17 Things to Do in Okinawa Tourism! For foreigners, all seasons
This article introduces how to enjoy Okinawa by season, in addition to how to enjoy Okinawa in all seasons (all seasons), for foreigners who want to visit Okinawa and enjoy Okinawa in any season.
There are a total of 17 spots and things to do introduced.
If you want to learn more about the charms of Okinawa, which can be enjoyed at any time of the year, please refer to this page!
Things to do in Okinawa 【 All Season 】 5 choices
Here are some things to do and recommended sightseeing spots in Okinawa for all seasons.
Feel the sea creatures up close at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium!
Churaumi Aquarium is the most famous aquarium in Okinawa.
It is a large aquarium located in Ocean Expo Park in the northwestern part of Okinawa's main island.
Churaumi is an Okinawan word meaning "pure sea" or "beautiful sea.
The 8.8-meter-long whale shark, which has set a world record for long-term captivity, is perhaps the most important creature to see.
In addition, many other species of rays, manta rays, and corals, including the common manta ray, are also kept here.
This is a must-visit spot to learn more about the maritime city of Okinawa.
Churaumi Aquarium:https://churaumi.okinawa/
Learn about Okinawa's history and culture at Shurijo Castle!
Shuri Castle, a castle that symbolizes the history and culture of Okinawa, is another must-see sightseeing spot when visiting Okinawa.
Shurijo Castle is a structure that gives visitors a sense of the history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Okinawa and Okinawa's past.
It is located in the "Shurijo District" of the National Okinawa Memorial Park and is an urban park.
Shuri Castle:https://oki-park.jp/shurijo/
Spectacular drive through the Kouri Bridge!
The Kouri Bridge connects Kouri Island in Nakijin Village with Yagaji Island in Nago City.
Its total length is a very long 1,960 meters, allowing visitors to enjoy the ocean view for a long time.
The waters of Okinawa are famous for their clarity.
In any season, you will be able to drive over the long, open bridge with spectacular views.
Enjoy tropical food at Nago Pineapple Park!
Nago Pineapple Park is a botanical garden that takes advantage of the warm climate of the southern islands to grow pineapples and other tropical plants.
You can admire the plants all year round, which are overgrown like a jungle.
As the name "Pineapple Park" implies, there are many services available for visitors to learn more about pineapples.
In addition to this, it is possible to enjoy sweets and pastries made from pineapple.
Reference:https://www.nagopine.com
Selecting souvenirs on Kokusai Dori!
Kokusai-dori is a famous shopping street that is the first name that comes to mind when one thinks of places to pick up souvenirs in Okinawa.
In addition to the unique Okinawan souvenirs, there are also many restaurants and places to eat.
Chinsuko, Ryukyu glass, "Uminin" T-shirts, etc., this is a recommended spot to stop by whenever you want to do some Okinawan-style shopping.
International Street shopping street in Naha City:https://naha-kokusaidori.okinawa/
Things to do in Okinawa【 Spring/Spring】 3 selections
Here are some things to do and recommended sightseeing spots in Okinawa that are unique to spring.
The sea opens in March! Enjoy the earliest sea in Japan in Okinawa!
Because of Okinawa's mild climate, beaches, which usually open in mid-July in Japan, are open from spring.
The sea opens (i.e., beaches open) as early as March in some places, and many people enjoy playing in the sea in Okinawa in spring.
Surrounded by lilies at Ie Village Lily Field Park!
The Ie Village Lily Field Park, located on Iejima Island, about 30 minutes by ferry from the main island of Okinawa, hosts the annual Lily Festival starting around April 20.
It is possible to stroll through the park, which is home to the teppo lily, the flower of Ie Village, and many other lilies from around the world.
Ie Island is also home to a beautiful, dazzling green hada plant colony and the ruins of Kadabaru Cave, making the whole of Ie Island a single tourist destination.
Lilyfield Park:https://www.iejima.org/document/2015011000138/
Take a walk and relax at an Okinawan cafe!
Spring in Okinawa, which is mild and pleasant, is a good time to take a walk and relax at a café.
In particular, if you choose a café with an ocean view, you can enjoy delicious drinks and snacks while gazing at the Okinawan sea.
We recommend "Hamabe no Chaya" in Minamigusuku City and "On the Beach CAFE" in Nakijin Village.
Both offer tea with a view of Okinawa's beautiful ocean.
Teahouse on the beach:https://sachibaru.jp/hamacha/
On the Beach CAFE (Instagram):https://www.instagram.com/on_the_beach_cafe.okinawa/
If you are looking for a hotel in Okinawa, click below!
Things to do in Okinawa【 Summer/Summer】 3 selections
Here are some things to do and recommended sightseeing spots in Okinawa because of summer.
Summer is in full swing! Enjoy the sunshine of Okinawa!
Okinawa is an island near the equator.
Summer is the hottest season, and it is also the season when Okinawa shines the most.
Enjoying Okinawa under the hot summer sun will give you a feeling of charm that you cannot experience in any other season.
Gaze at the beautiful ocean lit by the summer sun at Manzakage!
Manzamo is a spectacular spot located in Onna Village.
The cliffs, made of Ryukyu limestone, a rock unique to Okinawa, offer a panoramic view of the Okinawan sea.
The summer sun will make the view from Manzagake even brighter.
The cliffs are called "Elephant's Nose" because of the unique shape of some parts of the cliffs' construction.
In addition to the cliffs and ocean, the area is also noted for its beautiful natural lawns and plant communities designated as natural monuments by the prefecture.
Manzakage | Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture | Onna Village, a vibrant place of blue and greenhttps://www.vill.onna.okinawa.jp/about/information/1484719566/1484720229/
Enjoy the ocean by diving and snorkeling!
After all, summer is all about the sea!
To enjoy Okinawa's summer to the fullest, why not choose to be surrounded by the sea by diving or snorkeling?
Snorkeling as well as diving can be enjoyed without the need for a license for experience diving.
Diving is the best way to experience Okinawa's beautiful ocean from the inside.
You may be able to see marine life up close that you have never seen before.
Some diving services offer the experience of feeding tropical fish.
Things to do in Okinawa【 Autumn/Autumn】 3 selections
Here are some things to do and recommended sightseeing spots in Okinawa in autumn.
Reference:https://www.tabirai.net/sightseeing/news/0000927.aspx
Enjoy community-based festivals!
Autumn is the time of year when fertility festivals are held to give thanks for the year's harvest. Okinawa is no exception.
One of the most famous festivals is the Naha Otsunahiki Festival.
The festival has a history of more than 500 years, and as the name implies, the sight of the participants pulling a large rope against each other is a sight to behold. As the name implies, the sight of the large ropes being pulled together is a spectacle to behold.
The tether used for the festival is recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the "World's Largest Straw Rope.
Naha Tug of War:http://www.naha-otsunahiki.org/
Astronomical observation in the great outdoors!
Okinawa is a land where you can enjoy magnificent nature, and starlight is also very easy to see.
Autumn, when the air is clearer, is the season for astronomical observation, and is said to be the most beautiful time of the year to enjoy the starry sky.
Especially in the Yaeyama Islands (Ishigaki, Taketomi, and Hateruma), it is possible to view a star-filled sky unobstructed by city lights.
They can also see all 21 first-magnitude stars.
Reminiscing about history at Himeyuri Tower
Himeyuri Pagoda is a cenotaph related to the Battle of Okinawa in World War II.
It was built on the site where the hospital was located at the end of the Battle of Okinawa.
A one-minute walk away is the Himeyuri Peace Memorial Museum, where visitors can see a full-scale diorama of the hospital as it was then.
It is also possible to see footage of people testifying to events of the time.
You will be able to spend time thinking about history, learning about what happened in the past in the beautiful land of Okinawa.
【 Official 】 HIMEYURI PEACE MUSEUM / [OFFICIAL] HIMEYURI PEACE MUSEUM:https://www.himeyuri.or.jp/JP/top.html
Things to do in Okinawa【 Winter/Winter】 3 choices
Here are some of the things to do and places to visit in Okinawa that are recommended only because it is winter.
Enjoy warm Soki Soba in the cooler winter months!
Even in the southern island of Okinawa, the lowest temperatures in winter (December to January) can fall below 15°C.
Since it is the season when you feel a little chilly, let's enjoy Okinawa while warming up with Soki Soba, a local dish of Okinawa.
Soki is an Okinawan dialect word for spare ribs (ribs on the bone).
This noodle dish is made with sweet and spicy cooked soki and medium-thick Okinawa soba noodles, and you will definitely feel the warmth of Okinawa by eating it.
Okinawa is warm even in winter! Enjoy the remote islands!
Although I said "it gets chilly in winter," it is still a tropical country.
You can enjoy a much warmer climate than in the north.
Especially on remote islands, even in late fall around the end of November, many islands are warm enough for flowers to bloom, and you can enjoy the mild air and nature.
Ishigaki Island, Taketomi Island, and Iriomote Island are recommended.
Get freshly caught seafood at the First Makishi Public Market in Han'ya!
The Daiichi Makishi Public Market (Makishi Kousetsu Ichiba) in Naha City is "Okinawa's Kitchen" where food products from Okinawa Prefecture are gathered.
With a history of over 60 years, you can experience Okinawan food close at hand.
The market is developed in the form of a shopping arcade, making it an enjoyable spot even when the weather is bad.
Many Okinawan foodstuffs, such as fish and meat, specialty products, and unique seasonings are available.
Public Market｜Naha City Daiichi Makishi Public Market Association 【 Official 】:https://kosetsu-ichiba.com/
summary
So far, we have explained and introduced how to enjoy Okinawa by season, in addition to how to enjoy Okinawa in all seasons (all seasons) for foreigners who want to visit Okinawa and enjoy Okinawa in any season.
Please refer to the contents and enjoy Okinawa.
