36 Best Sights in Okinawa, Japan

With one of the biggest saltwater tanks in the world, this is the most impressive aquarium in Japan. Water in the tanks circulates with the ocean, allowing pioneering coral-breeding programs. There are sharks, freaky deep-water species, and thousands of other sea creatures. The star attraction is the 30-foot-deep tank holding a majestic whale shark, a dozen manta rays, and fish native to Okinawa. The aquarium is just one attraction in the much larger Ocean Expo Park. Usually free of crowds, the Oceanic Culture Museum with a planetarium (¥190) has examples of the boats used to to explore the Pacific, the Tropical Dream Center (¥760) houses a vast number of orchid species, and there is a reconstruction of a traditional Okinawan village (free). A short stroll north of the park is the idyllic village of Bise with its narrow roads lined by fukugi trees. You can get to Ocean Expo Park by car or via the Yanbaru Express bus service that runs from Naha Airport, via central Naha to the aquarium (two hours, 20 minutes). Up-to-date bus schedules are on the park website.

As one of Okinawa's biggest tourist attractions it is best to visit the aquarium first thing in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. This means staying in Motobu for at least one night is ideal.

Rows of black granite blocks inscribed with the names of the thousands who lost their lives in World War II cover the rolling, green hills around this excellent museum. Exhibits, some designed specifically for children, provide a rare opportunity to contemplate global issues. Focusing on the brutal Battle of Okinawa, interesting exhibits highlight each side's tactical perspective and the progress of the fighting. More personal displays reveal what life was like on the ground during the chaos and include testimonies of survivors (unfortunately, only a few of these are translated). A diorama portrays life in American-occupied postwar Okinawa. The museum is 80 minutes from Naha via bus; change from Bus 89 to 82 at Itoman Terminal.

The Seiden (central hall) of the royal castle Shurijo was destroyed by fire in October 2019; however, the castle walls, gateways, and many buildings still remain of the sprawling, grandiose seat of the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom. The castle, far more reminiscent of Beijing's Forbidden City than Kyoto's Imperial Palace, is still a marvel for the eyes. The original 15th-century castle was once part of an even more extensive property, but was mostly leveled during World War II when the Japanese Imperial Army made the complex its local headquarters. After reconstruction in 1992, Shurijo was named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once again Shurijo will rise like a phoenix from the destruction, supported by both local government and donations from around the world. Reconstruction of the Seiden is underway and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026. It's a 10-minute walk from the Shuri monorail station.

Yonaha Maehama Beach is regarded by many as Japan's best beach, and it lives up to its reputation. White sand stretches for miles on a smooth, shallow shelf extending far into the warm, clear water. In front of the Tokyu Resort there's a section of water that is netted off to protect swimmers from jellyfish, and a lifeguard on duty from 9 to 6. Water-sports equipment rentals, showers, refreshments, toilets, and showers are available at a beach shack. Take on your friends or the locals at beach volleyball—this is an amazing place to play a game. The beach is 25 minutes by taxi, 40 minutes by bus from Hirara Port area. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; swimming.

On the southern shore of the island, a swimming pool filled with water from a cold natural spring sits next to a picturesque stretch of sand. Snorkel gear and kayak rentals can be arranged through the pool complex, which includes a refreshment stand. Many of the local dive shops offer snorkeling excursions or multisport packages that include a visit to the pumpkin-shape rock formation. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (free); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling.

If you have a couple of hours to spare, take a leisurely walk out to see Cape Higashi-Hennazaki's rugged landscape. A twisty, narrow road atop a spine of rock leads through a thatch of green grass out to a lonely, perfectly lovely lighthouse. The 2-km (1-mile) peninsula retains an impressive, end-of-the-earth feeling, and in spring the ground is covered with trumpet lilies. The multicolored coral can be viewed from above. Allow about one hour to walk from the Bora bus stop at Boraga Beach. If you rent a scooter in Hirara, you can ride to the end of the road next to the lighthouse.

Cape Maeda is one of Okinawa Main Island's most popular diving and snorkeling spots. During summer it gets packed by around 11 am, so it is usually best to arrive as early as possible. As with nearly all dive sites on Okinawa, early in the morning is most likely to give you calmer water for your entry and exit. Many of Okinawa's dive shops use this as a base for teaching. Cape Maeda has toilets, hot showers, vending machines, a café, and a large pay parking lot. Great for convenience, but some will prefer quieter, more remote dive sites.

Cape Zanpa's lighthouse is set atop impressive cliffs. Cape Zanpa Park is great place for a refreshing clifftop walk, plus there's a beach and a children's play area. In winter, it is one of the best locations to spot whales from the coast, while in summer it is a popular advanced-level diving spot. You'll find various monuments including Okinawa's largest shisa statue, a statue of the diplomat Taiki, who set up trade with China; and a mural to those who lost their lives during WWII's Battle of Okinawa. During and just after typhoons, the cliff tops can be dangerous due to high winds and huge waves.

Don't leave Okinawa without hearing the unique sound of sanshin music made from the three-stringed, snakeskin-covered instrument native to Okinawa and the Amami Islands. And you shouldn't leave Naha without taking a peek into one of the most highly regarded sanshin-maker's shops in the country. Higa-san will give you a free lesson, and several ranks of beginner-oriented sets let you choose a good arrangement if you want to take one home. (Buy one made with fake snakeskin, as real snakeskin is illegal to export to many countries.) Chindami Sanshinten is on the side street off Kokusai-dori.

Set in the very north of the Yambaru National Park, Daisekirinzan is a family-friendly park where you can wander among giant banyan trees and the limestone spires of Japan's only tropical karst landscape. Many of the unusual formations are considered power spots by the islanders. Of the four trails, the longer Wonder of Rocks Trail, marked in yellow, makes for a very interesting 1-km (½-mile) scramble. Daisekirinzan was one of the shooting locations for the TV series Cobra Kai. After visiting the park, it's just a few kilometers further to Cape Hedo, Okinawa's northernmost tip, for more otherworldly rock formations.

In these cold, clammy tunnels, Admiral Ota and 174 of his men came to a dramatic end on June 13, 1945. He and six of his top officers killed themselves to escape capture or death by American forces. The grenade blasts that killed the rest of Ota's men left visible shrapnel damage on the walls. An information desk has pamphlets in English, but staff are unlikely to speak anything but Japanese. It's 25 minutes from the Naha Bus Terminal Asahibashi Mae via Bus 55, 88, or 98. Get off at the the Uebaru danchi-mae stop, and walk 10 minutes uphill to the ticket gate.

This moving museum tells the story of 240 girls from a high school near Naha. Mobilized as field nurses in the war's final months, their hellish experiences tending to wounded Japanese soldiers in hidden caves near the city are retold in an intensely poignant series of dioramas, textual explanations, and displays. Photographs and journals show the girls' innocence and hope before the war, providing a moving counterpoint to the ghastly conditions they endured during the fighting. Photographs of each girl drive home the war's tragic effects. For access by public transport, take the #89 bus from Naha Bus Terminal to Itoman Bus Terminal, then change to #82 or #107. Buses depart hourly and continue on to the Peace Memorial.

Connected to the northwestern corner of Miyako Island by a bridge, this small island, ringed by a scenic coastal road, has fine views above and below the sea. The Ikema Wetlands in the center of the island is a wildlife protection area, and home to a variety of ducks, egrets, and waders. The island is 35 minutes by bus from Hirara Port.

This small island has two gorgeous and secluded beaches: Toguchi-no-hama Beach and Sawada-no-hama Beach. Irabu Island is connected to the main island by the longest toll-free bridge in Japan.

This kiln was started by a distant forebear of the current master, Takashi Kobashikawa, himself a government-designated Master of Traditional Crafts. Mugs and tankards are around ¥5,000, cup and saucer sets from around ¥6,500, and larger bowls and platters range from affordable to astronomical. Wrapping and domestic shipping services are available. From the Heiwa-dori arcade, head 200 yards until a small incline leads you up to the red-and-black sign.

You're sure to get caught up in the buzz of Kokusai Street, Naha's central hub for dining, shopping, and people-watching. It's an eye-popping introduction to Okinawa's varied demographics, from the crew-cut military personnel, Japanese teenagers on high school trips, honeymooning couples, and excited families, all while the local octogenarians do their daily shop at the market. You'll find many similarly laden souvenir shops filled with the local spirit awamori, shisa (lion-dog) figurines, purple sweet potato tarts, brown sugar, and Kariyushi shirts. However, amongst these you'll also find the stores of local craftsman selling traditional lacquerware, fabrics, and ceramics. The street is pedestrian-only on Sunday, making it the best time to visit.

Three covered shopping arcades run perpendicular to Kokusai Street. The arcades still have many souvenir shops, but they're mixed with food vendors and more practical local stores selling vegetables, everyday clothes, and recycled items. Sample deep-fried doughnuts, leaf-wrapped mochi, and tropical fruit drinks on your way to the Makishi Public Market, a five-minute walk from Kokusai Street. Passing between outdoor fruit stalls into an unassuming doorway leads you to a carnival of delightful and grotesque butcher counters, fishmongers, and pickle sellers. Pig faces stare ghoulishly down from racks displaying every other part of the animal (including some you likely never thought anyone could eat). Multicolor shellfish, neon eels, and giant crustaceans are so shockingly exotic they seem like they were pinched from the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.

Yaeyama Minsah textiles are an important cultural aspect of the Yaeyama Islands. At the Minsah Kogei Kan, visitors can learn about the process of dyeing, weaving, and creating bags and garments with the fabric. You can try making your own coaster or tapestry if you'd like to experience using a loom. The store has a great selection of products for those in search of souvenirs. The prices reflect their handmade nature so a kariyushi shirt is around ¥45,000 and a small bag around ¥20,000. If you don't have time to visit the craft center, you can still check out the fine craftsmanship at the Azamiya store in Ishigaki Airport. 

A lovely and often deserted beach on the west side of tiny Kurima Island, Nagamahama Beach can be reached via the bridge just southeast of Yonaha Maehama Beach. This is a fantastic place to spend the day snorkeling and picnicking on the fine white sand. Amenities: parking (free). Best for: snorkeling; solitude; sunrise; swimming; walking; windsurfing.

Nakijin Castle is the northernmost of Okinawa's UNESCO World Heritage sites. The hilltop castle ruins provide beautiful views over the forest and ocean to the islands of Izena and Iheya. In the 14th century, when Okinawa was split into three principalities, Nakijin Castle was the fortress of the northern Hokuzan region. Nakijin Castle and nearby Mount Yae are the two most famous spots for cherry blossom viewing in Okinawa. The castle grounds contain hundreds of cherry trees, which bloom in late January. Access is easiest by rental car, but it is also accessible by either Bus 65 from Nago (plus a 15-minute walk uphill) or the Yanbaru Express Bus, which stops at the Nakijin Castle entrance. Both buses also stop in front of Okinawan Churaumi Aquarium/Ocean Expo Park.

Okinawa is the birthplace of karate, and it's definitely worth visiting the new Okinawa Karate Kaikan if you've come to the islands inspired by The Karate Kid or Cobra Kai. The main hall is used for seminars and competitions, while smaller rooms are available for training. The Reference Room is a small museum documenting the history of karate and kobudo (Okinawan weapon-based fighting), with many fascinating insights into the legendary sensei. Karate Café AGARI has Okinawa Soba, and Okinawa zenzai (shaved ice with sweet beans). The Okinawa Karate Information Center (OKIC) is located with the Karate Kaikan and provides visitors to Okinawa with multilingual support on how to connect with individual karate masters and train at local dojos.

It's worth spending a few hours at Okinawa World to get a quick overview of local culture. There are tropical fruit orchards and workshops for textile weaving, glassblowing, pottery, dyeing, and printing. Traditional Eisa dance performances take place several times a day. The main attraction is Gyokusendo Cave, the second-longest limestone cave in Japan. You can walk through an 890-meter (2,920-foot) cavern and marvel at the giant stalactites and stalagmites. From Naha Bus Terminal, take Bus 54 or 83 and get off at Gyokusendo-mae.

This small beach lies behind a large sand dune (suna-yama means "sand mountain"), out of which juts a rugged natural stone arch. The snorkeling is good, and the beach is only a few miles by bus north of Hirara. Water sports equipment is available for rent in the summer months. Bathrooms, showers, vending machines, and free parking are a short walk (across the dune) from the beach. In summer arrive early for some quiet time before the crowds arrive. Amenities: parking; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling.

It's a 15-minute ferry trip from Ishigaki City to the quaint terra-cotta-roofed cottages, sleepy lanes, and empty beaches of Taketomi Island. The cute little town is easily navigable by bicycle. Another fun option is the "old-fashioned" tour—meander between the narrow rock walls in a water buffalo-drawn cart while you're serenaded by a three-stringed sanshin and the soaring voice of the driver. Kondoi Beach, about 15 minutes by bicycle from the center of town, has good swimming with showers and changing facilities. Kaiji Beach is famous for its star sand (as is Hoshinosuna Beach on Iriomote), which is, depending on whom you ask, either the tiny exoskeletons of marine protozoa or the children of stars.

The largest of the Kerama Islands, Tokashiki gets the most tourist traffic from Naha. Two lovely beaches with clean, white sand are on the west side: Tokashiki Beach, in the center of the coast, and Aharen Beach, toward the south.

The largest of the Kerama Islands, Tokashiki Island gets the most tourist traffic from Naha. Two lovely beaches with clean, white sand are on the west side: Tokashiku Beach, halfway up the coast, and Aharen Beach, toward the south. Tokashiku is less accessible and quieter than Aharen but has limited facilities. Due to water accidents, snorkeling is restricted to a small netted area at both beaches from mid-April to end of October, and lifeguards are present. 

If you travel across one of the several small bridges from Irabu-jima to Shimoji-jima, you can check out Tooriike Pond, a deep, mysteriously dark limestone-ringed pool connected by underwater caverns to the sea. It's a justly celebrated spot for diving.

Over 300 years of ceramic tradition are celebrated in this area just a five-minute walk from Kokusai Street. More than 20 workshops produce Okinawa's distinctive pottery, ranging from affordable souvenirs to special pieces for wealthy collectors. The famous Japanese potter Shoji Hamada came here in the 1920s and left with the inspiration for his notable works. The limited space and minimalist design of Japanese homes means that buyers are more likely to invest in a single exquisite piece, and this can be shown in the pricing. Some potters specialize in creating elegant cups and teapots for Japanese tea ceremonies, while others produce more functional coffee mugs. A couple of the workshops have the option for you to try throwing your own pots, which they will fire, glaze, and ship to you. If you're looking for active wood-fired kilns, also check out the Yomitan Pottery Village (Yachimun No Sato) in Central Okinawa Main Island.

The small but heartfelt Tsuboya Pottery Museum has exhibits illustrating the history of the region's earthenware production, including representative pieces from all periods, and a reproduction of a traditional Okinawan house, showing Tsubo-yaki tableware and kitchen utensils. Next to the museum is an intact 19th-century climbing kiln, called a nobori-gama. Detailed English explanations make the experience more exciting and informative. Located at the edge of the Tsuboya Pottery District, where the cobbled streets begin.

This "village" is a collection of artist workshops with numerous potters and the Inamine glassware studio. There is an impressive climbing kiln known as the Yuntanza Noborigama, where many artists—including some living national treasures—fired their work. It is free to browse and look for unique souvenirs.