Travel To Okinawa Island – Top 10 Best Places

Okinawa consists of 3 major islands and countless smaller islands that it easily makes one directionless. Even Okinawa mainland could be a challenge if you have never come across with the A-list of top 10 must-visit places and their short descriptions shown below. (Also refer to the map at the bottom of the article.)

  1. Shuri Castle – Reconstructed former Ryukyu royal palace.
  2. War Memorials – Peace Park and other war related sites.
  3. Ocean Expo Park – Amusement park with Japan’s best aquarium.
  4. Nakagusuku Castle – Beautiful ruins of a former Ryukyu castle.
  5. Shikinaen Garden – Second residence of the former Ryukyu kings.
  6. Hedo Misaki – Cape at the northern tip of Okinawa Honto.
  7. Tsuboya Pottery District – District with many pottery shops.
  8. Nakamurake Residence – Traditional Okinawan style residence.
  9. Kokusaidori – Main shopping and entertainment street.
  10. Okinawa World – Featuring a cave and folk craft village.

Okinawa Island, Japan

Okinawa Island, Japan

Okinawa flag

Okinawa flag

Map of Okinawa Prefecture showing location of Okinawa Island, Japan

Map of Okinawa Prefecture showing location of Okinawa Island, Japan

Okinawa Island Map

Okinawa Island Map

Okinawa Island Map - Attractions

Okinawa Island Map - Attractions

an elegant shot of Kokusaidori shopping and entertainment street at Downtown Naha, Okinawa Island

an elegant shot of Kokusaidori shopping and entertainment street at Downtown Naha, Okinawa Island

beautiful view at Shikinaen Garden, Okinawa Island

beautiful view at Shikinaen Garden, Okinawa Island

Ie Island is just off of the Motobu peninsula of Okinawa Island, Japan

Ie Island is just off of the Motobu peninsula of Okinawa Island, Japan

Nakagusuku Castle  site shows beautiful ruins of a former Ryukyu castle

Nakagusuku Castle site shows beautiful ruins of a former Ryukyu castle

Okinawa Island Tree House Restaurant offers romantic Naha Harbor Diner

Okinawa Island Tree House Restaurant offers romantic Naha Harbor Diner

oversea tourists walk around Peace Memorial Park

oversea tourists walk around Peace Memorial Park

solemn atmosphere at Himeyuri Memorial Tower, Okinawa Island, Japan

solemn atmosphere at Himeyuri Memorial Tower, Okinawa Island, Japan

the magnificence of Shuri Castle stands the challenge of time

the magnificence of Shuri Castle stands the challenge of time

splendid design inside the Shuri Castle

splendid design inside the Shuri Castle

the breathtaking scene in Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Ocean Expo Park

the breathtaking scene in Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Ocean Expo Park

the simplicity of the traditioanl Okinawan Nakamura house, Okinawa Island, Japan

the simplicity of the traditioanl Okinawan Nakamura house, Okinawa Island, Japan