Okinawa Prefecture

Parks and nature in Okinawa Prefecture

Okinawa’s landscape features a mix of Ryukyuan history and subtropical biodiversity. This collection spans from the UNESCO-listed Shikinaen Royal Garden to the mangrove-lined rivers of Iriomote Island. Key highlights include the limestone formations of Ishigaki Stalactite Cave, the expansive Ocean Expo Park on the Motobu Peninsula, and the deep-sea water spas of Kume Island. Visitors can explore multi-tiered waterfalls, reconstructed historical villages, and botanical gardens showcasing thousands of tropical plant species across the archipelago.

Okinawa Parks and Nature — Map

そらみみ / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Shikinaen Royal Garden

The gardens of Shikina-en are located on a small hill to the south of Shuri Castle in Naha, Okinawa.

Paipateroma / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

ピナイサーラの滝

Okinawa's tallest waterfall with a 55-meter drop. Located on Iriomote Island, it is accessible via a combination of kayaking and trekking through mangrove forests.

(WT-en) Jpatokal / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Mariyudu Falls

A two-tiered waterfall on the Urauchi River, Iriomote Island. It is recognized as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls and is visible from a dedicated observation deck.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

D

Ishigaki Island Stalactite Cave

A 3.2-kilometer limestone cave system formed from coral reefs. The accessible portion features illuminated stalactites, stalagmites, and underground water features.

E

ナーラの滝

Located deep within the Iriomote jungle along the Nakama River. The falls are often reached by kayaking tours and feature a large basin for swimming.

F

Banna Park

An expansive forest park on Ishigaki Island featuring bird-watching observatories, an insect museum, and panoramic views of the Taketomi and Iriomote islands.

x768 / CC BY-SA 2.0

G

Shurijo Castle Park

Shuri Castle is a Ryukyuan gusuku castle in Shuri, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.

Dave Wise / CC BY-SA 4.0

H

Nago Pineapple Park

A themed attraction featuring pineapple fields, tropical gardens, and an automated cart tour. It includes a distillery producing pineapple wine and sweets.

kazu2 / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Ocean Expo Park

A large coastal park established for the 1975 International Ocean Exposition. It houses the Churaumi Aquarium, a tropical arboretum, and a reconstructed 17th-century Okinawan village.

J

Murasakimura Historical Village

A theme park modeled after a Ryukyu Kingdom town. Originally built as a film set, it features over 30 workshops for traditional pottery, weaving, and glassblowing.

K

ネオパークオキナワ

A 25-hectare zoo featuring large, walk-through flying cages that replicate environments from Africa and South America. It includes a miniature narrow-gauge railway.

L

東南植物楽園＆おきなわスロー風楽風遊の森

A 100-acre botanical garden featuring over 1,300 plant species, including towering Alexander palms and seasonal lotus blossoms.

M

Tropical & Subtropical Arboretum

A research and display facility within Ocean Expo Park showcasing salt-resistant plants and tropical greenery suitable for urban environments.

N

Bade Haus

A spa facility on Kume Island utilizing deep-sea water pumped from 612 meters. It features a heated pool with massage jets and saunas.

O

カンピレー滝

Located upstream on the Urauchi River, this wide, rocky cascade stretches across the riverbed. The name translates to "where the gods sit."

P

Bora-Izumi Paradise Beach Park

A seaside park on Miyako Island featuring a natural spring-fed pool, limestone caves, and access to snorkeling spots along the coast.

Q

Sea Turtle Museum

A conservation facility on Kume Island dedicated to the study of sea turtles. It features live tanks with green, loggerhead, and hawksbill turtles.

R

久米島県立自然公園

A protected area encompassing scenic coastal formations, including the hexagonal "Tatami Ishi" rocks and the 20-meter high Mifuga rock.

S

桃原公園

A hillside park in Okinawa City featuring a long roller slide and observation points with views of the surrounding urban landscape.

T

ヤジヤーガマ

An 800-meter long natural limestone cave on Kume Island. It contains historical burial urns and unique geological formations; a flashlight is required for entry.

Other Lists

Okinawa Prefecture's Unmissable Treasures Editor's Choice: Ishigaki Ishigaki's Hidden Gems Okinawa's Scenic Viewpoints Beautiful Beaches and Coasts Okinawa's Historic Treasures Okinawa Museums & Galleries Authentic Regional Japanese Cuisine