目次
- Planning ahead is essential to fully enjoy your trip to Okinawa!
- American Village
- Senagajima Umikaji Terrace
- Okinawa World
- Bios Hill
- Gyokusendo Cave
- Kokusai Street
- Ryukyu Mura
- Tsuboya Yachimun Street
- Sefa-utaki
- Himeyuri Monument & Himeyuri Peace Museum
- Manzamo
- Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
- Shurijo Castle Park
- For Enjoying Okinawa, Renting a Car is Highly Recommended
Planning ahead is essential to fully enjoy your trip to Okinawa!
Okinawa has many sightseeing spots, and here we’ll introduce some of the must-visit places when you’re on the island. It’s a good idea to check in advance the locations where you can enjoy various activities or immerse yourself in nature.
Since there are so many attractions, we highly recommend deciding in advance what you want to do and where.
American Village
American Village is packed with attractions you can enjoy all day long. This large commercial complex is themed around American townscapes and can be enjoyed by everyone—from kids to adults.
From shopping and sightseeing to gourmet dining, there’s so much to do that one day might not be enough!
Senagajima Umikaji Terrace
Senagajima Umikaji Terrace is a scenic spot rich in nature where you can feel the breeze and the scent of the sea in Okinawa. A breathtaking view unfolds right before your eyes, giving you a sense of freedom and relaxation.
It’s a luxurious spot where you can enjoy gourmet food and shopping while soaking in the atmosphere of Okinawa with all your senses.
Okinawa World
Okinawa World is full of unique attractions where you can experience the natural beauty of Okinawa, including a mysterious limestone cave and traditional Okinawan houses that are designated tangible cultural properties. You can enjoy traditional Okinawan performances and exciting animal shows—there’s plenty to see and do!
Bios Hill
If you’re looking for a nature experience that nourishes the heart, Bios Hill is the perfect choice. A ride through the park on a water buffalo, like something out of a scene from TV, will surely become a lasting memory.
The Yuntaku Canoe, which lets you fully immerse yourself in nature, and the Jungle Cruise, where you can observe plants and animals up close, are also must-try activities.
Gyokusendo Cave
Okinawa is home to many limestone caves, but Gyokusendo is the largest of them all. It was formed over the course of 300,000 years and is truly breathtaking to behold. You can explore it at Okinawa World, introduced earlier.
Inside the cave, you may encounter rare creatures, including Japan’s largest freshwater shrimp.
Kokusai Street
Kokusai Street is a lively area where you can enjoy shopping, dining, and local living. Over 600 diverse shops line the street, offering something for everyone.
There are also plenty of accommodations, so it’s a convenient base for exploring various parts of the island. You’ll also find many places offering Okinawan soul food, perfect for sampling as you stroll.
Ryukyu Mura
At Ryukyu Mura, you can enjoy hands-on cultural workshops unique to Okinawa, like making photo frames with seashells and coral, or painting traditional Shisa statues. You can also immerse yourself in Okinawan culture through sanshin music classes and vibrant Eisa dance performances.
Tsuboya Yachimun Street
Tsuboya Yachimun Street offers more than just hands-on pottery experiences like crafting Shisa statues and ceramics—it’s also a great place to enjoy Okinawan and Ryukyuan cuisine.
There are many shops where you can purchase Shisa figures and traditional crafts, making it a great stop if you’d like to take home an Okinawan dishware souvenir.
Sefa-utaki
Sefa-utaki is a UNESCO World Heritage Site revered as the most sacred place of the Ryukyu Kingdom. After walking through the area, you may feel a mysterious sense of energy or spiritual calm.
As it is a sacred site, rather than taking photos, we encourage you to imprint the scenery into your heart and memory.
Himeyuri Monument & Himeyuri Peace Museum
The Himeyuri Monument was built to honor those who lost their lives during the Battle of Okinawa, while the Himeyuri Peace Museum was established to convey the tragic realities of war. Together, they serve as powerful reminders of the importance of peace.
Through exhibits and historical materials, you can deeply reflect on the experiences of war.
Manzamo
Manzamo offers a magnificent panoramic view. The deep blue sea, the endlessly stretching sky, and the vast green grasslands create a truly awe-inspiring landscape.
The elephant trunk-shaped rock is the signature feature of this spot. The stunning contrast of nature is sure to leave a lasting impression, both in your photos and in your memory.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
At Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, you can observe a variety of rare sea creatures and brightly colored tropical fish swimming in massive tanks.
Looking into the enormous tanks makes you feel as if you’re exploring the depths of the ocean. It’s a breathtaking and mystical experience.
Shurijo Castle Park
No discussion of the Ryukyu Kingdom is complete without mentioning Shurijo Castle. As the largest structure of the Ryukyu Kingdom, the castle is built in a unique architectural style and is considered highly valuable.
Strolling through Shurijo Castle Park offers a pleasant way to experience the culture and atmosphere of that era.
For Enjoying Okinawa, Renting a Car is Highly Recommended
To make the most of your sightseeing in Okinawa, renting a car is highly recommended. Since many of Okinawa’s tourist spots are surrounded by nature, traveling by car is especially convenient.
Rental cars offer great flexibility, making them a practical option to consider. Driving through Okinawa with the wind in your hair is an unforgettable way to explore the island.
Our top recommendation for rental cars is Go!Go! Rent-a-Car.
They offer special discounted plans exclusively for online reservations, making it a budget-friendly option. You can also drop off the car at a different branch for free, so there’s no need to backtrack just to return the vehicle.
By saving on rental car costs, you can spend more on uniquely Okinawan experiences like marine sports or souvenirs. Why not consider Go!Go! Rent-a-Car to help make unforgettable memories on your Okinawa trip?
Point
Currently, rental car availability is low across all companies. If you’re in a hurry, we highly recommend booking your rental car as early as possible. Click here for affordable rental cars in Okinawa “GOGO Rent-a-Car”What’s the Price Range for Marine Sports in Okinawa?
Prices vary depending on the type of marine activity you choose. For example, snorkeling at the popular Blue Cave typically costs between 2,500 and 5,000 yen. Other popular options include sea turtle exploration tours in the Kerama Islands, Instagram-worthy photo plans, tropical fish feeding experiences, and packages that include banana boat rides.
