Introducing recommendations for sightseeing in Okinawa. Okinawa Prefecture is a fascinating tourist destination with many things to do, such as snorkeling on spectacular beaches, visiting classic sights and tourist attractions such as Shuri Castle and Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, touring remote islands such as Ishigaki Island and Miyako Island, popular scenic drives around Kouri Island and underwater roads, island gourmet foods such as Okinawa soba and taco rice, ocean cafes overlooking the beach, and power spots such as Hisakajima and Saiba Gogaku. The island is an attractive tourist destination that offers many ways to enjoy sightseeing.
To enjoy sightseeing in Okinawa Prefecture
Okinawa Prefecture is famous for its blue sea and white sand beaches! One of the most beautiful beaches in the world can be seen at Yonaha Maehama Beach and Sunayama Beach on Miyako Island, Kabira Bay on Ishigaki Island, Kaiji Beach on Taketomi Island, and Hate no Hama on Kume Island.
The main island of Okinawa is also full of beautiful beaches such as Sesoko Beach and Namiue Beach! The main island of Okinawa is also full of beautiful beaches such as Sesoko Beach and Namiue Beach, as well as Manzamage with its spectacular view from the cliffs and the ocean seen from the Kouri Bridge.
In addition, on the main island, Ishigaki Island, and Iriomote Island, there are still virgin mangrove forests where you can enjoy kayaking and trekking, and on Miyako Island and the Kerama Islands, you can enjoy snorkeling in the coral reefs of the sea. There are also a variety of sightseeing spots, including Shuri Castle in Naha, the ruins of Gusuku in Nakijin Village in the northern part of the island, Churaumi Aquarium, Tamasendo Cave, Saiba Utaki, and Gangara no tani (Valley of the Gungaras).
At night, drinking and eating in downtown areas such as Kokusai Street, Misaki Town on Ishigaki Island, and Nishizato Main Street on Miyako Island are recommended. Also, a visit to Yonaguni Island and Hateruma Island, located at the westernmost tip of Japan, will allow you to spend time away from everyday life.
History of Okinawa Prefecture
Okinawa Prefecture includes the northernmost island of Iwotorishima, the southernmost island of Hateruma, the easternmost island of Kita Daito, and the westernmost island of Yonaguni, and if these four islands were connected in a straight line, the prefecture would include a vast sea area measuring 1,000 km from east to west and 400 km from north to south. There are 160 islands in this sea area and about 50 inhabited islands, including the main island of Okinawa.
The Ryukyu Kingdom flourished in ancient times, and because of its active trade with China, Japan, and other countries at that time, a unique culture, different from that of Honshu, was formed. The ruins of castles (gusuku) built during that period still remain on the main island of Okinawa, and in 2000, nine sites were registered as World Heritage sites as "Castles and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu". It is recommended for those who want to experience the history of Okinawa.
Local Gourmet, Food Culture, and Specialties of Okinawa
Okinawa is famous for its unique soba noodles, including Okinawa soba, a specialty of the main island of Okinawa, Yaeyama soba, which is eaten throughout the Yaeyama Islands, and Miyako soba of Miyako Island. Other famous dishes include stir-fried goya (bitter melon) and agu pork stir-fried with eggs, which can be found throughout the prefecture.
Mimigar, rafte, tibiti, juicy, and hilayachi are also local delicacies, as well as a treasure trove of rare ingredients such as gi-mami tofu, tofu yo-yo, sea grapes, island cucumbers, and island peppercorns.
In addition, Okinawa Wagyu beef, including Ishigaki beef, is widely raised and can be enjoyed as yakiniku (grilled beef). In terms of seafood, you can enjoy unique southern-sea seafood such as Ilabucha, Gurukun, tiger prawns, and coconut crabs.
There are also many B-class gourmet foods such as tacos and hamburgers, and popular souvenirs include sata andagi, chinsuko, Orion beer, and awamori.
Kabira Bay is located on the northwestern coast of Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture. Recognized as one of Japan's 100 Scenic Landscapes and designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government, the bay is one of Ishigaki Island's most spectacular natural attractions. The combinati...»
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is one of Okinawa's most popular attractions, home to more than 20,000 marine animals representing around 700 species. Located within Ocean Expo Park on the Motobu Peninsula in northern Okinawa, the aquarium introduces visitors to the rich marine environment surrounding the...»
Iriomote Island is the second-largest island in Okinawa Prefecture after Okinawa Island and the largest island in the Yaeyama Islands by area. Much of the island remains covered by dense subtropical jungle, creating a remarkably rich natural environment. Mount Komidou, Mount Tedou, and Mount Goza a...»
Yonaha Maehama Beach is located at the southwestern tip of Miyako Island in Okinawa Prefecture and is widely regarded as one of the island's most beautiful and iconic beaches. A magnificent stretch of white sand and deep blue waters extends for approximately 7 kilometers, creating a spectacular trop...»
Sunayama Beach is one of the most iconic beaches on Miyako Island, known for its distinctive landscape shaped by nature. Along with Yonaha Maehama Beach, it is regarded as one of the island's signature coastal attractions and has consistently received high ratings on Japanese travel and review sites...»
Shuri Castle was the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom and served as the political and cultural heart of the kingdom for centuries. Located on a hill overlooking Naha Port, once an important center of overseas trade, the castle is the largest-scale gusuku, or traditional Ryukyuan castle complex, in...»
Taketomi Island is a small coral island in the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa, surrounded by brilliant blue waters and white-sand beaches. With a circumference of approximately 9 kilometers, the island lies about 6 kilometers south of Ishigaki Island and can be reached in about 10 minutes by high-speed ...»
Tokashiki Island is the easternmost island of the Kerama Islands, located about 30 kilometers west of Naha. Surrounded by the extraordinary blue waters known as Kerama Blue, the island is a peaceful tropical retreat where visitors can leave everyday life behind and enjoy the unhurried rhythm of isla...»
Yubu Island is a tiny island just off the eastern coast of Iriomote Island in Okinawa's Yaeyama Islands. With a circumference of approximately 2.1 kilometers and an elevation of only about 1.5 meters above sea level, the island is surrounded by shallow tropical waters and lush subtropical vegetation...»
Hatenohama Beach is a spectacular sandbar off the eastern coast of Kumejima Island in Okinawa. Located approximately 7 kilometers offshore, this extraordinary natural landscape consists of three uninhabited sandbar islands surrounded by brilliantly clear water. With its dazzling white sand and vivi...»
Katsuren Castle is the historic site of a powerful gusuku, or Ryukyuan castle, that flourished during the era of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Located in Uruma City on the Katsuren Peninsula, the castle is closely associated with Amawari, one of the most influential local lords of the period. Amawari is reme...»
Irabu Island lies northwest of Miyako Island in Okinawa's Miyako Islands. Since the opening of the Irabu Bridge in 2015, the island has been directly accessible from Miyako Island by car, making it much easier for travelers to explore its beaches, coastal scenery, and marine attractions. The island...»
Kouri Island is a small, picturesque island surrounded by the emerald-green waters of Okinawa, just off the northern coast of Okinawa Island. Known as the “Island of Love,” Kouri has become a popular destination for couples and travelers drawn to its beautiful beaches, romantic landscapes, and myste...»
Higashi-Hennazaki Cape extends approximately 2 kilometers into the deep blue waters at the southeastern tip of Miyako Island. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, this narrow, windswept cape is one of the island's most spectacular natural landmarks. In spring, the landscape becom...»
Fukushu-en Garden is a beautiful Chinese-style garden in Naha, Okinawa, offering visitors a tranquil landscape filled with traditional Chinese architecture, stonework, water features, and lush plants. Stepping through its gates feels like entering another world, where the atmosphere and scenery are ...»
Kohama Island is a peaceful tropical island in the Yaeyama Islands, located about 25 minutes by regular ferry from Ishigaki Island. Surrounded by beautiful blue seas and covered with expansive sugarcane fields, Kohama has a relaxed atmosphere that makes it an ideal destination for experiencing the s...»
Naminoue Shrine stands dramatically on a steep cliff overlooking Naha Harbor in Okinawa. Perched above the sea, the shrine has long been one of the most important places of worship in the region and was once revered as the guardian shrine of the entire Ryukyu Kingdom. Affectionately known by local ...»
Cape Hedo is the northernmost point of Okinawa Island, dramatically marking the far northern edge of the forested region known as Yanbaru. Rising above the rugged coastline, the cape offers spectacular views across the sea and a powerful sense of standing at the edge of Okinawa. Yanbaru, meaning th...»
Imgya Marine Garden is one of the most distinctive places to enjoy the sea on Miyako Island. Rather than a wide stretch of white sand, this coastal park showcases the unique shoreline and sheltered inlets naturally formed along the southern coast of the island. The park consists of a peninsula stre...»
Kondoi Beach is a beautiful crescent-shaped beach on the western side of Taketomi Island, and one of the island's most inviting stretches of coastline. Its brilliant white sand and exceptionally clear blue water make it a place that should not be missed when visiting Taketomi Island. The sea is usu...»
Kaichu Doro, often translated as the “Underwater Road,” is one of Okinawa's most scenic driving routes. Stretching for approximately 5.2 kilometers, it connects the Katsuren Peninsula on Okinawa Island with Henza Island. Despite its name, the road does not actually run underwater. Instead, it is bu...»
Toriike, or the Toriike Ponds, is a remarkable natural landmark on Shimoji Island in Miyakojima City. The site consists of two nearly circular ponds of different sizes that appear to sit side by side above ground, yet are connected to each other underground. The larger pond, known as the first pond...»
Nishihama Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Yaeyama Islands, located on the northern coast of Hateruma Island. The beach is about a 10-minute walk from Hateruma Port, making it an easy destination to reach after arriving on the island. The beach is also sometimes written as “西浜,” me...»
Yoshino Coast is located on the southeastern side of Miyako Island, close to the island's easternmost point. It is widely known as one of the island's most popular destinations for snorkeling, thanks to the extensive coral reefs that lie just offshore. From the white sandy beach, visitors can step ...»
Daisekirinzan is a spectacular trekking destination in northern Okinawa Island, within Yanbaru National Park. The area is characterized by sharp limestone rock formations rising among lush subtropical forests, creating a landscape that feels like a natural maze. The attraction covers an enormous ar...»
Nagamahama Beach is located on the western coast of Kurima Island, a small island just southwest of Miyako Island. With its clear blue water, soft white sand, and largely untouched natural surroundings, it is one of the most beautiful and peaceful beaches in the Miyako Islands. Because the beach fa...»
Kouri Bridge is a spectacular sea-crossing bridge connecting Kouri Island, a small island famous as the “Island of Love,” with Yagaji Island in northern Okinawa. Kouri Island is also associated with an Okinawan creation legend similar to the story of Adam and Eve. Stretching approximately 1,960 met...»
Teenu Beach and Heart Rock are among the most romantic places to visit on Kouri Island, a small island in northern Okinawa surrounded by brilliant emerald-green waters. Kouri Island is widely known as the “Island of Love” and is associated with an Okinawan legend about the origins of humanity, simil...»
Ryugujo Observatory is a three-story observation tower on Kurima Island, a small island located southwest of Miyako Island. The tower is designed to evoke the image of Ryugujo, the mythical Dragon Palace from Japanese and Okinawan folklore. Kurima Island can be reached by crossing the approximately...»
American Village is a lively entertainment and shopping district in Mihama, Chatan, on Okinawa Island. Filled with shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, cinemas, and live music venues, the area remains popular with both visitors and local residents throughout the day and into the evening. The s...»
Emerald Beach is a beautiful seaside destination within Ocean Expo Park on the northwestern coast of Okinawa Island. Located close to popular attractions such as the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, it is an ideal place to stop and enjoy the sea while exploring the northern part of the island. The beach ...»
Toguchi-no-hama Beach is located on the southwestern coast of Irabu Island, northwest of Miyako Island. Together with the famous Yonaha Maehama Beach, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Miyako Islands. The natural beach stretches for approximately 800 meters, with a broad sa...»
Kouri Ocean Tower is one of the most popular attractions on Kouri Island, a small island off the northern coast of Okinawa Island. Known as the “Island of Love”, Kouri Island is associated with a local creation legend resembling the story of Adam and Eve. To reach the island, visitors cross the 1,9...»
Valley of Gangala is a unique natural attraction in Nanjo City, southern Okinawa. Combining ancient limestone caves, dramatic rock formations, and lush subtropical forest, the valley feels like stepping into another world. The interior of the valley can only be entered as part of a guided tour. As ...»
Ikema Island lies off the northwestern coast of Miyako Island in Okinawa Prefecture. Surrounded by beautiful beaches and clear blue waters, the island is known for its peaceful natural environment and the strong cultural traditions that have been preserved here. Since 1992, Ikema Island has been co...»
Pinaisara Falls is the tallest waterfall on Iriomote Island and one of the island's most impressive natural attractions. Rising approximately 55 meters, the waterfall plunges dramatically through the subtropical jungle of northern Iriomote Island. The name “Pinaisara” comes from the local Okinawan ...»
Kaiji Beach is one of the most charming beaches on Taketomi Island, a small coral island surrounded by the beautiful seas of Okinawa. Located just a short ferry ride from Ishigaki Island, Taketomi Island can be reached in approximately 10 minutes by ferry, making it a popular destination for travele...»
Fusaki Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Ishigaki Island, located within the beachfront Fusaki Resort Village. With calm waters, soft white sand, and a beautiful tropical setting, it is an easy place for visitors to enjoy the sea of Ishigaki Island. The gentle waters make the beach partic...»
Kouri Beach is a beautiful swimming beach located at the foot of the iconic Kouri Bridge on Kouri Island in northern Okinawa. Known for its exceptionally clear water, soft white sand, and spectacular views of the bridge, it is one of the island's most popular places to enjoy the sea. Kouri Island i...»
Painagama Beach is a popular seaside retreat within easy walking distance of the central area of Hirara on Miyakojima Island. Loved by both local residents and visitors, the beach is a convenient place to enjoy the island's beautiful sea without having to travel far from town. Restaurants, izakaya-...»
Naminoue Beach is an urban artificial beach located in the heart of Naha and the only designated swimming beach within Naha City. Its exceptional convenience makes it a popular place for both visitors and local residents to enjoy the Okinawan sea without leaving the city. The beach is approximately...»
Senaga Island is a small island in southern Okinawa known as the island closest to Naha Airport. Although separated from Okinawa's main island by the sea, it is now connected by a coastal road, making it easy to visit by car, bicycle, or even on foot. Its location directly beside Naha Airport gives...»
Hoshizuna Beach, or “Star Sand Beach,” is a beautiful coastal destination on Iriomote Island where visitors can search for tiny grains of sand with mysterious star- and sun-like shapes. These distinctive grains, known as “star sand,” are actually the shells left behind by microscopic marine organis...»
Mariyudu Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls on Iriomote Island, located along the middle reaches of the Urauchi River. The powerful two-tiered waterfall is approximately 20 meters wide and 16 meters high, surrounded by the lush subtropical forests for which Iriomote Island is famous. Th...»
Shureimon Gate is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Shuri Castle in Naha, Okinawa. It stands as a powerful symbol of the history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which ruled the Ryukyu Islands for centuries. Shuri Castle has six gates, and Shureimon is traditionally regarded as the castle...»
Cape Manzamo is one of the most spectacular scenic attractions in Onna Village, one of Okinawa's best-known resort destinations. Located within the Okinawa Coast designated park, this dramatic coastal landscape combines towering cliffs, lush grassland, and the brilliant blue waters of the East China...»
Zanpa Cape Lighthouse stands at the tip of Zanpa Cape on the western coast of Okinawa Island. The cape is known as one of the places where you can watch the sun set over the sea for one of the last times on Okinawa Island. Dramatic natural cliffs stretch for approximately 2 kilometers along the coa...»
Ibaruma Sabichi Cave is a remarkable natural limestone cave in the northern part of Ishigaki Island. Known for its beautiful stalactites and unusual geological formations, the cave offers a fascinating journey through an underground world before opening onto the brilliant emerald-green waters of Iba...»
Harimizu Utaki is one of the most sacred places on Miyako Island, Okinawa, and has been a center of local worship for centuries. Also known as Tsukasaya, this sacred site has been deeply connected with the spiritual life, traditions, and legends of the people of Miyako Island. Unlike many other uta...»
Cape Oganzaki, also known as Uganzaki or Oganzaki, is one of the most impressive scenic viewpoints on Ishigaki Island. Located on the island's western coast, the cape is known for its rugged shoreline, powerful waves, and sweeping views across the surrounding ocean. About a 30-minute drive from Ish...»