Okinawa

Okinawa

Okinawa is, needless to say, the most popular and famous tourist spot in Japan, which is composed of the main island, Ishigaki island (石垣島), Miyako island (宮古島) and many other islands. Especially in summer, many people comes to Okinawa from all over Japan for seeking the clear ocean and tropical atmosphere.

The most famous spot in Okinawa is Shuri-jo castle (首里城). Shuri-jo castle is famous for its beautiful red tiles, which is said to have been built around the 14th century for the castle of the Ryukyu Kingdom (琉球王国) and is registered as a World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, a fire broke out at Shuri-jo castle in 2019 and many parts of this castle were destroyed. This is the 5th time of fire in history. Now the project of the reconstruction of Shuri-jo castle is going.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (沖縄美ら海水族館) is the most popular tourist spot in Okinawa. Many people visit this for watching the famous aquarium, which is one of the largest aquariums in the world, with a water volume of 7,500 cubic meters. The symbol of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a whale shark (ジンベイザメ). You can see many various kinds of sea creatures that lives in a warm sea and deep sea here.

Shisa (シーサー) is a guardian angel of Okinawa. You will see Shisa many times around Okinawa. You can buy Shisa items at stores and have an experience of painting Shisa. The looks is so cute that Shisa is popular for souvenirs. It is very nice idea to buy Shisa goods as a memory of your Okinawa trip.

Pineapples made from Okinawa is so sweet. This is the very Japanese quality. Nago Pineapple Park (名護パイナップルパーク) is also popular sightseeing spot in Okinawa. Here you can explore a pineapple field on Pineapple Car (パイナップル号) and learn about pineapples, then enjoy eating pineapples. Additionally, you can buy pineapple goods. Do not miss the interesting spot.

Soki-Soba noodle (ソーキそば) is the representative food of Okinawa. Soki-Soba is an Okinawan style noodle with pork spare ribs. The taste of soup is light but the pork is rich. This well-balanced taste gets fans all over the world.

Okinawa International Street (沖縄国際通り) is the most crowded area in Okinawa. All of travelers come to the street and eat food, buy souvenirs and enjoy the atmosphere of Okinawa.

Ishigaki island is the most popular remote island in Okinawa. Kabira-wan Bay (川平湾) is very famous tourism spot in Japan. Most of Japanese people know this clear beach photo. You can enjoy a glass bottom boat here and see the beautiful beach, vivid colour tropical fish and the fantastic coral reef. The time is so precious and you will think that you want to come back to Ishigaki island soon.

Miyako island is a famous remote island as well. Miyako island has the beach which is called " The most beautifu beach in the East". The name is Yonamaehama Beach (与那覇前浜ビーチ). The best way of enjoying Miyako island is crossing Kurima-Ohashi (来間大橋) bridge by car. So excited driving will wait for you. The never-ending bridge and the clear sea makes you feel like you are in a dream. Please go there on your own and get moved by the fantastic view.

Actually, Okinawa has many other attractive spots but it is impossible to introduce here. So anyway please go to this fantastic island. You will get an unforgettable memory in Okinawa.

-Okinawa