Located in southern Japan, Okinawa is an archipelago of more than 150 large and small islands, with wild, majestic natural beauty, long white sand beaches, emerald green sea water and brilliant coral reefs.
"Green pearl" of the Land of the Rising Sun
Historically, Okinawa was an independent empire and then became part of Japan in 1879. Because of this, Okinawa has its own culture, language (later merged with the Japanese language system) and traditional arts that have been preserved through many generations.
Okinawa is known as the green pearl of the "Land of the Rising Sun"
One of the outstanding features of Okinawa is its culture (influenced by many different cultures such as China, Japan and Southeast Asia) and traditional arts such as music, literature and festivals... Okinawa is also famous for its diverse and attractive local cuisine; especially fresh seafood and traditional dishes that are often seasoned with strong, spicy flavors. In addition, beautiful beaches, scenic spots and historical sites are also attractive destinations that cannot be missed for tourists when traveling to Okinawa.
This place is famous for its traditional Japanese beauty.
Churaumi Aquarium
You cannot miss the Churaumi Aquarium when traveling to Okinawa. With more than 740 species of marine life, including large whales and giant manta rays, this is considered one of the largest and best aquariums in the world. Immerse yourself in the underwater world and admire the stunning beauty of coral and the Kuroshio Sea at Churaumi. An underwater natural wonder will appear before your eyes just by the open space of the aquarium.
An underwater natural wonder
It seems like this place is taking over the task of keeping tourists.
Shuri Castle
Shuri Castle is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Okinawa. It served as the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom from 1429 to 1879.
Shuri Castle has a unique architectural style that reflects the local culture. The ancient space is surrounded by red tiled roofs; the gates and buildings are covered with red paint using the lacquer method. The castle burned down in 2019 but has now been partially restored and is in the process of being renovated.
This nearly 600-year-old citadel has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kokusai-dori Street
With a length of more than 1.5 km, the central street of Naha city will take you into a colorful world of shops, restaurants, bars and discos. Here, you can visit shopping, enjoy delicious food and explore the local culture. Kokusai-dori Street is a vibrant and bustling place, never sleeping from early morning until late at night. An ideal place for guests who love modern life every time they travel to Okinawa.
Stretching 1.5 km, Kokusai Dori is a famous street in downtown Naha.
Shops and restaurants are open until late at night, attracting local and foreign tourists alike.
This street originated from the old Ernie Pyle International Theatre which was built here by the American imperialists during the occupation at the end of World War II and became a popular entertainment venue.
Onna Village Green Cave
Blue Cave is one of the famous diving spots in Onna Village, Okinawa. This place promises to bring you the most wonderful and memorable experience during your Okinawa trip. With the magical blue color created by natural light, the cave creates a dreamlike landscape that makes you feel like you are entering another world.
Visitors can explore the cave by snorkeling or swimming, enjoying the adventure under the sea. In the cave, visitors will see fish and live coral. All create a diverse and beautiful ecological picture.
Dubbed "the magical blue of Japan", this place offers unforgettable scenes for visitors.
Busena Marine Park
Busena Marine Park is a must-see destination in Nago Bay during your Okinawa tour. With a glass-bottom boat or underwater observation tower, you can watch the sea creatures frolicking around and enjoy the feeling of relaxation amidst the vast blue sea.
Busena Marine Park's opening hours vary depending on the season. From November to March, the park is open from 9am to 5:30pm. From April to October, the closing time is adjusted to 30 minutes later. Note that the entrance fee applies to all ages.
With its outstanding advantages, Okinawa is gradually asserting its position as an attractive tourist destination for international visitors. If visitors are looking for a destination to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities and immerse themselves in pristine, fresh nature, Okinawa is the perfect choice.
Away from the crowds of Japan, Okinawa is a peaceful choice for travelers
Overtourism is becoming a serious problem at some famous places in Japan. Tourists flocking to these places to take "virtual life" photos and check-in photos is causing a lot of trouble for local people and affecting their quality of life.
The local government was forced to erect a barrier on the Fuji Dream Bridge to prevent tourists from taking photos. The reason was that the large number of tourists caused traffic congestion and affected the normal lives of local residents. Or the black net placed opposite the Lawson convenience store with a view of Mount Fuji was punctured just a few days after its installation. The net was placed to prevent tourists from climbing onto the store's roof to take photos, but it was vandalized just a few days later.
Local authorities’ efforts to curb tourists’ “virtual living” behavior do not seem to be as effective as expected. The reason is that many tourists lack awareness and do not respect the rules. Overtourism not only causes inconvenience to local people but also affects the image of Japan. To solve this problem, the government, businesses and tourists need to join hands.
