Culture / Tour Spots in Okinawa Area

Area

Okinawa
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  Okinawa

Category

Leisure / Hobbies

Culture / Tour

Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum

4.0

711 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Omoromachi 3-1-1

The Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum, which is the largest museum of its kind in Okinawa Prefecture, is located approximately 10 minutes’ walk from Omoromachi Station on the Okinawa Urban Monorail (Yuirail) line. Besides the Museum’s permanent exhibitions—which comprise general exhibitions relating to Okinawa’s natural environments, history and culture, as well as five sub-exhibitions on natural history etc.—special exhibitions are also held. The outdoor display area, with its reconstructions of a traditional Ryukyuan farmhouse and storehouse, is particularly popular with visitors. The Art Museum’s collections are focused on the work of artists with a connection to Okinawa island or Okinawa Prefecture, as well as modern and contemporary art; exhibits include contemporary artworks from Japan, other Asian countries, and the U.S.A., etc.

A nice museum with lots to show. I specifically liked the natural history sections a lot. In some sections, there is no English translation on the info cards, so you may get lost a little if you do...
Shikina-en garden

4.0

530 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Maji 421-7

This Ryukyuan-style garden is in Naha City. It was first built in 1799 as a villa for the Ryukyuan kings. The garden was known as the “Southern Gardens” because of its location to the south of Shuri-jo Castle. With a winding-path design, this unique garden combines elements of Chinese and traditional Okinawan design. In 2000, the Shikina-en garden was included within the scope of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu UNESCO World Heritage Site. The red algae Thorea gaudichaudii C. Ag. (which has been designated as a National Natural Monument) was first discovered at the Ikutoku Spring in the Shikina-en Garden.

Very well built garden with some nice paths to walk and a bunch of good spots for nice pictures. Relaxing and beautiful, well worth the time spent.
Hill of bios

4.0

312 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Urumashi Ishikawakadekaru 961-30

“Hill of bios” is a botanical garden park in Uruma City that recreates the unique forest that originally covered Okinawa. Visitors have the opportunity to view beautiful flowers that change with the seasons, as well as encountering Okinawa’s native animal species. Besides more physical activities such as canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), visitors can also ride in a lake excursion boat, viewing the subtropical plants and animals while listening to the commentary given by the guide in the boat’s prow. There are also various optional activities that enabled visitors to have fun while learning about Okinawa’s natural wonders; for example, visitors can go round the park in a cart pulled by a water-buffalo.

This was a very nice place especially if like gardens. It was peaceful and comfortable walk. Make sure you give it at least an hour plus to walk around.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Kunigamigunmotobuchou Ishikawa 424 (inside Ocean Expo Park)

"In this aquarium, whale sharks as long as 8.8meters and multiple Alfred mantas, one of the largest species of ray, are raised in captivity in the world's biggest tank. Other exhibits include an aquarium that reproduces the shallow water surrounded by coral reefs and the deep sea, recreating the seas around Okinawa in ingenious ways. In addition, the restaurant ""Inoh"", where you can enjoy meals with the ocean view, is available without entering the building. Visitors can enjoy a dolphin show (free of charge) at the ""Okichan Theater"" outside the museum."
OKINAWA Fruits Land

3.0

330 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Nagoshi Bimata 1220-71

OKINAWA Fruits Land located in Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture is a popular sightseeing place. It was refurbished in 2013 and reopened with the concept of an “interactive facility style / original story book” Tropical Kingdom Tale. You can learn about and enjoy the secret of fruit and the story of happiness and others through the tale. The “fruit zone” in the facility grows more than about 30 types of tropical fruit, such as papayas and mangos depending on the season. In the “shopping zone” you can try sweet pineapple. It also has a range of other facilities such as a restaurant, a café and a shop where you can buy souvenirs.

My first visit to Fruits Land was unexpected, i thought was a place like Pineapple Land but was totally different. It’s like a treasure hunt for kids, where they need to collect all fruits stamps...
Miyakojima Marine Park

3.5

235 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Miyakojimashi Hirara Karimata 2511-1

This latest popular spot on Miyakojima Island is where you can interact with rich marine resources. It is possible to observe and experience the underwater world wearing ordinary clothes in different ways every day with the changes in weather and ocean conditions. You can gain new discoveries and lessons by coming into contact with the current ocean world. The centerpiece ocean observation facility is spacious, and you can see colorful tropical fish, octopuses and sea snakes from the 24 windows that are 1.5 meters high, 50 centimeters wide and 12 centimeters thick.

If you have little kids, they will enjoy it. If the fosh doesn’t come, you won’t see much. You can come back within the day to see if some other fish came but I think it’s still too expensive.
Naha Municipal Tsuboya Pottery Museum

4.0

155 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Tsuboya 1-9-32

This museum dedicated to the subject of Tsuboya ware and other Okinawan pottery (known as yachimun in the Okinawan language) is about a 10-minute walk from Makishi Station on the Okinawa Urban Monorail. It is located on Tsuboya Yachimun Street, which is lined with many Okinawan yachimun potteries. The museum's first floor provides exposition on the history of Tsuboya ware and the role it played in everyday life in Okinawa. The second floor presents characteristic works of Tsuboya ware as well as the production process. The museum also exhibits the works of potters including the Living National Treasure Jiro Kinjo.

I really appreciated the availability of the iPad tour and used it to learn more about the items on display and the culture and processes of pottery making. It made a good facility a great...
Kume Island Sea Turtle Museum

4.0

126 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Shimajirigunkumejimachou Oku 170

The Kume Island sea turtle building is a museum and display facility dedicated to sea turtles, which is located on Oujima Island in Kumejima District. The facility breeds sea turtles (which are on the verge of extinction); visitors can get a close view of sea turtles swimming about in large tanks; and there are display panels and videos providing information about their natural habitat; the facility also holds occasional special events when visitors can have the opportunity to handle turtles themselves. The facility also has displays of over 2,000 shells from different shellfish found in Kume Island.

I personally prefer to see turtles in the ocean but I was nearby so I figured I’d check it out. Entry was only 300 JPY, which is good value. There were some turtles in very small pools which I was...
Ishigakijima Astronomical Observatory

4.0

109 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Ishigaki-shi Arakawa 1024-1

"This astronomical observatory is equipped with the 105 cm ""Murikabushi Boenkyo,"" the largest optical and infrared reflector telescope in Kyushu and Okinawa. It was established in 2006 on the peak of Mt. Maesedake, the highest spot on Ishigaki Island. Its location on Ishigaki Island allows the observation of many stars that cannot be seen on Japan's main island. It is also said that more stars can be observed here than anywhere else in Japan. The facility, which is open to the public, conducts observational research on solar system celestial bodies and transient astronomical events. It also actively holds stargazing parties and other events including free 4D2U viewings."

My wife and I made the trip to the astrological observatory and it was definitely worth it! For someone who enjoys driving, the touge road up to the observatory is one way so no risk of meeting on...
Kuroshima Research Station

4.0

108 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Yaeyama-gun Taketomicho Kuroshima 136

This research station is located in Kuroshima, Taketomi town, Yaeyama County. They research plant and animal life on Kuroshima Island, particularly the sea turtles who visit to lay eggs. Equipped with biological raising rooms and material display rooms, they have exhibits with living sea turtles, coconut crab, and habu snakes, as well as material exhibits with coral specimens, and fragments of H2A rockets which drifted ashore to Kuroshima Island from Tanegashima Island.

Its one of the best aquariums Ive visited. I spent here more than 1,5 hour and absolutely didn t get bored. There are many species of sharks, turtles and various exotic fishes in open aquariums...
Utopia Farm Miyakojima

4.0

71 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Miyakojimashi Ueno Miyaguni 1714-2

Utopia Farm Miyakojima is a tourist farm where you can observe a variety of tropical fruit, flowers, and trees all year round. In the facility, about 50 types of bougainvillea and as many as about 200 types of hibiscus from all over the world bloom proudly and colorfully. In the parlor, you can enjoy soft-serve ice cream and fresh juice from the plentiful fresh fruit picked on the farm.

It is a flower garden and fruits orchard, mainly local fruits mango, papaya, banana, dragon fruits to name a few and several species of lovely bougainvilleas and hibiscus. The whole apple mango trees...
Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center

4.0

87 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Yaeyamaguntaketomichou Komi

Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center is dedicated to the conservation of the Iriomote Cat and other species of animals and plants on Iriomote Island that are in danger of extinction. The Center has displays on the nature and wildlife of Iriomote, including panels that explain the habitat and reproductive status of the Iriomote Cat and the measures that are being taken to protect it. There are stuffed specimens of the Iriomote Cat, other animals that live on the island, and resident and migratory birds. All of the profits from the Iriomote Cat-related products sold at the Center are donated to the Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Fund.

The Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center (IWCC) is a facility that has been established as a base for conservation activities of the Iriomote wiid cat. The IWCC is not on the bus street but it is...
Yaeyama Museum

3.5

69 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Ishigakishi Tonoshiro Norihide 4-1

Located in Ishigaki City, Yaeyama Museum showcases the history and culture of Ishigaki Island and the Yaeyama Islands as a whole. There are displays of Yaeyama textiles, ceramics and other handicrafts, as well as traditional household goods, agricultural implements, fishing equipment, and other important historical materials relating to the islands.

小規模な郷土資料館で、展示室は1室のみでしかも広くないからか、石垣を始めとする八重山諸島の文化や自然を体系的には展示されていない。展示物を周遊するだけであれば30分程度で済む。展示は大きく2つに分けられ、1つは現在に至るまでの歴史的な文化的な変遷の展示、もう1つは日常に根付いた農具や工具などの展示となっている。16世紀に琉球王朝に組み込まれてから、中国との交易も盛んになり、八重山諸島の文化は一気...
Naha City Historical Museum

3.5

88 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Naha-shi Kumoji 1-1-1 Palette Kumoji 4F

"This museum is located within ""RYUBO Department Store,"" in front of Kencho-mae Station, along Kokusai-dori Avenue in Kumoji 1-Chome, Naha City. It displays materials stored by Naha City, primarily materials related to the Sho family, the royal family of Ryukyu Kingdom, but also historical materials and works of art related to Ryukyu as it built its own unique culture while trading with China and Japan. You can experience Ryukyuan (also known as Okinawan) history and culture through temporary exhibits and special exhibits centered on various themes."

...on a long day of sightseeing was kinda disappointing. Just a few screens and displays with little to none English descriptions. Thank God it was only ¥350 so I didnt feel cheated that much. I...
Urasoe Art Museum

3.5

37 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Urasoeshi Nakama 1-9-2

A 20-minute drive from the center of Naha City. Established in 1990, this was Japan's first museum dedicated to lacquerware art and was also the first public museum in Okinawa. The exterior of the museum is designed in a mixture of national styles recalling Southeast Asian and European influences. The museum's five standing exhibition rooms are split between two periods - early and latter - and contain 60 examples of Ryukyuan lacquerware. There are also examples of lacquerware from the Japanese mainland, China, and Southeast Asia split between the two periods. Additionally, the museum holds painting, photo, and other art exhibitions several times a year in its three special exhibition rooms.

建物もお洒落で素敵な美術館。展望塔もあり登れます。こちらの常設展は琉球漆器が中心。漆器の展示だけではなく、歴史や作り方なども丁寧に説明がありました。企画展も時々行っていて、行った日は「落合光昭の世界ネコ歩き」写真展もしていてラッキーでした...
Miyakojima City Museum

4.0

49 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Miyakojima-shi Hirara Higashinakasonezoe 1166-287

This museum is located south of Miyakojima Botanical Garden about a 15-minute drive from Hirara Port or about a 20-minute drive from Miyako Airport. It is notable for featuring in-depth exhibits about the nature, history, folk customs, and culture of Miyako Island. The museum is divided into two exhibit halls: the No. 1 and No. 2 exhibit hall. The No. 1 exhibit hall, which is focused on archaeology and history, presents information on archaeological sites that have been excavated such as the Hokama Site. It also features a recreation of life on Miyako Island from the Meiji period to the early Showa period. The museum also holds regular themed exhibits and special exhibits as well as hands-on educational activities for children, lectures, and other events.

宮古島の歴史や遺物、水産や農業に関わる道具、動物や昆虫、天気や台風など知ることができます。少し寂れた感は有りますが、展示内容は興味深いものが多く、勉強になります。子供から大人まで楽しめる場所だと思います。
Ayamihabiru Museum

3.5

50 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Yaeyama-gun Yonaguni Cho Yonaguni 2114

"This exhibit facility is in Yonaguni, Yonaguni Town, Yaeyama County. They have an exhibit of materials related to the ecology of ""Yonaguni-san (Atlas moth)"" one of the world's largest moths, which inhabits Yonaguni Island. In addition, you can learn about the precious flora and fauna of the island, and stroll along the well-maintained promenade in the surrounding forest."

世界最大級の蛾が棲む島、与那国島。入館料は500円で、アヤミハビルの生態を展示、解説しています。入館すると、20分ほどの与那国島の自然とアヤミハビルの生態についてのビデオを見せていただき、その後館内の展示を見学。1時間ほど滞在しました。貴重な標本のほか、羽化前の蛹もありました。実際に飛んでいるところも見てみたいものです。
Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center Ufugi Nature Museum

4.0

47 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Kunigami-gun Kunigamison

A very small facility. Theres only one Yanbarukuina bird. But I enjoyed seeing it. Because a woman who instruct us about the bird is very funny. You should enjoy her talk, but English isnt...
The Okinawa Peace Hall

3.5

22 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Itomanshi Mabuni 448-2

The Okinawa Peace Hall is a monument rising up 45 meters in the Peace Memorial Park. Okinawa became an arena for the ground war at the end of World War II and the site of a hard-fought battle which cost as many as 200,000 military and civilian lives. With the belief that the tragedy should never be repeated, Okinawa Peace Hall was built in 1978 to appeal to the world about the nobility of peace. The heptahedron shape represents the seven seas and hands joining together.

I entered this place thinking that it was the Peace Memorial Museum, but was in for an awful shock when I realised that after pay 450 Yen, that it was just a gallery with some art on display and a...
Nago Pineapple Park

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Nagoshi Bimata 1195

Nago Pineapple Park is a pineapple theme park located on a plateau within Nago City. Visitors can travel through the park in fully-automatic “Pineapple Carts,” viewing the sub-tropical vegetation and the extensive pineapple fields. There is also a pineapple processing plant within the park; the plant has displays about everything to do with pineapples, and visitors can also view the pineapple-slicing process. In the shopping area, visitors can taste various pineapple-related beverage and food products, and buy souvenir gifts to take home.

Okinawa

Okinawa Island (Southern) Naha / Shuri Okinawa Island (Central) Resort Area (West Coast) Nago / Motobu Peninsula Yanbaru Area Miyako Island Ishigaki Island Kerama Islands Yaeyama Islands Kumejima

Leisure / Hobbies Culture / Tour

Aquarium Museum / Science Museum Zoo Art Museum Botanical Garden

Okinawa Areas

Let go of your image of a busy, ordered Japan and replace it with crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and relaxing folk music: You’ve arrived in Okinawa. A world away from the high intensity of Tokyo, Okinawans appear to live a laid-back beach life on this paradisiacal tropical island that lies in the middle of the East China Sea almost 1,000 kilometers south of mainland Japan’s most southern tip. Home to a spattering of islands, prepare yourself to discover underwater caves, star-shaped sand, and an island culture sometimes unrecognizable from mainland Japan.