History / Culture / Tour Spots in Okinawa Area

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  Okinawa

Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Sefa Utaki

4.0

1047 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Nanjoushi Chinen Kudeken

Sefa Utaki is a historical site located in Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture. In December 2000 it was designated as part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Within Sefa Utaki there are six Ibi (sacred areas), from one of which, Sangui, there is a wonderful view of Kudaka Island (known as the “Island of the Gods”). Sefa Utaki is still venerated as a sacred place, and many people come to pray here.

It is nearby Cape Chinen Park which we whisked by from. The carpark is pretty near the ticket office to purchase admission tickets. Thankfully the staff at the ticket office briefed us on the way to...
Naminoue-gu Shrine

4.0

784 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Wakasa 1-25-11

This temple located on a cliff edge above the waves has a long history. Naha Port was a base for trade with China, Southeast Asia, Korea and ancient Japan long ago, and it is said that shipping leaving the port would pray for a safe voyage, and shipping entering the port would give thanks for their safety. Various events such as the Shinkosai, Okinawan sumo tournaments, Ryukyu dancing and Enbu Taikai tournaments are held during and around the annual festival on May 17.

We visited on New Years Day. Arrived about 9am and not too crowded, but lines were long when we left. We walked from our hotel near Asahibashi station - about 10-15 minutes. Could buy amulets and...
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...
Shurijo Castle Park (Shurijo Castle)

4.0

205 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Shurikinjouchou 1-2

Beautiful castle, lucky to be still standing after multiple fires over the centuries. There were dancers/entertainment in the grounds when we were there. A couple of gift shops and a cafe...
The Tower of Himeyuri / Himeyuri Peace Museum

4.5

354 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Itomanshi Ihara 671-1

Himeyuri Memorial Tower is a cenotaph dedicated to the Himeyuri student corps who died in the Battle of Okinawa. The Himeyuri student corps was a group of 240 students and teachers of the Okinawa Shihan Women's School and Okinawa Daiichi Women's High School who were mobilized as a nursing unit for the Okinawan Army Field Hospital, towards the end of the Pacific War. Following the US military's advance at the end of May, they were withdrawn to the southern part of Okinawa Island, and abruptly disbanded in June. However, over 100 of them lost their lives soon after. In 1989, this museum was established to teach people about the wartime experiences of the Himeyuri student corps. The museum displays exhibits of the Himeyuri student corps personal possessions and photographs. There is also a diorama which is a reproduction of the Ihara Third Surgical Cave Hospital. The museum aims to make people consider war and peace through learning about the Himeyuri student corps' experiences.

I enjoyed this museum pretty much, in fact more than the Naval museum as the stories here was presented very well and in a thought provoking manner. Having been to numerous war museum and influence...
The Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters

4.5

418 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Tomigusukushi Tomigusuku 236

The Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters is an underground bunker complex constructed in 1944. There were around 450 meters of tunnels in total; the aim was to enable the defense of Okinawa to be carried on for as long as possible. The underground complex held a total of around 4,000 personnel; many lives were lost here. In 1970, 300 meters of the tunnels (including the command center) were restored, and opened to the public. There is a museum with a display of items recovered from the underground bunker complex, including weapons, uniforms, letters written to family members, etc.

Was o.k., but (my opinion) painted a horrible picture of the U.S. during the war when in fact mainland Japan didnt exactly treat the Okinwans as equals during this time.
Tamaudun Royal Mausoleum

4.0

417 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Shurikinjouchou 1-3

This is a mausoleum which was built in 1501 by King Sho Shin for the purpose of reburying the remains of his father, King Sho En, and thereafter successive generations from the dynasty were buried here. The grave chambers are divided into three rooms: the middle chamber is a room where remains are enshrined before the bones of the dead are cleansed, and the bones of the king and the queen are in the eastern chamber while the bones of other family members are buried in the western chamber. The whole mausoleum is a stone-built structure representing a palace with a shingle roof of that time, and the area of the cemetery is 2,442 square meters. It was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2000 as “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu”.

Built in 1501, the mausoleum was built to re-entomb King Sho En and is the Royal Mausoleum. I recommend visiting the mausoleum while touring the Shuri Castle as it is right down the street and part...
Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum

4.5

126 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Itomanshi Mabuni 614-1

The Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum is located within the Peace Memorial Park. It was established with the aim of commemorating all those who died during the Battle of Okinawa, of teaching new generations about the horror of war and the importance of peace, and of contributing to the achievement of perpetual world peace. The Museum’s permanent exhibitions feature photographs of the Battle of Okinawa and related artifacts and materials, as well as the recollections of people who experienced the Battle (including video testimony).

A fascinating few hours here and walking round the park. The park is thought provoking but the museum is more so with the history of the Ryukyus and the Pacific War (WWII). It could do with a...
Tsushima-maru Memorial Museum

4.0

171 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Wakasa 1-25-37

This museum opened in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture 60 years after the sinking for the Tsushima-maru in order to convey to children about the important of peace and life and to put the souls of the victims to rest, and to properly portray the event for future generations. The tour route starts on the second floor, where there is also an exhibit about the voyage and hit and sinking of the Tsushima-maru. The names and portraits of the Okinawan schoolchildren evacuees and victims are displayed on the first floor.

This museum is very meaningful, and the video they show brought me to tears. The museum staff can provide a brochure in English if you ask for one, which helps to understand the general story the...
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...
Nakamura Family Resident

4.0

124 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Nakagamigunkitanakagusukuson Ogusuku 106

This house has all of the characteristics of pre-war Okinawan residential buildings, and has been designated a national Important Cultural Property. It is rare on Okinawa’s main island for there to be an example of such premises in good condition, and it is a valuable monument to know about the lives of upper-class farmers at that time. Built in the middle of the 18th century, it is a wooden building with a hip roof and tile roofing.

I walked the Kitanakagusuku Route and this was the main attraction. The Nakamura Family Residence is a well preserved traditional style home. It was great to see what traditional homes looked like...
Futenmangu Shrine and Cave

4.0

95 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Ginowanshi Futenma 1-27-10

This is one of the Ryukyu Eight Shrines that received special treatment from the royal government of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Located in the Futenma area of Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture, it is the largest shrine in central Okinawa and has many visitors. It has a 280-meter-long caves with two entrances and three large plazas, and the cave is a city-designated cultural property where you can see cave notches showing traces of past water flow.

We paid a visit to this shrine which is nice but very small. Roadwork was handled nearby. Half the room is set for souvenirs sale. Not so interesting if I may.
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...
Torin-ji Temple

3.5

121 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Ishigakishi Ishigaki 285

The Torin Temple is a Myoshin-ji school Rinzai Buddhist temple in Ishigaki City. It was founded in 1614 following a request from the Satsuma han (domain). The building was damaged by the Meiwa Tsunami in 1771, but was rebuilt in 1786. The temple suffered serious damage during the Battle of Okinawa in1945; it was rebuilt once again in 1947. The Torin-ji Temple has been designated as a National Important Cultural Property; it is the oldest wooden building in Okinawa. Statues of the two Deva Kings (guardian deities) flank the Sanmon gate; these carved statues are a Prefecture-designated Cultural Property.

This tiny temple was suggested by a taxi driver after visiting the Limestone Cave. Certainly. there are not so many touristic spots in the downtown area of Ishigaki Island. It is somewhat detached...
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...
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...
Zakimi Castle Ruins

4.0

31 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Nakagamigunyomitanson Zakimi 708-6

Gosamaru was renowned as a master castle architect, and these are the ruins of a castle he built at the start of the 15th century. It is replete with amazing sights, including the smooth curve of the castle walls and the elegant arch gateway, said to be the oldest in Okinawa. It is also a registered World Heritage Site. From the top of the castle, you can enjoy a splendid view of the East China Sea, and the sight of the sun sinking into its beautiful blue depths is one you won’t want to miss.

Very quick yet very cheap. A very good place to go for someone who enjoys learning history and culture Not a good place if that is your only plan for the day.
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...

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

Travel / Tourism History / Culture / Tour

Reference/Local/Exhibition/Literature Museum Shrine Castle / Ruins of Castle Historical Monument Temple Church Ruin / Grave / Ancient Tomb Memorial Hall Cultural Property Event Hall / Public Hall Art Museum Museum / Science Museum Other Historic Site/Building

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.