Okinawa is an island chain located in the southwest of Japan, a resort area with beautiful blue seas and white sandy beaches. It has a unique history and culture as the Kingdom of Ryukyu, and is famous for World Heritage sites such as Shuri Castle and Saiba Utaki. Visitors can also enjoy traditional dances, the sound of sanshin (Okinawan guitar), and local cuisine (bitter melon stir-fry, raftei, etc.). With its warm climate, marine sports, nature sightseeing, and tours of the outlying islands are popular.
Shuri Castle
Shuri Castle, located in Naha City, Okinawa, was the central castle of the Ryukyu Kingdom and flourished as a political and cultural center. Characterized by its vivid vermilion exterior and unique design that blends Chinese and Japanese architectural styles, it was registered as a World Heritage site in 2000, but its main buildings were destroyed by fire in 2019. Reconstruction is currently underway, and visitors can experience its history and culture by walking around the surrounding historical sites and Shurijo Park.
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Churaumi Aquarium
Churaumi Aquarium is a world-famous aquarium located in Ocean Expo Park in the northern part of Okinawa’s main island. The main attraction is the “Kuroshio Sea,” a huge tank in which whale sharks and manta rays swim peacefully, a powerful sight to behold. Visitors can also experience the real ecosystem of the Okinawan sea through a coral tank and exhibits of deep-sea creatures. Outside the museum, there is an emerald beach and a tropical botanical garden, making it a sightseeing spot that can be enjoyed all day long.
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Kouri Island
Kouri Island is a small remote island in the northern part of Okinawa’s main island, accessible via the Kouri Ohashi Bridge. Surrounded by emerald green waters, it is known as the “Island of Love. Tinu Beach, with its heart-shaped rocks, is a particularly popular photo spot. There is an observation tower and beach on the island, ideal for driving and relaxing. Snorkeling and swimming in the crystal clear waters is also recommended.
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Sefa Utaki (sacred site on Mt. Sefa)
Sefa Utaki is the highest sacred site of the Ryukyu Kingdom, located in Nanjo City on the main island of Okinawa, and was registered as a World Heritage site in 2000. It is a mysterious space in the middle of a forest and has been used as a place of prayer. Sangouri,” a distinctive triangular rock formation, is a spectacular spot with a view of Kutaka Island and the Pacific Ocean. It is popular as a power spot surrounded by silence and nature, and is visited by many tourists.
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Kokusai-dori
Kokusai-dori is a 1.6-kilometer downtown street located in the center of Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, and is also known as the “Miracle Mile. It has a history of reconstruction from the burnt ruins after the war, and is now a tourist attraction where visitors can enjoy shopping and dining. Stores featuring Okinawan specialties and crafts, as well as restaurants serving local cuisine, line the street, offering a taste of local culture. Nearby is the Daiichi Makishi Public Market, where you can also taste fresh seafood and local food.
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Sumarry
Okinawa is the only prefecture in Japan where you can experience the atmosphere of Southeast Asia. Do you feel like going there? Only in Okinawa Prefecture you can drive alongside the blue ocean! After the drive, enjoy marine sports at hotel pools and beaches. We have also published articles on the neighboring Kyushu region, so please take a look and plan your trip.
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