Okinawa Attractions
In the southwest of Japan, Okinawa is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and East China Sea. It consists of Okinawa Islands and many other smaller islands, stretching for about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from northeast to southwest. Due to historical and geographic reasons, Okinawa developed its own special dialect, food, and customs. Besides, it’s also the birthplace of karate, a kind of Japanese kung fu.Visitors can enjoy the year-round pleasing sub-tropical climate here thanks to the terrific location and abundant warm currents in Okinawa waters, which also give birth to a great deal of rare vegetation and animals. You can find 415 species of coral in Okinawa’s waters, while the total coral species in the world are 800. So, Okinawa is also called “Galapagos of Asia”. The cherry blossom here blooms from mid-January to mid-February, which is the earliest in Japan.
Top Places to Visit in Okinawa
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in the world. It even breeds whale sharks, the world’s largest fish.
Coral in Churaumi Aquarium
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Tourists can admire the giant whale fish through the acrylic tank. In addition, the aquarium also displays rare deep-sea marine creatures and hard-to-raise manta. What’s more special about the aquarium is the open water system, which guarantees constant fresh sea water for the fish.
Blue Cave
Situated in the north of Okinawa, Blue Cave is a hole in the seabed formed by seawater erosion. The light is reflected by the water and white grits on the seabed and creates a dreamy blue. That’s why it’s called Blue Cave. This is one of the only three blue caves that humans can get into. The other two are in Capri Island of Italy and Bisevo Island of Croatia.You are highly advised to try diving in the Blue Cave. While diving, you will have a close encounter with marine creatures such as clownfish, coral reefs, and even sea turtles. Most of them are friendly to human beings.
Cape Manzamo
Coming to Cape Manzamo, you’ll see the 20-meter-high (65 feet) trunk-like cliff. On the top, there is a grand grassland that can accommodate thousands of people sitting on it. It’s a good choice to watch the sunset and meanwhile enjoy the splendid natural landscape here. If you plan to visit Blue Cave, then don’t forget to drop by this natural wonder.Shuri Castle
As the royal palace of the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom (1429-1879), Shuri Castle used to be the political, cultural, and financial center of the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom. The buildings in the castle combine Chinese and Japanese architecture styles and most of them have red rooftops and wooden structures. And it was designated as a world heritage site in 2001 by UNESCO.Unluckily, Shuri Castle suffered from lots of fires in the past, and the latest one was in 2019. Currently, Shuri Castle is being rebuilt and the rebuilding is estimated to be finished in 2026. Coming to Shuri Castle now, you will be able to see how the craftsmen manage to make the ancient palace reappear.
Kokusai-dori Street
The street is 2 kilometers long (1.5 miles), located in the Naha City center. The night market in the street lasts till dawn. It is a perfect spot for visitors to take a shot at local food and the unique awamori liquor distilled from rice. Shopping, of course, is another popular activity here: visitors usually buy Okinawa’s exclusive handicrafts as souvenirs and gifts for families and friends.
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American Village
The American army used to station in this area, so this area was greatly influenced by American culture. Today American Village has become a modern complex of both Okinawan and American styles, with shopping malls, cinemas, and lots of restaurants.
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People are Waiting for Beef on Kokusai-dori Street
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Off-shore Islands
Visitors to Okinawa usually choose to sail away from the main island to other islands where the water is less polluted and cleaner. The seawater around those islands is so clean that people can even see the bottom of the ocean. Among all the off-shore islands, Tokashiki Island and Zamami Island are visitors’ common destinations. They are both not far from the main island, which means that you can take a yacht to get there within half an hour. Besides, you even have a chance to see the wild whales in winter.The landward Kouri Island in the northern part of Okinawa is also worth a visit. It is connected with the main island with a bridge. There are popular beaches with special-shaped rocks, for example, two heart-shaped rocks.
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More Attractions to See in Okinawa
Gyukusendo Cave
Located in the south of Okinawa, Gyukusendo Cave is the largest stalactite cave in Japan, with more than 1 million stalactites. It took 300,000 years to form this marvelous cave. You definitely don’t want to miss the cave landscape here.Zanpa Cave
Zanpa Cave is in the easternmost part of Okinawa. The landmark is a white lighthouse standing on the cliff. You can see a statue of a successful businessman who was born in the near village along the way to Zanpa Cave.Kibira Bay
Cruising by glass-bottom boat is the most popular activity in Kibira Bay. Visitors can have a look at the tropical fish and beautiful corals through the glass without going into the ocean. And of course, the beautiful view on the sea is worth appreciating, too.Tama-udun Mausoleum
Tama-udun Mausoleum was built to bury the royal members of the Ryukyu Kingdom in 1501. It is a huge stone construction designed after Shuri Castle.Nago Pineapple Park
The park was open in 1992. There are various species of pineapple and tropical vegetation for people to visit in the park. Visitors can also learn the production of pineapple juice and other pineapple products.Naminoue Shrine
Located in Naha City, Naminoue Shrine is on a cliff next to the ocean, which makes the shrine look like standing on the waves looking afar. It used to be the most important shrine among the eight shrines of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Afterwards the shrine went through wars but you can still see the iconic Okinawan lion dog standing in front of the red wooden buildings.Mount Yae
Mount Yae is the best place to admire cherry blossoms in Okinawa. The sakura in Okinawa differs significantly from those on Japan's main island: Okinawa’s cherry blossoms have a much deeper pink tone and droop like bells. To enjoy the special cherry blossoms, pack your baggage and come to Mount Yae.
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Recommended Visit Route in Okinawa
It’s recommended to book a hotel near Kokusai-dori Street.Day One: Cape Manzamo - Blue Cave - have lunch at American Village - Shuri Castle
Day Two: Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium- Kouri Island – Walk around Kokusai-dori Street and enjoy the meals there
Day Three: Tokashiki Island ∕ Zamami Island - Naha Airport