Other Sightseeing Spots in Okinawa Area

  • Tamatorusaki Observation Deck
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    4.5
    894 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Ishigakishi Ibaruma
    The Tamatorusaki Observation Deck offers wonderful views over the seas off Ishigaki Island. Directly in front is the emerald-green waters of Ibaruma Bay; on the left one can see the Hirakubo Peninsula (known colloquially as the “Shisa (Lion-Dog) Tail”). Hibiscus, Sago Palm and Screw Pine bloom along the side of the path that leads from the car park up to the Observation Deck, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing stroll with a “tropical” atmosphere.

    This is a beautiful spot and a must when visiting! It’s an easy drive and access once there! Panoramic views and breathtaking colors on the water below!

  • Busena Marine Park
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    4.0
    563 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Nagoshi Kise 1744-1
    Busena Marine Park is located at Cape Busena, near Nago City. An underwater observatory has been built in the waters off the cape, providing a 360-degree view of the beautifully colored fish through 24 underwater windows. Glass-bottomed boats depart from the pier near the observatory, enabling visitors to “stroll” through the ocean. Please note that there is an admission charge for the observatory, and there is also a charge for the trips in the glass-bottomed boats (packages combining the two activities at a specially reduced price are available).

    Climbing down this permanent sort-of-submarine was interesting, although we didnt do the boar tour.

  • Kouri Ocean Tower
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    4.0
    585 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Kunigamigunnakijinson Kouri 538
    Kouri Ocean Tower on Kouri Island is situated in the sea north of the Motobu Peninsula. From the observatory tower at 82 meters above sea level, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kouri Bridge and the beautiful blue ocean. Because you ride on a cart to the tower, you can relax while enjoying the sea breeze. You can take photos with the picturesque scenery in the background while you enjoy the lush subtropical garden. In the tower, as many as 10,000 shells including heart-shaped shells and colorful ones are exhibited. There is a restaurant where you can enjoy your meal while gazing at sea as well as a shop where a unique sweet only available in Kouri Island is sold directly from the factory.

    I went here with my boyfriend. It costs about 800¥ to get in (they only take cash). You get in a little cart that brings you up to the tower. The cart ride provides you with some facts about the...

  • Fukushu-en garden
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    4.0
    453 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Kume 2-29-19
    Located around seven minutes’ walk from the Prefectural Office Station on the Okinawa Urban Monorail (Yuirail) line, Fukushu-en is a Chinese-style garden that was created to mark the 10th anniversary of the establishment of “sister-city” relations between Fuzhou City in China and Naha City, and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Naha City Government; it reflects the fact that Chinese culture exerted a considerable influence on Ryukyuan culture in the past. The verdant garden is divided into three sections—Ming, Wen, and Hua—and is filled with beautiful seasonal flowers throughout the year. The large pond in the center of the garden features a waterfall that creates a cooling ambience.

    Cute gardens, small entry fee, paid parking near by, you can even walk under the waterfall. Pretty and quiet, very easy to walk around, not very large gardens in Naha, Couple of vending machines...

  • Hennasaki Lighthouse
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    4.5
    311 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Miyakojima-shi Gusukubecho Bora 1221-14

    There are many nice beaches in Miyakojima. There are couple of free towers to watch sceneries. But pay 200JPY and climb those 97 steps - the view is unforgetable! And worth that driving to...

  • Kokusai-dori Street
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa ken Naha city
    Kokusai-dori Street located in the center of Naha City is the face of Okinawan tourism. It has accomplished significant growth from the burnt ruins after World War II, so the street of about 1.6 kilometers is also called “The Miracle Mile”. It is lined with restaurants and souvenir shops so you are guaranteed to definitely find an Okinawan souvenir if you visit. There are also entertainment facilities such as Yoshimoto Okinawa Kagetsu. It becomes a pedestrian parade from 12 noon to 6 p.m. every Sunday and there is no access for regular vehicles. A variety of events such as mini live concerts and street performances are held.
  • Takatsukiyama Lookout
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    4.5
    71 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Shimajiri-gun Zamamison Zamami
    "An observation deck located in Zamami, Zamami Village, Shimajiri County. Two observation decks and a walking trail have been built on the mountain adjacent to the hamlet. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kerama Islands, which have been designated a national park, and surrounding seas, which are an exquisite color known as ""Kerama blue."""

    Amazing view! A must-see in Zamami. Walking there from town is a super nice walk. If you’re too lazy, you can drive there ;)

  • Kouriohashi Bridge
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Kunigamigunnakijinson Kouri
    Kouriohashi Bridge is a 1,960 meter-long bridge that links Kouri-shima (Kouri Island) with Yagaji-shima (Yagaji Island). Since the Bridge opened in 2005, it has become a very popular place to enjoy an exciting drive in which you seem almost to be driving across the sea itself. Driving over the bridge really is a very pleasant experience, as you get superb views of the emerald green ocean and can feel the sea breeze.
  • Kaichu Road
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Urumashi Yonashiroyahira
    Kaichu Road (“The Road in the Middle of the Sea”) is a public (non-toll) road in Uruma City. Extending across the sea for approximately 5.2 kilometers from the Katsuren Peninsula to Henza Island, it is a very popular choice for an enjoyable drive; with the sea stretching away on both sides of the bridge, the views are magnificent. Halfway along the road there is the “Ayahashi” rest station, which sells local specialties and other souvenir gifts.
  • Yugurena Mall
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Ishigakishi Okawa 208
    Ishigaki Island’s Yugurena Mall is a bustling location with over 100 shops available, including pubs and souvenir stores. There are stores that offer fresh fish and dressed meat, as well as the Ishigaki City Public Market on the third floor, which contains a dining hall. With several shops offering general goods, accessories, and local goods, this is a great place to go hunting for souvenirs and eat while taking a leisurely stroll.
  • Nirai Kanai Bridge
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Nanjoushi Chinen Chinen
    This 1,200-meter bridge leads from Prefectural Road 86 to National Route 331. The name “Nirai Kanai” refers to the utopia beyond the horizon where the gods reside. The beautiful curve of the bridge makes it appear as if it’s floating in mid-air, and at its highest point is an observation deck above the tunnel that offers a spectacular view. The sight of the cobalt blue sea sparkling beneath the sun is sure to enchant you.
  • Tsuboya Yachimun Street
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Tsuboya
    Tsuboya Yachimun Street is located near Kokusai dori Street. In the Okinawan dialect, “Yachimun” refers to pottery. It is said that about 330 years ago, the Ryukyu King gathered potters to Tsuboya in Naha from various places and this was the beginnings of Tsuboya pottery. Strong traces of the past linger on this road with its stone paving, stone walls and its buildings with red tile roofs, potters with inherited techniques, from Yachimun pottery and Okinawan lion statue stores and restaurants standing side by side in a row.
  • Hirakubozaki Lighthouse
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Ishigaki-shi
  • Irabu-ohashi Bridge
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Miyakojimashi Hirara Kugai
    Irabu-ohashi Bridge has been connecting Miyako Island and Irabu Island since January 31, 2015. It was finally completed 40 years after the island requested it. It is 3,540 meters in length, and the toll is free, making it the longest toll-free bridge in Japan. It also offers a splendid view of the sea around Miyako Island, which is known as a diving spot.
  • Ryugujo Observation Deck
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Miyakojimashi Shimoji Kurima
    This observation deck shaped like Ryugu Castle is located on a hill on Kurima Island. It has three floors, and you can see the beautiful sea right before you, Maehama Beach with its white sands on the other side, Kurima Bridge and Irabu Island. The sand and coral gradations are wonderful, and especially the color of the morning sea is something you must see.
  • Ikema Ohashi Bridge
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Miyakojimashi Hirara
    The Ikema Ohashi Bridge is a 1,425-meter-long bridge connecting Miyako Island and Ikema Island. It had a total construction cost of 9.9 billion yen and opened in February 1992. The bridge is popular as the perfect driving course due to it running over very clear emerald green seas. It is approximately 35 minutes by car from Miyako Airport.
  • Makiyama Observation Deck
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Miyakojimashi Irabu Ikemazoe
    The symbol of Irabu Island, this observatory modeled after the sashiba (grey-faced buzzard) is located at the highest point on the island and is where you can see Miyako Island, Kurima Island and Ikema Island. The beautiful view of the sea and the blue sky is wonderful, and it is an indispensable place for sightseeing on Irabu Island. In addition, there is a promenade at the foot of the observatory, and you can enjoy walking in the middle of the subtropical virgin forest.
  • Kurima Bridge
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Miyakojima-shi Shimoji
    This bridge connects the southwestern part of Miyako Island to the southeastern part of Kurima Island. The 1,690-meter-long bridge, which opened in 1995, is one of largest bridges ever built in Japan for the purpose of carrying a farm road. The bridge is open to pedestrians in addition to automobile traffic. The clear water below the bridge shifts across a spectrum of colors ranging from deep blue to emerald green throughout the day as the angle at which the sunlight strikes the water changes. In addition to a walkway, the bridge also features an observation area equipped with stools.
  • Okinawa Rail Observation Deck
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Kunigami-gun Kunigamison Hedo
    An observation deck located in Kunigami Village. Standing on top of a mountain, the observatory is shaped like a giant, 11.5-meter-tall Okinawa rail, and visitors can enjoy a vast view of Usa Beach, Cape Hedo, and the surrounding area. Realistically modeled after an Okinawa rail, visitors can look out of viewing windows in the statue's torso and chest to get an even better view. The statue looks in the direction of the island of Yoronto. There is a walking path near the observation deck perfect for taking a stroll and enjoying the area's picturesque scenery.
  • Sesoko Bridge
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Kunigamigunmotobuchou Sesoko
    This 762-meter bridge connects Sesokoshima Island and the main island. The sight of the white bridge between the blue sky and emerald green sea is breathtaking. The drive is pleasant, but walking is especially recommended, since you can take in the expanding sea and the various fish swimming about.

Okinawa Areas

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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.

Okinawa Photo Album

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