Okinawa
Okinawa is one of the best beach resort in Japan, located in the most south part of Japan. It consists of 160 island from small to large and there are many coral reef around widely. It is warm whole year thanks to the location. The average temperature is 22 degree. It rains a lot at the same time, therefore, we advise you staying there at least 1 week to fully enjoy the beautiful islands.
The local Okinawa people are well-known very friendly and warm. It will be also good memory to chat and close to them felling their culture.
It takes 2.5 hours from Haneda or Narita airport (Tokyo) to the capital of main island Naha city by plains. You can also reach such beautiful island Ishigaki island, Miyako island and Kume island taking boats or plains from Naha. As the clear blue sea water is famous in worldwide, many tourists visit there to enjoy diving in there. Of course, seeing beautiful sunset will be unforgettable experience in your life. Why don’t you visit this ultimate beach resort feeling Japanese hospitality "Omotenashi"?
Photo of popular sightseeing spots in Okinawa
Naha city is used to be the capital of Ryukyu-kingdom and is now the prefectural capital of Okinawa prefecture. The city is the entrance for many islands belong to Okinawa and also very popular sightseeing place.
The most famous street "Kokusai-dori" is very easy to access from the airport and is always busy with people. It is good place for purchasing souvenirs after all your sightseeing in this beautiful island.
After visiting The Shuri castle which is registered as The World Heritage and getting learning Japanese history, it would be nice to feel current Okinawa atmosphere at Kokusai-dori. You will be very excited with the gap. Between the airport and Shuri castile, there is "Yui Rail" which is very convenient for sightseeing.
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Naha Navi
OKINAWA TOURISM WEBSITE
Shuri-jo Castle
Shuri Castile is located on the hill where you will be able to view whole Naha city. It is the biggest wooden castle in Okinawa prefecture. In December 2000, it is registered The World Heritage as ‘Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu’, which has become one of the popular sightseeing places in Okinawa prefecture.
There are mainly 2 areas, which is free admission and charge admission. The main building is going to be charged to visit. ‘Nishi-no-Azana’ will offer you the spectacular view of whole Naha city. It is free and definitely remarkable place you must go.
Access : Naha Airport → (Okinawa Monorail "Yui Rail" : about 28 minutes / 330yen) → Shuri Station → (About 15 minutes on foot) → Shureimon gate
The local buses are also available. (No.7 and 8 bond for Shurijo-shitamachi line) Please get off the bus stop "Shurijo-mae". 3 minutes' walk to reach Shurei gate.
Kokusai Street
It is the main shopping street across 1.6km from the prefectural office of Okinawa, which is always busy with tourists. While you are walking on the street, you will find many souvenir shops on both sides. It becomes a pedestrian precinct every Sunday.
There are shops, restaurants in everywhere and you will absolutely enjoy shopping and eating local soul foods in there.
Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum
It is consist of museum and art gallery. In the museum, you will be able to learn nature, history, culture and traditional arts in Okinawa. On the other hand, in the art gallery, you will be able to see the art works which has the connection with Okinawa.
The building is imaged Gusuku of Okinawa (castle) and looks like it is made by carbolic stones of Ryukyu. In this place, you will learn about unique history and culture in Okinawa prefecture.
Access : Approx. 10 minutes on foot from Omoromachi Station
Naha Airport → (Okinawa Monorail "Yui Rail" : about 20 minutes / 300yen) → Omoromachi Station
Tours (By JAPANICAN)
[Shuri-jo Castle Park World Heritage Bus Tour (Tour in Japanese, Audio Guide Avail)]
9:30am Sightseeing bus platform ⇒ Shurijo Castle Park ⇒ The Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters ⇒ The Himeyuri Monument (including lunch) ⇒ Peace Memorial Park ⇒ Okinawa World, Gyokusendo Cave ⇒ 5:00pm Sightseeing bus platform
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[Okinawa Sunset Dinner Cruise Cattleya Course Tour run by West Marine]
5:15pm Check in at the Naha Wharf Passenger Meeting Area ⇒ 5:45pm Sunset Dinner Cruise departs ⇒ 7:30pm The Cruise returns to the port
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[Okinawa Night Time Dinner Cruise Orchid Course Tour run by West Marine]
7:45pm Meet at Naha Pier Waiting Area, check in ⇒ 8:15pm Cruise departs ⇒ 10:00pm Cruise ends
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[Okinawa Kerama Islands Morning Half Day Snorkeling Tour (from Naha)]
7:30am - 8:00am Pick-up from hotel in Naha City ⇒ 7:50am - 9:00am Check-in at Marine House SEASIR Naha ⇒ 9:00am Depart for Kerama Islands by boat ⇒ Snorkeling (1 hour) ⇒ Return to Naha by boat ⇒ 12:00pm End of tour
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[Okinawa Kerama Islands Day Trip Snorkeling Tour (from Naha)]
7:30am - 8:00am Pick-up from hotel in Naha City ⇒ 7:50am - 9:00am Check-in at Marine House SEASIR Naha ⇒ 9:00am Depart for Kerama Islands by boat ⇒ Snorkeling ⇒ Lunch ⇒ Snorkeling ⇒ Return to Naha by boat ⇒ 4:30pm - 5:00pm End of tour
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Okinawa main island is surrounded by such amazing beautiful nature thanks to its oceanic climate. There are many nature activities like camping spots and eco tours in Yanbaru area where the rare animals inhabit in jungle. The island is remarkable place as popular sightseeing spots such as Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and Kouri bridge. In Onnason area, you can see amazingly clear sea water and coral reef and it is such great resort where you will be able to spend ultimate time enjoying golf , spa etc.
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Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (Located in the Ocean Expo Park)
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is located in the Hotobu area (north of Okinawa main island) and takes approximately 2 hours by car from Naha city. "Churaumi" means "Pure Ocean" in Okinawa dialect.
The aquarium reproduced Okinawa Sea. They have the biggest aquarium in the world and there are various kinds of fishes such as tropical fishes and deep-sea fishes. You will find the fish and plants which you will not be able to see in other aquariums but only here.
Moreover, many experience activities are held in outside of building such as dolphin show and free entrance stalls in around. Everything is enjoyable with all family members.
Access : About 2 hours by car or about 3 hours by expressway bus from Naha Airport.
Kouri-jima Bridge
Kouri-jima is located in Nakijin village (north of Okinawa main island), 1 hour and half away by car from Naha city.
Kouri-Ohashi (Bridge) is in between Kouri-jima (Nakijin village) and Yagaji island (Nago city), which length is 1960m and free to across. It is very popular sightseeing place now.
While you are travelling the bridge, you feel like you are running on the sea thanks to that beautiful emerald blue ocean view and the construction of bridge. There are many beautiful beaches in the island and unique rocks and cafes where you can enjoy spectacular view during your tea time.
Tours (By JAPANICAN)
[Northern Okinawa Tour (Tour in Japanese, Audio Guide Avail)]
9:00am Sightseeing bus platform ⇒ Ryukyu Mura ⇒ Cape Manza ⇒ Okashigoten (lunch) ⇒ Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium ⇒ Nago Pineapple Park (odd-numbered days) or Okinawa Fruits Land (even-numbered days) ⇒ 7:15pm Sightseeing bus platform
More detail and booking by JAPANICAN
[Nakijin-jo Castle World Heritage Bus Tour (Tour in Japanese, Audio Guide Avail)]
8:45am Okinawa Bus Sightseeing Bus Stop ⇒ Cape Manza ⇒ Lunch ⇒ Ocean Expo Park (Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium...) ⇒ World Heritage Nakijin Castle Remains ⇒ Nago Pineapple Park ⇒ 6:00pm Sightseeing Bus Stop
More detail and booking by JAPANICAN