Okinawa Island Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Island

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean, Okinawa Island beckons travelers to explore its vibrant culture, pristine beaches, and rich history. As the largest island in the Okinawa Prefecture of Japan, this tropical paradise offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese charm and island allure.

One of the main attractions of Okinawa Island is its stunning beaches. With crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand, these beaches are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. The famous Emerald Beach is a must-visit, boasting breathtaking views and a wide range of water activities. For those seeking tranquility, the secluded Maeda Beach offers a peaceful retreat amidst nature's beauty.

Beyond the beaches, Okinawa Island is steeped in history and cultural heritage. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shuri Castle is a testament to the island's rich past. Dating back to the Ryukyu Kingdom, the castle complex showcases intricate architecture, vibrant colors, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Visitors can immerse themselves in the island's history by exploring the castle grounds and learning about the Ryukyuan culture.

Okinawa Island is also home to unique cultural traditions. The lively Tsuboya Pottery District is a haven for pottery enthusiasts, where visitors can witness the art of traditional Okinawan pottery-making. The vibrant Naha Kokusai Street is another cultural hub, lined with shops selling traditional crafts, local delicacies, and souvenirs. Be sure to try the island's famous purple sweet potato treats and Orion beer, a local favorite.

For nature enthusiasts, Okinawa Island offers a wealth of natural wonders to explore. The lush Yanbaru Forest is a haven for hikers, with its dense vegetation, rare flora, and diverse wildlife. The island's clear waters are home to vibrant coral reefs, making it a paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The breathtaking Cape Manzamo, with its dramatic cliffs and panoramic views of the ocean, is a must-see for nature lovers.

Local name: 沖縄本島 Area: 466.02 mi²Maximum elevation: 1650 ftArchipelago: Ryukyu IslandsCoordinates: 26°29'44"N, 127°57'36"E

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Okinawa Island Top Attractions

Okinawa Island Attractions - What to See and Explore

Okinawa Island offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Nakagusuku Castle, Sefa-utaki, Hiji Falls, Mount Yonaha. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

UNESCO-listed 14th-century castle ruins
Nakagusuku Castle
Nakagusuku Castle is a gusuku in the village of Kitanakagusuku, Okinawa, Japan. It is one of a number of castles built on the island of Okinawa by the Ryukyu Kingdom now in ruins.
Historical place
Sefa-utaki
Sefa-utaki, meaning "purified place of Utaki," is a historical sacred space, overlooking Kudaka Island, that served as one of the key locations of worship in the native religion of the Ryukyuan people for millennia.
Park
Hiji Falls
Hiji Falls is a National Park and a popular tourist destination on the island and prefecture of Okinawa, Japan.

Natural attraction • Park • Mountain
Mount Yonaha
Mount Yonaha, also known as Mount Yunaha in Okinawan, is a mountain in Kunigami on the main island of Okinawa in Okinawa Prefecture. It has an elevation of 503 m, but Yonaha-dake triangulation station is located at the next peak of elevation of 498 m.
Forts and castles
Tamagusuku Castle
Tamagusuku Castle is a Ryukyuan gusuku in Nanjō, Okinawa. It is the oldest castle on Okinawa; Chūzan Seikan says it was built by Amamikyu, the creation goddess of the Ryukyuan religion. It was the home of the Aji of Tamagusuku Magiri.
Aquarium • Zoo
Tropical & Subtropical Arboretum
The Tropical & Subtropical Arboretum is a 9-hectare arboretum and botanical garden located in the southern tip of the Ocean Expo Park at Ishikawa 424, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan. It is open daily without charge.
Botanical garden
Omoro Botanical Garden
The Omoro Botanical Garden, also known as the Omoro Arboretum, is an arboretum and botanical garden located in the Ocean Expo Park, 424 Ishikawa, Motobu, Okinawa, Japan. It is open daily except Thursdays; admission is free.
Dam
Kanna Dam
The Kanna Dam is a concrete gravity dam on the Kanna River in Ginoza, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The purpose of the dam is water supply and flood control.
Locality
Ryukyu Islands
The Ryukyu Islands are, depending on definitions, the whole or part of a chain of Japanese islands that stretch southwest from Kyushu to Taiwan.
26°39'60"N • 127°56'0"E
Motobu Peninsula
The Motobu Peninsula is a peninsula in the Yanbaru region of Okinawa Island. It is surrounded by Nago Bay to the south, the Haneda Inland Sea to the north, and the East China Sea to the west. It is mostly mountainous, with a few plains. The peninsula's northeasternmost point is Cape Bise.
Park
Yanbaru National Park
Yanbaru National Park is a national park in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. Established in 2016, it is located in and around the forested region of Yanbaru at the northern end of Okinawa Island.
Dam
Okukubi Dam
The Okukubi Dam is a trapezoidal cemented, sand and gravel dam on the Okukubi River in Kin, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. Construction began in 2009 and its reservoir was filled by 31 March 2013.
Forts and castles
Sashiki Castle
Sashiki Castle is a Ryukyuan gusuku in Nanjō, Okinawa. It was built by Shō Shishō and served as the home of the Aji of Sashiki Magiri. During the Taishō era, a Shinto shrine was built over the remains of the main hall.
Dam
Fukuji Dam
The Fukuji Dam or Fukuchi Dam is a rock-fill embankment dam on the Fukuchi River 2.5 km northeast of Higashi, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The purpose of the dam, the tallest in Okinawa, is water supply and flood control.
Forts and castles
Ōzato Castle
Ōzato Castle, officially Shimasoe-Ōzato Castle, is a Ryukyuan gusuku built in Nanzan and used until 1429. It, and the village of Ōzato, are named after the Ōzato Dynasty of Nanzan. It is in ruins, and is an officially designated historical site in Nanjō City, Okinawa.
Neighbourhood
Kunigami District
Kunigami is a district located in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. Roughly translated, kunigami means "head of the country", referring to its northern location on the island of Okinawa. Compare this to Shimajiri District, Okinawa.
Universities and schools
National Institute of Technology
The National Institute of Technology, Okinawa College is a college of technology in Nago, Japan. Its abbreviated name is NIT-Ok.
26°19'12"N • 127°54'0"E
Katsuren Peninsula
The Katsuren Peninsula is a peninsula on Okinawa Island. It is bordered by Nakagusuku Bay to the south, Kin Bay to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the east. The entire peninsula is part of Uruma City. Katsuren Castle is on the south-central part of the peninsula.
Village
Higashi
Higashi is a village located in Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. As of 2016, the village has an estimated population of 1,683 and a population density of 21 persons per km². The total area is 81.79 km².

Day trips

Okinawa Island – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Okinawa Island, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (Motobu), Shuri Castle (Naha), Okinawa Cellular Stadium (Naha).

15 milesN
Zoo
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Motobu
Nestled on the stunning island of Okinawa, the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a marvel that captures the essence of the ocean's beauty and diversity. As one of the most prominent aquariums in Japan, it offers visitors an unparalleled view into the underwater world...
24 milesSW
Forts and castles,
Shuri Castle, Naha
Shuri Castle, an emblematic landmark of the city of Naha, Japan, is a testament to the rich history of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Situated on a hilltop offering panoramic views of the city, this reconstructed castle is a symbol of Okinawa's cultural heritage.
27 milesSW
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Okinawa Cellular Stadium, Naha
Okinawa Cellular Stadium, nestled in the bustling city of Naha, Japan, is a premier sports venue known for hosting an array of athletic events, cultural gatherings, and entertainment spectacles. This modern stadium, with its cutting-edge facilities, serves as a central...
24 milesSW
Sprawling 16th-century royal mausoleum
Tamaudun, Naha
Tamaudun is a historical site nestled in the city of Naha, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, that serves as a solemn reminder of the Ryukyu Kingdom's regal past. This mausoleum, constructed in the early 16th century under the reign of King Sho Shin, is the final resting place...
14 milesN
Historical place, Forts and castles,
Nakijin Castle, Nakijin
Nakijin Castle is a Ryukyuan gusuku located in Nakijin, Okinawa. It is currently in ruins. In the late 14th century, the island of Okinawa consisted of three principalities: Nanzan to the south, Chūzan in the central area, and Hokuzan in the north.