10 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Great swimming and snorkeling are yours at the sparkling Yonehara Beach. Watch out for strong currents during tidal changes and various types of critters that can sting or bite. There are several places to rent masks, fins, and snorkels, including the beach shack next to the main parking area. On the island's northern shore, Yonehara is about an hour from Ishigaki City by bus, or half an hour by car. You'll know you've found the right area when you see the giant multicolor shisas of Yoneko-yaki Pottery on Route 79. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

Shisa are the talismanic guardians perched on the terracotta tiles of Okinawan homes. As they were designed to scare away evil spirits, they usually had stoic or wrathful expressions. The shisa of Yoneko-yaki Pottery are more Hello Kitty than ferocious lions. Bright colors and cute expressions have made them very popular, and you can spot them at souvenir shops across Okinawa. The pottery, right next to the idylic Yonehara Beach, is a great place to see them being made, grab a few gifts, and pose for pics with the giant technicolor shisa assembled on the opposite side of the road.

The water here is said to have the highest concentration of colorful fish in all of the Miyako Islands; it's an awesome spot to snorkel. The beach is just north of Cape Higashi-Hennazaki. If Yoshino Beach is packed with busloads of tourists, try Aragusuku Beach a little farther north. Bathrooms, showers, vending machines, and parking (¥1,000) are up on the clifftop; a shuttle bus transports visitors half a kilometer down the winding road to the beach. Amenities: parking (fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; sunrise.