Spots in Okinawa Island (Southern) Area

  • Okinawa World (Culture Kingdom / Gyokusendo Cave)
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    4.0
    1278 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Okinawa Pref. Nanjoushi Tamagusuku Maekawa 1336
    Visitors to this theme park, one of the largest in the prefecture, can fully experience the history, culture, and natural beauty of Okinawa. There, visitors can enjoy seeing the Gyokusendo, called the most beautiful limestone cave in the orient. They can also try their hand at traditional handcrafts at the Ryukyu Kingdom Castle Town, which is lined with old folk homes that are registered as national tangible cultural properties. Other attractions include the eisa dance performances and habu shows. The park also features a souvenir shop offering a wide range of souvenirs and even a craft beer brewery.

    This place borders the line with animal cruelty. The water turtles are in is appalling and extremely dirty. Even the turtles dont seem to want to be in there. Snakes are kept in confined places and...

  • Sefa Utaki
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    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...

  • Senagajima Umikaji Terrace
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    4.0
    446 Reviews
    Shopping
    Okinawa Pref. Tomigusukushi Senaga 174-6
    This commercial facility is by the sea on the western side of Senaga Island 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport. The food consists mainly of Okinawan dishes, and there's also a craft shop with jewelry and other products for sale. There are 33 establishments in total offering everything from snorkeling to sea kayaking and more, not to mention “FM-Toyomi” satellite studios. Weekly events are held as well, and include the resort-music-focused “Music Night” and performances by street entertainers.

    Great place for dining and shopping. Lots of shops and options. Beautiful view over the water. Too many stray cats around...

  • The Tower of Himeyuri / Himeyuri Peace Museum
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    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...

  • Valley of Gangala
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    4.0
    174 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Nanjoushi Tamagusuku Maekawa 202
    Valley of Gangala is a subtropical forest that originated when a limestone cave collapsed hundreds of thousands of years ago. The valley occupies an area of about 47,995 square meters, and the distance to walk through the valley is about one kilometers. You can experience an ancient natural environment in the valley where there are large trees called “Giant (Ufushu) Gajumaru trees” known as the wise men of the forest as well as the Inagu Cave and the Ikiga Cave. A full-time guide accompanies tours through the valley in order to protect the abundant nature which is highly valuable to both archaeology and folklore science. The time required to take the tour is about one hour 20 minutes.

    The most unique thing about this cafe is the setting. Beware of the drippings from the stalactites! The cafe serves coffee and drinks only.

  • Ryukyu Glass Village
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    4.0
    205 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Itomanshi Fukudi 169
    This handmade Ryukyu glass workshop, one of the largest in the prefecture, is located in Itoman City. There, visitors can purchase or even make their own works of Ryukyu glass, one of Okinawa's most notable handicrafts. Visitors can watch glass craftsman create works of Ryukyu glass at the 1,300-degree Celsius kiln located at the center of the workshop. Visitors can try a wide range of glass making experiences such as making accessories or photo frames, which are suitable for all ages, as well as making a one-of-a-kind glass. Some of the workshop's other attractions include a direct sales shop, an outlet shop, and a Ryukyu glass museum that shows off the stunning craftsmanship of Ryukyu glass artisans.

    We toured the glass village and while all of the glass items displayed and for sale were beautiful, unfortunately the furnace used for making things was under construction/repair. A typhoon had...

  • Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum
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    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...

  • Bibi Beach Itoman
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    4.0
    194 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Okinawa Pref. Itomanshi Nishizakichou 1-6-15
    This beach is very popular because you can enjoy barbecuing. Besides the marine area, there is a life area where you can play beach volleyball, BBG terrace, artificial beach and observation deck, and it is popular with families because of the large parking lot (paid) that can fit 600 vehicles. It also has showers, bathrooms and shops.

    Plenty of parking and nice quiet beach with snack bars... I stayed in hotel opposite so easy to access

  • Azama Sun-Sun Beach
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    4.0
    78 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Okinawa Pref. Nanjoushi Chinen Azama
    This manmade beach, which boasts a great view of the transparent sea, is adjacent to the port used by the ferry bound for Kudaka Island (a.k.a. Island of the Gods). You can enjoy everything from sea bathing, marine sports, or barbecuing, and the swimming area is quite large. The parking lot has a large capacity as well, and there are coin lockers available along with showers, making this a convenient spot indeed.

    I came here in mid-March and it was pretty empty. Seemed like there was quite a bit of work going on - renovations, seasonal maintenance. The beach seemed nice with designated and protected swimming...

  • ASHIBINAA Okinawa Outlet mall
    Shopping
    Okinawa Pref. Tomigusukushi Toyosaki 1-188
    Okinawa’s first outlet mall is a 15-minute drive from Naha Airport and features Greek-style architecture. In addition to brand products making their Japan debut, nearly 100 brand-name shops are gathered here. You can also buy Okinawa souvenirs here at a reasonable price. Events showcasing folk culture are held in the plaza as well. With plenty of cafes and restaurants, it’s easy to see why this destination is so popular.
  • mi-baru marine center
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    3.5
    59 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Okinawa Nanjo Tamagusuku Hyaku Na 1599-6

    We went today and I am unsure if it was because it is off season or the staff are always like this. We parked in the main car park at the top and walked down the steep slope. A man came out of a...

  • Nanjo City Local Products Center
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    4.0
    38 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Nanjoushi Chinen Kudeken 539
    Nanjo City Local Products Center is located in Chinen, Nanjo City, south of Okinawa Main Island. There is a range of Nanjo City's specialty products, souvenirs, local fresh vegetables and seafood, such as mozuku seaweed. Inside the shop, it has a lot of Nanji goods, the heartwarming local character mascot of Nanjo City. There is also a ticket booth for Sefa Utaki, the most important spiritual site for Ryukyu Kingdom, which is registered as a World Heritage Site, so you can purchase a ticket here. You can overlook the cobalt blue ocean from an observation area where you get a stunning view.

    数年前のアニメ「白い砂のアクアトープ」のパネル展示やグッズが販売されています。息子が喜んで写真を撮ったり、グッズを購入したりしました。コロナが明けてようやくアニメの場所に旅に来ることができました。観光協会の女性がレジで精算業務をされていて、その方のお孫さんも息子と同じ年でアニメを見ていたということで、楽しいお話ができました。ここは斎場御獄の入り口でそちら目当ての観光客がいっぱいでした。息子はアニメ...

  • Awamori Masahiro Gallery
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    4.0
    33 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Itomanshi Nishizakichou 5-8-7
    This sake brewery was established in 1883 in Shuri, the castle town of the Ryukyu Kingdom. At the time when only those approved to brew by the royal government could receive a license, a tradename and brewing license were given by the king, down to the present day. It sells vintage sake that has received many Monde Selection Gold awards, awamori made of pure rice , and moromi-su (vinegar from rice mash).

    工場見学ができるというので行ってみると、瓶詰め工程だけでした。工場ショップで、自社製造のいろいろな泡盛やアルコール商品が置いてあり、試飲もできますが、わざわざ車でここまで来なくとも、他のお土産店でよいと思います。

  • Peace Memorial Park
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Okinawa Pref. Itomanshi Mabuni 444
    Straddling the boundary between Itoman City and Yaese Town, Shimajiri District, the Peace Memorial Park is a Quasi-National Park that includes beautiful natural scenery and also historical sights commemorating the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. There is an observation platform with good views along the coast. The area within the Park saw some of the fiercest fighting during the Battle of Okinawa, and was the location of the Japanese Army’s last line of defense. Within the Park, the Peace Memorial Museum houses displays of photographs and relics relating to the Battle, as well as the National War Dead Peace Mausoleum, which records the names of all the people who died during the Battle, along with more than 100 individual memorial steles and cenotaphs. Besides being a place dedicated to the dream of global peace and which aims to send out a message of peace, the Park is also a place that many families visit on weekends and public holidays for picnics and recreation.
  • DMM Kariyushi Aquarium
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Okinawa Tomigusuku Toyosaki 3-35
  • JA Okinawa Shokusaikan Nanairo Batake
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    4.0
    22 Reviews
    Shopping
    Okinawa Pref. Tomigusukushi Toyosaki 3-86
    JA Okinawa Shokusaikan Toyosaki Nanairo Batake is a shop selling foodstuffs produced in Okinawa that is located inside the Roadside Station Toyosaki roadside rest-area on National Highway 331 in Toyosaki, Tomigusuku City. The shop is run mainly by female staff from JA Okinawa Tomigusuku; it sells a wide range of food items produced in Tomigusuku and in other parts of Okinawa, including seasonal fruits and vegetables, premium cuts of meat, processed foods and other local specialty products. During the mango season (from mid-May to mid-September), mangoes are available; Tomigusuku produces more mangoes than any other region on the main island of Okinawa.

    JAのファーマーズマーケットで、 地元野菜と沖縄土産を扱っています。 食事やATMもあり。 JAカードの支払いで5%OFFになりました。

  • The Okinawa Peace Hall
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    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...

  • OKINAWA KARATE KAIKAN
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    4.5
    17 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Okinawa Tomigusuku Tomigusuku 854-1

    The main training area is just great with beautiful wooden floors and walls. There are nice bleachers for spectators, also made from beautiful wood. No drinks or food are allowed in the training...

  • Chura Sun Beach
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    4.0
    4 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Okinawa Tomigusuku-shi Toyosaki 5-1
    This large beach has a BBQ area, an area where you can enjoy marine sports, beach soccer and volleyball, and a swimming beach. Besides showers and bathrooms, it has shops that sells items essential to swimming at the beach and other accessories. In addition, it is also highly recommended to go cycling in the park because there is a bicycle center.

    かりゆし水族館の近くです。海の色が綺麗でした。商業施設も近いので、最終日に時間調整で遊ぶにはちょうどいいと思います。

  • Cape Chinen Park
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Okinawa Pref. Nanjoushi Chinen Kudeken
    This park is in Cape Chinen near Sefa-utaki of Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture. Surrounded on three sides by the cobalt blue sea, you can enjoy a stunning view of the vast watery expanse. There’s a gazebo and walking path, not to mention a pleasant sea breeze. And don’t miss the fantastic views of nearby Mt. Kudaka and Komaka Island.

Okinawa Areas

around-area-map

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.

Okinawa Photo Album

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