Speaking of Okinawa? Here are 12 must-visit sightseeing spots and foods
"
Okinawa
Speaking of ", what's the first thing that comes to mind?
White sand beach, aquarium, mangrove, soki soba, shisa, chinsuko
The examples are endless, as Okinawa is filled with fun in a wide variety of genres!
This time, Speaking of Okinawa "The theme is Famous sightseeing spots, food, souvenirs and activities Introducing all at once.
Okinawa Things to know before you travel 12 points We will feature its appeal.
table of contents
- 1 Okinawa is all about the ocean! Introducing the top 5 popular activities
- 2 5 famous tourist spots in Okinawa
- 3 3 famous gourmet foods that are synonymous with Okinawa
- 4 4 souvenirs and specialties that are synonymous with Okinawa
- 5 Let's travel to Okinawa by learning about its famous sightseeing spots and foods
- 6 Feature articles recommended by the editorial department
Okinawa is all about the ocean! Introducing the top 5 popular activities
When you think of Okinawa, the first thing that comes to mind is the sea!
beautiful Okinawa's ocean You can enjoy the excellent location and environment. Snorkel or Parasailing Experience is popular.
In the following Top 5 popular activities is currently being posted!
- 4.9
- (479 reviews and experiences)
★★If you come to Miyakojima, you must visit "Yuni Beach"★★The famous Yuni Beach tour, which is a must-visit place on TikTok if you come to Miyakojima★This performance is possible only because the captain and guide are from Miyakojima! It is very popular as a photo spot for influencers and models and for PV shooting! Why not join us in making wonderful memories of Miyakojima? Drone
- 4.7
- (2265 reviews and experiences)
[Very popular] We also hold Blue Cave Snorkeling events for people aged 2 to 70! → https://activityjapan.com/publish/plan/18400 Another plan [All-you-can-play in the Blue Cave for one day] Equipment rental service is now open! → https://activityjapan.com/pu
[Okinawa, Motobu, Sesoko Island] Super popular! Anyone can enjoy a 30-minute glass canoe tour!
- 4.9
- (16 reviews and experiences)
☆Free photo and video gift☆彡☆Free for children under 3☆彡Let's go on a leisurely sightseeing tour in an all-clear roofed glass canoe at Anchi Beach on Sesoko Island, which boasts one of the most beautiful oceans on the main island of Okinawa! While taking photos and chatting with each other, you can see the corals and fish up close at your feet.
- 4.8
- (740 reviews and experiences)
《100% encounter rate! Sea turtle snorkeling tour》・You can also see clownfish and tropical fish. ・We are extremely confident in our photos! They are sure to look great on social media♪ ・Of course, all data is free. No limit on the number of photos! ・Recommended for friends, couples, and families. ・Since it is a small group tour and conducted on a shallow coastline, it is safe for small children.
- 4.8
- (121 reviews and experiences)
[Okinawa's ocean that the world loves] The ocean of Okinawa is loved by people all over the world! This is a set plan that carefully selects the most popular activities! With the very popular "Blue Cave Boat Snorkeling", you can enjoy the beautiful ocean! You can also enjoy feeding the fish. With "Shisa Parasailing", you can fly high above the blue ocean of the tourist spot "Mid-Sea Road" in Uruma City.
5 famous tourist spots in Okinawa
In the following, When you think of Okinawa, the first thing that comes to mind is Famous tourist spots of Five introduction!
If you're unsure, check here first.
1. Churaumi Aquarium (Motobu Town)
Speaking of Okinawa
"
Churaumi Aquarium
"!
Main island
Northern
Motobu Town
It is a popular aquarium located inside the park.
Within the facility,
Many exhibits recreate the ocean around Okinawa
!
You can explore the underwater world unique to Okinawa, including colorful coral reefs and unique-looking deep-sea creatures, by theme.
Among the most popular are:
A large aquarium where many migratory fish are kept
"
Kuroshio Sea
"
.
Dynamic schools of fish,
The sight of the whale sharks and manta rays swimming, characterized by their cute spotted patterns and huge bodies, is very impressive.
That's right!
Churaumi Aquarium Online Ticket Reservation (Motobu Town, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture)
In the following, Recommended experience tours around Motobu Town is currently being posted.
In the Motobu area, where beautiful beaches are concentrated, Snorkel or Banana boat such as Marine sports is popular is!
Why not enjoy some exhilarating marine activities before or after your visit to Churaumi Aquarium?
A set plan of marine activities that you can enjoy near the Churaumi Aquarium♪ Held every hour! It takes about 1 hour from meeting to disbanding! Why not try playing casually while sightseeing? ~~~ Great benefits for course participants ~~~ Free download of tour photos! *Start time① 9:00② 10:00③ 11:00④ 12:00⑤
2. Shuri Castle (Naha City)
Speaking of Okinawa,
Shuri Castle
"
!
It was once the political base of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Main island
・
Naha City
It is located in the east.
About 40 minutes by car from Naha Airport
.
Use the Okinawa Urban Monorail and Yui Rail. If you use it, it is from the nearest Shuri Station About 15 minutes on foot and, Another great point is that it is easily accessible from Naha city. is.
The site is a national park, and you can see the precious ruins and architecture that have been designated as World Heritage Sites and Cultural Heritage Sites.
Famous for the 2,000 yen bill " Shureimon Gate " You can actually go through it!
The main hall, which was sadly destroyed in a fire in 2019 (Reiwa 1), is currently being restored with the aim of opening it to the public in 2026 (Reiwa 8).
There is a viewing area on-site.
You can also experience the steady progress of the restoration work up close.
is!
If you visit before the restoration of the main hall is completed, you can tour the restoration site and look around the many cultural assets. Ryukyu Kingdom Culture and the Modern Shuri Castle Why not learn more about it?
In the following, Recommended activities and experience tours around Shuri Castle is currently being posted.
A tour around tourist spots including Shuri Castle or, A rental plan for Ryusou that will make you look like Okinawa is especially recommended!
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 a point specified by GPS.
Veni is the only place in Okinawa where you can rent a kimono for a day at a reasonable price! ? Rentals are available for a day between 10:00 and 18:30! ! You can take a 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.
[Okinawa, Naha] E-Bike Nature Tour in Shuri
You can encounter hidden nature and history that are not listed in guidebooks, such as the quiet sound of water, lush greenery, and buildings that exude history. Cycling on an electric bicycle will refresh your mind and body. This is a new and unique tour that lets you experience Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands as if you were traveling back in time. ~Experience process~①Meeting, reception E-Charity Naha Kokusai-dori Main Station
3. American Village (Chatan Town)
Speaking of Okinawa,
American Village
"
!
Central main island
Chatan Town
is a popular resort town on the west coast.
You can enjoy gourmet food, shopping and activities in an exotic cityscape!
There are also many shops where you can purchase Okinawa souvenirs of various categories, including fashion, accessories, and local specialties.
Being on the West Coast, The sunset from the beach is exceptional After a full day of sightseeing, why not enjoy a romantic tropical sunset?
Around American Village Outdoor Experiences If you want to join, check out the link below: !
Active Snorkel ・ Banana boat experience From a leisurely Boat fishing experience to.
A plan to enjoy the beautiful Okinawan sea We picked up the following.
[From Ginowan Yacht Harbor] 3 Marine Active Items
Departing from Ginowan Marina, conveniently located 15 minutes from Naha and 10 minutes from American Village! A must-see for anyone who wants to have some fun, including thrilling towing tubes and jet skiing experiences for ages 4 and up. The Marine Active 3-piece set is available exclusively for groups, so feel free to scream without worrying about the people around you. As it is a marina facility, there is not only a parking lot but also toilets and shower rooms.
[Departing from Chatan Town, Okinawa Main Island] Come empty-handed! Boat fishing tour for beginners♪ Recommended for families, couples, friends, small children, and women. Thank you for taking a look at our plan. This fishing plan provides a safe, secure, and fun tour for beginners. The captain of the boat that will be on board on the day will be
This plan does not support English.
[Benefit 1] Easy to hold on a boat [Benefit 2] Fully reserved for one group so you can participate with peace of mind [Benefit 3] Meet at the port near American Village, so you can use your time effectively. The boat ride takes about 10 minutes, so there is no need to worry about seasickness. One dedicated staff member will be assigned to each group, so you can participate in the tour with peace of mind. There are showers on the boat and changing rooms at the port.
4. Naha City Kokusai Street Shopping District (Naha City)
Speaking of Okinawa,
Kokusai Street
"
!
Its official name is "Naha City Kokusai Street Shopping District" and it stretches for about 1.6km.
Okinawa's largest shopping district, where gourmet and sweet spots are concentrated
is.
This street is packed with restaurants serving Okinawan cuisine, steaks, gelato, and more that you'll want to try out while traveling in Okinawa.
There are plenty of shops that are convenient for tourists with limited time to visit, such as outdoor drinking bars and street-side sweet shops where you can drop in. We are doing it.
Like the American Village,
Another noteworthy point is the large number of souvenir shops selling Okinawa-style miscellaneous goods and accessories.
!
When you're enjoying eating and drinking around, it might be fun to buy a souvenir that catches your eye.
Near Kokusai Street, A craft experience perfect as a memento of your trip to Okinawa You can participate.
In the following, Pick up popular plans Now published!
For couples accessories , parent-child and friend groups Experience making interior accessories I recommend it!
This plan does not support English.
At the "Kanoa Kokusai Street Store," you can experience making your own accessories unique to Okinawa. With this plan, you can make your own original bracelet by combining your favorite natural stones (round stones). No matter which of the 36 colorful natural stones (kinds) you choose to make on the table, it's a flat rate of 2,970 yen! Other popular Okinawa items include firefly glass and initial charms.
Shell photo frame handmade experience
You can make your own original photo frame using natural pure white shells. You can use all the pure white shells lined up on the table as much as you like. You can also decorate it with starfish, flowers, shisa, and other parts to make it cute.
5. Himeyuri Tower (Itoman City)
Speaking of Okinawa tourism, Many people may think of war-related spots and museums. .
" Himeyuri Tower " is located near the southern tip of the main island. Itoman City This is a memorial tower located in.
During the war, the female student corps was mobilized for the Battle of Okinawa.
Himeyuri Student Corps
"
The memorial tower was erected on the site of the Okinawa Army Hospital Third Surgery Cave, where many soldiers lost their lives.
The memorial tower and the adjacent museum " Himeyuri Peace Memorial Museum " In Valuable materials are on display that teach about the Battle of Okinawa experienced by the student corps. It has been done.
While touring Okinawa, you can visit both the tower and the museum with your family and friends. Why not learn about the Battle of Okinawa and the importance of peace? ?
3 famous gourmet foods that are synonymous with Okinawa
In the following, " Speaking of Okinawa " Specialty foods of Three introduction!
We have picked out the ones that are known nationwide.
1. Goya Chanpuru
Speaking of Okinawa,
Goya Chanpuru
"!
This is a particularly classic dish among chanpuru, a stir-fry made with island tofu and vegetables.
In recent years, Goya Chanpuru has become Commonly made with island tofu, bitter melon, eggs, and pork (spam) .
A combination of delicious island tofu and bitter, chewy bitter melon. You'll get addicted to it!
2. Soki soba and Okinawa soba
Speaking of Okinawa, Soki soba (Okinawa soba) "!
"Soki" is the Okinawan dialect word for pork spare ribs.
A hearty dish where you can taste the flavor of pork from the sweet and spicy stewed bone-in meat served on top of the noodles. is!
on the other hand,
"
Okinawa soba
" In the case of ", light flavors are the norm.
.
Unlike Soki soba,
It is common to top it with rafute, a braised pork belly dish.
is.
If you have room in your stomach, why not try both and experience the difference in texture and flavor?
3. Taco rice
Speaking of Okinawa,
Taco rice
"!
Stir-fried minced meat, vegetables such as lettuce and tomatoes, cheese, etc.
Okinawan delicacy with taco ingredients served on rice
is.
It was born in Okinawa in the 1980s. This dish is so common that it is even used in school lunches in the prefecture. is.
You can eat plenty of vegetables, meat and rice, The spicy taste is perfect for the warm climate of Okinawa. is!
4 souvenirs and specialties that are synonymous with Okinawa
In the following, " Speaking of Okinawa " Souvenirs and local specialties of 4 introduction!
If you're unsure what to buy, use this as a reference!
1. Shisa figurine
Speaking of Okinawa, Shisa figurine "!
The Shisa was brought to the former Ryukyu Kingdom from China and was a symbol of the royal family for a long time.
.
Modern
Okinawa
It is gaining popularity as a popular talisman in the area.
The designs of the Shisa sold as souvenirs are
There is a wide variety, from dignified ones like the lion-dogs at shrines to cute, deformed ones.
!
Try to find a suitable souvenir that matches the tastes of the person you are giving it to.
In the following, Original designs perfect as souvenirs from Okinawa Experience making a Shisa Now posted!
Why not try making a one-of-a-kind shisa by customizing the color and expression to your liking and making it into a piece you can keep in your home or give to someone you're giving it to?
This plan does not support English.
[Take home the most moving Okinawa memories and souvenirs] ★Great! Last minute reservations are OK★Free cancellation on the day is great! Highly rated and popular restaurant [1 minute by car from Churaumi Aquarium] All seats are located on the main street, overlooking the sea, in a bright and cheerful restaurant with the sound of the sanshin playing, and a comfortable air-conditioned space. Great for families with children, with tatami rooms, diaper changing stations, and toys.
The listed price is for a ceramic white clay mini shisa! ☆ Shisa painting comes in a variety of types and sizes, so please understand that the price may change and you can choose a shisa other than the 1,870 yen at the time of reservation (^^) The price is clearly stated, so you can consider your budget in advance (^^) [White clay pottery] New! ・Mini ￥1,870 Made with rare Okinawan white clay ☆ [Lacquer
2. Purple sweet potato tart
Speaking of Okinawa,
Purple sweet potato tart
"!
On top of the crispy tart crust,
A sweet treat with a gentle texture, topped with plenty of Okinawa's specialty purple yam paste.
is.
The exquisite combination of the mild sweetness of the purple sweet potato and the buttery tart dough is recommended for people of all ages and genders!
Perfect as a souvenir to give to colleagues or groups of friends That's right.
3. Chinsuko
Speaking of Okinawa,
Chinsuko
"!
It is a sweet with an especially long history in Okinawa Prefecture, having been made since the Ryukyu Kingdom era.
The main ingredients are flour, sugar, and lard.
.
Unlike cookies that use butter and eggs,
Unique crunchy texture and sweetness
is.
In recent years,
Mango, coconut, pineapple, salt, etc.
The lineup also includes new flavors of chinsuko that incorporate ingredients typically found in Okinawa!
For souvenirs, we recommend the assortment pack, which can be enjoyed by a wide range of people.
4. Sata Andagi
Speaking of Okinawa,
Sata Andagi
"!
A classic Okinawan fried snack with a round appearance and a crispy texture.
is.
It is known as a sweet treat similar to a donut!
Like chinsuko, in recent years, in addition to simple plain ones,
Those using brown sugar and fruit are also popular
.
It's also fun to start with the plain one and then try different flavors of sata andagi. .
Let's travel to Okinawa by learning about its famous sightseeing spots and foods
This time, Speaking of Okinawa "The theme is Recommended sightseeing spots, food, souvenirs and activities We featured it!
Each topic has its own unique appeal, so it's easy to create a plan that suits the preferences of your travel group.
Please refer to this special feature. " Speaking of Okinawa " Tourist attractions and food Have a fun trip to the southern islands Let's get going!
*The content of this article is current as of March 2025.
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