Traveling in Okinawa
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Okinawa
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Okinawa
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Iriomote Island in Okinawa: Mangroves and Mysterious Cats
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- Wild, remote and truly beautiful, Iriomote Island is a world away from most people’s imagin-ings of Japan. From kayaking through mangrove-lined rivers to sunbathing on tropical beaches, the island has something for every traveler. As the largest of the Yaeyama islands, just off the coast of Ishigaki, it is a tropical area with intensely hot and humid summers and warm winters. Closer to Taiwan than Japan, the islands have a unique culture rich with tradi-tions and entire species found nowhere else in the world. Be it a single day of adventure or a weekend of exploring, the island offers the perfect escape from everyday life. Yamaneko Museum/ Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center From your first few steps on Iriomote, you may have noticed a common theme. From taxi signs to the local mascot, a small cat is found across the island’s landscape. Depicting the increasingly rare Iriomote Yamaneko, the nocturnal creatures are a rare sight, even for lo-cals. Only around 100 are believed to remain on the island, living in the dense forests and avoiding the busier spots at all costs. Unfortunately, the cats are sometimes hit by passing cars, but a small sanctuary exists to care for them and hopefully return them to the wild. With around 10 fatalities a year and more accidents, the Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center aims to not only help injured animals but teach locals and visitors more about these unusual animals. Their work is not only focused on the feline residents, however, they also explain the unique ecosystem of the island along with the invading species, those lost to extinction and the work being done to protect the fragile habitats that remain. With preserved cats and plenty of posters, videos and details murals depicting the island’s natural balance, it is a fascinating introduction to the island’s unseen residents. Address: Komi, Taketomi, Yaeyama District, Okinawa Prefecture 907-1432Access: A 40-minute drive from Uehara Port or a 15-minute drive from Ohara Port. The center also has a dedicated bus stop 10-minutes away called ‘wildlife conservation center’). Hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 12pm, 1pm - 4pm. Mondays: Closed. Tues - Fri: 10am - 4pm.Entry: FreeBooking: Not required. Website: https://iwcc.jp/ (Japanese only） Yubu’s Island’s Buffalo Trips Your journey to the small island of Yubu, just off the east coast of Iriomote offers the chance to try a rather unusual form of transport. Pulled in a traditional wooden cart by the island’s water buffalo and their dedicated human colleague, you can enjoy a taste of the ultimate ex-ample of slow-travel. Working with the same trainer for their entire careers, the buffalo are well cared for, with our guide explaining he sees his buffalo, Sota, as a coworker, rather than machines or work tools. Working for 20 years, the animals can retire on the island and also choose their work-ing days - if they don’t want to work, they don’t have to. Meandering through the shallow wa-ters towards the small island of Yubu, Sota took his time as he ventured across. The leisurely pace of the journey is the perfect opportunity to take in the beautiful views of the island as it draws near. Home to a botanical garden with small, beach-side cafe, the is-land is a tiny tropical getaway perfect for families and couples. Decimated by a typhoon over 50 years ago, the island was slowly re-planted by a dedicated local couple who remained when other residents moved to Iriomote. Today, the island has over 40,000 palm trees, a but-terfly house and a bright blooming of a variety of bougainvillea, carpeting the gardens in bright colors throughout the year. Urauchi Boat Tour and Waterfall Hike Stepping onto the gently rocking riverboat, you can secure a window seat and enjoy the sight of the slowly-passing mangroves. Taking its time and pulling up close to interesting spots, the journey includes an informative talk (in Japanese) as well as taking you to the start of a gen-tle hike through the jungle. With open sides and plenty to see, the hour-long boat journey is a relaxed chance to admire the tropical nature of the remote island. The drop-off point has a seated area and plenty of waterside boulders to rest on, with a spot to change your shoes if you borrowed some from the boat center.Following paved paths through the jungle, hikers of all levels can enjoy journeying to two of the most scenic waterfalls on the island. Having been dropped off by the boat cruise along the Urauchi river, the 1.5km path will take you through the lush greenery to the Kanpire and Maryudo Waterfalls. Broad and low, the Maryudo falls cascade down multiple levels, rushing into a surprisingly calm pool below. Round and extremely picturesque, the basin is what lends the fall its name, with Mary meaning ‘round’. One of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls, the Maryudo-taki (taki mean-ing waterfall in Japanese) can be seen from a special observatory point at the end of the trail as well as being spied earlier along. Look Closely at Star Sand Beach Known as Hoshizuna beach in Japanese, this picture-perfect beach is the best place to look for the tiny sand shapes that give it it’s unusual name. While the beaches here are usually famous for their crystal blue water and snorkeling opportunities, this beach has both, plus an added bonus. Formed from the tiny exoskeletons of sea creatures called Baclogypsina sphaerulata, they live in the seagrass and eventually leave behind perfect stars when they die. Only a millimeter across, you have to look closely, but are sure to find some. The easiest way is to push your hand into sand and see what sticks. Legend has it that the tiny stars are the love children of the North Star and the Southern Cross, born in in the seas of Okinawa but soon swallowed by a serpent, leaving only their skeletons behind. While this is not really a swimming beach, it’s a great place to relax and admire the few - it’s also a good spot for fishing, with a diving shop nearby. Address: 289 Uehara, Taketomi, Yaeyama District, Okinawa Prefecture 907-1541Access: A 50-minute drive from Ohara Port or a 10-minute drive from Uehara Port. Hours: n/aEntry: n/aWebsite: n/a Transport on Iriomote Transportation on Iriomote is limited partly due to the access - the main road only covers one half of the island, with the west half left to protect nature. As most people visit for a day with pre-arranged activities, you will usually be collected and returned to the port by your tour company and do not have to worry about transport.Alternatively, there are taxis on the island and a limited number of rental cars, which should be booked in advance if required. Due to the wild animals of the island, it is advised that guests drive slowly and with great care, especially at night. Companies at Uehara Port in-clude McQueen (*) and Iriomote Hoshizuna (*), while at Ohara you can visit Iriomote Car Rental (*) or Kukuru Okinawa (*), among others. There is a shuttle-bus service provided by both ferry companies, (Anei Kankou’s here (*) and Yaeyama Kanko Ferry’s here (*)) with information and tickets available from the ferry ser-vice desk on either island. These buses will take you to or from the port, but not from one regular bus stop to another. There are public buses on Iriomote but they only run a handful of times a day. (*) the websites are available only in Japanese. Access to Iriomote As the largest of the Yaeyama Islands, Iriomote is served by irregular ferries and daily high-speed boat services throughout the year. There are two ports on the island - Ohara on the south-side and Uehara on the north-side and two ferry companies who work on the same services: Anei Kanko and Yaeyama Kanko Ferry. Both ports take approximately 40-45 minutes to reach by high-speed boat, while Ohara is 110 minutes by ferry and Uehara is 130 minutes by ferry. Fares are 1,830 yen to Ohara and 2,390 yen to Uehara regardless of which boat company you choose. The services are weather dependent, so please check in advance if they are running normal-ly. It is common for the Uehara Port to close services, so you may have to make alternative arrangements from Ohara, although if you have a tour or shuttle arranged this is usually not a problem. Anei Kanko website: http://aneikankou.co.jp/languages/e_index.htmlYaeyama Kanko Ferry website: https://www.yaeyama.co.jp/index.html (Google translation)To reach Iriomote, you must first travel to Ishigaki Island. The most convenient way to reach Ishigaki is by plane, using their recently renovated Painushima Ishigaki Airport. There are flights to and from Tokyo, Osaka, Chubu, Fukuoka, Okinawa, Hong Kong and Taiwan Air-ports, as well as the smaller islands of Miyako and Yonaguni island airports. The airport is lo-cated on the East side of Ishigaki’s main island and is accessible by bus with an airport shut-tle service also available. Ishigaki Ferry Terminal is a half-hour drive from the airport and there is a connecting bus service running every 15 minutes 7 am to 9 pm. Bus Map: http://www.kotsu-okinawa.org/en/map_yaeyama.htmlFrom TokyoThere are direct flights available from both Haneda and Narita Airport from airlines including Peach, ANA and JAL. The flight takes three and a half hours from Haneda and four hours from Narita. From OsakaOsaka has multiple daily direct flights from Peach, ANA and JAL which take just under three hours. ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Okinawa
- 13. February. 2020
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What’s New in Japan for 2020
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- There are many reasons that so many visitors flock to visit Japan every day, from delicious cuisine such as Sushi and Yakitori, to tradition and culture such as Shrines, Temples, and castles, and of course pop culture like Anime and gaming. In 2020 the Olympic and Paralympic games will be coming to Japan and as a result the country is seeing a huge amount of new attractions, festivals, and other changes. If your interests are cultural, we will give you the scoop on where you can stay in a historical castle, where you can see the best art exhibitions and when famous Shrines will finish their current renovations. If you’re looking for excitement, we have the details on what’s new in Tokyo Disneyland and Osaka’s Universal Studios Japan. If you don’t mind traveling a bit, we can even lead you to the world’s largest Godzilla, also new in 2020. To make sure you make the most of your Tokyo 2020 trip, read on! Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games 2020 Tokyo will be taken over by the Olympic (July 24, 2020 – August 9, 2020) and Paralympic (August 25, 2020 – September 6, 2020) Games in 2020. This means that the city is seeing a slew of upgrades to athletic facilities, such as a new national stadium, new stores, transportation, and much more. Visitors can expect a futuristic vision in the 2020 games as Japan intends to use cutting edge technology (such as robotics) to make sure Olympics fans in Tokyo and beyond can all join in on the spectacle. Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games 2020 New national stadium Please note that there will be changes in Japan’s usual national holidays due to the Olympics. Marine Day and Sports day will be moved to July 23 and 24 while Mountain Day to August 10, the day after the closing ceremony. The aim of this change is to reduce traffic congestion, but it can also affect opening and closing hours in stores and restaurants. National holidays due to the Olympics Exciting New Worlds Coming to Tokyo Disneyland and USJ (Universal Studios Japan) ― Tokyo Disneyland New Fantasyland In 2020 Tokyo Disneyland will be expanding with its ‘New Fantasyland’ based on the world of Disney classic, Beauty and the Beast. Adults can enjoy a hefty dose of nostalgia as they stroll through Belle’s village which will include Maurice’s Cottage and Gaston’s Fountain (but likely no sheep). The ‘Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast’ will take place in the castle itself. The area will also feature Disneyland’s first full scale indoor theater, the Fantasyland Forest Theater. Over in Tomorrowland visitors can spend time with adorable Baymax on ‘The Happy Ride with Baymax’. New Fantasyland The Happy Ride with Baymax ― Universal Studios Japan Super Nintendo World Universal Studios Japan in Osaka has been extremely secretive about its new expansion, Super Nintendo World. Newly released images seem to indicate that there will Mario Kart and Yoshi themed rides and an area dedicated to Donkey Kong. The new expansion will be open to the public before the start of the 2020 Olympics so look forward to having your own Mario Party in USJ! Super Nintendo World Super Nintendo World Futuristic Aquariums, Miniature Theme Parks, Godzilla and More! ― Shikoku Aquarium 四国水族館 in Kagawa In March 2020 the Shikoku Aquarium will officially open its doors. This “Next-Generation Aquarium” has a theme of showing off the wonder of Shikoku’s waterscape so visitors can enjoy not only observing fish but also seeing how they act in their natural habitats and how they change with the seasons. This aquarium will also feature a Shark Shadow Aquarium, where you can see the large shadowy profiles of Hammerhead sharks as well as a large dolphin area which promises a spectacular sunset over the Seto Inland Sea. Shikoku Aquarium ― Small Worlds Tokyo in Tokyo In Tokyo a new type of theme park is set to open, Small Worlds Tokyo will be home to miniature areas based in reality and fantasy. Feel like a giant by passing through the Gulliver tunnel and then take your time enjoying the Sailor Moon, Evangelion, Global Village, Space Center, and Kansai International Airport models. It’s not just viewing though; advanced 3D mapping is available so that you can join your favorite area and make items to display as well. It’s set to open April 25, 2020 and will make the perfect indoor adventure if you are caught in rainy spring weather. Small Worlds Tokyo Evangelion Area ― Itsukushima Shrine’s O-torii Gate 厳島神社 in Hiroshima Popular sightseeing place and UNESCO World Heritage Site Itsukushima Shrine has unfortunately been covered by scaffolding for renovation as of June 2019. These repairs are expected to take one year so visitors can expect this beautiful floating Shrine to be fully viewable by summer 2020. Itsukushima Shrine’s O-torii Gate ― DMM Kariyushi Aquarium DMMかりゆし水族館 in Okinawa Okinawa, already famous for its wealth of natural beauty, will be opening a new aquarium in April 2020, the DMM Kariyushi Aquarium. Their focus will be blending art installations with underwater environments to create a new type of aquarium enjoyment. It’s not far from Naha airport so it is much more easily accessible than the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, which is good news for those who have limited time on the island. DMM Kariyushi Aquarium DMM Kariyushi Aquarium ― Okinawa Kokusai Goodwill Street 国際通りのれん街 in Okinawa Over in Naha the street known as “the miracle mile” is set to get some new editions as the site of Mitsukoshi welcomes the new Okinawa Kokusai Goodwill Street. Those who are interested in the varieties of Japanese cuisine available in Okinawa will love the new food court and shoppers are sure to be delighted by the variety of shops. All of the stores will open in February 2020. Okinawa Kokusai Goodwill Street ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Japan
- 18. January. 2020
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Japan Below Sea Level, the Country’s 5 Best Aquariums
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- Being an island nation the marine world is very closely connected with Japanese culture. Cuisine, art, folklore, history, so much of Japan’s identity is dictated by its geographical position, so, it only makes perfect sense that it’s a country with its fair share of world-class aquariums. From the beachside enclosures, the inner-city displays, here are some of the best aquariums in Japan. Kamo Aquarium Kamo Aquarium - Seal Lion Kamo Aquarium - Jelly fish Looking out on to the Sea of Japan just south of Sakata City is where you’ll find Kamo Aquarium, Yamagata Prefecture’s only aquarium and one of Japan’s best. What makes the Kamo Aquarium particularly unique is its hypnotic jellyfish collection. There are over 50 different species of jellyfish on display, housed in the Jellyfish Park which with its backlit circular windows and lava-lamp-esque jellyfish looks as much like an art installation as it does an aquarium exhibit. Beyond jellyfish, Kamo Aquarium is also home to an impressive collection of fresh and saltwater fish, a souvenir shop and a cafe which serves up plenty of jellyfish specialties including jellyfish ramen and jellyfish ice cream. Sumida Aquarium Sumida Aquarium - Penguins Sumida Aquarium - Penguins Just one of Tokyo Skytree Town’s many attractions, Sumida Aquarium is an impressive central Tokyo aquarium that houses over 10,000 sea creatures. Located on the 5th and 6th floors of the shopping and entertainment complex Tokyo Solamachi, it’s well worth popping by if you’re in the city with a few extra hours up your sleeve. Although it’s not massive, the aquarium is home to the largest open indoor tank in Japan, which is over 350 thousand liters and houses penguins and seals. One of the other highlights is the impressive jellyfish display and the tanks that have been crafted to resemble the Izu Islands, the Ogasawara Islands, and Tokyo Bay. Shimoda Aquarium Shimoda Aquarium - Dolphin Shimoda Aquarium Bobbing on the water of Wakanoura Bay on the Izu Penninsula is the Shimoda Floating Aquarium. Regarding marine life, it may not be the biggest or the best in the country, but it’s definitely one of Japan’s most uniquely constructed. The centerpiece of Shimoda Aquarium is the 600-ton tank, which is home to 200 different species of fish, it also has sea otters, seals, and friendly dolphins. Throughout the day, the aquarium hosts live shows including a fish feeding show, a dolphin and a seal show. Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan) Osaka Aquarium - Hammerhead Shark Osaka Aquarium - Kaiyukan Head out to Tempozan Harbor Village in Osaka's bay area and you can’t miss the brightly colored geometrically designed Osaka Aquarium. The marine life display is broken up into 15 separate tanks, with each one representing a specific region of the Pacific Rim. The focal piece is the aquarium’s center tank, which at nine meters deep represents the Pacific Ocean. The unique design of the space, all based around this central tank means that guests start their underwater exploration on the eighth floor at the top of the tank and spiral their way down to the bottom of the ‘Pacific Ocean’ witnessing up close the different sea creatures that call the aquarium home. Churaumi Aquarium Churaumi Aquarium - Whale Shark Churaumi Aquarium Widely considered to be Japan’s best aquarium, Churaumi Aquarium, also known as Churaumi Suizokukan in Okinawa Honto is well worth the journey for lovers of the aquatic world. Although there’s plenty to explore, the main feature is Kuroshio Tank, one of the largest aquarium tanks in the world. Named after the tropical Kuroshio current that flows through the waters of Okinawa, the tank features massive whale sharks, some of the world’s biggest manta rays and a seemingly endless variety of other marine species. Beyond the main tank, the aquarium grounds also feature multiple outdoor exhibits, live dolphin shows, coral displays, and other interactive exhibits. A visit to Churaumi Aquarium is about as close as you can get to living under the sea. ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Japan
- 5. August. 2019
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Explore Kokusai Dori
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- Known as the main street of Naha City, Kokusai Dori, which literally translates to International Street, has it all. Stop in one of its steak houses or browse through a glassware shop before heading into one of the multitudes of clothing and souvenir stores. The bustling strip stays open until around 11 p.m., so you can grab dinner and wait until the heat dies down to do some more shopping or find another bar to try.
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- Okinawa
- 12. May. 2019
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Churaumi Aquarium
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- The crown jewel of the Churaumi Aquarium is the Kuroshio Sea Tank. One of the largest such tanks in the world, it stretches 35 meters long and 10 meters deep, housing whale sharks and manta rays that glide by for a truly surreal experience. After the aquarium, don’t forget to check out the Ocean Expo Park, as it has not only dolphin shows, but also a planetarium and a few cafes and restaurants for a nice recharge.
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- Okinawa
- 12. May. 2019
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Seifa Utaki
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- The most sacred site in all of Okinawa prefecture is arguably Seifa-utaki, in English Seifa-utaki translates literally to the purified place of Utaki. The area is believed to be one of the seven sacred places to have been built by Amamikiyo, the god of ancient spirits worshipped by the Ryukyu people. Managed by Kikoe no Okimi, highest female religious leader, the place was considered so sacred even men were forbidden from entering. As legend has it the king of Ryukyu is rumored to have dressed in woman’s attire to gain access through the entry gate. Unlike many other parts of Okinawa the forest surrounding Seifa-utaki was saved from damage during World War II and as a result is full of rare ferns and orchid plants unique to the island. If you do plan on making a visit be aware that opening hours are from 9am to 6pm and admission is 300 yen for adults and 150 yen for children.
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- Okinawa
- 12. May. 2019
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33 of the Best Things to Do in Okinawa
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- Okinawa is Japan’s top island resort destination. The water’s warm enough to swim from the end of March to the middle of October, so beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts alike flock to the prefecture for its enviable climate. But Okinawa offers much more than pristine beaches. Whether its expansive castles, buzzing nightlife, or mouthwatering delicacies, Okinawa is a treasure trove of delightful experiences. In this article we’ll go over 31 of the best things to do in Okinawa, to ensure you get the most out of your trip. 1 Visit Shurijo Castle World Heritage Site Shurijo Castle Shurijo Castle was originally built in the 14th century as the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom. A distinguishable trait is the gusuku stone walls surrounding the castle, which are made especially captivating by the nightly illuminations. Ryukyu Buyo, a traditional dance style unique to Okinawa, can also be seen at the castle on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, when they offer 3 performances a day. Shuri Castle Festival is a yearly event that takes place in late October/early November, offering royal processions and candlelight paths. Nakijin Castle The Nakijin Cherry Blossom Festival is another annual event in late January/early February that features bright sakura against the gusuku walls of Nakijin Castle Remains, as well as nighttime illuminations Nakijin Castle 2 Explore Kokusai Dori Kokusai Dori Known as the main street of Naha City, Kokusai Dori, which literally translates to International Street, has it all. Stop in one of its steak houses or browse through a glassware shop before heading into one of the multitudes of clothing and souvenir stores. The bustling strip stays open until around 11 p.m., so you can grab dinner and wait until the heat dies down to do some more shopping or find another bar to try. Kokusai Dori Kokusai Dori 3 Stop by a Local Supermarket Don Quijote San-A Naha Main Place is the supermarket that the locals use. They have an expansive selection of everything from clothing to sushi, all at reasonable prices. So you can save that extra yen for another purple sweet potato tart. Don Quijote on Kokusai Dori also carries everyday items as well as an impressive collection of souvenirs, in addition to their more eccentric items. But both locations are great for getting the crumbly chinsuko cookies and purple sweet potato tarts that are Okinawa souvenir staples. Don Quijote Don Quijote 4 Check Out Naha’s Kitchen: First Makishi Public Market First Makishi Public Market The Makishi Public Market is a retro-style covered shopping area that’s home to an array of stands selling fresh shellfish, local delicacies and colorful produce. First Makishi Public Market One thing you don’t want to miss while you’re browsing is the pork tamago, which is actually Spam and egg fried together. It’s a specialty of Okinawa, and Pork Tamago Onigiri Honten is known far and wide for their pork tamago rice balls. The cozy shop offers all kinds of styles, so you can grab one and continue exploring the alley of Makishi. Pork Tamago Onigiri Honten 5 Okinawa Food Okinawa soba Okinawa soba comes in a lot of styles, but the base noodles are made of wheat instead of buckwheat, and they sit in a savory soup, usually topped with pork. Then there’s rafute, which is a pork rib that’s stewed in brown sugar and soy sauce, for a slightly-sweet and filling dish. Next up ischampurū, which is stir fry that usually has spam, eggs and bitter melon. Sata andagi are deep fried dough that are like doughnut holes, but they’re crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside. Jimami-dofu is tofu made from peanuts instead of soybeans, giving it a mild sweetness and bouncy texture. Umibudo, or sea grapes, are actually a type of seaweed with little globes that look like grapes, and they normally come with vinegar or soy sauce to dip. rafute champurū 6 Churaumi Aquarium Churaumi Aquarium The crown jewel of the Churaumi Aquarium is the Kuroshio Sea Tank. One of the largest such tanks in the world, it stretches 35 meters long and 10 meters deep, housing whale sharks and manta rays that glide by for a truly surreal experience. After the aquarium, don’t forget to check out the Ocean Expo Park, as it has not only dolphin shows, but also a planetarium and a few cafes and restaurants for a nice recharge. Churaumi Aquarium Churaumi Aquarium 7 Gyokusendo Cave Gyokusendo Cave Located inside Okinawa World theme park, Gyokusendo Cave is the second-largest cave in all of Japan at over 5,000 meters long. It has over 1 million stalactites, the most of any cave in the country, as well as dozens of unique rock formations and natural pools that are situated around an easy walkway, making for excellent pictures. If you’re visiting Okinawa, then this natural wonder should definitely be on your list. Gyokusendo Cave 8 Visit Kouri Island Kouri Bridge Kouri Island is a scenic little getaway that only takes about 20 minutes to circumnavigate in a car. Aside from the emerald ocean and pristine beaches, this island is famous for another reason: Heart Rock. This adorable rock formation is, as you may have guessed, shaped like a heart, and it’s begging to be added to your Instagram and social media accounts. But just getting to Kouri Island is half the fun. It’s connected to Yagaji Island by Kouri Bridge, which stretches 1,960 meters and gives a breathtaking driving experience as you ride along the water’s edge. And it’s all completely free. Kouri Bridge Heart Rock 9 Get in Touch with Nature at Yambaru National Park Yambaru National Park This expansive park covers over 13,000 hectares and is full of hiking and local wildlife. One experience you can’t miss is kayaking through Gesashi Bay Mangrove Forest, though. Once you trek through to the biggest mangrove tree in Japan, you should take advantage of the guided river kayak tours to get another view of the park. Yambaru National Park For another adventure, there’s a guided night trek through the Uwaga Jungle. Discover the vibrant flora and fauna of Okinawa armed with only a flashlight. Uwaga Jungle 10 Head to the Beaches on Okinawa Main Island Beach This is what you came for. The Main Island of Okinawa has several beaches that are all easy to access and have their own distinct atmosphere. Mibaru Beach is a low-key spot for snorkeling and coral reef tour in a glass-bottomed boat. Sunset Beach is next to American Village and has a little more action, as well as paddle boards for rent. Sesoko Beach is a laid-back atmosphere to watch the sun set into the ocean. Emerald Beach is white sand and clear water for your tropical getaway. And that’s just to name a few. ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Japan
- 12. May. 2019
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World Heritage Sites of Japan
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- A nation so proud of its long, illustrious history, Japan is home to more than its fair share of stunning historical sites. However, given just how much there is to explore, deciding where to visit can prove difficult. To help you out, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have designated a number of sites to be of what they consider outstanding universal value when it comes to historical, cultural, and natural significance, here are some of the best. Nikko Nikko Sitting at the entrance to Nikko National Park, Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture is a town most famous for its natural beauty and World Heritage Status. The area is home to three world heritage sites in total; two shrines and one temple, all of which are connected by a stunning pathway flanked by tower cedar trees. Begin your exploration of Nikko’s World Heritage sites by visiting Futarasan Shrine. It was founded in 782 by Shodo Shonin, a monk who introduced Buddhism to Nikko. Next up, visit Rinnoji Temple, another site founded by Shodo Shonin. This temple is particularly beautiful in autumn when the verdant red leaves frame shrine and its garden. It has been undergoing renovations for the last 13 years which are scheduled to be completed by the end of March 2019. Finally the most striking of all the buildings is Toshogu Shrine. This complex is a mausoleum for Tokugawa Ieyasu, a member of the Tokugawa Clan who ruled Japan for over 250 years. Covered in meticulously crafted intricate designs it’s possible to lose multiple hours inspecting the detailed beauty of this incredible structure. Article:Nikko Toshogu Shrine Nara Nara Nara boasts the most UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other prefecture in the country. From 710 to 784 Nara was the capital of Japan, as a result, so many of the nation’s most sacred Buddhist temples are scattered in and around this area. Many of the most popular sites are within the major metropolitan area of Nara City, like Nara Park, home to Todai-Ji Temple and the infamously cheeky local deer.The best way to take in the area’s more extensive beauty is by embarking along the Pilgrimage Route along the Kii Mountain Range. This route will lead you by some of the most impressive Buddhist Temples and Shinto Shrines as well as stunning natural wonders like Mt Yoshino before leading into the neighboring Wakayama Prefecture. Article:World Heritage locations in Nara Kyoto Kyoto Just a short trip north from Nara, Kyoto is home plenty of World Heritage Sites, and while there’s a lot to pack into one trip, there are some highlights worth prioritizing. Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is one ‘don’t miss’ site, overlooking the Southern Higashiyama sightseeing district it's one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. The temple's long wooden stage offers incredible views of the landscape below which transforms with the seasons. Kinkaku-Ji Temple is another must add to the Kyoto sightseeing list. This Golden zen temple is an extravagant piece of architecture and draws swarms of tourists daily, so best to visit early in the morning. For something a little more understated, also be sure to pop by Ryoan-Ji Temple, home to one of Japan’s most famous zen gardens. Article:Top 5 Temples in Kyoto Gifu Gifu Shirakawa Village, aka Shirakawa-go is Gifu’s shining UNESCO recognized gem. Tucked deep in the ruggedly beautiful Gifu mountainscape, this small village of ‘gassho-zukuri’ houses - some of which are over 250 years old - looks like a historical painting come to life. The artfully thatched roofs of these houses look like the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. In a previous life, these homes were used to house residents who would use the extra ceiling space to cultivate silkworms. It’s stunning all year round, but especially so during the colder months partly submerged under piles of pillowy white snow. Article:Gifu Prefecture Overview Nagasaki Nagasaki Tucked in the north-western corner of Kyushu island, Nagasaki is a pocket of Japan that boasts an incredibly fascinating history, and plenty of sites to match. Nagasaki was once home to many of the nation’s hidden Christians - known as Kakure Kirishitan - who had to remain in exile during most of the Edo Period (1603-1867) to avoid prosecution. Only in 2018 were many of these sites recognized by UNESCO, making now an excellent time to visit before it gets too popular a destination. A highlight is the Oura Cathedral located in Nagasaki, which was built towards the end of the Edo Period in 1864, making it the oldest surviving church in Japan. Article:Churches of the Goto Islands Okinawa Okinawa With a landscape as diverse and eclectic as its cultural influences, Okinawa is much more than just stunning beaches. It's also home to plenty of sites that are quite unlike anything else you’ll see in Japan. The most striking of all the landmarks has to be the Chinese-influenced Shuri Castle which is arguably the most iconic symbol of the Ryukyu Kingdom. This sprawling structure was used as the Imperial Palace and administrative center for the Ryukyu Kingdom which ruled the Ryukyu Islands of Japan between 1429 and 1879. Although it’s located in the center of Naha Okinawa’s main hub, it takes over an hour and a half to explore the site in depth, so put aside plenty of time to visit. Article:Getting Around Okinawa ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Japan
- 22. February. 2019
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Getting around Yoron
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- For such a small island Yoron boasts an impressive collection of sightseeing opportunities, including mysteriously disappearing islands, picturesque cruises, and perfect snorkeling beaches. The key to maximizing your Yoron vacation is to figure out exactly how to get around. Given that it’s the southernmost island of Kagoshima prefecture, Yoron may not be the most connected beach hideaway in Japan, but it’s well worth the effort. Here’s a guide to all the best ways to get to, and around Yoron Island. Yoron Airport Yoron Airport The quickest way to reach Yoron is a domestic flight to Yoron Airport. Japan Air Commuter (JAC) runs direct flights from Kagoshima, Amami Oshima and Ryukyu Air Commuter (RAC) regularly runs flights from Naha (Okinawa). From Okinawa, a direct flight takes around 40 minutes and prices vary according to the season. If you’re traveling from Tokyo, be aware that most flights taking this route will have a stop off either at Kagoshima Airport or Okinawa Airport along the way. Once you arrive in Yoron getting to your accommodation from the airport by taxi is the best option. Aline Ferry and Marix Line Ferries Aline Ferry and Marix Line Ferries If you have a little extra time and want to make the most of your journey to Yoron, a ferry is a more scenic option. Two ferry companies; A-Line Ferries and Marix Line Ferries both serve the Kagoshima to Okinawa route making stops at Yoron along the way. The companies alternate the days in which they sail, but both offer essentially the same experience. They operate just once per day, so it’s important to get to the port with plenty of time to spare. The departure point of Kagoshima Port is approximately 20 minutes by bus from the Kagoshima central station, while Naha Port Terminal is about seven minutes by car from Naha Airport, 15 minutes from the bus terminal by foot. The journey between Kagoshima and Yoron takes about 20 hours each way, and if you're traveling from Naha, it will take about five. Boat to Yurigahama Boat to Yurigahama Yoron is home to a surreal oasis known as Yurigahama, an island sandbar that literally vanishes with the passing tides. If you make it to Yoron this is one spot you well and truly can’t miss. The way you can get there, however, is by boat or jet ski as it’s located about one and a half kilometers off the coast of Okaneku Beach. There’s no need to plan too far in advance because once you get to Okaneku Beach you’ll find a small cluster of small boats ready to take you out the mysterious island. The best time to visit the island is generally between April and October, but it can vary from year to year. To avoid disappointment it’s highly recommended you look up the appearance forecast before heading out. Rental Car Rental Car Only a little over 20 square kilometers in size and with a population of just over 5,000, it’s unnecessary for Yoron to have a comprehensive public transport network beyond the local bus service. But if you’re planning to cover a lot of ground in a short period of time it’s worth looking into renting a car. Yoron Rental Car is an excellent choice. Affordable and convenient, the company offers airport pick up and once you’re done with the car you can leave it at the airport parking lot. Rental Bike Rental Bike If you don’t have a driver’s license then there’s always a rental bike. With stunning coastal roads, it’s arguably the best way to explore the island up close, especially when the sun is shining and the skies are clear. Part of Yoron’s landscape is little hilly so be prepared for the occasional workout. If you’re not too interested in getting around by bicycle, scooter rental is available too. For more details visit or call the Yoron Sightseeing Center (ph: 0997-97-5151), it’s located right by the Yoron Town Office. ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Japan
- 24. October. 2018
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Recommended spots
469 results
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- Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
- Aquarium
- Okinawa Pref. Kunigamigunmotobuchou Ishikawa 424 (inside Ocean Expo Park)
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- Kokusai-dori Street
- Street
- Okinawa ken Naha city
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- Shuri Castle
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4.0175 Reviews - Castle / Ruins of Castle
- Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Shuritounokurachou 3-1
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The castle was burned down recently as the fifth fire. It was established in the end of the 13th century and became the Imperial castle of the Ryukyu dynasty in the 14th century. The fire accidents...
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- Naha Airport Kokunaisenryokaku Terminal Bldg
- Other Vehicle
- Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Kagamizu 150 Naha Airport Domestic Passenger Terminal Building
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- The Tower of Himeyuri / Himeyuri Peace Museum
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4.5340 Reviews - Other Historic Site/Building
- Okinawa Pref. Itomanshi Ihara 671-1
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The Peace Memorial Museum provides a sobering overview of the Battle of Okinawa where 200,000 lives were lost in WWII. Twelve thousand American soldiers died in this bloody battle. The museum does...
Okinawa Main 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.
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