10 recommended places to visit in Okinawa! Explanations for the southern and northern areas
10 must-visit places in Okinawa
Explained.
Okinawa
The spots you should visit on your trip
10 locations in the southern and northern areas
I'll introduce it to you.
There are other ways to avoid crowds and relax Secret Spot Also explained.
Enjoy at each spot activity We will also introduce some great places to visit, so please use this as a reference for your summer vacation plans.
table of contents
- 1 3 recommended places to visit in Okinawa [Naha and Southern Area]
- 2 5 recommended places to visit in Okinawa [Northern Area]
- 3 Must-visit places in Okinawa! 2 hidden spots frequented by locals
- 4 Find out the best places to visit in Okinawa and enjoy your trip
- 5 Feature articles recommended by the editorial department
3 recommended places to visit in Okinawa [Naha and Southern Area]
Okinawa It is the gateway to Naha ・Southern area for, There are many attractive spots where you can enjoy history, culture, shopping and nature. .
This time, among them
Three especially recommended spots
Explained.
We will also introduce activities you can enjoy around the spots.
1. Shuri Castle Park
" Shuri Castle "teeth, A symbolic castle of Okinawa that symbolizes the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and a place of great historical and cultural value is.
Inside the castle, there is a beautiful vermilion main hall in the center, and a "
Shureimon Gate
There are famous buildings such as
First to see
Shureimon Gate is a symbol of tourism in Okinawa
If you walk through the gate and along the path leading to the castle grounds, you can experience the magnificent history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
However, the main facilities were destroyed in a fire in 2019. Reconstruction work is currently underway, with completion scheduled for the fall of 2026. You can also see the reconstruction of Shuri Castle in the paid area, such as in the Shuri Castle Reconstruction Exhibition Room. .
Address: 1-2 Kinjo-cho Shuri, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
After sightseeing at Shuri Castle, Okinawa's unique traditional costume Ryukyu costume We also recommend wearing one and enjoying a stroll around town. is.
Around Kokusai Street, A full range of rental services so you can come empty-handed We are doing it.
Families and couples can stroll around and take photos in colorful Ryukyu clothing. Okinawa This will make your sightseeing memories even more special.
Veni is the only place in Okinawa where you can rent for a day at a reasonable price! ? You can rent for a day between 10:00 and 18:30! ! You can walk anywhere on Okinawa's main island, such as Kokusai Street, Shuri Castle, and the beach. All accessories, from undergarments to socks, are provided, so you can come empty-handed! *The last reception for the walking plan is at 17:00. *Preparation time is 10 minutes per person.
In-store "Quick Experience Course" From a simple kimono dressing experience to full-scale studio photography ★ Why not try on some Ryukyu clothing in your spare time during your trip? ♪ ---------------------------------- [Menu] ■ Kimono dressing experience ◎ Premium Bingata kimono ¥3,900 ◎ Standard Ryukyu clothing ¥3,200 ◎ Simple Uchikake ¥2,500 ◎ Men's Ryukyu clothing ¥3,2
2. Naha City Kokusai Street Shopping District
Naha City Kokusai Street Shopping District teeth, The main street in the center of Naha City, approximately 1.6 km long is.
There are a variety of shops selling Okinawan cuisine, standard souvenirs, unique cafes and general goods stores. You can enjoy shopping and eating while feeling the local atmosphere. .
Events and live music are held here on weekends, and the area is always bustling with tourists and locals. It's a must-visit area in Okinawa that can be enjoyed by everyone, from children to adults.
Address: 3-2 Makishi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
Around Kokusai Street, Activities that let you casually enjoy the Okinawan atmosphere There are many events being held.
Painting the Shisa or Ryukyu glass making , Natural stone bracelet making You can enjoy the craft experience with your family and friends.
The experience lasts about an hour This makes it an easy place to stop by between sightseeing and shopping, making it the perfect place to create memories of your trip.
This plan does not support English.
Naha Airport - about 10 minutes by car! Just 10 seconds on foot from Kokusai Street in Naha, Okinawa, the easily accessible "Handmade Experience Workshop Tianda" offers a variety of hand-made experience menus that families, couples, and friends can easily participate in. In this plan, you can paint a bisque shisa and finish it into an original shisa.
You can make your own one-of-a-kind Ryukyu glass using the traditional free-blowing method! The Ryukyu glass we make is made from recycled bottles such as awamori bottles. You can make glasses using the same method as the Ryukyu glass made in Okinawa in the past. However, it is not just an experience of blowing into a glass, but you can experience various processes yourself.
This plan does not support English.
"Kanoa" offers a hands-on experience of making marine-themed goods and accessories unique to Okinawa. With this plan, you can make your own original bracelet by combining your favorite natural stones. The price is a fixed 2,750 yen regardless of which of the 36 colorful natural stones on the table you use! Other items include starfish charms, initial charms, and firefly glass.
3. Senaga Island Umikaji Terrace
" Senaga Island Umikaji Terrace " is a complex commercial facility located approximately 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
There are over 40 Okinawa-style cafes, restaurants, and select shops, offering a wide variety of ways to spend your time. .
Its open, tropical atmosphere is perfect for posting on social media, and you can enjoy dining, shopping, and a foot bath while watching the ocean and planes taking off and landing at Naha Airport across the shore.
There is also a hot spring facility at a nearby hotel. You can also enjoy a beautiful sunset at dusk, making this a recommended spot to visit when you visit Okinawa. That's right.
First time
Okinawa
In tourism,
Bus Tours
Also popular
.
You can efficiently tour popular tourist spots in Okinawa, including Senaga Island Umikaji Terrace.
Open-top bus tour with a sense of freedom
The appeal of this plan is that you can enjoy not only sightseeing but also the journey itself.
It's a great place for sightseeing for both children and adults, so it's perfect for family trips or for making memories as a group.
Address: 174-6 Senaga, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture
This plan does not support English.
\Early bird campaign in progress/A rare bus with only one on the main island of Okinawa! We look forward to your reservations! －－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－Bring your smartphone and earphones to use the audio guidance! (Japanese, English, Korean, Chinese)★Automatic audio guidance★A system that provides information about each location only when the bus passes through points specified by GPS.
5 recommended places to visit in Okinawa [Northern Area]
Northern Okinawa Island teeth, An area filled with untouched nature, beautiful seas, and historic sites is.
It is packed with stunning views and activities that are popular with tourists, and is especially recommended for families and nature lovers.
In the following,
Five must-visit spots in the northern area
We will introduce the following.
1. Junglia Okinawa
" Junglia Okinawa "teeth, An adventure park created by Takeshi Morioka, known as the producer of Universal Studios Japan. The grand opening will be on July 25th, 2025 (Reiwa 7).
Set in the lush forests of northern Okinawa, An experience that combines nature with cutting-edge attractions, such as zip lines and athletics You can enjoy.
This is a spot that will become increasingly popular in the future,
Recommended for family trips during summer vacation
That's right.
This is sure to become a new highlight of leisure activities and is a must-visit spot in Okinawa.
Address: 553-1 Gogayama, Nakijin Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture
Recommended Feature Articles
2. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
" Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium "teeth, Okinawa It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world. Kuroshio Sea " In You can see the spectacular whale sharks and manta rays swimming leisurely up close. .
There are also many exhibits of colorful tropical fish and coral reefs unique to Okinawa, allowing you to experience the diverse world of marine life.
Besides You can enjoy dolphin shows and observing sea turtles and manatees, making this a spot that both children and adults can enjoy all day long. It is a classic spot in Okinawa that is perfect for outings with family or couples.
If you are going to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, We recommend purchasing your admission tickets online in advance. .
Even during busy periods, you can enter the venue without having to queue at the ticket counter, making it a smooth experience. It is especially recommended for families and groups, as it shortens waiting times.
Address: 424 Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
Churaumi Aquarium admission ticket (Motobu Town, Okinawa Prefecture)
3. Kouri Island
Kouri Island teeth, Okinawa main island It is a beautiful remote island in the north.
The 1,960m-long Kouri Bridge, which connects Kouri Island and Yagaji Island, is a spectacular route surrounded by emerald green seas and blue skies. You can enjoy an exhilarating drive that feels like you are driving over the sea.
Enjoy snorkeling and swimming at this beach with its white sand and crystal clear water. There are also cafes in the area where you can relax, making this a must-visit spot in Okinawa, perfect for families and couples who want to enjoy some relaxing time on the island.
On Kouri Island, Snorkeling or Banana boat , Marble , SUP You can also enjoy a variety of marine activities, such as:
Plans that allow you to play in the crystal clear waters and experience nature are popular with a wide range of people, from children to adults.
The experience lasts for 1-2 hours, so even beginners can easily participate.
.
Be sure to choose the best plan from the wide range of activities available and enjoy the charm of Kouri Island.
Address: Nakijin Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture
An amazing snorkeling spot discovered by COCONUTS CLUB. This tour randomly visits the many snorkeling spots on Kouri Island depending on the weather and sea conditions of the day. You can enjoy marine activities (banana boat, marble, jet) to the Junokeling Point. *Glasses are not allowed.
This is our most popular plan for touring Kouri Island! You can ride the Big Marble and experience the special feeling of seeing Heart Rock, a popular power spot for couples, from the sea, passing under the Kouri Bridge, and watching the color of the sea change. *The Big Marble can accommodate up to 4 people. *The number of people allowed is only a guideline. *All tours may vary depending on the situation.
Let's move on the water with a pedal SUP! It is a rare SUP in Japan that moves by pedaling with your feet instead of a paddle. It is easy even for beginners to ride, stable, and feels like a leisurely stroll on the sea, so it is very popular with women and those who are not good at going into the sea. It is usually a rental format, and customers are free to ride it within a designated area, but if it is your first experience,
A simple marine experience♪ A classic 15-minute plan. It's short, but you're sure to have fun. You can choose from three rides: banana boat, big marble, and jet ski! The way you enjoy it is completely different depending on what you ride! *Banana boats are limited to 10 people. *The number of seats is only a guideline. *All tours may vary depending on the situation.
4. Cape Maeda / Blue Cave
Cape Maeda
is a spot located on the west coast of Okinawa's main island.
There are rest areas and observation areas, so you can enjoy the beautiful sea and greenery while taking a stroll.
Yes you can.
Speaking of Cape Maeda, Snorkeling or diving Known as a famous spot for Blue Cave " is famous.
The sunlight that shines through the entrance to the cave refracts in the ocean, enveloping the cave in a mysterious blue light, creating a fantastical landscape.
.
It's a popular spot that you should visit at least once if you visit Okinawa.
You can fully experience the charm of Cape Maeda. Activities such as snorkeling and trial diving in the Blue Cave is.
Activity Japan offers a wide variety of plans that allow you to have a variety of fun activities.
Guided tour
or
photograph
・
With video gift
etc.
There are plenty of plans available so even beginners can participate with confidence.
Come enjoy the fantastic underwater world with your family or as a couple.
Address: 469-1 Maeda, Onna Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture
＊＊＊New masks and snorkels available for purchase＊＊＊ You can take home any purchased items. You can continue to enjoy the ocean of Okinawa after the experience! ＊＊＊We also offer the option to charter a guide＊＊＊Preschoolers and small children are also welcome.
High chance of a boat trip to the Blue Cave☆Age range from 1 to 60 years old☆Blue Cave snorkeling
Conditions for participation: 1 year old to active elderly people ☆The appeal of the diving shop Sea Free☆■Easy cruising by boat with a high probability of guiding you to the Blue Cave There are tours that take you to the Blue Cave by walking from the beach, or by boat to the point with a high probability of guiding you to the Blue Cave. Beach entry shops often do not allow you to enter the Blue Cave, so
[Okinawa Blue Cave] Experience diving by boat! 8 free benefits included
Your first dive is in the Blue Ocean! This is a great introductory diving plan where each group will be assigned a dedicated instructor! Our staff are all veterans, so you can participate with peace of mind. We will provide you with careful support from the beginning. This is an introductory diving tour that even first-timers and those who can't swim can enjoy.
This plan does not support English.
This is a snorkeling course that will take you to the Blue Cave in Onna Village, a popular tourist destination in Okinawa. Children from 2 years old can participate, so this is a popular tour that we recommend to everyone, whether you want to enjoy marine sports with your children or want to go to the Blue Cave easily. ■Why is snorkeling on a boat better? ■At the beach, you have to wear a wetsuit and carry your equipment,
5. Manzamo
"
Manzamo
"teeth,
Okinawa
・
Onna Village
A scenic spot in
is.
Natural grass spreads across the top of the 20m-high cliff, and from the tip you can see the beautiful blue waters of the East China Sea.
can.
especially Sunset Spot There are also walking trails, so you can enjoy a stroll and appreciate the grandeur of nature.
Address: Onna, Onna Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture
In the area around Cape Manza, A variety of activities, including diving and craft experiences, are popular is.
Beginners can participate Introductory Diving or Fun Diving Enjoy the beautiful ocean of Okinawa, Manufacturing experience Create memories of Okinawa and enjoy both its nature and culture.
[Okinawa, Manza] Boat entry trial diving (for beginners) 1 dive
Thank you for visiting the Marine Tour Service Tonton Daibu page. This is a tour around the points around Cape Manza. This is a guide to trial diving. Even beginners can feel at ease. We will guide you to the underwater world with honest and careful explanations so that you can enjoy the diving tour safely and securely.
This plan does not support English.
The waters around Cape Manzamo on Okinawa's main island are famous for the countless diving spots for all levels, from those who have just acquired their license to those who are used to diving hundreds of times! We will select a spot that is not too difficult for everyone (^^)v I want to go to the terrain! I want to look for macro creatures! I just want to relax! If you have any questions, please let us know.
[Take home some impressive Okinawan ocean memories] ★Shisa plates are very popular!! ★The ocean seen from Manzamo is gorgeous! ★A bright interior and staff with an ocean theme!! *Turn right at the Ryukyu costume experience in front♪・Manzamo Experience Studio Original Keychain Experience is very popular! +:-:+:-Choose a cute item and make your own original keychain~+:-:+
Must-visit places in Okinawa! 2 hidden spots frequented by locals
Below, while avoiding crowds,
Two hidden gems recommended for those who want to relax and enjoy nature and culture
I'll introduce it to you.
Okinawa
This is a recommended spot for those who want to experience the natural beauty and history of the area.
1. Ikei Island
Ikei Island
teeth,
Remote islands that can be reached by car from the main island of Okinawa
is.
You can access it by car across the Mid-Sea Road, and you can enjoy the beautiful emerald green ocean as you drive.
The island is filled with sugarcane fields and traditional villages. A recommended area for those who want to experience the rustic atmosphere of Okinawa The biggest attraction is being able to enjoy the time that only an island can offer in a quiet environment surrounded by nature.
Address: Yonashiro Ikei, Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture
Okinawa main island In the East Coast area, Parasailing or Kayaking etc. Marine Activities is abundant.
You can enjoy the beautiful ocean view from the sky and adventure around secret beaches. .
For all plans, staff will take photos during the tour, making it a great choice for those who want to preserve their memories.
Enjoy special Okinawa activities with your family, friends, or as a couple.
This plan does not support English.
*Please gather 30 minutes before the reservation time. If you are late, you may not be able to board. Please be sure to check the reservation confirmation email for details. The first and only Shisa parasailing on the east coast of the central part of Japan! It's perfect for Instagram. Enjoy easy parasailing around the Mid-Sea Road, Hamahiga, Henza Island, Ikei Island, and Tsuken Island.
This plan does not support English.
☆Uruma City Parasailing - The longest rope length in Japan, 300m☆ ☆Cute smiley face parasailing makes for great photos☆ ☆The waters around the event area are relatively calm, so few people get seasick☆ ☆High rate of events held within the prefecture☆ ☆Average operating rate of 25 days per month☆ ☆6 flights per day, more than enough☆ ☆Available for ages 4 and up, even for seniors, if conditions are right☆ ☆
A kayak tour to the hidden areas and secret beaches of the island of the gods, Hamahiga Island!
This plan does not support English.
Let's go on an adventure on the "Churashima Kaido" that connects Ikei Island, Miyagi Island, Henza Island, and Hamahiga Island on the east coast of Okinawa! It's an hour's drive from Naha. The "Churashima Kaido" is a road that connects four islands on the east coast of Okinawa, and you can experience the vast nature of undeveloped and untouched islands. The complex terrain blocks wind and waves, so you can visit in any weather and in any season.
2. Asumui Hikes (formerly: Daisekirinzan)
Okinawa main island
The northernmost natural spot "
Asmuyhikes
(formerly Daisekirinzan))
A spot where you can enjoy magnificent nature and unique topography
is.
It is home to spectacular landscapes including strangely shaped rock formations, banyan forests, and limestone cliffs that have taken millions of years to form.
Purchase a ticket at the Stone Museum located halfway up the mountain, and then take a shuttle bus to the base for your stroll. Spirit Lounge " Go to ".
The four hiking trails are easy for beginners and families to walk, Experience the charm of nature while walking, including megaliths, power spots, and spectacular views from observation decks. Yes you can.
You can experience Okinawa's pristine landscapes and rare plants and animals. Recommended for families and couples who want to have active fun These are the must-visit spots in Okinawa.
Address: 1282-1, Inama, Kunigami Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture
Find out the best places to visit in Okinawa and enjoy your trip
Popular spots to visit in Okinawa We introduced the following.
In Okinawa, There are plenty of must-visit spots where you can enjoy a good balance of nature, history, and activities is.
Use the information provided here to enjoy a trip with your family or as a couple!
*The content of this article is current as of July 2025.
Featured image provided by:
PIXTA
![[2025] Ojima Tourism Guide! Images of how to enjoy tempura, beaches, and the cat island](https://img.activityjapan.com/wi/oujima_thumb.jpg)
![[2025] Complete guide to Iheya Island | Images of sightseeing, ferries and model courses](https://img.activityjapan.com/wi/iheyajima_thumb.jpg)
![[2025] Okinawa's Tonaki Island Guide | Images explaining sightseeing, accommodation, and diving information](https://img.activityjapan.com/wi/tonakijima_thumb.jpg)
