth visiting the new Okinawa Karate Kaikan if you've come to the islands inspired by The Karate Kid or Cobra Kai. The main hall is used for seminars and competitions, while smaller rooms are available for training. The Reference Room is a small museum documenting the history of karate and kobudo (Okinawan weapon-based fighting), with many fascinating insights into the legendary sensei. Karate Café AGARI has Okinawa Soba, and Okinawa zenzai (shaved ice with sweet beans). The Okinawa Karate Information Center (OKIC) is located with the Karate Kaikan and provides visitors to Okinawa with multilingual support on how to connect with individual karate masters and train at local dojos.
854--1 Tomigusku, Tomigusuku, Okinawa-ken, 901-0241, Japan098-851--1025Sight Details
¥310 Reference Room Rate Includes: Closed Wed. -
19. Okinawa World
It's worth spending a few hours at Okinawa World to get a quick overview of local culture. There are tropical fruit orchards and workshops for textile weaving, glassblowing, pottery, dyeing, and printing. Traditional Eisa dance performances take place several times a day. The main attraction is Gyokusendo Cave, the second-longest limestone cave in Japan. You can walk through an 890-meter (2,920-foot) cavern and marvel at the giant stalactites and stalagmites. From Naha Bus Terminal, take Bus 54 or 83 and get off at Gyokusendo-mae.
1336 Maekawa, Nanjo, Okinawa-ken, 901-0616, Japan098-949–7421Sight Details
Rate Includes: ¥2,000 (includes cave) -
20. Sunayama Beach
This small beach lies behind a large sand dune (suna-yama means "sand mountain"), out of which juts a rugged natural stone arch. The snorkeling is good, and the beach is only a few miles by bus north of Hirara. Water sports equipment is available for rent in the summer months. Bathrooms, showers, vending machines, and free parking are a short walk (across the dune) from the beach. In summer arrive early for some quiet time before the crowds arrive. Amenities: parking; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling.
Nikadori, Miyako, Okinawa-ken, Japan
-
{{ (numCurrentPage-1)*numPageLimit+index+1 }}.
{{ item.neighborhood }} | {{ item.first_keyword }}{{ item.review }}
{{ item.address }}{{ item.phone[0] }}{{ item.details.title }} Details
{{ item.details.content.toString() }}View Tours and Activities -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
No sights Results
Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:
There are no results for {{ strDestName }} Sights in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:
