Shurijo Castle Park is a UNESCO-listed national park preserving the ruins of Shuri Castle, the political and cultural center of the Ryukyu Kingdom for about 450 years. After the kingdom’s unification in 1429, the vermilion royal palace—blending Chinese and Japanese architectural styles—became its symbol. Although the main hall was lost in the 2019 fire and is under reconstruction (scheduled completion 2026), visitors can closely observe the restoration process. Highlights across the grounds include the castle ruins, Sonohyan-utaki Stone Gate, and Shureimon Gate (featured on the ¥2,000 note). Depending on time, you can focus on the castle area or also walk the historic stone stairways and viewpoints.

Fukushu-en is an authentic Chinese-style garden in Naha’s Kume district, created in 1992 to mark the sister-city ties with Fuzhou, China. Built by Fuzhou artisans using imported materials, it features stone bridges, waterfalls, ponds, and red-tiled pavilions in a classic landscape-garden design. Despite its central location, the 8,500-m² grounds feel tranquil—ideal for daytime strolling or atmospheric night illumination. Visitors can also feed koi or relax at the on-site café.

Okinogu Shrine, founded in 1451 and located in Onoyama Park, is one of the Eight Shrines of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It originated from the worship of a sacred log said to have drifted ashore at Naha Port and was long revered for maritime safety. Today it enshrines Amaterasu and the Kumano deities and is associated with matchmaking and household protection. The grounds also attract martial artists praying for karate mastery, with plaques and photos of dedications displayed.

Tsuboya Yachimun Street is a 400-m stone-paved lane near Kokusai Street lined with pottery studios, galleries, and cafés dedicated to Okinawa’s traditional ceramics, yachimun. Known as the 300-year-old birthplace of Tsuboya ware, it attracts visitors seeking handmade bowls, plates, and shisa statues. The atmospheric streetscape of Ryukyu limestone walls and cobbles invites relaxed strolling, with highlights such as the Tsuboya Pottery Museum and the historic climbing kiln (Nan-gama).

Ojima is a small fishing island (1.7 km around) linked to the main island by bridge, easy to visit and perfect for a relaxed stop. It’s famous for Okinawan-style tempura shops, fresh seafood, and friendly island cats. Visitors can snack on thick-battered tempura (fish, squid, seaweed), try affordable sashimi bowls at the local market, and enjoy strolling the laid-back harbor town atmosphere.

Beyond a lush green path lies a recreated village from the Ryukyu Kingdom era. Traditional houses registered as national tangible cultural properties line the grounds, preserving 450 years of Ryukyuan history. The sounds of sanshin music and Eisa drums fill the air as dancers welcome visitors, while nostalgic Okinawan dishes warm both heart and stomach. Hands-on craft workshops let you create your own traditional souvenirs to take home. See, hear, and touch—immerse yourself in the timeless world of old Ryukyu.

“Yachimun,” Okinawa’s traditional pottery, is loved for its thick, rustic texture and vivid colors inspired by the island’s sea and earth. Durable and practical, it is also a popular souvenir. In Yomitan Village in central Okinawa, over 70 kilns gather in Yachimun no Sato, the heartland of this craft. Nineteen unique studios and galleries stand among greenery and red-tile climbing kilns, creating a scenic setting for pottery browsing and workshops. The shared climbing kiln built in 1980 still fires many works today, awaiting their emergence.

Bios no Oka is a nature-experience park in Uruma City where subtropical forest and lakeside landscapes can be explored through interactive activities. Jungle cruises, water-buffalo carts, canoeing, and nature walks invite you to engage all five senses with Okinawa’s environment. Visitors can meet friendly goats, admire orchids, and enjoy local dishes like Okinawa soba and taco rice. With barrier-free paths and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s ideal for families, couples, and seniors seeking a peaceful encounter with island nature.

Katsuren Castle is a 15th-century fortress in central Okinawa, known as the residence of the powerful lord Amawari who prospered through overseas trade. Its curved stone walls follow natural cliffs, and the summit offers sweeping views of the Pacific and surrounding islands. Excavations since 1960 have uncovered ceramics from China, Southeast Asia, and Korea, as well as Japanese tiles and exotic remains, revealing the castle’s once-global connections. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it combines history, scenery, and panoramic views.

American Village in Mihama, Chatan Town is a lively resort district filled with colorful buildings and neon lights, creating a distinctly American atmosphere in Okinawa. About 200 shops, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues surround a large Ferris wheel, offering shopping, dining, and leisure throughout the day. Nearby beaches add seaside scenery by day, while illuminated streets create a romantic night view. Its vibrant, international feel makes it one of Okinawa’s most photogenic destinations.

Southeast Botanical Gardens in Okinawa City is one of Japan’s largest outdoor botanical parks, spanning about 45,000 tsubo with more than 1,300 tropical and subtropical plant species. Highlights include ancient dragon-blood trees and a palm-lined avenue of Alexander palms, creating lush tropical scenery. Visitors can also meet about 50 kinds of animals such as capybaras, squirrel monkeys, and Yonaguni horses. At night, award-winning illuminations transform the gardens into a magical landscape, making it enjoyable both day and evening.

Built in the early 15th century by the famed commander Gosamaru, this UNESCO gusuku in Yomitan sits on a hill about 120 m high. Graceful curved stone walls and one of Okinawa’s oldest surviving arched gates remain. The ramparts offer wide views toward the Kerama Islands and Shuri.

A 600 m stretch of white sand and emerald water in Chatan’s Hamby area. With many international visitors, it has a relaxed, slightly American feel. Enjoy marine activities, beach BBQ, and seaside walks. Adjacent Araha Park features a pirate-ship playground and sports courts; sunset is especially photogenic.

A tranquil village landscape shaded by thousands of Fukugi trees planted centuries ago as windbreaks against typhoons. The roughly 1 km network of sandy lanes forms green tunnels of filtered light, with traditional houses, stone walls, and small cafés nestled among them. Walking or cycling here offers a gentle glimpse of old Okinawan coastal life, and the soft light makes portraits and atmosphere shots especially appealing.

A spectacular limestone cliff plateau overlooking the East China Sea, named by a Ryukyu king who said it was spacious enough for “ten thousand people to sit.” The iconic elephant-trunk rock formation and the sheer drop to turquoise coral waters create one of Okinawa’s most recognizable coastal panoramas. Morning light brings vivid blues and clarity, while sunset casts warm gold across the sea and cliffs.

The remains of a major 13th-century Gusuku fortress that once ruled northern Okinawa. Massive curving stone ramparts trace the contours of a ridge about 100 m above sea level, enclosing sacred groves and former residential areas. As part of the UNESCO “Gusuku and Related Sites,” it offers sweeping views over forests and sea, and in winter the slopes bloom with deep-pink kanhizakura cherry blossoms—adding seasonal color to the historic scenery.

Nago Pineapple Park showcases around 120 varieties of pineapples alongside a colorful array of tropical plants. The park is divided into three zones—Cart Area, Walking Area, and Shop Area—with an automated Pineapple Cart allowing easy exploration. Highlights include aerial walkways, jungle-like trails, charming plaster Shisa statues, and numerous photo spots. There’s also the Dinosaur Adventure, Japan’s only Pineapple Winery, and a unique pineapple brandy distillery, making it enjoyable for visitors of all ages.

ASMUI Spiritual Hikes, formerly Daisekirinzan, features the northernmost tropical karst landscape in the world. Limestone formations carved over 250 million years rise dramatically amid massive banyan forests. As a sacred site in Ryukyu mythology called “Asmui,” over 40 historical ritual spots remain. Beginner-friendly trekking routes lead to panoramic viewpoints with sweeping views of Hedo Point and the surrounding sea.

Located within Ocean Expo Park near Churaumi Aquarium, Tropical Dream Center is a large botanical garden with over 2,000 rare tropical and subtropical plants, including orchids. Visitors can explore expansive greenhouses, ruins-like architecture, and a 36-meter observation tower offering panoramic views. Exotic plants like paramitsu, durian, and giant water lilies enhance the immersive tropical experience, making it a highly photogenic destination.

Busena Marine Park is the only underwater observatory on Okinawa’s main island, located at Cape Busena in northern Nago City. Visitors can descend a spiral staircase while fully clothed to about 4–5 meters below the sea surface and enjoy panoramic views of the underwater world through 24 circular windows arranged in 360 degrees. This all-weather attraction allows anyone—including non-swimmers or visitors on rainy days—to easily experience Okinawa’s marine life. Colorful tropical fish and coral reefs can be observed up close, including species such as emperor fish (taman), sergeant major fish (oyabitcha), and clownfish. Glass-bottom boat tours also depart nearby, offering another way to view offshore coral reefs and larger marine life.

Kayauchi Banta is a scenic cliff about 80–100 meters high located in the Yanbaru area of Kunigami Village at the northernmost tip of Okinawa’s main island. Overlooking the East China Sea, it is known as a hidden viewpoint within Okinawa Kaigan Quasi-National Park, offering dramatic coastal scenery. Its name comes from a legend that bundles of thatching grass thrown from the cliff were shattered by strong winds; as “banta” means cliff, the powerful contrast between the steep rock face and the cobalt-blue sea is its main attraction. Surrounded by rich nature and relatively few visitors, it is a peaceful spot to enjoy spectacular views.