Leisure / Hobbies Spots in Okinawa Area

Area

Okinawa
- Japan
- Hokkaido / Tohoku
  
  Hokkaido
  
  Aomori
  
  Iwate
  
  Miyagi
  
  Akita
  
  Yamagata
  
  Fukushima
- Kanto
  
  Ibaraki
  
  Tochigi
  
  Gunma
  
  Saitama
  
  Chiba
  
  Tokyo
  
  Kanagawa
- Koshinetsu / Hokuriku
  
  Niigata
  
  Toyama
  
  Ishikawa
  
  Fukui
  
  Yamanashi
  
  Nagano
- Tokai
  
  Gifu
  
  Shizuoka
  
  Aichi
  
  Mie
- Kinki
  
  Shiga
  
  Kyoto
  
  Osaka
  
  Hyogo
  
  Nara
  
  Wakayama
- Chugoku
  
  Tottori
  
  Shimane
  
  Okayama
  
  Hiroshima
  
  Yamaguchi
- Shikoku
  
  Tokushima
  
  Kagawa
  
  Ehime
  
  Kochi
- Kyushu / Okinawa
  
  Fukuoka
  
  Saga
  
  Nagasaki
  
  Kumamoto
  
  Oita
  
  Miyazaki
  
  Kagoshima
  
  Okinawa

Category

Leisure / Hobbies

Nago Pineapple Park

3.5

1088 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Nagoshi Bimata 1195

Nago Pineapple Park is a pineapple theme park located on a plateau within Nago City. Visitors can travel through the park in fully-automatic “Pineapple Carts,” viewing the sub-tropical vegetation and the extensive pineapple fields. There is also a pineapple processing plant within the park; the plant has displays about everything to do with pineapples, and visitors can also view the pineapple-slicing process. In the shopping area, visitors can taste various pineapple-related beverage and food products, and buy souvenir gifts to take home.

The park although small, was pretty well organised for a 1-2 hour visit. From the parking lot, there will be a bus pickup through the pineapple fields with useful information on growing pineapples...
Naminoue Beach

3.5

932 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Wakasa 1-25

Located approximately 15 minutes’ walk from the Prefectural Office Station on the Okinawa Urban Monorail (Yuirail) line, Naminoue Beach is the only beach within the boundaries of Naha City. As the beach is situated close to both the airport and Kokusai-dori Street, it is common to see tourists stop off there for a quick swim on the way back to their hotel, and the beach is also a popular place for local residents to relax. Within the park area, water sports activities can be booked, and beach equipment can be purchased. Swimming is permitted between April and October.

Its not very big but its the only beach in the city really. Sharp coral chunks along waterline. 2 highway overpasses run above it. Scuba training area very close by. There are way better places in...
Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum

4.0

704 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Omoromachi 3-1-1

The Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum, which is the largest museum of its kind in Okinawa Prefecture, is located approximately 10 minutes’ walk from Omoromachi Station on the Okinawa Urban Monorail (Yuirail) line. Besides the Museum’s permanent exhibitions—which comprise general exhibitions relating to Okinawa’s natural environments, history and culture, as well as five sub-exhibitions on natural history etc.—special exhibitions are also held. The outdoor display area, with its reconstructions of a traditional Ryukyuan farmhouse and storehouse, is particularly popular with visitors. The Art Museum’s collections are focused on the work of artists with a connection to Okinawa island or Okinawa Prefecture, as well as modern and contemporary art; exhibits include contemporary artworks from Japan, other Asian countries, and the U.S.A., etc.

A nice museum with lots to show. I specifically liked the natural history sections a lot. In some sections, there is no English translation on the info cards, so you may get lost a little if you do...
Shikina-en garden

4.0

527 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Maji 421-7

This Ryukyuan-style garden is in Naha City. It was first built in 1799 as a villa for the Ryukyuan kings. The garden was known as the “Southern Gardens” because of its location to the south of Shuri-jo Castle. With a winding-path design, this unique garden combines elements of Chinese and traditional Okinawan design. In 2000, the Shikina-en garden was included within the scope of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu UNESCO World Heritage Site. The red algae Thorea gaudichaudii C. Ag. (which has been designated as a National Natural Monument) was first discovered at the Ikutoku Spring in the Shikina-en Garden.

I visited Shikinaen Garden on a perfect sunny day in December. Entrance fee was cheap, I think it was ¥400. The garden is pretty large, with a palace, pond, trails, etc. It was fun to walk around the...
Emerald Beach

4.0

506 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Kunigamigunmotobuchou Ishikawa 424 Ocean Expo Park

Emerald Beach is a Y-shaped beach near Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in the Ocean Expo Park. It is divided into three sections; one for playing, one for resting, and one for viewing, and the large beach can accommodate about 3,000 people at the same time. The beautiful sea is so transparent we can see the white sand on the ocean floor easily, and the beach has been selected as one of Japan’s top 100 bathing beaches.

Emerald beach walks very clean. There are permanent ‘parasol’ type of seating which provides shade from the sun and some seating area for one to rest when out of water. There are around 4 big floats...
Sesoko Beach

4.0

433 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Kunigamigunmotobuchou Sesoko

Sesoko Island is a remote island accessible from Okinawa’s main island via the 762-meter-long Sesoko-ohashi Bridge. This natural beach stretches for about 800 meters along the island’s west coast. The contrast between the clear emerald-green sea and white sand is stunning, and the beach makes a great spot for admiring the orange tinge the sea takes on at sundown. Snorkeling is available at the swimming zone as well, allowing visitors to see brilliantly-colored tropical fish up close and personal.

While staying at the Halekulani Resort in Okinawa, I decided to have a look at the Sesoko beach, which is about a 30 minute drive away. I had done some searching on Google Maps of the area, and the...
Neo Park Okinawa

4.0

388 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Nagoshi Nago 4607-41

Neo Park Okinawa located in Nago City, the northern part of Okinawa Prefecture, is a natural botanical and zoological park. Animals and plants from tropical areas such as Central and South America, Oceania and Africa are grown without heat insulation by utilizing Okinawa’s rich climate and natural features. The free range farming method on the large property is like being in nature itself. You can enjoy an interactive animal experience unlike other flora and fauna parks.

The Neo park has a big area with birds that my son loves it so much. Besides that, the train ride at the park was his favorite and he got so excited to see different types of animals. The part...
Banna Park

4.0

497 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Ishigakishi Ishigaki 961-15

This nature-rich park is in the center of Ishigaki Island and covers the entirety of Mt. Banna, 230 meters above sea level. It features open spaces that take advantage of the mountain topography as well as a walkway from which you can observe the subtropical wildlife—a hit with families. The “Emerald Sea Observation Deck” provides a sweeping view of the Yaeyama Islands, Taketomi Island, Iriomote Island, and the ocean itself.

I came here only because it was close to the cave. This huge park should have a higher rating. There are many lookouts and walking trails. It’s quite hilly so a bit challenging as a cyclist. However...
Okinawa Commemorative National Government Park Ocean Expo Park

3.5

364 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Kunigamigunmotobuchou Ishikawa 424

The Okinawa Commemorative National Government Park Ocean Expo Park is a government-run park established to commemorate ’Expo 75 (which was held in Okinawa in 1975) on the site where the Expo was held. The many attractions within the large Park include the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Emerald Beach, the Tropical Dream Center, etc. Electric buses link the attractions within the Park, which receives large numbers of visitors.

The tanks are too small for them. They were separately located in individual tank. All of them were so lonely and swim at the same rhythm all the time.
Shurijo Castle Park (Shurijo Castle)

4.5

78 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Shurikinjouchou 1-2

The Ryukyu Kingdom existed for 450 years from 1429, and Shuri Castle boasted the glory of the Kingdom and was the center of politics, diplomacy and culture. It was also a symbol of the kingdom. It is said to have high cultural and historical value as its unique architectural style is a fusion of Chinese and Japanese castle fortification culture and the castle was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000. It was destroyed by fire at one stage during World War II, but was restored in 1992 with Shuri Castle Park being opened.

This is a really enjoyable place. The atmosphere is very relaxing while the tea and traditional sweets are delicious. It is a nice stop while visiting the castle. In contrast to European...
Hill of bios

4.0

311 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Urumashi Ishikawakadekaru 961-30

“Hill of bios” is a botanical garden park in Uruma City that recreates the unique forest that originally covered Okinawa. Visitors have the opportunity to view beautiful flowers that change with the seasons, as well as encountering Okinawa’s native animal species. Besides more physical activities such as canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), visitors can also ride in a lake excursion boat, viewing the subtropical plants and animals while listening to the commentary given by the guide in the boat’s prow. There are also various optional activities that enabled visitors to have fun while learning about Okinawa’s natural wonders; for example, visitors can go round the park in a cart pulled by a water-buffalo.

This was a very nice place especially if like gardens. It was peaceful and comfortable walk. Make sure you give it at least an hour plus to walk around.
Nirai Beach

4.5

323 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Nakagamigunyomitanson Gima 600

Nirai Beach boasts some of the most transparent cobalt blue water in the prefecture, not to mention gorgeous white sand. This natural beach is in front of Hotel Nikko Alivila and offers plenty of ocean activities, including snorkeling, riding a boat with a glass bottom, and jet skiing, among other things. The sight of the vast expanse of water turning amber underneath the setting sun is breathtaking indeed.

Nirai Beach is truly Okinawan at heart. Not a touristy trap, but a place of cultural importance. The area is surrounded by nature. Lovely ocean, flora, people. Its quite a cultural experience to...
OKINAWA Fruits Land

3.0

328 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Nagoshi Bimata 1220-71

OKINAWA Fruits Land located in Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture is a popular sightseeing place. It was refurbished in 2013 and reopened with the concept of an “interactive facility style / original story book” Tropical Kingdom Tale. You can learn about and enjoy the secret of fruit and the story of happiness and others through the tale. The “fruit zone” in the facility grows more than about 30 types of tropical fruit, such as papayas and mangos depending on the season. In the “shopping zone” you can try sweet pineapple. It also has a range of other facilities such as a restaurant, a café and a shop where you can buy souvenirs.

My first visit to Fruits Land was unexpected, i thought was a place like Pineapple Land but was totally different. It’s like a treasure hunt for kids, where they need to collect all fruits stamps...
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Kunigamigunmotobuchou Ishikawa 424 (inside Ocean Expo Park)

"In this aquarium, whale sharks as long as 8.8meters and multiple Alfred mantas, one of the largest species of ray, are raised in captivity in the world's biggest tank. Other exhibits include an aquarium that reproduces the shallow water surrounded by coral reefs and the deep sea, recreating the seas around Okinawa in ingenious ways. In addition, the restaurant ""Inoh"", where you can enjoy meals with the ocean view, is available without entering the building. Visitors can enjoy a dolphin show (free of charge) at the ""Okichan Theater"" outside the museum."
Okinawa Zoo & Museum

4.0

192 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Okinawashi Goya 5-7-1

This theme park features both a zoo and a facility for nurturing children’s knowledge and sensitivity. The zoo features over 200 different species of mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles that visitors can observe up close. Visitors can also receive opportunities to come into direct contact with some smaller species. The Wonder Museum contains workshops for children and hands-on exhibitions, allowing them to have fun and learn at the same time.

The zoo was a bit disappointing compared to other zoos in Asia with the animal fixtures very tired looking. If you are in the area with kids then worth a stop for a couple hours. There is a riding...
Mihama American Village

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Nakagamigunchatanchou Mihama

It is a major resort area that opened in 1998. It runs along Chatan Town’s National Highway Route 58 and the large Ferris wheel on the seashore is a landmark. There are a large number of shops and restaurants, including amusement facilities which are mainly popular among young people. The adjacent sunset beach as its name suggests is the perfect spot to view the beautiful setting sun. In the evening, you can enjoy the brilliant illumination of the Ferris wheel.
Ikei Beach

3.5

232 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Urumashi Yonashiroikei 405

Ikei Island is a remote island accessible via a marine road extending from the eastern part of Okinawa’s main island. This beach is in the southern part of the island, where you can enjoy gazing at the serene cobalt blue sea, as well as partake in marine sports such as diving, snorkeling, and sea kayaking, not to mention barbeques and other activities.

After a lovely drive accross the bridge, through the tank yard and up through the sugar cane, winding alongside steep cliffs, we arrived at this beautiful inlet with free parking. The beach is well...
Araha Park

4.0

259 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Nakagami-gun Chatancho Chatan 2-21

Araha Park is located in Chatan 2-chome, Chatan Town, Nakagami County. On the site along the beach, it features a multipurpose plaza, an outdoor stage, a three-on-three basketball court, athletic playground equipment in the form of sailing ship, and other facilities. Visitors can also make use of the barbecue facilities along the beach.

Came here are a geocaching event and it was a good place to hang out for a bit in the sun. After the event we did some geocaching and went home. The beach is wide open and lots of places to BBQ, get...
Depot Island

4.0

196 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Nakagamigunchatanchou Mihama 9-1

Located in Mihama’s American Village, Depot Island is a commercial facility that features over 60 different stores for shopping, relaxation, dining, and more. The architecture and atmosphere are meant to evoke an American feel that visitors can enjoy simply by strolling about. Many shops offer tacos and other foods you can eat on the go. The facility faces the sea as well, making it a popular destination for viewing the gorgeous sunset.

We come here to get out of the house do some geocaching and people watch. Its a great place to wonder around and interact with the locals as well as doing some shopping. Review was written...
Bibi Beach Itoman

4.0

193 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Itomanshi Nishizakichou 1-6-15

This beach is very popular because you can enjoy barbecuing. Besides the marine area, there is a life area where you can play beach volleyball, BBG terrace, artificial beach and observation deck, and it is popular with families because of the large parking lot (paid) that can fit 600 vehicles. It also has showers, bathrooms and shops.

Plenty of parking and nice quiet beach with snack bars... I stayed in hotel opposite so easy to access

Okinawa Island (Southern) Naha / Shuri Okinawa Island (Central) Resort Area (West Coast) Nago / Motobu Peninsula Yanbaru Area Miyako Island Ishigaki Island Kerama Islands Yaeyama Islands Kumejima

Leisure / Hobbies

Leisure / Outdoors Sports Videos / Music / Books / Rentals Movies / Theater / Hall / Live House Culture / Tour School / Classroom Karaoke / Internet Cafe / Manga Cafe Games / Pachinko / Bowling, etc. Gambling Meeting Spot Popular Spot

Okinawa Areas

Let go of your image of a busy, ordered Japan and replace it with crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and relaxing folk music: You've arrived in Okinawa. A world away from the high intensity of Tokyo, Okinawans appear to live a laid-back beach life on this paradisiacal tropical island that lies in the middle of the East China Sea almost 1,000 kilometers south of mainland Japan's most southern tip. Home to a spattering of islands, prepare yourself to discover underwater caves, star-shaped sand, and an island culture sometimes unrecognizable from mainland Japan.