Things to Do in Okinawa

Beautiful Iriomote Island is one of the most remote spots in the Japanese archipelago. Not a lot has changed on the island in recent decades, and 90 percent of it remains blanketed in jungle and mangrove forest, the abode of the rare Iriomote wildcat. While the interior of the island, the second largest of the Okinawa Islands, can be explored via kayak, riverboat or trek, the main draw for most of the island’s visitors are the colorful reefs covered in virgin coral that ring the island.

Snorkelers and divers who explore beneath the surface near Iriomote might spot dolphins and manta rays, who school along the aptly named Manta Way during the spring and summer.

To some, the four areas of Okinawa World may look just like theme parks, but even locals know this popular destination offers seasoned travelers immediate access to almost all of Okinawa’s culture, history and ecology in one easy spot.

Visitors can spend the day exploring the dark and narrow passes of the impressive Gyokusendo Caves, which span some five kilometers underground. Kingdom Village, a vibrant replica of a traditional community grants travelers a passport to rural settlements and ancient times. And outdoor enthusiasts will love wandering the trails of Gangalanotani, where untouched forests and archeological sites get visitors up close with prehistoric times. And while not for the faint of heart, Habu Museum Park gets hearts racing with its famous exhibit of poisonous snakes and other indigenous creepy crawlies.

The expansive collection of underwater wildlife living in the Churaumi Aquarium includes some 740 species and 21,000 animals—like three massive whale sharks—that represent much of the marine life indigenous to the oceans surrounding Okinawa.

Travelers can explore the dark hallways lined with illuminated tanks and uncover mysteries hidden far beneath the surface of the sea. From coral reefs to the famous black current, known by locals as the Kuroshio, visitors can get up close with all the animals that live down below and learn more about what makes Okinawa a unique destination.

In 1970 more than 5,000 Okinawans retaliated against years of military occupation in what eventually became known as the Koza riot. Four years later, on April 1, the city recovered its independence and embarked on the path to becoming one of the island’s top destinations for both locals and travelers.

Steeped in history, culture, politics and tradition, the streets of Okinawa City (Okinawa-shi) are alive with an electricity and energy that’s practically unmatched. Large shopping centers, international military bases and world-class botanical gardens all exist side-by-side and offer a testament to the diversity of this city’s past and future. Nearby Shuri Castle, popular Daiichi Makishi Public Market and dozens of live karaoke joints make Okinawa a hub of entertainment and history for travelers that’s worth spending a day—maybe even more—exploring.

The sobering Himeyuri Peace Museum serves as a beautiful homage to the 200-plus teachers and students from two area high schools that were forced into nursing during the Battle of Okinawa. Visitors to this quiet memorial can bear witness to the lives of these brave women as they wind through massive limestone monuments erected in their honor.

Travelers can duck into a darkened cave—typical of the environment where many of the nurses hid to deliver care to the injured, or watch historic films that remind onlookers of the grave atrocities of war. Visitors learn about the lengths these nurses went to heal, despite limited medical equipment through ph words scrolled alongside the names and faces of each of the Himeyuri nurses. Travelers can read their stories and then wander into the well-kept garden to reflect on Okinawa’s history of war and its constant quest for peace.

The majestic buildings of Shuri Castle (Shurijo or Shuri-jo), in Naha, Okinawa, were once the home of Ryukyu kings, before the island became part of Japan, and later served as the administrative center of the region. The Shurijo castle’s buildings have been destroyed repeatedly throughout history but were rebuilt in 1992.

Travelers looking to escape the energy and excitement of Okinawa can find a relaxing respite on the shores of Ishigaki Island. Although this popular destination ranks among the Yaeyama Islands’ most populated centers—the silver shores of Ishigaki are a globetrotter’s delight. Visitors can float across the emerald waters of Kabira Bay aboard glass-bottom boats and wander around Kabira Park promenade where epic views are prove to be more than photoworthy.

Well-kept dressing rooms complete with showers and toilets, shaded areas and shallow waters make Sukuji Beach ideal for families looking to wade through the coast’s crystal clear waters. And travelers without small children will love the uninterrupted views of Uganzaki lighthouse in the far distance. Yonehara’s coral reefs attract both novice and experienced snorkelers who say the close-to-shore aquatic life is some of the best on the island.

Built in the 13th century, the remains of Nakijin Castle (Nakijin-jo) are one of Okinawa’s most popular tourist destinations. A mecca of culture, politics, art and architecture, the Nakijin Castle ruins attract travelers, adventurers and history buffs from across the globe. Travelers enter through the restored gates and emerge into the gusuku, which pours into the Ushimi Riding Field. During ancient times, war horses trained on this expansive green before heading off to battle.

The Umiya Court, near the Main Hall, North Hall and South Hall, was once used for ceremonial celebrations and royal gatherings. Travelers can stare out over ocean views from Uchibaru (the holiest place on the castle grounds), while would-be anthropologists venture through the Nakijin Hamlet and Shijimajokaku Ward, where archeological excavations have uncovered artifacts that point to a rich and diverse cultural past.

The picturesque beaches of Miyakojima are among the most popular places to relax, rejuvenate and unwind. Incredible snorkeling, crystal clear waters and long stretches of underwater coral reefs attract divers from across the globe. And Miyakojima’s tropical climate makes it ideal to visit almost any time of year.

Located about 300 kilometers south of Okinawa’s main island, beaches like Maehama and Sunayama rank high among Miyakojima’s most visited destinations. But its vast sugar cane fields offer a scenic escape from some of the region’s more populated islands and sites like the Tuyumya Grave and Tropical Botanical Garden offer beach-coming travelers opportunities to explore further from the shores, too.

A trip to Ryukyu Mura may not be as authentic an experience as a visit to Okinawa’s rural hillside villages, but this popular destination still provides travelers with a taste of the region’s more traditional lifestyle and culture. Visitors can wander through examples of old school mountain housing, watch dance and theater performances and sample a variety of home-cooked local foods.

Traditional artisans offer hands-on workshops for travelers interested in learning the art of pottery making, cloth-dying, weaving or cooking. These small group classes provide interested guests with the opportunity to learn more about the craft and culture of the region, and even create some souvenirs they’ll be happy to take home.