13 best places to visit in Okinawa for a Memorable Vacation

Okinawa, the green island paradise in the land of cherry blossoms, is a famous destination that attracts tourists from all over the world. With beautiful coastlines and impressive cultural heritages, this place will bring you a memorable vacation. So, where to visit in Okinawa? Let’s check out top 13 best places to visit in Okinawa as follows!

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Coming to Okinawa, you can enjoy the clear blue sea, visit traditional villages, and try delicious dishes. If you love sea sports, try diving to see colorful coral reefs, or take a boat to see the ocean floor. Okinawa also has many vibrant traditional festivals, giving you the opportunity to explore the unique culture of this island. Discover Okinawa tourist places to visit, where nature and people blend together to create a wonderful travel experience with Klook Vietnam!

Churaumi Aquarium – Okinawa Tourist place for Families (#best places to visit in Okinawa)

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Ticket

One of the most famous places in the green island paradise of Okinawa is Churaumi Aquarium. The aquarium officially opened to visitors in 2001, and is considered one of the largest and most beautiful aquariums in the world to date.

True to its name, Churaumi – beautiful ocean, this place encapsulates the wonderful beauty of the Okinawa sea in giant fish tanks. The aquarium has more than 77 fish tanks, divided into 3 areas according to the living conditions of the creatures. The special feature is the main fish tank “Kuroshio Sea” with a water volume of up to 7,500 cubic meters.

Okinawa Fun Pass

Klook Pass Okinawa

Coming to Churaumi, you will be able to freely admire giant fish that cannot be found in other aquariums such as manta rays and whale sharks – the largest fish species in the world. There is also a world-class coral tank, with more than 800 coral reefs. In addition to admiring marine life, you can participate in other activities such as watching staff feed sharks and manta rays.

Kouri Island – Okinawa’s Resort Paradise (#where to visit okinawa)

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Kouri Island, a green gem located in the northeast of the main island of Okinawa, is a great destination for tourists. Known as the “island of love”, Kouri is famous not only for its natural beauty but also for the Okinawan legend of Adam and Eve. Since the opening of Kouri Bridge in 2005, visitors have been able to drive to the island. A 10-minute journey across the island will take you around the emerald green sea.

Kouri Ocean Tower Observation Deck Ticket in Okinawa

The island is also famous for its beautiful beaches. Kouri shallow beach, located at the foot of Kouri Bridge, is a symbol of the island, suitable for swimming. Tinu Beach with its heart-shaped rock is a beautiful sight, and Tokei Beach has clear blue water and white sand with unique rocks. In addition, the observatory at the Kouri Ocean Tower, 82m above sea level, is also a great place to see the Kouri Bridge and the beautiful island.

Nago Pineapple Park – Okinawa

Nago Pineapple Park is a unique destination when you set foot in Okinawa. Located only 1.5 hours drive from Naha city, this park will bring you many interesting experiences.

Here, you will have the opportunity to explore the world of diverse pineapple plants with more than 2,000 different varieties, from cute little pineapples to colorful and blooming ones. You will sit on the Pineapple go tram that goes around the park and admire the surrounding scenery.

Nago Pineapple Park Ticket in Okinawa

Nago Pineapple Park is also where you can find Shisha animal statues, the symbol of Okinawa’s guardian, often appearing on Instagram. In addition to the pineapple gardens in the greenhouse, you can also see the pineapple fields outside. The large artificial pineapple in the field is the symbol of the park and an ideal place for you to take souvenir photos. After having fun, you can stop by the cafe inside the park to enjoy pineapple dishes and drinks, such as pineapple juice and attractive pineapple ice cream.

Sesoko Island – Okinawa

Sesoko Island, a small gem separated from the main island of Okinawa, is an interesting destination just 1.5 hours drive from Naha Airport. The most famous tourist spot in Sesoko is Sesoko Beach, with 800m long white sand and clear blue water. In the summer, many families will come here to swim, avoid the sun and enjoy the beautiful pristine sea.

Parasailing and Snorkeling Experience in Sesoko Island

Besides, Sesoko Beach also has many interesting activities such as diving. The sea here is very shallow and calm, convenient for you to see a variety of tropical fish such as butterfly fish right under the water during diving trips. In addition, Sesoko Island is also a great destination to enjoy the sunset. The moment the sunset falls on the sea, creating a poetic landscape for you to have a quiet moment, or an impressive backdrop for poetic photos.

Explore Beautiful Beaches in Okinawa

Okinawa, the kingdom of islands, is known for a series of beautiful beaches that captivate visitors.

• Naminoue Beach: Located in the center of Naha city, only 15 minutes from the airport. This is an ideal place to watch the sunrise and sunset, along with BBQ parties at Umisora ​​Park.
• Ishikawa Beach: This is the eastern beach of the main island of Okinawa. Previously reserved for the US military, it is now a popular tourist spot for windsurfing.
• Toguchi Beach: With a shallow beach, this is a great place for the whole family to have fun. You can swim, snorkel, watch the sunset and have a BBQ on the large lawn nearby.
• Alaha Beach: With a convenient location in the center of Chatan town, you can combine relaxing at the beach and visiting the American Village and surrounding areas.
• Onna Village Seaside Park Navi-Beach: This beach is located in the center of Onna Village, a popular spot for weddings and photo shoots.

Kerama Tokashiki Island Snorkeling & Turtle-Finding in Okinawa

Cape Manzamo – Okinawa

Cape Manzamo, a hidden wonder in Onna Village in Okinawa, is a great sightseeing spot, famous for its majestic beauty. In addition, thanks to its appearance in the Korean drama “It’s Okay, It’s Love”, this place is increasingly sought after by many couples.

Onna Village Natural Beach and Snorkeling Experience in Okinawa

When coming to Manzamo, you will be surprised by the vivid beauty of the elephant-shaped rock, the deep blue sea and the vast grasslands. Exploring this cape is an interesting experience, where your soul will be immersed in the wonderful scenery with the ocean and the wonderful natural picture. In particular, at sunset, the sea and mountains are dyed orange, creating an impressive scene. Cape Manzamo is not only a tourist attraction, but also a journey for you to soothe your soul and immerse yourself in the poetic nature.

Ryukyu Mura Village – Okinawa

Ryukyu Mura Village, located at Onna resort in northern Okinawa, is a unique museum that takes visitors back to ancient Okinawa. With traditional house architecture, red roofs, and sanshin music, this place is a must-see for those who want to explore the culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Ryukyu Mura Village Ticket

Okinawa no Eki Chanpuru, a cultural exhibition area from the Showa and Ryukyu periods, is where you can experience traditional costumes and enjoy learning about the history and ancient culture of the area. In addition, there are artisans performing the traditional Eisa dance. This is a special dance during each Bon festival, people will parade around the neighborhood with a vibrant performance. And finally, the old houses here are intangible cultural heritage, taking you on an exciting adventure in the unique cultural world of Okinawa.

Shurijo Castle – Okinawa

Shurijo Castle, located on a hilltop with a panoramic view of Naha, is a unique cultural and historical symbol of Okinawa. This was once the palace of the Ryukyu emperor, combining Japanese and Chinese architecture, creating an impressive and unique look.

With its large area, the castle has famous structures such as Seiden and Shureimon, which have been restored into a historical park. The Kankaimon Gate and Houshinmon Gate take visitors into an impressive space, with Shureimon considered a unique symbol of Okinawa.

Visiting the castle, visitors will discover Ryukyu culture through paintings and calligraphy at Nanden and learn history at Hokuden. Shurijo Castle, with its magnificent palaces and lush green areas, is a must-see destination when exploring this island.

Okinawa Sightseeing Car Rental With Driver

Okinawa World Theme Park

Okinawa World, the largest theme park in Okinawa, is an exciting journey to the cultural heritage of the emerald island. This park is only 30 minutes from Naha Airport, a tourist destination that brings you back to the ancient values ​​of this archipelago.

When you arrive at the park, you will be greeted by the guardian deity Shisha. Starting your journey, you will explore the old Okinawan street scene, with unique old houses, taking you back in time to the ancient Ryukyu era. At the dyeing workshop, you have the opportunity to make traditional products from the ryukyuai plant, creating charming gifts from handkerchiefs to cloth bags.

Okinawa World Admission Ticket

Besides, you can also enjoy shamisen music as well as traditional pottery. You also don’t forget to visit “Buku buku chaya” to enjoy the unique Okinawan bubble tea. Okinawa World is a multi-dimensional adventure, promising to bring special and profound memories of the unique culture of Okinawa.

Kokusai Street – Okinawa

Kokusai Dori, a vibrant 1.6 km long street in Naha, is the heart of Okinawa. Known as the “international street”, Kokusai Dori contains a part of Okinawa’s history and culture. There are over 600 shops to satisfy every visitor’s shopping passion. Here, you will experience the vibrant atmosphere of international shops, local shops, and traditional markets. On Saturday evenings, Kokusai-dori Street is at its most vibrant with special performances, or on Sunday evenings, it becomes a bustling pedestrian street.

Okinawa Street Go Karting

Umikaji Terrace – Okinawa

Umikaji Terrace, located on Senaga Island, southwest of Naha City, is an attractive and vibrant shopping center. With its all-white building architecture, this place is also likened to a little Greece. But what makes this place famous is its Okinawan specialties.

Southern Okinawa Half/One Day Trip

The shops display unique Okinawan fruits and vegetables, jewelry and handicrafts made from local ingredients. In particular, the most attractive are the 47 desserts, of which the happy muffin is a “must try” for you.

In addition to shopping, Umikaji Terrace is also a place where you can enjoy the wonderful sunset and the wonderful sea view. Enjoy the leisurely atmosphere and take pictures of the planes taking off and landing. This is an ideal space to relax and enjoy the unique beauty of Okinawa.

teamLab Future Park Okinawa

teamLab Future Park Okinawa

“teamLab Future Park Okinawa” is a unique educational project where children and adults can explore creative art together through fun interactive activities.

Try drawing colorful fish and witness them swimming in a giant fish tank at “Sketch Aquarium: Connected World”, or create a symphony of light and sound by rolling glowing balls at “Light Ball Orchestra”. At “SKETCH FACTORY”, you can also design your own badges, towels, T-shirts and tote bags with your own drawings to bring home as souvenirs.

Come to teamLab Future Park Okinawa, you will have hours of fun and learning, while discovering the power of unlimited creativity.

Okinawa Fruits Land

Come to Okinawa Fruits Land, you will admire hundreds of tropical plants and discover the world’s largest fruit. This is a unique interactive fruit garden where you can learn about seasonal fruits and participate in fun learning games.

Don’t miss the Bird Zone, where you can watch colorful birds fly freely and explore the cute little fairy houses scattered throughout the park. Challenge your brain with electronic quizzes about mythology, botany and nutrition to win attractive gifts.

Before leaving, stop by the gift shop to buy unique souvenirs such as fresh fruits, clothes, candy, toys and more.

The post first appeared on Klook Vietnam and was translated and edited by Living Nomads. If you find any images or text that belong to you, please contact us, so we can credit you or give us permission to use them. Thank you very much!

Okinawa, Japan’s green island paradise, is home to countless attractive tourist attractions for a memorable vacation.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Okinawa you can refer to

• Private Naha Airport Transfers (OKA) for Okinawa
• Private Naha Airport (OKA) Transfers for Okinawa
• Private Naha Airport (OKA) Transfers to Okinawa
• Okinawa Airport Shuttle Unlimited Ride Pass (3/5 Days)
• Okinawa Stargazing Trip with Taxi/Private Chartered Car Transfer
• Main Island Enjoy Pass in Okinawa
• Okinawa Main Island Route Bus Pass & Monorail Pass
• Okinawa Hip Hop Bus One Day Tour: Cape Manza, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium & More
• Churashima Okinawa Bus Day Tour (Naha Departure)
• Eight Okinawa Attractions Pass
• Okinawa Cooking Class and Historic Market Tour
• Southern Okinawa Half/One Day Trip
• Okinawa Private Car Charter
• Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Ticket (Naha Airport Pick Up)
• 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
• 4G WiFi (Japan Pick Up) for Japan
• JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

Are you looking for more some hidden gems cafes in Okinawa? Let’s check it out our Okinawa travel blog.