Okinawa Island

1. Churaumi Aquarium

The Churaumi Aquarium is located at Ocean Expo Park and is considered one of Japan’s best aquariums. The main tank is large enough to hold 25-foot whale sharks and four manta rays. In total, there are 680 species of marine life, including live coral.

2. Prefectural Peace Memorial

Okinawa was the sight of many battles during World War Two. The Peace Memorial Park has many monuments that serve as a memorial to the Battle of Okinawa, which lasted over three months in 1945. The Peace Memorial Museum provides an overview of the events.

The Himeyuri Monument was built in 1946 to commemorate 222 high school girls and 18 teachers who cared for the sick during the war.

3. Hiji Waterfall

Hiji Waterfall is an impressive 85-foot waterfall in the northern part of Okinawa Island. The hike takes about 40 minutes one-way from the entrance of the park. The best part of the hike is crossing a 50-foot suspension bridge.

4. Kokusai-dori Street

Kokusai-dori Street is the main street in Naha, which literally means International Street. There are shops, restaurants, and hotels that line the street, as well as Okinawan live music and dancing.

5. Mihama American Village

Mihama American Village is near the US military bases. The area features American-style shops and restaurants, including hot dogs and hamburgers!

6. Okinawa Prefectural Museum

The Okinawa Prefectural Museum is a history museum and an art museum. Learn about the history of Okinawa, the Ryukyu Kingdom, traditional crafts, and local artists.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

7. Seifa Utaki

Seifa Utaki is a sacred place for Okinawan people. There are large rock formations connected by trails in the forest.

In the 1600s, it was one of the main locations for religious ceremonies for the Ryukyu people. Today, there are still small places of worship.

8. Shuri Castle

Shuri Castle was originally built in the 13th century and housed Ryukyu kings until the takeover in 1879. Shuri was the name of the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

A distinct feature of Shuri Castle is the red brick roof tiles, a very different design than most castles in Japan.

Unfortunately, the castle caught on fire in 2019. Reconstruction is taking place and should be completed by 2026.

9. Nakagusuku Castle

Nakagusuku Castle was built in the 14th century by the Ryukyu Kingdom. Although the castle no longer exists, the ruins are well-preserved and designated a World Heritage Site.