50 Things to Do in Okinawa

41. Valley of Gangala (Southern Region) [Activity]

The Valley of Gangala is a valley formed by the collapsing of a limestone cave hundreds of thousands of years ago. At the moment, it has become popular as a caving spot. Inside the facilities is a cave cafe which seats 100 people, and depending on the season, popular artists play concerts there.

HP: http://www.gangala.com/lang/index_en.html

Address: 202 Maekawa, Tamagusuku, Nanjo-shi, Okinawa (Google Map)

42. Purple Yam Tart (Central Region) [Food]

The combination of purple yam, one of Okinawa’s local products, and tart makes for a delicious sweet that is very popular as a souvenir. Tours of the original store where the purple yam tart was produced are available and it has become a popular tourist spot. Purple yam tart has become so popular that they even sell purple yam tart mobile phone straps!

HP: www.okashigoten.co.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 657-1 Uza, Yomitan-son, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa (Google Map)

43.Okinawa World (Southern Region) [Activity]

A large theme park about 30m from Naha Airport where you can experience Okinawa’s culture, nature and traditions. In the park, there is a cave said to be the most beautiful in the east which is visited by around 1 million people per year. Here, you can enjoy some light caving. At the park, which is themed like the downtown area of an old Ryukyu Kingdom castle, you can learn about traditional Okinawan homes, which were designated as a national tangible cultural asset.

HP: http://www.gyokusendo.co.jp/okinawaworld/en/

Address: 1336, Tamagusuku Maekawa, Nanjo-city, Okinawa (Google Map)

44. Shuri Ryusen (Southern Region) [Activity]

Here, you can try your hand at traditional Okinawan dyeing, which uses coral, and make your own tote bag or t-shirt - an ideal souvenir of your visits! Beginners are welcome, and it only takes about 30 minutes to do.

HP: www.shuri-ryusen.com/en/

Address: 1-54, Shuriyamagawacho, Naha, Okinawa (Google Map)

45. The Ruins of Zakimi Castle (Central Region) [Sightseeing]

The ruins of a castle built at the start of the 15th century in the village of Yomitan. With its beautiful arch-shaped gate and stone castle walls, Zakimi Castle is famous as one of most well preserved castle ruins in Okinawa. With its location close to Murasaki Village, we recommend visiting both. The Zakimi Castle ruins have been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

Address: 708-6 Zakimi, Yomitan Village, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa (Google Map)

46. A Cafe by the Sea (Southern Region) [Food]

A relaxing cafe with a large open window that offers a spectacular view of the sea. Enjoying a coffee and a sandwich while listening to the sound of the waves is exquisite. After enjoying your meal at the cafe, why not go for a relaxing stroll on the beach?

HP: https://sachibaru.jp/en/hamacha/

Address: 2-1, Tamagusuku, Nanjo-city, Okinawa (Google Map)

47. Blue Seal [Food]

Unique flavors that you won’t find outside of Japan! Originally started during the American occupation, it spectacularly fuses American ice cream with Okinawan ingredients. Loved by the people of Okinawa, Blue Seal sells over 30 different flavors of ice cream, including some rather odd flavors such as purple yam and citrus depressa (shequasar).  

HP: http://en.blueseal.co.jp/

Address: Branches throughout Okinawa

48. Awamori Zuisen Distillery (Southern Region) [Activity]

Established in 1887, Zuisen Distillery is one of the most traditional distilleries of awamori in Okinawa. Awamori is the local drink of Okinawa, loved by the people of Okinawa since the period of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It has even received distillery awards overseas, in America and the UK. The distillery is open to tours.

HP: http://www.zuisen.co.jp/multi/en/e-01.html

Address: 1-3 Shuri Sakiyama-cho, Naha City, Okinawa (Google Map)

49. Dojo Bar (Southern Region) [Food]

A very unique bar themed on karate. It is a really international bar that is popular with both local and overseas karate fans. As well as local Okinawan alcohol, they offer all sorts of cocktails named after karate techniques. Run by the English owner. It is easy to access from the monorail as well.

HP: www.dojobarnaha.com/

Address:101 Asato, Naha City, Okinawa (Google Map)

​​​​​​​50. Chinsuko [Food]

A traditional Okinawan sweet that has been made since the Ryukyu Kingdom period. It is one of the typical souvenirs of the region. Originally eaten during celebrations by the Ryukyu royal family and aristocracy. Nowadays, you can enjoy all sorts of flavors of chinsuko, including chocolate and purple yam.

Okinawa - a place where you can enjoy beautiful beaches and marine activities while still being in Japan. Why not visit Okinawa to enjoy the calm pace of life on the southern islands and learn about its unique culture and history?

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