Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Okinawa, Japan
Recently, the demand for tourism in Japan has been on the rise. Japan is considered an affordable yet attraction-packed Asian destination by Western standards. However, this appeal isn’t limited to Western countries. People from East Asia, including South Korea, also prefer international trips to nearby Japan over domestic travel. As a result, Japan has been investing in cultural development and tourism industries to attract visitors. Today, I’ve prepared a list of the top 10 must-visit places in Okinawa! If you’re tired of the usual Japanese destinations, this list is worth checking out.
1. Southeast Botanical Gardens
The first must-visit spot in Okinawa is the Southeast Botanical Gardens, sometimes called the Nanto Botanical Gardens. This is the largest outdoor botanical garden in Okinawa, covering an impressive 3.2 million square feet (300,000 m²) and showcasing about 1,300 plant species. Thanks to Okinawa’s unique climate, you can find special plants exclusive to this region. Surrounded by lush forests, strolling through the gardens is said to help you forget worldly worries and refresh your mind. As a plant enthusiast, I’d love to visit this place someday.
2. Okinawa World
At first glance, Okinawa World might sound like a theme park, but it’s quite different. While it offers various attractions like architecture, delicious food, crafts, music, and hands-on experiences, it stands out by preserving Okinawa’s traditional culture, setting it apart from typical theme parks. The highlight of Okinawa World is its cave tour, which is popular even among locals. The Gyokusendo Cave, stretching about 3.1 miles (5 km), was formed 300,000 years ago as a limestone cave and is a must-see.
3. Churaumi Aquarium
Located in the Ocean Expo Park in northern Okinawa, the Churaumi Aquarium is highly recommended. As Japan’s largest aquarium, it has welcomed over 20 million visitors since opening in 2002. It houses 740 species and 21,000 animals, including the world’s largest fish, the whale shark. As a whale shark fan, I’m eager to visit this aquarium.
4. Himeyuri Peace Museum
The Himeyuri Peace Museum is another must-visit spot in Okinawa. This site commemorates the fierce battles of World War II, honoring the young soldiers and civilians who lost their lives during the conflict.
5. Nakijin Castle
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nakijin Castle is a 13th-century castle ruin. Though only its outer walls remain, giving it a somewhat desolate appearance, its historical significance attracts both foreign tourists and locals. It faintly resembles a smaller version of the Great Wall of China.
6. Shuri Castle
Until 1879, Okinawa was an independent kingdom, the Ryukyu Kingdom, with a distinct culture and history separate from Japan. This is reflected in its unique architectural style, and Shuri Castle is a prime example. Once the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, it’s considered one of Okinawa’s most significant monuments. Although parts were destroyed during World War II in 1945, it was rebuilt in the early 1990s and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I find it admirable that Japan embraced and respected this distinct culture rather than rejecting it.
7. Iriomote Island
Okinawa is a region made up of numerous islands, so an island tour alone could take days. Among them, Iriomote Island, the largest in the Yaeyama Islands, is highly recommended. About 90% of the island is covered in forests and jungles, earning it a designation as a national park. Activities here include sea kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, and camping. You can also spot the endangered Iriomote cat, a species unique to the island. Resembling a house cat in appearance and size, it’s considered a living fossil due to its minimal evolution over time.
8. Ishigaki Island
Located at the southernmost tip of the Okinawa archipelago, Ishigaki Island is a populous destination. It serves as a hub connecting islands like Iriomote and Taketomi. If you prefer a quieter, more relaxed island experience but find Iriomote’s raw nature too intense, Ishigaki is a great choice. It offers delicious food, pristine beaches, and well-equipped resorts.
9. Zamami Island
Located about 25 miles (40 km) west of Okinawa in the Kerama Islands, Zamami Island boasts pristine, beautiful beaches. Just as South Koreans might think of Cebu or Boracay when imagining a resort destination, Zamami Island is a go-to vacation spot for many Japanese people. It’s renowned as a haven for snorkeling and scuba diving, and in winter, whale watching is also a popular activity.
10. Hatoma Island
The final must-visit spot in Okinawa is Hatoma Island. This tiny island, only 0.6 miles (1 km) wide, has just five residents. Despite its size, it features three full-service hotels, white sandy beaches, and stunning turquoise waters. A secluded trip here might make you feel like you’re in the Maldives or a Mediterranean island rather than Japan.
Okinawa’s top 10 must-visit places offer a refreshing change from the typical Japanese destinations like Osaka, Tokyo, or Fukuoka. While I haven’t visited Japan often, I can imagine some frequent travelers might find these familiar spots repetitive. For them, Okinawa feels special. Unlike Japan’s urban-heavy tourist destinations, Okinawa has a rural, resort-like vibe with its charming landscapes and beautiful beaches. I’d love to visit Okinawa’s quaint scenery and stunning shores if I get the chance, though I’ll need to brush up on my Japanese first!