Okinawa Attractions 2026: Top 30 Must-Visit Places & Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Okinawa? Discover the authentic culture of southern Ryukyu, dive into vibrant marine life, and enjoy a break from the city’s hustle. Trip.com highlights Okinawa’s top attractions and best places to stay——your adventure starts here!

Okinawa attractions: Basic information about Okinawa

• Okinawa, located at Japan’s southernmost tip, is a chain of islands that was once an independent kingdom.
• Known for its subtropical climate and as the birthplace of karate, the region offers rich cultural and natural experiences.
• Explore historic palace ruins and restored castles of the Ryukyu kings, relax on pristine beaches, and admire vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
• Visitors can also enjoy whale watching, cheer at dragon boat races, discover rare flora and fauna, and immerse themselves in the island’s laid-back atmosphere.

Okinawa Attractions:Recommended itinerary

We recommend planning a 5-day, 4-night trip. After accounting for travel on the first and last days, you’ll still have three full days to explore, giving you plenty of time to venture into the central and northern regions to visit key attractions.

Okinawa Attractions: Best Time to Visit

In Okinawa, the weather is most pleasant from March to May, while July and August are packed with summer vacation crowds—both periods are peak season.

• Spring: Okinawa’s spring comes early, with cherry blossoms blooming in late January and February. Azaleas, irises, lilies, and hydrangeas follow in full bloom throughout April and May. Early spring is also the prime time for whale watching off Zamami Island.
• Summer: From June to October, Okinawa’s subtropical summer is perfect for river trekking to waterfalls, exploring beaches, coral reefs, and nearby mangrove swamps. Popular activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and more.
• Autumn: After early autumn typhoons, humidity drops while temperatures remain ideal for beach activities and water sports. Autumn also brings exciting cultural events like the Naha Great Tug-of-War Festival and the Shuri Castle Festival.
• Winter: Winters in Okinawa are mild, averaging around 15°C. Divers can still explore underwater in December, while January marks the start of whale-watching season. Visitors can hike scenic spots like Cape Manzamo or enjoy lantern festivals during the festive season.

Okinawa Attractions: Road Trip

Many travelers visiting Okinawa choose to rent a car for a self-drive road trip. Renting a car in Okinawa saves time, offers flexibility, and helps you see more attractions—making it especially ideal for visitors traveling in groups.

Trip.com offers a one-stop car rental service, allowing travelers to easily and affordably rent cars in Okinawa. It includes rentals from companies like Times Car Rental, Orix, Flight Rent-a-Car, and Toyota, allowing you to quickly compare prices and find the best deal.

Recommended Okinawa Attractions

Okinawa can be easily divided into three major regions—north, central, and south—each with its own distinctive scenery.

Okinawa Attractions #1: Naha Kokusai Street ｜Southern Okinawa

International Street is the main avenue that symbolizes Okinawa’s commercial prosperity; after World War II it was also known as the “Miracle 1 Kilometer,” and it has maintained that same vibrancy ever since. Lining both sides are major department stores, gourmet restaurants, boutique fashion shops, large shopping malls, all kinds of entertainment venues, and a wide range of trend information and goods—reasonable prices guarantee you’ll head home loaded with great finds.

• ✨ Opening hours: Open 24 hours
• 👏 Address: Kenchomae Station, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan

Okinawa Attractions #2: Makishi Public Market｜Southern Okinawa

Makishi Public Market has been around for over 60 years and is known as the Kitchen of Okinawa. Inside, it specializes in all kinds of Okinawan treasures—live seafood, Agu pork, Ishigaki beef, and other fresh ingredients—as well as plenty of local condiments and take-home treats like chili oil and wakame seaweed. On the first-floor food section, you’ll find lots of stalls selling live seafood like lobster, crab, and turban shells. Pick out your favorites and haggle with the vendors at Makishi Public Market, then head up to the restaurants on the second floor to have everything cooked for you and enjoy a seafood feast!

• ✨ Hours: April–September 8:00 AM–10:00 PM; October–March 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
• 👏 Address: Naha City Monorail, Makishi Station and Miebashi Station

Okinawa Attractions #3: Naminoue Shrine｜Southern Okinawa

Naminoue Shrine is located in Naha City, perched on a coral reef cliff with views of the sea. As its name suggests, when the waves surge, it looks from afar as if it were sitting above the waves. Inside the shrine, Kumano Gongen, Hayatama-no-Okami, Ketsumiko-no-Okami and other deities are enshrined, making it one of the Eight Shrines of Ryukyu. Its red-tiled roof radiates Okinawa’s distinctive culture and is one of the must-visit sights when traveling to Naha.

• ✨ Opening hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
• 👏 Address: 1-25-11 Wakasa, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture

Okinawa Attractions #4: Itoman Fish Market｜Southern Okinawa

Itoman Fish Market is one of the three major fish markets in Okinawa, and because it sees fewer tourists, it’s more budget-friendly. From Naha Airport, it takes just 10-15 minutes to reach Itoman Fish Market, and many travelers who rent a car make it their first stop after landing in Okinawa.

• ✨ Opening Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
• 👏 Address: 4-19 Nishizaki, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan

Okinawa Attractions #5: Okinawa DFS Duty-Free Shop｜Southern Okinawa

T Galleria Okinawa is a duty-free store operated by DFS. Inside, you’ll find a wide range of international luxury labels—think DIOR, GUCCI, CHANEL, and more. Basically, if it’s a big-name brand, you can probably find it here, which is why it’s become a must-visit shopping destination for many travelers. Even better, for some brands the prices, after the tax refund, are much lower than in Hong Kong—so it’s easy to go a little crazy and blow the budget! That said, even with so many labels, you might still find that certain brands aren’t available or don’t have a dedicated counter, so it’s a good idea to check online in advance to see whether the duty-free store carries the brand you’re after.

• ✨ Opening hours: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
• 👏 Address: 4-1 Omoromachi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture

Okinawa Attractions #6: Gyokusendo Cave｜Southern Okinawa

Gyokusendo Cave is Okinawa’s largest limestone cave, formed around 300,000 years ago. Stretching about 5 kilometers (around 3.1 miles) in total, it showcases spectacular clusters of stalactites and stalagmites—numbering as many as 900,000. The first 800 meters (about 0.5 miles) are open to the public, and the cave stays pleasantly cool at around 20°C (68°F), making a visit to Gyokusendo a refreshingly beautiful adventure.

• 👏Get ready to explore! Address: 1336 Tamagusuku Maekawa, Nanjō City, Okinawa Prefecture, 901-0616, Japan
• ✨ Opening hours: 9:00 AM–5:30 PM

Okinawa Attractions #7: Shuri Castle｜Southern Okinawa

Shuri Castle, located in Naha on Okinawa Island, was once the capital and royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom. This was where the Ryukyu kings handled state affairs, received envoys, and hosted important ceremonies, and today it’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Throughout history, Shuri Castle was burned and rebuilt multiple times; the current structure is a reproduction modeled on the original remains left after World War II, showcasing Tang dynasty–style architecture. Unlike traditional Japanese castles, its exterior closely resembles the architectural style of China’s Minnan region. Look closely and you’ll notice that the dragons on the buildings appear as “mang” — four-clawed dragons ranked below the emperor’s five-clawed dragon — likely because the Ryukyu Kingdom was a Chinese tributary state at the time.

This Ryukyuan-style castle blends Chinese, Japanese, and Okinawan architectural features and has multiple gates. Not far from the entrance stands Shureimon, whose plaque bearing the words “Land of Propriety” was bestowed by the Chinese emperor when he invested the King of Ryukyu. Continuing through Kankaimon, Rokokumon, and Hoshinmon, you’ll reach the largest building inside the castle—the Main Hall (Seiden). The Main Hall’s North and South Halls were destroyed by a fire on October 31, 2019, and preparations for restoration are currently underway.

From October 26 to November 4 each year, the grand Shuri Castle Festival is held here. The event openly recruits performers from among local residents (including staff), and during the festival it reenacts scenes of visits by Chinese envoys in the Ryukyu Kingdom era. Participants dress in traditional Ryukyuan attire, lead more than 1,000 "court officials and palace ladies," and carry large palanquins to welcome China’s "investiture envoy."

• 👏 Address: 〒 903-0815 Okinawa Prefecture, Naha City, Shuri Kinjo-cho 1-2
• ✨ Opening hours: 8:00 AM–8:30 PM

Okinawa Attractions #8: Tomari Port Fish Market｜Southern Okinawa

Tomari Port Fish Market is only about a 10-minute drive from Naha’s Kokusai-dori, so we recommend visiting both together. The live, super-fresh seafood here is relatively affordable, making it a can’t-miss foodie spot for seafood lovers!

• 👏 Address: Minato-machi 1-chome 1-18, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
• ✨ Opening Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM

Okinawa Attractions #9: Ou Island | Southern Okinawa

Ou Island is the most famous small island in southern Okinawa. Cross the bridge over the sea to reach the island and you’ll instantly feel its simple, rustic island vibe. It’s best explored on foot—take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the sights.

• 👏 Address: Ojima (Ou) Island, Tamagusuku, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture
• ✨ Opening hours: Open 24 hours

Okinawa Attractions #10: Outlet ASHIBINAA｜Southern Okinawa

Okinawa’s Ashibinaa Outlet is just a 15-minute drive from Naha Airport, so many travelers make it their final stop to squeeze in one last shopping spree before their flight. ASHIBINAA is a semi–open-air shopping mall with a sprawling layout and a diverse lineup of brands—everything from fashion and health-and-beauty to electronics. If you’ve got time, take it slow and wander around; you might stumble upon some great discounted finds!

• 👏 Address: 1-188 Toyosaki, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture
• ✨ Opening hours: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Okinawa Attractions #11: Cape Chinen Park | Southern Okinawa

Cape Chinen Park is located in the southern part of Okinawa Island and is a breathtaking spot where you can truly unwind, body and soul. The park is surrounded by the sea on three sides, offering sweeping views that let you take in the magnificent scenery of the Pacific Ocean. Azure waters, golden sandy beaches, and lush grassy meadows come together to paint a beautiful natural panorama.

• 👏 Address: Kudeken, Chinen, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture
• ✨ Opening hours: Open 24 hours

Okinawa Attractions #12: Onuma Quasi-National Park｜Southern Okinawa

During World War II, more than 200,000 residents of Okinawa were swept up in the fighting, suffering devastating casualties. After the war, the people of Okinawa reflected deeply on their losses; to warn future generations about the calamities war brings to humanity, they established the Peace Memorial Park in the Mabuni area. Inside the park, you’ll find the Peace Prayer Hall, the Peace Memorial Museum, and various monuments dedicated to peace.

• 👏 Address: 444 Mabuni, Itoman, Okinawa 901-0333 Japan
• ✨ Opening hours: Open 24 hours

Okinawa Attractions #13: Umikaji Terrace Senagajima｜Southern Okinawa

Opened in 2015, the white open-air shopping complex “Senagajima Umikaji Terrace” is home to nearly 50 diverse shops. Thanks to its stylish design, it’s been dubbed the “Okinawan Mediterranean” and “Little Greece,” making it a hotspot for Instagram-worthy photos.

• 👏 Address: 174-6 Senaga, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture, 901-0233, Japan
• ✨ Opening hours: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Okinawa Attractions #14: Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium｜Northern Okinawa

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is one of Okinawa’s most iconic attractions and a wonderfully family-friendly place to visit. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium features a Sea Turtle pavilion, a Manatee pavilion, and a massive aquarium that houses dolphins, manta rays, and even the world’s largest fish—the whale shark! For a glimpse into the wonders of the ocean world, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is an Okinawa attraction that blends education with entertainment.

• ✨ Opening hours: 8:30 AM–6:30 PM
• 👏 Address: 424 Ishikawa, Motobu Town, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan (inside Ocean Expo Park)

Okinawa Attractions #15: Cape Manzamo｜Northern Okinawa

Manzamo is one of the must-visit attractions on the west coast of Okinawa’s main island. “Manza” means “ten thousand people sitting,” and “mo” is Okinawan dialect for grassland or open space. So “Manzamo” refers to a vast lawn said to accommodate ten thousand people. Why not come here to admire the broad grassy expanse above the emerald sea and take in Okinawa’s unique, boundless views of ocean and sky?

• ✨ Opening hours: 8:00 AM-7:00 PM
• 👏 Address: Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0411 Japan

Okinawa Attractions #16: Kouri Island | Northern Okinawa

Kouri Island is a round island in the northern part of Okinawa’s main island. Sea urchins and mozuku seaweed are local specialties, and the island is well-known for its thriving fishing industry. As you drive across Kouri Bridge, you’re treated to breathtaking ocean views. Sugarcane fields are scattered across the island, along with famous sights like Origin Cave and the Heart-shaped Rock. Beside the Kouri Island Lighthouse, a long stretch of sheer cliffs unfolds, creating expansive, majestic scenery.

• ✨ Hours: Open 24/7, year-round
• 👏 Address: Kouri, Nakijin Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture 905-0406, Japan

Okinawa Attractions #17: Nago Pineapple Park｜Northern Okinawa

Nago Pineapple Park is a decades-old pineapple plantation. The red, acidic soil in northern Okinawa Island is especially well-suited for growing pineapples, so the fruit from this area has long been famous. Today, the park cultivates over a hundred varieties of pineapple and nearly a thousand types of tropical plants. Visitors can hop aboard a pineapple cart to tour the grounds, take in the many different pineapple varieties and the rarely seen pineapple flowers, and also watch how pineapple juice and other products are made.

• ✨ Opening hours: 10:00-18:00 (last entry at 17:30)
• 👏 Address: 1195 Yoshino, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture

Okinawa Attractions #18: Busena Marine Park｜Northern Okinawa

Busena Marine Park on Okinawa Island is home to an underwater observatory tower where you can get up close to all kinds of tropical fish and other marine life. Walk down the spiral staircase and look through the glass to watch butterflyfish, clownfish, and more swimming by. The park also features a unique whale-shaped glass-bottom boat, letting you feel the sea breeze as you cruise the open sea.

• ✨ Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• 👏 Address: 1744-1 Kise, Nago, Okinawa 905-0026 Japan

Okinawa Attractions #19: Sesoko Beach | Northern Okinawa

The beaches around Sesoko Island boast crystal-clear waters, and from the shoreline you can take in beautiful views of Ie Island and Minna Island. The sweeping stretch of Sesoko Beach is a natural, shallow shore of fine white sand, perfect for enjoying a swim near the coast with family and friends. With vibrant tropical fish and coral reefs, it’s also an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving.

• ✨ Opening hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
• 👏 Address: 5583-1 Sesoko, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0227, Japan

Okinawa Attractions #20: Blue Cave｜Central Okinawa

The Blue Cave is a natural azure cavern located at Cape Maeda in Okinawa, where the refraction of sunlight creates all kinds of beautiful scenery. There are only two places in the world with a “Blue Cave”: one in Italy and the other right here in Okinawa. It’s one of Okinawa’s most popular spots for snorkeling and scuba diving, and even first-time divers can experience the joy of diving here.

• ✨ Opening hours: Open 24 hours
• 👏 Address: 904-0417 Okinawa Prefecture, Kunigami District, Onna Village, Maeda 469-1

Okinawa Attractions #21: Cape Zanpa | Central Okinawa

Cape Zanpa sits at the northwestern tip of Yomitan Village and is one of Okinawa’s most famous sightseeing spots. A white lighthouse overlooks turquoise waters and endless blue skies—the views are simply beautiful. Nearby, you’ll find places for diving and shoreline fishing. In the plaza by the lawn in front of Cape Zanpa, there are restaurants and exhibits featuring models of tribute ships that historically traded with China. At the plaza entrance stands the Ocean Sir Zanpa Great Shisa, a guardian lion about seven meters tall with an awe-inspiring presence.

• ✨ Opening hours: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
• 👏 Address: Uza, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0328, Japan

Okinawa Attractions #22: Southeast Botanical Gardens｜Central Okinawa

The Southeast Botanical Gardens is one of Japan’s few tropical gardens. The park offers electric cart tours; kids can try their hand at fishing, and there are some simple climbing structures. Inside, you’ll find lots of small animals—rabbits, monkeys, guinea pigs, and more—super cute. Here, you can get close to fluttering butterflies, ferrets, and other little creatures, and experience making Okinawa’s lucky Shisa lions and more, helping you forget everything and relax comfortably as you while away the time.

• ✨ Opening hours: 9:30 AM-6:00 PM (last admission at 5:30 PM)
• 👏 Address: 〒 904-2143 Okinawa Prefecture, Okinawa City, Chibana 2146

Okinawa Attractions #23: American Village｜Central Okinawa

American Village is a multifaceted cultural and commercial complex, featuring 3D imagery–centered entertainment. Within the district you’ll find movie theaters, shopping centers, bowling alleys, American restaurants, recording studios, entertainment centers, and import grocery stores. Originally built to meet the daily needs of nearby U.S. military personnel and their families, it gradually evolved into a neighborhood rich in American vibes. Today it’s brimming with international flair, lined with general stores, snack stalls, and cafés, and travelers often come specifically to ride the Ferris wheel for a panoramic view of the entire American Village.

• ✨ Opening hours: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM
• 👏 Address: Mihama, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0115, Japan

Okinawa Attractions #24: Ryukyu Village｜Central Okinawa

Ryukyu Village is a theme park that brings Okinawan culture to life, preserving the look and feel of old Okinawa. Many traditional Ryukyu homes with red-tile roofs have been relocated and protected here, giving the entire village a charming, old-world atmosphere. Visitors can dive into hands-on crafts like pottery making, indigo dyeing, and brewing. You can also enjoy traditional Ryukyu performances, sample local specialty snacks in historic homes, and of course dress in Ryukyu costumes for keepsake photos—fully immersing yourself in Okinawan culture.

• ✨ Opening hours: 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
• 👏 Address: 1130 Yamada, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0416

Okinawa Attractions #25: Okinawa Zoo & Museum｜Central Okinawa

Okinawa Zoo & Museum, located in Okinawa City, is a fantastic destination for family outings. Inside, you’ll find a zoo and a museum—perfect for exploring with little ones. The zoo climbs a hillside, offering views over a lake nearby and, in the distance, the ocean. It’s modest in size, but packed with hands-on animal encounters, like feeding giraffes and petting chicks and hamsters. The museum features science games and art workshops that bring scientific principles to life in a fun, engaging way.

• ✨ Opening hours: 9:30 AM–6:00 PM
• 👏 Address: 5-chōme-7-1 Goya, Okinawa, 904-0021 Japan

Okinawa Attractions #26: Shurijo Castle｜Central Okinawa

Perched on the high ground in Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, Shurijo Castle Park features a complex layout that is broadly divided into outer and inner enclosures. Blending distinctive architectural styles and stone masonry techniques from both Chinese and Japanese castle-building traditions, Shurijo Castle Park holds immense cultural and historical value.

• ✨ Opening hours: 8:00 AM–8:30 PM
• 👏 Address: 1-2 Shuri Kinjo-cho, Naha City

Okinawa Attractions #27: Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum｜Central Okinawa

The museum sits in Naha’s new district, and its architecture is strikingly modern—white exterior walls paired with square lattice patterns give it the feel of a fortress. Here, you can gain a deeper understanding of Okinawa’s uniquely vibrant history and culture. The museum presents Okinawa’s nature, history, and culture through two perspectives: the “ocean” and the “islands.” The art museum primarily exhibits works from Okinawa or connected to Okinawa, spanning various forms such as fine art, photography, and installation art.

• ✨ Opening hours: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM
• 👏 Address: 3-chōme-1-1 Omoromachi, Naha, Okinawa 900-0006 Japan

Okinawa Attractions #28: Tokashiki Island｜Central Okinawa

Tokashiki Island lies in the eastern part of the Kerama Islands. It’s a renowned diving spot, with spectacular canyons and caves waiting for enthusiasts to explore. Because of its sloping terrain, there’s a wide variety of hard corals and sea fans, and schools of fish gather here too. The island has three beaches—Tokashiki, Aharen, and Tokashiku—with Aharen Beach being the better-known one; you can swim and snorkel here.

• ✨ Opening hours: Open 24 hours
• 👏 Address: Tokashiki Island, Tokashiki Village, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan

Okinawa Attractions #29: Chatan Park Sunset Beach | Central Okinawa

Chatan Park Sunset Beach is located within Chatan Park and is one of Okinawa’s famous seaside swimming areas—a public beach where locals often come to relax and unwind. Because the beach is right next to American Village, most visitors tend to be foreign travelers. True to its name, Chatan Park Sunset Beach is a popular spot for admiring beautiful sunset views, and in the evening many people gather along the shore to watch the sun go down.

• ✨ Opening hours: 7:30 AM–10:00 PM
• 👏 Address: 2 Mihama, Chatan Town, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture

Okinawa Attractions #30: Okinawa City Hall Observation Deck | Central Okinawa

Perched atop the tower, the Okinawa City Hall Observation Deck lets you take in panoramic views of the entire city and even the distant Pacific Ocean. It’s absolutely worth a visit—the experience is fantastic.

• ✨ Opening hours: 8:30 AM–12:00 AM
• 👏 Address: Nakasone Town, Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture

Okinawa Attractions:Top Lodging Choices for Travelers