Okinawa

  • Shuri Castle Park

    Park maintaining Shuri Castle site serving as Ryukyu Kingdom political and cultural center. Vermillion main hall destroyed in 2019 fire with restoration underway. Many attractions including castle walls, Shureimon Gate, exhibits introducing royal culture. Located on hilltop overlooking Naha cityscape with beautiful nighttime illumination.

    Address: 3 Shuri Kinjo-cho, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture

    Access: About 15 minutes by Yui Rail from Naha Bus Terminal, 15-minute walk from Shuri Station

    Transportation: Comfortable shoes recommended due to many stone-paved slopes.

    Tags: World HeritageHistorySpectacular View

  • Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

    Japan's premier aquarium famous for giant 8.2m high by 35m long Kuroshio Sea tank. Spectacular sight of whale sharks exceeding 8m length and manta rays swimming gracefully. Coral reef and deep-sea creature exhibits also enriched with free dolphin shows.

    Address: 424 Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture, Ocean Expo Park

    Access: About 2.5 hours by express bus from Naha Airport

    Transportation: Approximately 8 daily express buses from Naha

    Tags: Family-friendlyWhale SharkInstagram-worthy

  • Kokusai Street

    Approximately 1.6km main street running through central Naha City. Souvenir shops, Ryukyu cuisine, cafes, and live houses line the street called Miracle Mile. Bustling until late night with alley market and awamori bar hopping also enjoyable.

    Address: Makishi to Asato, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture

    Access: 5-minute walk from Naha Bus Terminal

    Transportation: Yui Rail Makishi Station and Miebashi Station nearest

    Tags: ShoppingNightlife

  • Kerama Islands (Aka, Zamami, Tokashiki)

    National park islands arriving in about 1 hour by high-speed boat from Naha. Kerama Blue exceptional transparency seas enabling snorkeling and diving with sea turtles. Winter humpback whale watching also popular.

    Address: Zamami Village and Tokashiki Village, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

    Access: 35–50 minutes by high-speed boat from Tomari Port

    Transportation: Service cancellations on high wave days

    Tags: DivingWhale WatchingNational Park

  • Kouri Ocean Tower

    Spectacular view tower overlooking approximately 2km long Kouri Bridge. Automated carts tour shell museum with top floor cafe commanding emerald green sea views.

    Address: 538 Kouri, Nakijin Village, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

    Access: About 1 hour 40 minutes by car from Naha Airport

    Transportation: Limited bus service rental car recommended

    Tags: Spectacular ViewDrive

Model Courses

  • Naha-Based Okinawa Main Island Highlights 2 Days

    Greedy plan efficiently covering Naha City and northern popular spots. No rental car required utilizing public transport plus tours.

    • Breakfast at market
    • World Heritage tour
    • Express bus use
    • Spectacular bridge crossing drive