Discover the Best Attractions Around Naha: Top Must-Visit Spots You Can’t Miss!
The main island of Okinawa is a tropical paradise in Japan, a tourist destination that attracts many visitors.
There are so many sights to see that you will have a hard time deciding where to go, but we have carefully selected some of the most inspiring spots for Japanese people.
We hope that through this article we can help you get a great experience on the main island of Okinawa.
Beautiful white Greek-inspired scenery: Umikazi Terrace on Senaga Island
Senagashima Umikazi Terrace is one of the most notable spots to visit on the main island of Okinawa.
This resort mall features a group of white buildings reminiscent of a Greek cityscape.
Located about 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport, there are more than 50 commercial facilities where visitors can enjoy shopping and dining.
Senagashima Umikaji Terrace attracts many tourists because of its resort-like appearance.
The cafes with spectacular views where you can relax and enjoy the ocean are especially popular.
Because of its proximity to Naha Airport, visitors can enjoy watching the powerful aircraft departing and arriving close by.
The contrast between the blue ocean of Okinawa and the white buildings is amazing, and many photos have been posted on Instagram and other social media.
Senagashima Umikaji Terrace is a spot where you can fully enjoy the feeling of traveling and at the same time feel a different atmosphere from that of an airport in Japan.
This will be a rare moment when you can experience a sense of freedom from everyday life.
Symbol of Ryukyuan culture, a touch of magnificent history: the ruins of Shurijo Castle
Shurijo Castle is an important symbol of Ryukyuan history and culture, and can be visited by car from Naha Airport in about 25 minutes.
Shurijo Castle Ruins was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2000 as “Gusuku and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu”.
This place was the political and cultural center of the Ryukyu Kingdom period.
The huge stone walls and advanced stone technology of the site overwhelm visitors.
Shurijo Castle has been damaged by fire on numerous occasions, and unfortunately another fire occurred in 2019.
Reconstruction work is currently underway, and visitors can observe the process, a unique historical experience.
When you visit the ruins of Shurijo Castle, you can experience firsthand the culture and history of what was the Ryukyu Kingdom.
As you look at the stone pavements and historical buildings, one of the best parts of the trip is to think about the lives and thoughts of the people of that time.
Shurijo Castle Ruins is a special spot where you can still experience the mysteries of Ryukyuan culture, and is a sightseeing spot that should not be missed by those interested in history.
Sense the history of the good old Ryukyu Islands firsthand: Shuri Kinjocho Stone Paved Road
The next place to visit is the Shuri Kanjocho Stone Paved Street.
This road can be reached in about 25 minutes by car from Naha Airport, and is a historic road that was established as an important transportation route in the 16th century.
The Shuri Kinjo-cho Stone Paved Road still preserves approximately 300 meters of the characteristic stone pavement from that time.
The area is lined with old-fashioned red-tiled houses, giving visitors the feeling as if they have stepped back in time.
It has a long history and is a valuable spot where you can get a sense of Ryukyuan architecture and culture that cannot be found in other parts of Japan.
While walking along the cobblestone streets, you can enjoy the elegant townscape and the beauty of nature.
Also, walking along this path, you can feel that it is a precious cultural heritage that conveys the history of the Ryukyu Islands to the present day.
You can enjoy the luxury of experiencing history and culture while sightseeing.
Shopping and food heaven! Enjoy Okinawa to the fullest at the Naha Kokusai-dori Shopping Street
If you visit Okinawa, you cannot miss the Naha Kokusai-dori Shopping Street.
Located about 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport, this area is Okinawa’s largest shopping spot.
With approximately 500 stores lining the street, it is an attractive spot for both tourists and locals.
There are many souvenir stores for tourists, perfect for finding souvenirs, and many restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy Okinawan cuisine.
There are many Okinawan soba noodle restaurants, steak houses, izakaya (Japanese style pubs), and other restaurants where you can enjoy the flavors of Okinawa and satisfy your taste buds on your trip.
The charm of this area is that it is both a tourist destination and a place where you can feel the local lifestyle.
Every time you visit, you will discover something new, and by visiting at the beginning and end of your trip, you will enjoy a different aspect of Okinawa.
Even if you are on a particularly tight schedule, it is easy and convenient to stop by as it is close to the airport.
The Naha Kokusai-dori Shopping Street is the perfect place to enjoy the aftermath of your trip.
Adventuring from the charms of the Naha area to the northern area where you can enjoy nature
While the spots introduced so far are mainly in the area around Naha, the northern part of Okinawa’s main island offers a different kind of nature.
The northern area, with its pristine wilderness, is full of spots where you can enjoy the natural beauty and activities of the main island.
An especially good place to visit is the Churaumi Aquarium.
It has one of the largest aquariums in the world, and it is an exciting experience to see a wide variety of marine life up close.
Trekking in Yambaru National Park is another activity that will refresh your body and mind in the midst of nature.
Outdoor activities such as camping by the seashore in the northern part of the main island, sea kayaking, and scuba diving are also available in abundance to enjoy nature to the fullest.
Different from the liveliness of the urban area of Naha, you can spend your time in a peaceful and natural setting.
The coexistence of diverse nature and resort culture on the main island of Okinawa makes it a popular destination not only for sightseeing, but also for self-examination.
Enjoying the main island of Okinawa more deeply through culture, history, and nature
The main island of Okinawa offers new discoveries and impressions with each visit due to its diverse attractions.
Learn about Ryukyuan culture at spots rich in history such as Shurijo Castle and the Shuri Kinjocho stone-paved street, and get in touch with contemporary Okinawan culture at Umikazi Terrace on Senaga Island and the Naha Kokusai-dori shopping street.
In addition, in the northern area, you can enjoy activities in nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
It is precisely because the main island of Okinawa offers such a diverse range of experiences that it is worth visiting more than once.
We encourage you to visit these spots on your next trip.
I am sure you will discover something new about Okinawa.
When you visit the main island of Okinawa, which spots will leave the biggest impression on you?
And what is your most memorable spot on the main island of Okinawa?
The answer is surely to be found in your own experiences and in a journey filled with the charm of Okinawa.
And what are the spots in Okinawa that you would like to visit again?
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