OKINAWA
Shuri Castle: Palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, UNESCO-listed. The 1992 reconstruction caught fire October 31, 2019, destroying the main Seiden hall. The rebuilt Seiden's vermilion exterior is already visible, and its completion ceremony is set for November 22, 2026, with public viewing planned from the next day.
Blue Cave & Naha: The Blue Cave at Cape Maeda fills with blue light through its underwater entrance — snorkelling tours run most days, weather permitting, no certification required. Makishi Public Market off Kokusai Dori, rebuilt in 2023, is worth exploring.
-
Shuri CastleRyukyu royal palace. The rebuilt main hall is due to open from November 23, 2026.📍 Google Maps
-
Kokusai Dori & Makishi MarketBuy seafood downstairs at the market and have it cooked upstairs.📍 Google Maps
-
Tsuboya Pottery District300-year-old kiln quarter where potters still make shisa and awamori jars.📍 Google Maps
-
Blue Cave, Cape MaedaSnorkel tours into the glowing cave, no certification needed. Weather permitting.📍 Google Maps
-
Sefa-utakiThe Ryukyu Kingdom's most sacred site (UNESCO); walk through the triangular rock passage.📍 Google Maps
-
Okinawa Churaumi AquariumWhale sharks in one of the world's largest tanks, about 2 hours north of Naha.📍 Google Maps
Kerama Blue: 40 km west of Naha. Water clarity regularly exceeds 30 metres horizontal visibility. High-speed ferry from Tomari Port: 50–70 minutes to Zamami.
Sea Turtles & Whales: Green sea turtles graze the seagrass beds just off Zamami's beaches year-round — one of Japan's easiest places to snorkel alongside them. Humpback whales use the Kerama channel as a breeding ground from late December through March.
-
Ama BeachSnorkel with green sea turtles, 20 min walk from the port. Keep your distance.📍 Google Maps
-
Takatsukiyama ObservatoryZamami viewpoint over the scattered Kerama islands; best at sunset.📍 Google Maps
Yonaha Maehama: Seven kilometres of coral-white sand, west-facing and shallow — frequently ranked Japan's best beach. Flight from Naha: 45 minutes.
Irabu Bridge & Marine Lakes: Japan's longest toll-free bridge at 3,540 metres connects Miyako to Irabu Island. The Tōri-ike marine lakes on Shimoji exchange water with the open ocean through submerged tunnels — unique dive conditions. Miyako soba (flat wheat noodles, pork-and-fish broth) is distinct from Okinawan soba.
-
Higashi-Hennazaki2km cape with the sea on both sides; climb the lighthouse for the view.📍 Google Maps
-
Tōri-ikeTwin marine lakes on Shimoji linked to the sea underground; view from above or dive.📍 Google Maps
Kabira Bay: Ishigaki's most famous bay, on the northwest coast, where black pearls have been farmed for decades — swimming prohibited, glass-bottom boat tours depart regularly.
Manta Scramble & Yaeyama: Manta rays gather at a cleaning station, most reliably from spring to autumn — reliable enough that some operators offer manta guarantees. Ferry hub for the Yaeyama islands: Taketomi (10 min), Iriomote (40 min), Yonaguni by flight.
-
Taketomi Island10-minute ferry to red-tiled lanes, water buffalo carts and star-sand beaches.📍 Google Maps
-
Yonehara BeachReef snorkelling straight off the beach. Mind the currents; swim near the lifeguard area.📍 Google Maps
-
Kohama IslandQuiet sugarcane island with a small village, guesthouses and a couple of resorts.📍 Google Maps
The Jungle: Around 90% subtropical jungle, with a single coastal road that doesn't circle the island. UNESCO World Heritage listed in 2021.
Iriomote Wildcat & Urauchi River: The Iriomote wildcat (Prionailurus bengalensis iriomotensis) exists nowhere else on Earth — only about 100 remain, so drive slowly. Take a boat or kayak up the mangrove-lined Urauchi River, then about an hour of jungle trail reaches Mariyudo and Kampire waterfalls.
-
Urauchi RiverBoat or kayak upriver, then about an hour's trail to Mariyudo and Kampire falls.📍 Google Maps
-
Pinaisara FallsOkinawa's tallest waterfall, reached by kayak and jungle trek. Go with a guide.📍 Google Maps
-
Wildlife Conservation CenterLearn about the rare Iriomote wildcat, found nowhere else on Earth.📍 Google Maps
-
Nakama RiverMangrove river cruise from Ohara, through some of Japan's largest mangrove forests.📍 Google Maps