Okinawa is an archipelago of hundreds of islands and islets situated in the very deep south of the Japanese archipelago. Although part of Japan for centuries, Okinawa has always had its own original culture and traditions, making the place very different from mainland Japan. Under the control of both Chinese and Korean before belonging to Japan, Okinawa developed a mixed culture unique to the area and has been fathering activities such as karate, traditional fishing methods, and some of the richest folklore in Japan.
Manza-Mo
Whether you are into diving, photography, sight seeing, or just out for a
relaxing picnic, Manza Point is the place for you. Manza Point is known for its
beautiful view, steep cliffs, and underwater sea life. Visitors will find a
large parking area with many merchants selling Okinawan products and souvenirs.
If you like, you can have your picture taken with a couple of beautiful Okinawan
ladies dressed in Okinawan traditional wear (fee required). Feel free to lay out
a blanket and enjoy a picnic lunch or relax and watch the sunset as the waves
splash against the rugged steep cliffs. Visitors should use extreme caution
around the cliffs and especially in the water. Manza is a great dive spot for
the advanced diver. However, less experienced divers should just enjoy Manza's
beautiful view. Open all year round and free to the public.
Okinawa
World
Okinawa is full of nature and beauty, but the Gyokusendo Cave, located in
Tamagusuku, is Okinawa's most natural phenomenon. The cave is 32 meters below
surface, stays a cool and refreshing 21oC, and has beautifully formed
stalactites and other limestone formations. The children love the bats! The ramp
throughout the cave makes it easy and safe for visitors of all ages to explore.
There's even an escalator for exiting the cave! Once you are above ground,
you'll enter a whole new world in the Gyokusendo Kingdom Village. Within the
village, you'll discover tropical orchards, clay potters, glass blowers, Eisa
and Taiko Drum performers, a large spider and snake exhibit, and everybody's
favorite, the Ryukyu Trade Ship. Explore a cave! Climb aboard a ship! Hold a
golden Python! And so much more!
1336 Maekawa,
Tamagusuku TEL +81-(0)98-049-7421
http://www.gyokusendo.co.jp/
Ryukyu Mura
The Ryukyu Mura is an attraction you must see while visiting Okinawa. The Ryukyu
Mura Village offers a comical, historical, and exciting look at authentic
Okinawan life. It offers a variety of events, festivals, and performances
throughout the year. The village consists of reconstructed Okinawan structures
that reveal how the island people lived in the past. Within the village,
visitors can expect to see traditional Okinawan animated characters, savor
freshly prepared Okinawan food, see lively Taiko Drum and Eisa performances, and
discover a rich Okinawan culture through demonstrated craft exhibitions.
1130 Yamada, Onna TEL +81-(0)98-965-1234
http://www.ryukyumura.co.jp/
Mihama Village
The presence of the U.S. Military has had a great influence on Okinawa's
culture. In the Mihama area of Chatan, you'll see first hand how this small
tropical island developed a portion of its land into an American style village.
Mihama has food, clothing, music, and entertainment that mostly resembles
American taste. The design and architecture of the sidewalks and buildings will
give you the feeling of being in America. If you get hungry, you can savor just
about any type of American, Mexican, Chinese, French, and Korean food that you
can think of. Grab a Grande size coffee at Starbucks and enjoy live outdoor
entertainment by some of Okinawa's rising young performers. There's even a
Dragon Palace that keeps the children entertained. It offers a 3-D virtual ride,
tea cup ride, balloon corner, and a candy store that never ends! Other than the
free parking, the best part of Mihama is the 150-foot Ferris Wheel that offers a
view of the entire Mihama area. Ride it in the evening to enjoy a beautiful
sunset or at night to enjoy the fluorescent lights. Mihama has something for
visitors of all ages!
Mihama, Chatan
TEL +81-(0)98-936-1234
Hiji Falls
Hiji Falls is one of Okinawa's natural hidden attractions. The falls are located
in the Northern part of the island and offer a different way to enjoy this
tropical island. You will still need to bring a towel and lotion because
visitors will have to hike along a strenuous trail that has natural paths and
wooden stairways. The hike requires some effort, but the beautiful waterfalls
and the emerald green body of water are well worth it. If you get tired or hot
during your hike, you can get off the trail and into the shallow river to cool
off at almost any point. A natural canopy of green forest mostly shades the
trail to the falls. You'll also come across a red suspended bridge in which you
can take many great photos. Many people like to take a refreshing dip under the
falls, but caution is advised.
Yanbaru Shizenkan
7-18-28 Miyazato, Nago
TEL 0980-54-2886
Yama-Kawa-Gumi
Hentona, Kunigami TEL +81-(0)980-41-2147
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
The best place to enjoy Okinawa's deep blue waters and bountiful sea life is at
Churaumi Aquarium. "Chura" in Okinawa dialect means beautiful and "umi" means
ocean. The aquarium offers a look into the deep blue at sea life unimaginable.
Visitors can view from above, below, and through the sides of the aquarium at
rare fish, crabs, turtles, predatory sharks, and whale sharks. The facility also
has an enormous theater that shows patrons educational films on ocean life.
Another part of the aquarium allows you to see close up how the professional
staff takes difficult steps in order to domestically grow coral. The most
thrilling part of the aquarium is the Shark Expert's Room. Here you will find
great whites, hammerheads, tiger sharks, and other dangerous predators. If you
find yourself getting hungry, while in the aquarium, you can sit in the Ocean
Blue Room and have a bite to eat as gigantic fish swim overhead.
424 Ishikawa, Motobu
http://www.kaiyouhaku.com/
Shuri Castle
Shuri Castle is Okinawa's most majestic sight. It has always been a symbol of
Okinawa's strength and pride. The Monarchy, who dwelled in the castle, made
great efforts in order to develop trade and relations with Okinawa's neighboring
countries. Their success was what made the Okinawan people's culture and
language original and unique. The castle was destroyed during the Battle of
Okinawa, but has been completely restored to its original form. Shuri Castle is
unlike any other site in Okinawa because of the attention to detail given to its
restoration. Luxurious red and gold colors, neatly laid stone pavements,
architecturally constructed gates, and enchanting gardens and ponds are all a
unique part of the castle's Seiden (Main Hall).
1-1 Kinjo,
Shuri, Naha TEL +81-(0)98-886-2020
http://www.shurijo-park.go.jp/
Southeast Botanical Garden
Southeast Botanical Gardens is located in Chibana in central Okinawa. This
beautifully landscaped 100-acre park will bring you closer to nature with its
exotic flowers, water fountains, lily ponds, herb gardens, ferns, and palm
trees. The park has over two thousand types of plants, both tropical and
subtropical, in their natural environment. A beautifully landscaped paved path
allows you to explore deep into the tropical surroundings. There is also a small
open-sided tour bus that can give you a relaxing ride through the park. Some of
the more exciting attractions are the carp-filled ponds, insect gallery, cactus,
and Balinese statues. You can enjoy the garden's beauty even more with an exotic
tropical fruit drink from the gourmet parlor. They decorate and have a laser
light show during the Christmas season.
2146 Chibana, Okinawa TEL +81-(0)98-939-2555
http://www.sebg.co.jp/
Nakijin
Castle Ruins
The Nakijin Castle Ruins are
located in the Northern mountainous part of Okinawa and offer an overwhelming
view of the East China Sea. The castle was strategically
constructed during the 13th century for the Hokubu (Northern) area lord. Climb
on the top of the 1.5-kilometer long wall, which surrounds the castle, and let
the East China Sea and the insurmountable rugged mountains give you a historical
image of how the reigning lord controlled the region. The castle's neighboring
town consists of original Okinawan style houses, beautiful landscape, and
friendly residents.
4874 Tomari, Nakijin TEL +81-(0)980-56-4400
http://www.yanbaru.ne.jp/~NAKIJIN/