Okinawa Japan Travel Guide: 19 BEST Things To Do In Okinawa

This Okinawa travel guide shares the best things to do in Okinawa.

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How I traveled for 8 year straight (budget travel guide): https://travelforalmostfree.com/ref=taylorjordan2

Recommended Tours in Okinawa:

Official Street Go-Kart Tour – Okinawa Shop: https://www.viator.com/tours/Naha/Official-Street-Go-Kart-Tour-Okinawa-Shop/d4666-57331P5?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-Okinawa-desc

[Ishigaki] Blue Cave Snorkeling Tour: https://www.viator.com/tours/Ishigaki/Snorkeling-Tour-at-Ishigaki-Blue-Cave/d25315-151959P3?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-Okinawa-desc

[Okinawa Iriomote] SUP/Canoe Tour in a world heritage: https://www.viator.com/tours/Iriomote-jima/Okinawa-Iriomote-SUP-or-Canoe-Tour-at-Mangrove-Forest/d50513-151956P2?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-Okinawa-desc

Naha: Full-Day Snorkeling Experience in the Kerama Islands, Okinawa: https://www.viator.com/tours/Naha/From-Naha-Kerama-Islands-snorkeling-tour-1-day-enjoyment-plan/d4666-210836P4?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-Okinawa-desc
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Welcome to our video on the top things to do in Okinawa, Japan. Okinawa is a beautiful island prefecture known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and unique culture. Here are some of the best places to visit and activities to enjoy in Okinawa.

Begin your journey with a visit to Shurijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Naha, the capital of Okinawa. This historic castle was once the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom and features beautiful traditional architecture, vibrant red walls, and stunning gardens.

Explore the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in the world. Marvel at the giant whale sharks, manta rays, and a variety of marine life. Don’t miss the captivating dolphin and sea turtle exhibits.

Relax at the beautiful beaches of Okinawa, such as Emerald Beach and Manza Beach. These pristine beaches offer crystal-clear waters, white sand, and excellent opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. For a more adventurous experience, try scuba diving to explore the colorful coral reefs.

Visit the Okinawa World theme park, where you can experience the island’s traditional culture and natural wonders. Explore the Gyokusendo Cave, a vast limestone cave with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Enjoy traditional Okinawan dance performances, craft workshops, and taste local delicacies.

Discover the history of Okinawa at the Peace Memorial Park in Itoman. The park commemorates the Battle of Okinawa and includes the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum. It’s a sobering yet important place to learn about the island’s history and pay respects to those who lost their lives.

Take a ferry to Zamami Island, part of the Kerama Islands, known for its stunning beaches and clear blue waters. Enjoy snorkeling, diving, and whale watching during the migration season. The island offers a peaceful retreat with breathtaking natural beauty.

Explore the traditional Ryukyu Village, an open-air museum showcasing traditional Okinawan life and culture. Experience traditional music, dance, and crafts, and learn about the island’s unique heritage through interactive exhibits and performances.

Visit the Nakijin Castle Ruins, another UNESCO World Heritage site. The ruins are located on a hilltop and offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Explore the ancient walls and learn about the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Sample delicious Okinawan cuisine at local restaurants and markets. Try local specialties like goya champuru (stir-fried bitter melon), Okinawa soba (noodle soup), and sata andagi (sweet deep-fried buns). Don’t forget to taste the refreshing local beverage, awamori.

Join us as we uncover the beauty, history, and culture of Okinawa, Japan. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more travel tips and guides. Thank you for watching!

Keep watching to see the top things to do in Okinawa, top attractions in Okinawa, places to visit in Okinawa and Japan travel guides.

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[Music] so you want to know what are the best things to do in okanawa Japan great you’re in the right place in this video we’re going to discuss the top things to do in okanawa number 19 Shu Castle Shu Castle showcases the Grandeur of the ryuku Kingdom serving as its Palace from 1429 to 1879 this architectural Masterpiece survived the devastation of the battle of okanawa in 1945 its reconstruction which began in 1992 restored its walls in central Citadel the castle reflects the Royal residence’s Splendor and is a UNESCO world heritage site due to its unique design influenced by Chinese architecture nestled near kabira Bay Shu Castle invites tourists to explore cultural heritage with panoramic views and intricate historical narratives number 18 shiken Garden constructed in 1799 shik Garden served as a Scenic Villa for the royal family of the ryuku kingdom it was a key location for fostering diplomatic relations during large Banquets for Chinese envoys the garden features a tranquil Japanese layout centered around an expansive Pond blending architectural and cultural elements from Japan and China after significant restoration from 1975 to 1996 visitors can explore this historic site that combines traditional architecture with natural natural beauty number 17 snorkeling or diving in the coral reefs explore the vibrant Underwater World of Okinawa by snorkeling or diving in its renowned coral reefs the kurarama islands offer crystal clear waters teeming with colorful marine life ishigaki Islands Manta scramble is a must visit to swim alongside Majestic Monta Rays tokashiki Island presents diverse marine species and coral Gardens the Blue Cave on okanawa main island captivates divers and snorkelers with its ethereal blue light creating a surreal experience number 16 beaches of Okinawa Emerald Beach yonaha mayama beach and Soko Beach offer idyllic Coastal scenery and various water Recreation opportunities as makaka Jima Island’s longest beach yonaha mayama beach is perfect for sunbathing and swimming the beach also provides facilities for jet skiing and beach volleyball at Soko Beach visitors can enjoy Seaside relaxation picnics or Beachside dining while taking in the beautiful Scenic views these stunning locations are ideal for jet skiing or swimming along the pristine Shores it’s advisable to bring your own food and drinks due to limited dining options number 15 okanawa chami aquarium dive into the magic of okanawa chami aquarium one of the world’s largest aquariums this facility Is a Wonderland for ocean lovers imagine gazing at whale sharks and manta rays in the enormous koshio sea tank the aquarium was the first to successfully breed manay in captivity the deep sea experience room showcases rare deep sea creatures visitors can also enjoy exciting dolphin shows making chami aquarium an unforgettable experience for all ages number 14 yanbaru National Park yanbaru National Park in the northern part of ok Na’s main island is a nature reserve brimming with ecological diversity this tropical rainforest Sanctuary teams with rare species like the iriomote cat and sakashima grass lizard the park offers Outdoor Adventures such as trail walks canoe trips and stunning ocean views every August visitors can immerse themselves in local Traditions at the unami festival the park plays a crucial role in Environmental Conservation while providing opportunities to witness its Rich biodiversity explore attractions like the gashi bay mangrove forest and hiio waterfall within this Wildlife Sanctuary number 13 Cape manzamo Viewpoint in Anna Village Cape Manzo in Anna Village features a breathtaking 60ft High Limestone Cliff with sheer drops into Emerald Waters the Viewpoint offers stunning Coastal views and is known for its Scenic Overlook in Cliffside panorama be prepared for a steep Ascent as reaching the Viewpoint requires climbing 100 steps number 12 kabira Bay kabira Bay is one of only two places in Japan where black pearls are cultivated offering visitors a unique chance to see Pearl cultivation swimming isn’t allowed at kabira beach due to strong currents and steep drop offs but you can take a glass bottom boat tour to observe the coral reef below kabira Canon Temple is also located on a hill near the OB reservation Point by the way check the links in the description for the ultimate guide on saving money while you travel plus recommended tour operators in okanawa number 11 kokusai Dory Street kokusai Dory Street in naha is a bustling shopping district with numerous dining options entertainment venues and local crafts the street comes alive at night with vibrant nightlife and bar scenes visitors can explore many souvenir shops and Street vendors showcasing okan products making it a top tourist Hotpot in naha for cultural experiences number 10 try okanawa Cuisine explore the diverse flavors of okan Cuisine including bitter melon stir fry featuring Goya bitter melon and okanawa soba a noodle dish with a rich pork-based broth enjoy taco rice a fusion of American and okan culinary influences on kokusai Dory Street indulge in authentic Local Foods and unique ice cream flavors like shikuwasa and purple sweet potato adding to the culinary Delights of this enchanting Island number nine see the naken castle ruins explore the noin castle ruins a UNESCO world heritage site to uncover the historical significance of this cultural Landmark from the ryuku kingdom it’s an old castle from long ago built on a hill with great views of the sea the stone walls are still standing and show how people used to build strong places the castle was important for rulers in the past and now it teaches us about history in Spring pretty cherry blossoms bloom there making it even more beautiful number eight Nago pineapple Park Nago pineapple Park is a fun place to visit in okanawa it’s all about pineapples you can ride a cute pineapple-shaped car through fields of pineapple plants inside you’ll learn how pineapples grow and see many different types the park has a sh where you can taste and buy pineapple foods like cakes juices and even wine there’s also a factory tour showing how they make pineapple products kids and adults can enjoy activities like pineapple picking besides pineapples the park has pretty Gardens with tropical plants you can take nice photos and enjoy the warm Okinawan weather it’s a good spot to learn about farming and try yummy pineapple treats number 7even okanawa World yokendo cave explore the wonders of okanawa world’s yokendo cave one of okinawa’s longest caves Marvel at the stall ties and stalagmites inside the cave where the temperature drops by 2 to 3° experience exotic snake exhibits and glassblowing demonstrations at the theme park the cave offers breathtaking views and extensive formations making it a compelling attraction for adventurers and those interested in traditional culture and historical artifacts number six ryuku mura ryuku mura is a cultural theme park recreating the old townscape of the ryuku Kingdom offering an authentic experience of traditional okan culture participate in activities like traditional Ruku costume experiences shisa coloring and sandin classes the park features historical reenactments traditional crafts workshops and Okinawan cuisine in a historically Rich setting enhanced by vibrant traditional music and dance performances this popular location has been used as a backdrop for numerous movies and TV programs number five American village Okinawa American village okanawa in chatton Blends American and okan culture the Skymax 60 Ferris wheel offers stunning views from 60 M High enjoy Blue Seal ice cream which originated in okanawa and visit Club sea arcade with various games like UFO catchers and puura photo booths Sunset Beach offers amenities and BBQ set rentals frequented by locals and tourists alike number four iamot ishigaki National Park iamot ishigaki National Park is a beautiful day trip from Okawa the park is full of nature wonders like thick forests clear rivers and colorful coral reefs on land you can hike through jungles and see rare animals like the iriomote Wildcat and sakishima grass lizard there are also pretty waterfalls and Mangrove forests to explore in the sea you can snorkel or dive to see bright fish and coral the park is great for outdoor activities like kaying trekking and Boat Tours you might spot sea turtles or manays in the water it’s also an international dark sky Park which means it’s one of the best places in the world to see stars at night number three peace Memorial Park peace Memorial Park on maoni Hill marks the end of the battle of okanawa and serves as a tribute to the nearly quarter of a million lives lost it features a 40 ft High lacquer Buddha and an art museum commemorating those affected by the war the Cornerstone of Peace inscribes approximately 200,000 names of individuals who perished explore the peace Memorial Museum and its exhibits displaying testimonials from war survivors an annual memorial service is held on June 23rd to honor the the Reconstruction of okanawa prefecture number two bird watching on kou island kou island offers unique bird watching opportunities as part of the ryuku archipelago attracting diverse migrating bird species home to rare and endemic birds like the okanawa rail and ryuku Robin it is a prime spot for bird watchers the Island’s position and climate make it popular for observing numerous migratory Birds passing through southeast Asia number one seha utaki consider visiting seha utaki a UNESCO world heritage site and okinawa’s most sacred spot imagine a lush forest with cool air and amazing ocean views here people worshiped nature for centuries seeing the rocks and trees as Spirits it’s a peaceful place to learn about okinawa’s unique culture and feel a connection to something bigger remember it’s a holy place so be respectful and enjoy the beauty click here to watch this video