Leisure / Outdoors Spots in Okinawa Area

Area

Okinawa
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  Okinawa

Category

Leisure / Hobbies

Leisure / Outdoors

Okinawa World (Culture Kingdom / Gyokusendo Cave)

4.0

1278 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Nanjoushi Tamagusuku Maekawa 1336

Visitors to this theme park, one of the largest in the prefecture, can fully experience the history, culture, and natural beauty of Okinawa. There, visitors can enjoy seeing the Gyokusendo, called the most beautiful limestone cave in the orient. They can also try their hand at traditional handcrafts at the Ryukyu Kingdom Castle Town, which is lined with old folk homes that are registered as national tangible cultural properties. Other attractions include the eisa dance performances and habu shows. The park also features a souvenir shop offering a wide range of souvenirs and even a craft beer brewery.

This place borders the line with animal cruelty. The water turtles are in is appalling and extremely dirty. Even the turtles dont seem to want to be in there. Snakes are kept in confined places and...
Naminoue Beach

3.5

934 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...
Ryukyu Mura

4.0

753 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Kunigamigunonnason Yamada 1130

Ryukyu Mura is an interactive facility for Okinawan culture, arts and performance in Yamada, Onna Village, Kunigami County. Inside the park, there is a row of traditional Ryukyu houses, recreating the olden-day Okinawan atmosphere so it is often used as a location for filmmaking. There are various hands-on programs such as traditional craft making and attractions such as Eisa, an Okinawan folk dance performance. There are eating and shopping areas in the attached dome-shaped facility called “Okinawa Station Chanpuru”. One feature is that there are many things to do even on rainy days.

Its overpriced (compared to all other theme parks / tourist attractions in the same vein on the island). All the houses, artifacts etc. are old and dilapidated. It might have been great in the...
Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum

4.0

711 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

530 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.

Very well built garden with some nice paths to walk and a bunch of good spots for nice pictures. Relaxing and beautiful, well worth the time spent.
Shurijo Castle Park (Shurijo Castle)

4.0

205 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.

Beautiful castle, lucky to be still standing after multiple fires over the centuries. There were dancers/entertainment in the grounds when we were there. A couple of gift shops and a cafe...
Banna Park

4.0

496 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...
Neo Park Okinawa

4.0

395 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.

I was excited to visit this place as i was looking forward to feed capybara. But, its totally not to my expectation. When we arrived, we paid for the tram ticket. So decided to take a tour ard...
SAN-A Naha Main Place

4.0

253 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Omoromachi 4-4-9

This general shopping center is located in Naha City. Food, clothing, home appliances, household articles, and everything else you could need are available here. There’s also a movie theater, game center, and various other forms of entertainment. You can relax and have a meal in the restaurants and cafes, and there’s room for the whole family. The closest station is Omoromachi Station on the Okinawa Monorail (Yui Rail).

I visited Okinawa for the first time and wanted to get some snacks. I was told San-A in Main Place is the biggest one. I ended up getting about 20 different kinds of candies. Then I also saw certain...
Nirai Beach

4.5

328 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.

A nice wide beach with dedicated swim area. Not perfect white sand but the views on the rocks make it a worth while stay. The drawback is if you are not granted sunbeds (free for hotel guests from 2...
Hill of bios

4.0

312 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.
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 Fruits Land

3.0

330 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...
Ikei Beach

3.5

234 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...
Kariyushi Beach

4.0

250 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Nagoshi Kise 1996

A private beach belonging to Reef Resort Kariyushi situated along National Route 58 in Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture. Here you can enjoy marine activities like jet skiing, sea kayaking, and parasailing; and activities such as riding in a glass bottom boat, going on a nature cruise, or participating in a water program. There's also Kariyushi Water Land for children. The resort rents beach parasols and mats, perfect for relaxing on the beach and taking in the deep blue sea.

We were stay in Marriott Okinawa. They have free drop off,pick up bus. Also,they have pool. This beach all ages can enjoy,family,kids,couples... Just one thing...Towels are bit expesive. If you can...
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.
Miyakojima Marine Park

3.5

235 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Miyakojimashi Hirara Karimata 2511-1

This latest popular spot on Miyakojima Island is where you can interact with rich marine resources. It is possible to observe and experience the underwater world wearing ordinary clothes in different ways every day with the changes in weather and ocean conditions. You can gain new discoveries and lessons by coming into contact with the current ocean world. The centerpiece ocean observation facility is spacious, and you can see colorful tropical fish, octopuses and sea snakes from the 24 windows that are 1.5 meters high, 50 centimeters wide and 12 centimeters thick.

If you have little kids, they will enjoy it. If the fosh doesn’t come, you won’t see much. You can come back within the day to see if some other fish came but I think it’s still too expensive.
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

194 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
Motobu Genki Village

4.5

137 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Kunigamigunmotobuchou Hamamoto 410

This general leisure facility allows visitors to steep themselves in traditional Okinawan culture and marine attractions. The main attraction is the course that lets visitors play and swim with dolphins. The “flying jet board” activity uses water pressure to allow people to walk through the air, while cultural offerings include the chance to play the traditional “sanshin,” where even beginners can learn a traditional Okinawan folk song.

We did the 50min dolphin encounter. It was an excellent experience - the dolphins were so cute and the instructors very professional. Highly recommend!! The only thing we regret is not hiring a...

Okinawa

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

Amusement Park / Theme Park Pool Beach Park / Green Space Aquarium Museum / Science Museum Zoo Orchard Art Museum Art Gallery / Gallery Botanical Garden Event Complex Facility / Commercial Facility Camping / Auto Camping Hiking / Walking Boat Pier Fishing / Fishing Pond / Managed Fishing Ground Fishing Equipment / Fishing Bait Shop Other Leisure Facility / Other Outdoors Facility

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.