Observatory / Outlook 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.

  • 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 ;)

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Waji Observation Deck
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Kunigamigunieson Higashieue Near 3674
    Waji Observation Deck is an observatory tower known as a scenic landmark in “Waji” which is well-known as a valuable water source on Ie Island. You can enjoy a panoramic view of splendid scenery created by the beautiful blue ocean and precipitous cliff over 60 meters high as well as spring water flowing into sea. Thanks to the pure air, you can glaze at a sky full of stars on nights following clear days.
  • Yaeyama Tomidai Observatory
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Miyako-gun Tarama Mura Nakasuji 1097
    This watchtower is located due north of the Tarama Village Furusato Minzoku Gakushukan and northwest along the road from the Tsuchihara Ugan prayer site. Part of the Yaeyama Tomidai Observatory Park, the watchtower stands on a 33 meter-high spot, the highest point on Tarama Island. The Ryukyu limestone pedestal of the original watchtower, which is said to have been built in the 17th century for the purpose of monitoring the ships coming and going from the island, still exists. The modern concrete observation tower allows visitors to take in the sights of the island and to see as far as Ishigaki Island on clear days. It is one of the most scenically beautiful places on the island.
  • Amagusuku Lookout
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Shimajiri-gun Zamamison Aka
    "An observation deck on Aka, Zamami Village, Shimajiri County. It is next to the settlement on Aka Island and offers a panorama of the Aka Ohashi Bridge, Geruma and other islets of the Kerama Islands and the broad expanse of the intense ""Kerama blue"" ocean. It is also a favorite spot for viewing sunsets. "
  • Uragaoka Observation Deck
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Shimajiri Mure Tokashikison Aharen
  • Kubandaki Lookout
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Shimajiri Mure Tokashikison Aharen
    "An observation deck located in Aharen, Tokashiki Village, Shimajiri County. It is located on top of a hill on a promontory at the west end of Aharen Beach. It offers a splendid panorama of the Kerama Islands, including Aka Island and Geruma Island, and the brilliant ""Kerama blue"" of the surrounding ocean."
  • Minato-no-Mieru-Oka Lookout
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Shimajiri Mure Tokashikison Tokashiki
    An observation deck located in Tokashiki, Tokashiki Village, Shimajiri County. Of all the observation decks on Tokashiki, this is the one closest to the harbor. Visitors can look down at the hamlets on Tokashiki, the ships going in and out of the harbor, and the blue sea around the Kerama Islands.
  • Arashiyama Observation Deck
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Nago-shi Goga Arashiyama 1460-2
    This observation deck is in Goga, Nago City. It is known as a spot where you can get a wide view of the Haneji Naikai (Inland Sea) surrounded by the main island of Okinawa and Yagaji Island. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery, with a tranquil sea, Yagaji Island on the other side, and even Kouri Island visible further out.
  • Kori Ohashi Minamizume Observation Deck
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Nago-shi Sumuide
  • Ishiyama Observation Deck
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Kunigami-gun Ogimison
  • Yakena Observation Deck
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Uruma Yonashiroyakena
  • Matsunoki Observation Deck (Gajumaru Observation Deck)
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Miyakojima-shi Shimoji Kurima
  • A Ka Yama Observation Deck
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Yaeyama-gun Taketomicho Taketomi 379
  • Amagoi Dake
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Naha-shi

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.

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