Okinawa Prefecture

Must-see places in Okinawa Prefecture

Okinawa Prefecture's Unmissable Treasures

Okinawa features a distinct cultural heritage centered on the Ryukyu Kingdom, represented by UNESCO World Heritage gusuku castle ruins and sacred sites like Sefa-utaki. The prefecture's natural landscape includes the world-class Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, the emerald waters of Kabira Bay, and the diverse coral reefs of Yonehara Beach. From the royal Shikinaen Garden in Naha to the dramatic coastal viewpoints of Ishigaki and the Pinaisara Falls on Iriomote Island, these sites showcase the region's unique history and subtropical biodiversity.

Okinawa Prefecture's Unmissable Treasures — Map

663highland / CC BY 2.5

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Shurijo Castle

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

そらみみ / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, formerly known as the Okinawa Ocean Expo Aquarium, is a public aquarium located within the Ocean Expo Park…

kanegen / CC BY 2.0

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Katsuren Castle

Katsuren Castle is a Ryukyuan gusuku in Uruma, Okinawa. In 2000, Katsuren Castle was designated as a World Heritage Site, as a part of the…

Dave Wise / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Nakijin Castle

Nakijin Castle is a Ryukyuan gusuku located in Nakijin, Okinawa. It is currently in ruins.

Masakazu "Matto" Matsumoto / CC BY 2.0

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Zakimi Castle

Zakimi Castle is a Ryukyuan gusuku in Yomitan, Okinawa. It is in ruins, but the walls and foundations have been restored.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

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Nakagusuku Castle Ruins

Nakagusuku Castle is a gusuku in the village of Kitanakagusuku, Okinawa, Japan.

そらみみ / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Sefa-utaki

Sefa-utaki, meaning "purified place of Utaki," is a historical sacred space, overlooking Kudaka Island, that served as one of the key…

663highland / CC BY 2.5

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Tamaudun Mausoleum

Tamaudun is one of the three royal mausoleums of the Ryukyu Kingdom, along with Urasoe yōdore at Urasoe Castle and Izena Tamaudun near…

そらみみ / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Shikinaen Royal Garden

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

nnh / Public domain

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Sonohyan-utaki

Sonohyan-utaki is a sacred grove of trees and plants of the traditional indigenous Ryukyuan religion.

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

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川平湾 Kabira Bay

Emerald green bay on Ishigaki Island known for black pearl cultivation. Glass-bottom boat tours provide views of extensive coral reefs and tropical fish, as swimming is prohibited due to strong currents.

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Yonehara Beach

A white sand beach on Ishigaki Island’s north coast featuring shallow coral reefs. It is a prime site for snorkeling, with a wide variety of tropical fish accessible directly from the shore.

anonymous 18th-century painter; I… / Public domain

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Ishigaki City Yaeyama Museum

Ishigaki City Yaeyama Museum opened in 1972 in Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

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Toujinbaka

An ornate memorial and burial site dedicated to 128 Chinese laborers who died during the 1852 Robert Bowne incident. The structure features traditional Chinese architectural styles and colorful carvings.

VKaeru / CC BY-SA 3.0

O

Nosokodake

A challenging hike up these hills is rewarded by stunning views of the area.

Paipateroma / CC BY-SA 4.0

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ピナイサーラの滝

The tallest waterfall in Okinawa Prefecture with a drop of 55 meters. Located on Iriomote Island, it is accessible via a combination of mangrove kayaking and jungle trekking.

Paipateroma / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Hirakubozaki

The northernmost point of Ishigaki Island, featuring a white lighthouse and panoramic views where the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea meet over surrounding coral reefs.

Kzaral / CC BY 2.0

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Tamatorizaki Observation Point

An observation point on the Ibaruma Peninsula offering views of the emerald sea and the northern coastline of Ishigaki Island. The path to the lookout is lined with year-round blooming hibiscus.

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