Top 18 Must-See Places in Okinawa 2025 | Castles, Shrines, Markets & Food + Travel Tips
Hello everyone and welcome back to a new video
from Rachel and Eve’s RI World Travel. Today we’re taking you on a journey across Okinawa to show you
its amazing mix of history, culture, and fun. In this video, we’re going to show you 18 places you
can’t afford to miss while you’re on this island. Now, I know 18 places seems quite a lot, and
that’s why we decided to group them by locations on the north part of the island, the central
part of the island, and the southern part of the island to help you make the most of your time
if you’re planning to visit. So, whether you’re a fan of history, culture, or you’re just looking
for something fun to do, Okinawa has something just for you, and we’re going to show it to
you in this video. So, let’s dive in. First, let’s give you a quick orientation of the island.
Okinawa is Japan’s southernmost prefecture, a chain of 160 subtropical islands stretching
between Kyushu and Taiwan. The main island has a population of 1.4 million and is divided into
three main sections with Naha being the capital city in the south, Okinawa city in the central
part, and Nago in the north part of the island. We kick off this video at Okinawa’s world famous
Ocean Expo Park. This gigantic complex of outdoor and indoor activities is a day-long experience
if you want to see it all. There are a total of 12 experiences in this park, but in this video, we
will only be covering four out of the 12. However, we have included a link to the guide map in
the description section, so make sure you check it out. Our first stop is the Okinawa Churami
Aquarium. This aquarium is one of the largest in the world and home to the breathtaking Kroio tank.
Here, whale sharks, the largest fish on Earth, glide side by side with manta rays, creating
a mesmerizing underwater show that attracts hundreds of visitors each day. Be sure to check
out the shark exhibit, which is a very popular exhibit and one of our favorites, not only because
of the various type of sharks here, but because of the amount of knowledge and information provided
on each species of shark. Also, be sure to catch the dolphin show, which is held outdoors daily at
various times throughout the day. Tickets to the aquarium can be purchased on site or online for
2,180 yen per person and parking is free on site. Just a short walk down the park and you
can visit the native Okinawa village. Okinawa village gives you a glimpse of what life
was like in the old Ruyuku Kingdom. As you stroll past red tiled houses and shaded gardens,
you will hear the gentle sound of traditional Okinawan music, and you will see the Okinawan way
of life as it was on this island centuries ago. It is a good place to wind down, especially
after the aquarium, and it’s free to enter. Directly across from the village and located
indoor is the Oceanic Culture Museum. Here you will find a window into the wider Pacific, its
maritime traditions, island cultures, and the deep connection between the ocean and the people
who continue to live in these Pacific islands. This oceanic expo costs 190 yen to enter. Lastly, and actually my favorite,
was the Tropical Dream Center. Here you can stroll through multiple greenhouse
exhibits and see more than 2,000 orchids blooming in vibrant colors. This entire place is absolutely
peaceful, but best of all, smells amazing in here. Towards the end of the gardens, you will
find the observation tower standing at 118 ft or 36 m. There is an elevator that
goes to the top of the observation deck, or you can take the stairs. Either way, when you
get to the top, the panoramic views of the gardens at the bottom and the ocean are absolutely worth
it. The gardens are only a 4-minute walk from the Oceanic Culture Museum, and they do cost
750 yen to enter, and they only accept cash. Just 10 minutes away and a short scenic drive,
and you will find yourself at Nakiin Castle. This is one of Okinawa’s most stunning
castle ruins because of its high position, overlooking the entire coast. Built in the 14th century, this UNESCO World
Heritage site is a national treasure of Okinawa. Its massive stone walls stretch across the
landscape, giving us a real sense of the island’s ancient Ruyukan history. The panoramic
views from up here are absolutely exceptional. It costs 750 yen to explore this castle
and parking is free on site. Located just a 25-minute drive south of the Nakajin Castle
ruins, you will find Neo Park. This is a fun and magical place for both kids and adults
looking to interact with animals. Here you can walk around the park with various species
of birds roaming freely all around you and some expect to be fed. So make sure you have
some yen to buy some bird food on the way in. There is also a small railway, a replica of an old railway in Okinawa that goes around
the park and takes about 20 minutes. The park costs 1,300 yen for an adult and 700 yen for a child to enter. There’s also
plenty of free parking on site. Heading further south into central Okinawa,
you will find this incredibly shaped and fully intact structure of Zakimi Castle. This piece
of history is also a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the early 15th century. During that
period, Zakimi Castle had a great strategic importance at a time of conflict known as the
Sanszan era when Okinawa was divided among three kingdoms. Zakime Castle helped protect
the Shuon Kingdom from northern invasions. Although the castle is long gone, the strong
castle walls and curved stone archways, the oldest in Okinawa and a true engineering
marvel in their time, are still standing. The castle is free to enter and there’s
plenty of free parking available on site. This is one place in central Okinawa that you
will definitely want to add to your itinerary. The Southeast Botanical Garden isn’t only packed with
lush tropical plants and towering palm trees. It’s home to a variety of animals. As you walk through
the garden complex, you will find everything from goats, capybaras, giant tortoises, birds,
and our all-time favorite, squirrel monkeys. There’s a daily schedule to
feed the squirrel monkeys, and it costs a few hundred yen. And you’ll
be able to take a few photos while feeding the squirrel monkeys, which makes this
a fun activity for both kids and adults. There are also a few other animal feeding
exhibits, each with specific times daily. Just be sure to check the
schedule online before you go. There’s also a small trolley that
can take you around the park on hot days and it will drop you off
at each one of these exhibits. Of note, if you are visiting the island between
mid-October through May, the botanical gardens host Okinawa’s tropical illumination shows. And
during that time, the gardens are lit up at night, and you can visit between the hours of 5:00 p.m.
and 10:00 p.m. Admission prices vary depending on the experience you want, but entering
into the garden during the day is 2,000 yen for an adult and 800 yen for a child.
And parking is free and available on site. And only 15 minutes away,
you will find Cave Okinawa. This limestone cavern was formed
over tens of thousands of years, and stepping inside feels
like stepping back in time. As you walk in, you will instantly feel
the much cooler air, the sound shifting, and suddenly you’re surrounded by natural rock
formations carved by water and time. The cave has also played major roles in Okinawa’s history.
During the battle of Okinawa in World War II, about 300 people sheltered here. Remarkably,
all surviving till the end of the battle. Inside you will discover highlights like
the red and white stalactites and in the center you will see the shimmering golden
rock which is thought to bring good luck. Admission to the cave is 1,200 yen
for an adult and 600 yen for a child, and parking is free and available on site. Moving further south into central Okinawa,
you will find one of the most popular tourist destinations of the island. American Village
in Chatan is one of the liveliest and most visited spots because of its colorful
seaside resorts, shops, restaurants, and late night entertainment. Located on the coast
with many scenic beaches, and the famous sea wall, this is where you can sit and watch the sunset
and even catch a firework show on some days. The best time to visit is at night when the
village is lit up and it’s much cooler. Free parking can be difficult here, especially
during the summer season, but there are multiple parking lots nearby, and they each cost about
600 yen for the day. Just 20 minutes away to the southeast is Nakasuku Castle Ruins. This is the
most impressive castle ruin on island. Not only because of its sheer size, but also because
of its dominating location overlooking both the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea. Built
for its strategic location of natural defense, its construction began in the late 14th century.
Its massive stone walls and layered courtyards are incredibly well preserved, offering
visitors a real sense of the island’s ancient history. This castle is a UNESCO World
Heritage site, and unlike many other castles, Nakagasuku was relatively undamaged by warfare
even during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II. This makes it an excellent living
example of the Rayukan fortress architecture. The castle costs 500 yen to enter and
parking is limited but free of charge. Moving further south towards Naha and away
from ancient castles but closer to Okinawa’s spiritual history, we find ourselves at the
famous Naminoa shrine. Naminoa shrine which means above the waves is a Shinto shrine situated
on the high cliff above the shore overlooking the East China Sea. This Shinto shrine was once the
most important religious site for the Ryukan Kingdom where fishermen and travelers prayed for
safety at sea. Today visitors come for blessings, festivals and stunning views of the Naha
coastline. The shrine is free to enter, but there is no parking on site, so you
will need to find a paid parking lot nearby. And just 10 minutes away is Okinawa’s
Goku Shrine. Equally important, the shrine belongs to the nationwide network of
Goku shrines, which were established to honor the spirits of those who died in Japan’s armed
forces. The shrine was originally built in 1940, but then it was destroyed during the
battle of Okinawa in 1945. After that, it was rebuilt to commemorate the service
members who fought and died during the battle. The shrine is deeply significant place for local
communities, especially during annual ceremonies and festivals. The shrine honors more than
180,000 soldiers and civilians who died during the battle of Okinawa. The shrine is free to
enter and parking is free and available on site. And less than 15 minutes away, you will descend into the former
Japanese Navy underground headquarters. This gigantic underground complex of
tunnels is now an underground museum. These tunnels were dug by hand in
1944 to form this enormous complex 20 m below ground and stretching over
450 m. These tunnels were designed to withstand US naval bombardment and aerial
bombings during the Battle of Okinawa. Every inch of these tunnels gives us
a raw and sobering glimpse into the desperate final defense and battle
that took place on this island. Walking through these narrow, dimly
lit passageways is like stepping back in time. And the haunting scars
on these walls still tell the story of those who fought and lost
their lives here in this battle. There are still excavations ongoing in
some undiscovered parts of these tunnels. And one exhibit displays items recovered
from these tunnels, including uniforms, weapons, and personal effects such as
letters from soldiers to their families. The museum and tunnels cost 450 yen to enter, and there is limited parking on
site, but the parking is free. Next, we highly recommend visiting the
Okinawa Peace Memorial Park. This is a solemn and beautiful space dedicated
to those who lost their lives in the Battle of Okinawa during World War II. The
park is a cornerstone of peace and it lists the names of more than 240,000 people
who lost their lives during the battle. The park offers exhibits that cover pre-war
wartime and postwar Okinawa, including many personal stories, artifacts, photographs,
and even a replica cave where civilians hid. Walking the grounds offers a powerful reminder
of the cost of war, but also highlights the resilience of the Okinawan people and the peace
that Okinawa continues to enjoy in the world. Above the hills, you will find the Okinawa Peace
Hall and Peace Prayer Park. Inside the hall, you will see a large 12x 8 m peace statue
of Buddha and several art exhibits. The artwork are meant to provoke thought,
reflection, and remembrance of the war and its consequences. And don’t forget to check
out the butterfly garden behind the peace hall, which are known to have black and white
butterflies that are among the largest butterfly species in Japan. Entry to the
park is free, but admission to the museum is 400 yen and 450 yen for the peace hall.
There’s also plenty of free parking on site. For a change of pace, we highly
recommend visiting the Fukushin Garden. This beautifully crafted Chinese-style garden
complete with koi ponds, arched bridges, pavilions, and waterfalls is a must see. This
garden was built in 1992 to celebrate the city of Naha’s 70-year anniversary as well as the
city’s relationship with its sister city Fuju in China. This entire garden is a hidden oasis in
the heart of the busy city of Naha. It highlights the centuries old ties between Okinawa and China
and offers a calm retreat from the city life. The cost to enter the garden is 200 yen
during the day and 300 yen at night. And there is a paid parking lot directly
across the street from the gardens. As we head back into central Naha, there is one
spot you absolutely can’t miss. Kokasidori street. This lively stretch runs for nearly two kilometers
and it’s always buzzing with energy day or night. Here you will find an endless mix of
souvenir shops, colorful boutiques, and street vendors selling everything from
traditional crafts to favorite island snacks. As the sun sets, the street really come alive
with izakayas and bars on both sides of the strip. It’s the perfect place to grab unique
souvenirs, taste local flavors, and soak in the vibrant spirit of Okinawa’s
capital city. So whether you’re here shopping, eating, or just people watching,
Kokasidori Street is a must visit. And no trip here is complete
without a stroll down its alleyways. So if you’re a seafood lover, you’re
not going to want to miss this spot. Right behind me is the Makishi Public
Market and inside of it is one of the biggest and most popular fish markets here
in Naha. Let’s go inside so you can see why. The Makishi Market is buzzing with fresh seafood
and all types of meats, local produce mixed with a dash of chaos that makes it that much more
fun. Think of this place as Okinawa’s kitchen. There are two floors here. And on the first
floor, you will see tanks of all types of fish, piles of shellfish, lobster, and everything that
people in Okinawa use and eat every day. So, what you do is pick out what you want
to eat. Then, they take it upstairs to the restaurant on the second floor
and have it cooked for you your way. You can also order additional items
off the menu like Okinawa soba, rice, and more. This is a perfect lunch or early
dinner spot, but we highly recommend checking the schedule to make sure that they are not
closed as it is common, especially during certain holidays. There is no cost to enter
the market and there is paid parking nearby. Tucked in the hidden alleyways behind
Kokasai Street, you will find a food market that comes alive at night. The
Kokasai Street Food Village is one of our favorite places to eat. And here is
why. Here you can sample different types of Japanese and Okinawan style street snacks
and small dishes in a casual open air setting. This large collection of food stalls and tiny
restaurants are perfect for sitting down, trying a few things off the menu, then off to the next to
try something new. One spot you definitely don’t want to miss when you’re here in the street food
village is the Sukiji Matcomi Sushi Stall. This little stall may be tiny, but it serves up some
of the best sushi we’ve had on the entire island. The flavors are fresh, the creativity in each
piece is impressive, and the presentation is topnotch. To make sure you don’t walk past
it, we’ve added a strip map of the village in the description section, so be sure to check
it out. Just look for stall number two. Trust us, it’s worth the stop. And when you try it out, drop
us a comment and let us know what you thought. One of the most popular theme parks
in southern Okinawa is Okinawa World. This place brings together nature, history,
and tradition all in one immersive complex. The first stop is the Guyoko Sendo Cave,
the crown jewel of this park. This limestone cave is over 5 km long. However, you
will only be able to explore about 850 m of it because that is the only
portion which is open to the public. This is the longest cave in Okinawa and second
longest in all of Japan. Inside you will find glittering stallctites and stallic mites that
have been forming for over 300,000 years. Some parts in this cave reach as high
as 20 m and in other parts you will even find animal fossils from thousands of
years ago. But the most impressive and why so many people come here is the colorful
water pools scattered throughout the cave. These natural water pools are
formed by the underground rivers that have carved their way through the
limestone over thousands of years ago. The minerals that dissolved in this water is
what creates these delicate stalactites and stalagmites dripping slowly over millennia
to build the formation we see here today. And just outside the cave, you will
find the tropical orchards. Here, rows of fruit trees grow in Okinawa’s
warm climate. And depending on the season, you can see different types of fruit, including
pineapples, bananas, dragon fruit, and even some mangoes. As you continue through the park, you
will find an incredible lineup of craft exhibits. These workshops showcase traditional Ryukyuan
artistry including glass blowing, pottery, indigo dying, and even pinata dying, which is
a colorful Okinawan textile art. And of course, we couldn’t help ourselves to buy
some shisa dogs on the way out. Then there is the Rayuku Kingdom town.
this beautifully reconstructed village that transports you back to the days when Okinawa
was its own independent kingdom. The traditional red tiled houses and stone walls give you
a feeling of walking through history. It’s a living museum where you can experience what
daily life looked like hundreds of years ago. Make sure you don’t miss the Kingdom History
Museum. Here you can dive into the fascinating story of Shisas. These guardian lion dogs are
more than just decorations on this island. They have protected the Okinawan homes
and families for centuries. And this museum gives you a detailed account of their
significance to the Okinawan people. And finally, for something unique to Okinawa, there is the
Habu Museum. The habu is the most venomous snake native to Okinawa. And here you can learn
about its history, biology, and cultural significance. You can also see how the Okinawans
used the habu to enhance their alcohol or sake, which is a very cool process. And you can help
yourself on the way out to a few samples or even buy a couple of small bottles to take home
with you. The park costs 2,000 yen for an adult and 1,000 yen for a child to enter.
And parking is free and available on site. And of course, no trip to Okinawa is
complete without a visit to Shi Castle. This castle was once the heart of the
Rouyuku Kingdom and one of Okinawa’s most iconic landmarks. Originally built in the late
1300s, this fortress served as the political, cultural, and spiritual center of the Ryukan
kings for centuries. Throughout the castle, you will notice Chinese influence architecture
which reflects the deep trade connections between Okinawa, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
Shuri Castle isn’t just a beautiful fortress. It’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site
for its historical and cultural significance. Unfortunately, the castle has faced destruction
multiple times throughout its history, including during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II and
again recently in a devastating fire in 2019. So, as you could see, construction
has been ongoing here since 2019, and it’s expected to continue, from what I just
learned, until November of 2026 when the castle will be fully open. Entry to the castle costs 400
yen, and there is paid parking available on site. That’s it. We hope you enjoyed this video.
If you did, be sure to leave us a comment and check out the description section for more
details on each one of those locations. Also, consider subscribing if you want
to see more videos of Okinawa and its surrounding island. Until
next time, we’ll see you soon.
Explore Okinawa like a pro! In this video, we take you to 18 incredible destinations + Tips across the island of Okinawa — from castles and shrines to aquariums, gardens, and WWII historical sites. Use the pins below to plan your own route.
👉Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riworldtravel/
⏰ TIME STAMPS:
===============================
00:00-Introduction
01:15-Orientation
06:15- #3 Neo Park
11:24- #7 American Village
15:09- #11 Japanese Navy Underground HQ
19:45- #15 Kokusai Dori
27:32- #18 Shuri Castle
28:57- Conclusion
===============================
📍 Map Pins & Links
1. Ocean Expo Park — Churaumi Aquarium, botanical gardens & more ✨
📌 Pin: Ocean Expo Park
🔗 https://oki-park.jp/kaiyohaku/en/ oki-park.jp
2. Nakijin Castle
3. Neo Park
4. Zakimi Castle Ruins
5. Southeast Botanical Gardens
📌 Pin: Southeast Botanical Gardens
🔗 https://www.southeast-botanical.jp/en/
6. Cave Okinawa
7. American Village
8. Nakagusuku Castle Ruins
9. Naminoue Shrine
10. Gokoku Shrine
11. Former Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters
📌 Pin: Former Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters
🔗 https://kaigungou.ocvb.or.jp/english/ kaigungou.ocvb.or.jp+2kaigungou.ocvb.or.jp+2
12. Peace Memorial Park
13. Fukushu-en Gardens
14. Kokusai Dori Street
15. Makishi Fish Market
16. Kokusai Street Food Village
📌 Pin: Street Food Village
🔗 Kokusai Street Food Village Website
17. Okinawa World
📌 Pin: Okinawa World
🔗https://www.gyokusendo.co.jp/okinawaworld/
18. Shuri Castle
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