As a travel destination, Okinawa is one of the most famous locations around Japan. It has stunning beaches, breathtaking views, an outstanding cultural heritage, and a lovely atmosphere. Throw in the unique cuisine and you have the perfect destination.
But apart from all these, compared to the rest of Japan, Okinawa has a slow-paced lifestyle. Everyone’s relaxed and calm, which adds to the overall vibe. Now, if this is your first time in Okinawa, here are the most important things to see and do on this beautiful island.
Visit Okinawa World
Okinawa World is a unique theme park. Even if you don’t travel with kids or you’re not interested in theme parks, this isn’t necessarily about rides and fun experiences. It’s entirely dedicated to the culture in Okinawa, so you’ll learn more about the history of the island, as well as the local culture and ecology.
There are more things to explore in Okinawa World, with the Kingdom Village being one of the most attractive ones. It’s practically a replica of a classic Ryukyu village. Once in there, you’ll find numerous workshops, not to mention traditional crafts. Visitors can watch local artisans create traditional items which gives them insight into the skilled craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations in Okinawa.
Other than that, it’s worth taking a look around the Habu Park too. Plus, if you’re into ecology, you’ll love the Gyokusendo Cave. For all these, you may have to dedicate a whole day.
Explore the Himeyuri Peace Museum
You might be familiar with the Battle of Okinawa if you’re into history. And even if you’re not, it’s one of the most representative events in the history of the island, so you should definitely read a little about it. Anyway, this museum is dedicated to all the victims in this battle.
Most of the victims in this battle were nurses helping the local army. All in all, once on site, you’ll find quite a few artifacts, personal belongings, a full history of the battle, a cenotaph, and a cave. The cave was a common hiding place during the battle, so it carries great historical value.
Once you’re done, take a walk around the museum as well and enjoy the beautiful gardens. The peaceful outdoor space offers a moment of calm reflection after experiencing the intense historical narrative inside. Simply put, it offers educational value for visitors interested in understanding the human impact of war.
Check Out the Shuri Castle
Sometimes referred to as Shurijo or Shuri-jo, this castle has a rich history that will help you dig deeper into the local culture and history. Back in the day, before Okinawa was part of Japan, it used to be a royal place and a regular home for the Ryukyu kings.
As Okinawa was assimilated by Japan, the castle became an administrative center for the entire region. The castle has a rich history and has been destroyed multiple times throughout all sorts of battles. However, it was rebuilt every single time.
The latest restoration dates back to 1992. Despite being relatively new, the restoration kept the original features and other classic elements associated with the Ryukyu culture. Visitors to Shuri Castle can explore its architectural design, which reflects a blend of Japanese and Southeast Asian influences.
Dive Into the Blue Cave
Okinawa has more caves, but the so-called Blue Cave stands out in the crowd. Its name is self-explanatory because once in there, you’ll discover a unique nuance of blue that glows throughout the waters.
The cave itself isn’t massive when compared to other local caves. However, it’s a limestone grotto, so its build helps preserve its natural beauty. Located by Cape Maeda, it offers access to turquoise waters and a wide variety of tropical fish.
The problem with this cave is that it’s a very popular tourist attraction in Okinawa, so it’s often crowded. Try to get there early in the morning or visit Okinawa out of season.
Walk Around the Kabira Bay
You’re wrong if you think Japan is all about karaoke, big cities, and gadgets. Okinawa brings in a tropical approach that showcases nature better than any other location in the country. The Kabira Bay is on Ishigaki island, which is very easy to get to.
Once in there, you’ll feel like you’re in a different world. The sand is incredibly white and stands out while washed by turquoise waters. From many points of view, this bay could be one of the best locations in Okinawa for social media influencers and photographers.
Apart from its natural beauty, the bay is also famous for its black pearls. As you walk around, you’ll find plenty of vendors. The bay not only provides a beautiful landscape but also tells a story about Okinawa’s rich marine ecosystem and local economic traditions.
Photograph the Pinaisara Waterfall
The Pinaisara Waterfall is a must if you’re the type who loves to impress family and friends with amazing photos. The waterfall is surrounded by a dense jungle, so you’re about to capture a beautiful mix of crystal clear blue and lush green.
The height of the waterfall isn’t the only thing to impress. Locals claim that the water resembles an old man’s beard as it flows down.
The actual waterfall is only the final destination of the trip. To most people, the experience isn’t necessarily about getting there, but about the journey through mangroves and a deep jungle covered in thick vegetation. Definitely the experience of a lifetime!
Go to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
The aquarium is just one of the numerous attractions at the Ocean Expo Park, a theme park located in the Motobu Peninsula. Like other attractions in Okinawa, exploring the whole park may take up to a full day. No matter what you choose to visit, make sure you don’t skip the aquarium.
The place is famous for the identical recreations of the underwater ecosystems. It’s a replica, indeed, but it’s so well done that it looks perfectly natural. The Coral Sea tank is one of the main attractions there. Plus, you’ll get to admire about 100 different creatures.
Finally, the Kuroshio Sea tank features larger beasts, such as manta rays and whale sharks. These massive tanks provide a rare opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures up close.
Go Down the Irabu Ohashi Bridge
This is one of Japan’s masterpieces in terms of architecture. It’s the longest bridge in Japan that doesn’t require paying a toll and connects two of the most beautiful islands in the area. It’s the best way to move between Miyako-jima and Irabu-jima.
The bridge’s unique design makes it stand out from typical infrastructure. Apart from its impressive length, it also undulates, just like a dragon. Surrounded by turquoise waters, it offers splendid views. Photographers in particular will love the mix of modern technology and traditional nature.
Apart from beautiful photography, this bridge also connects two beautiful islands. Therefore, you can also take advantage of it and make a quick visit around.
Nakijin Castle
Also known as Nakijin-jo, this castle is part of the Motobu Peninsula. It’s one of the five Ryukyu castles across Okinawa. Just like the others, it offers an insight into what life used to be in the kingdom. Moreover, all these castles are considered UNESCO World Heritage sites.
These days, you can mostly admire the ruins of the old castle. However, the scenery surrounding this place is still amazing. From all these Ryukyu castles in Okinawa, the Nakijin Castle has the most attractive landscapes, since it’s surrounded by lush forests.
Visit in early summer and you can also admire the superb cherry blossoms, something that Japan is normally famous for. In fact, you might’ve seen all these landscapes in wallpapers and travel guides. Visiting this castle is not just a historical tour but an immersive journey through Okinawa’s cultural landscape.
Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters
This is by far one of the most representative locations to visit if you like history. It’s a living museum introducing you to the Battle of Okinawa but with a first-hand experience. This is the place where the battle came to a brutal outcome. While it has a tragic history, this place was opened to the public in order to showcase the horrors of war, but also to promote the feeling of peace.
Visitors can walk around the place but also go through the tunnels surrounding the headquarters. Multiple museum exhibits introduce the audience to what the place was like a while ago.
In the End
In the end, Okinawa is far more than just another Japanese destination. If you’re a first-time visitor, you will find endless opportunities to explore and learn. It offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural experiences that you won’t find anywhere else in Japan. Thank you for reading, just to let you know that the images you see here are for illustration purposes only.
