投稿日：2025/03/03
10 things to do in southern Okinawa
Here are 10 things to do in Okinawa (Southern part).
Shuri Castle
It is believed to have been founded around the 14th century, and was the political centre of the Ryukyu Kingdom for around 450 years. It was used as a place for diplomatic trade with China. Shuri Castle continued to exist after the fall of the Ryukyu Dynasty with the Meiji Restoration, but the buildings from that time were destroyed during the Pacific War in 1945. Shureimon Gate is made of vermilion and white, and remains a photogenic gate that welcomes guests both today and in the past. This gate is also depicted on the 2,000 yen note issued in 2000. (Although 2,000 yen notes are less in circulation in Japan, they still remain.)
Sefa Utaki
During the Ryukyu Kingdom period, which lasted for 450 years from 1429 to 1879, sacred white sand was brought in from Kudaka Island, known as the "Island of the Gods," and spread over the entire area during national festivals. This place is the most prestigious spiritual site and has become a power spot. Unlike shrines and temples on Honshu, Okinawa's Utaki do not have shrines or other buildings built. This is because they worship the power felt from the trees and boulders that exist in the surrounding nature. Even today, it is a sacred place where the power of nature remains.
Nirai Kanai Bridge
The Nirai Kanai Bridge was completed in August 2002 and is a 660m bridge that connects two bridges called the Nirai Bridge and the Kanai Bridge. "Nirai Kanai" means "utopia across the sea." Once you pass through the tunnel on the Nirai Kanai Bridge, you will be greeted by a magnificent view of emerald blue, truly a utopia. There is also an observation deck above the tunnel from which you can see a wide range. Be sure to enjoy the scenery that is unique to Okinawa.
Katsuren Castle Ruins
These castle ruins are built on a hill on the Katsuren Peninsula in the center of Okinawa's main island. In the 15th century, Amawari, who brought prosperity to Katsuren through overseas trade, lived here. Katsuren Castle, built on a natural cliff, is said to be impregnable, and its elegantly curved walls are beautiful. At the foot of the castle ruins, there is Amawari Park, where you can learn more about its history. You can also see the castle walls and the beautiful surrounding sea and islands, making it a very photogenic spot.
Okinawa World
This is a tourist facility where you can experience Okinawa's nature and culture. There is a 300,000-year-old limestone cave, a snake museum park, and a tropical fruit orchard. You can also enjoy Okinawa's traditional arts, Eisa and sanshin performances, and experience making traditional crafts such as glasswork and weaving. At the Ryukyu Photo Studio inside Okinawa World, you can try on traditional Ryukyu clothing. You can also take photos in the Ryukyu Kingdom Castle Town while dressed in Ryukyu clothing. It will be a great memory.
The "limestone cave", said to be the largest in the Orient, is beautiful and mysterious.
American Village
It is an American-style resort with a giant Ferris wheel. The Beach Tower Okinawa, the tallest building in Okinawa Prefecture, stands out. American Village, built in 2004 on the former site of a US military base, has many stores that recreate American streetscapes. Especially in the evening and at night, the entire park is enveloped in neon lights, giving you a more American experience.
Cape Zanpa
The 30m high cliff stretches for about 2km, making it one of the largest tourist spots on Okinawa Island. It is known as one of the most scenic spots in the prefecture, and the northern part of the cape is designated as a coastal quasi-national park. There is an unpopulated coastline with abundant marine life, and the remaining coral has formed an ino (lagoon). There are only 16 climbable lighthouses in Japan, and one of them is located here.
The lighthouse, ocean, and sunset at Cape Zanpa are a mystical sight. The starry sky is also beautiful, so you can enjoy it at any time of the day.
Makishi Public Market
Makishi Public Market, which opened in 1950 and has been loved by many Okinawan residents and tourists for 70 years, reopened in 2023. The new Makishi Public Market has stores selling raw meat, fish, and produce on the first floor, and restaurants serving Okinawan cuisine on the second floor. There are about 80 stores in total. The fresh fish area is lined with colorful fish, including red and blue. In addition to fish, there are also spiny lobsters sold in aquariums. You can also choose your own fish and shellfish and have them cooked for you in the restaurant on the second floor, so why not try some rare fish?
Namiuegu Shrine
Okinawa is a sacred place of worship where people worship the gods of "Niraikanai", the land of the sea god. Behind the main shrine is the Utaki torii gate, which has been worshiped in Okinawa since ancient times. It is said that people prayed for safe passage, gratitude for safe voyages, and bountiful catches and harvests while looking out at Naminoue Shrine. It is a wonderful shrine with a powerful first "torii gate" and a "stone-paved approach" that befits a shrine, and the "haiden" hall is painted in Okinawan vermilion paint. Worshipping while looking out at Okinawa's beautiful ocean is sacred and rare, and cleansing to the soul. Naminoue Shrine at sunset is also a spectacular sight.
Okinawa Kokusai Street
The name "Kokusai-dori" is said to come from the fact that there used to be a movie theater called Ernie Pyle International Theater near the current Tenbusu Naha. Today, it is a bustling downtown area with about 600 stores and facilities, including restaurants and souvenir shops, lined up, and is bustling with tourists day and night. The main street has a tropical atmosphere, but if you go down the back streets, you can experience a slightly deeper local atmosphere. Recommended dishes are the "Soki Soba" at Okinawa Soba "Taira Seimenjo" and the "FUNBALTO-HEYDEL BURGER" at the hamburger shop "Yura Yura 2nd".
summary
We have introduced "10 things to do in Okinawa (Southern part)". This is an area where the spiritual culture of Okinawa is still strongly felt, and it is home to famous places such as Shuri Castle and Okinawa Kokusai Street, as well as many tourist spots that we were not able to introduce this time, such as the Ryukyu Glass Village, Tamagusuku Castle Ruins, and Koza. Please come to Okinawa, where the Japanese Okinawan style and the American style coexist.
<Gourmet food introduced this time>
- Recommended dish: Soki soba
- Store: Taira Noodle Factory
- Store link URL
- Recommended dish: FUNBALTO-HEYDEL BURGER
- Store: Yura Yura 2nd
- Store link URL