THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Okinawa Prefecture - 2024 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Things to Do in Okinawa Prefecture

Top Okinawa Prefecture Attractions

Things to Do in Okinawa Prefecture


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Okinawa Prefecture.

Top Attractions in Okinawa Prefecture

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

Expansive aquarium with a large tank displaying Okinawa's marine life, including whale sharks and manta rays. Features dolphin and sea turtle shows, and emphasizes marine education.
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Under restoration following a 2019 fire, this castle site presents a chance to learn traditional wood-making and explore the scenic park grounds. Nearby monorail access.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks

Vibrant district with a blend of American nostalgia and local culture, featuring diverse shops, eateries, and entertainment against a scenic waterfront backdrop.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • OZS_ATW
    Budapest, Hungary3,529 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We came here from Yaedake Sakuranomori Park at the end of January 2024.
    We paid Y 3,300 for 2 adults and a kid.
    The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium was located in a huge area. We did not like the dolphin show. It was very disappointing but the rest of the place was very interesting.
    Written April 4, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Scenic28604511627
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The bird performance show is awesome, those birds are adorable.
    鸚鵡表演很有趣,鸚鵡很可愛,還可以跟他們合照,適合小孩來看,可以跟動物互動體驗 🦜 🦜 🦜!
    Written May 10, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Choobyrooesq
    Los Angeles, CA273 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very cool place to visit while in Naha/Okinawa - it’s about a 20 minute cab ride from the Naha cruise terminal. I do wish the main reviews posted in Google actually showed that the main building burnt down in 2019 (5th time it burned down) and the massive palace building is being meticulously recreated. I was disappointed but when we got our tickets (approx $3 USD pp and they DO take small USD bills!) and went inside the restoration process was fascinating to watch - workers are there on week days so you can see the work being done.

    That said, it was still worth a visit and the grounds were quite extensive and the other buildings/walls/gates were really neat. There are also multiple places to get food (the top floor of the info building has a full service restaurant and a small cafe with snack offerings like popcorn chicken, soup noodles and ice cream), museum shops and some shopping kiosks from various vendors selling tourist Knick knacks.

    FYI you only need tickets if you want to go into the building to see the restoration work and the other back areas of the compound.
    Written March 19, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Christian M
    Copenhagen, Denmark5,276 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    From the parking lot, it's a 10-minute walk to Kabira Bay, where you'll find one of Ishigaki's most beautiful photo spots.

    The pristine white sandy beaches in the bay, the turquoise blue water, and the green trees create an extremely picturesque scene.

    During low tide, you can wade out onto a large sandbar in shorts and take photos with water all around you.

    We originally just came to see Kabira Bay and take a few photos, but we were captivated by the sight of local tourists paddling around on boards to look for fish and turtles in the shallow water.

    Afterward, the sun was shining warmly, and we spontaneously lounged in the soft sand for about an hour - and got nicely tanned. We noticed that the Japanese prefer to sit in the shade and avoid getting tan.
    Written May 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Hiroaki Kaneko
    Tokyo, Japan5,089 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    宮古島に複数あるビーチの一つです。非常に美しい白い砂と、来間大橋と来間島の景観が素晴らしく、海水浴が出来る夏季だけでなく冬季でも多くの観光客が訪れます。そのため、ビーチにあるレストランは冬季でも営業しています。
    基本的に車で訪れるスポットですが、駐車場の数はそれ程多くないことに注意が必要です。一方、海水浴が出来ない季節は、単に景色を眺める客のみが訪れるため、各車の駐車場の利用時間もそれ程長くなく、満車の機会はほとんどありません。
    近隣の住民による清掃作業が功を奏しているからか、海岸は常に美しく保たれています。一方で、レストラン脇に設置されているゴミ箱は常にいっぱいの状態ですので、可能な限りゴミは持ち帰って処分した方が良さそうです。
    レストランの他、トイレ及び有料のシャワー施設があるのみですが、余計なものが無いからこそ、ゆったりと時間を過ごすにはピッタリのスポットかもしれません。年間を通して暖かい場所ですので、時間を忘れてゆっくり過ごすなら、むしろ海水浴が出来ない季節の方がお勧めだと思います。

    This is one of several beaches on Miyako Island. The beautiful white sand and the view of the Kurima Island and the Kurima Ohashi Bridge are wonderful, attracting many tourists not only during the summer when swimming is possible, but also during the winter season. Therefore, restaurants on the beach are open during the winter season.
    The beach is generally visited by car, but it should be noted that there are not so many parking lots. On the other hand, during the non-bathing season, when only visitors come to admire the scenery, the parking lot is not occupied for very long and is rarely full.
    The beach is always kept beautiful, probably due to the cleaning work done by nearby residents. On the other hand, the trash cans by the restaurant are always full, so it's best to take your trash home with you and dispose of it whenever possible.
    In addition to the restaurant, there are only restrooms and shower facilities for a fee, but the lack of extras makes it a perfect spot to spend some time relaxing. It's warm throughout the year, so if you want to spend a relaxing time without losing track of time, it would be better to go there during the season when swimming is not available.
    Written January 11, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • John and Deb K
    Karratha, Australia776 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A fun market along with all other Japanese markets we have been to great to wander, lots of food to try and interesting to watch the people. We spent a couple of hours wandering the streets and trying different food. Picked up some t-shirts for $15 which is cheap.
    Written April 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ROCruiser
    Claremont, CA4,574 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The busiest part of town, I suppose, with all kinds of shops and restaurants. It's fun walking down from one end to the other especially on a Sunday when they blocked off traffic and making this into a pedestrians only area. Do try the snacks along the street. Absolutely enjoyed the hot cheese cake on a cold day. We did not do too much shopping other than a few boxes of cookies on this 4th trip to Naha.
    Written February 26, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brigette
    Hong Kong, China402 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Drove there after visiting Cape Zampa. Lighthouse visit has a small entrance fee. Steep climb 100 steps equivalent to a 5-storey building. Can get stuffy in summer I can image. Nice view on the top.
    Written April 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gracie
    New York City, NY118 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Spectacular view of the surrounding water as I slowly walked the 2.2 km across the bridge to Kouri Island. Walkway is on the left side only as you face north. Could see fish in the crystal clear water. Took a bus back to save energy and time.
    Written August 5, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Christian M
    Copenhagen, Denmark5,276 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Honestly, the lighthouse at the northern tip of Ishigaki isn't particularly attractive. So why do both domestic and foreign tourists flock to visit it?

    You'll find the answer as you stroll the 50 meters from the parking lot up to the lighthouse: the surroundings are simply breathtaking. You'll be treated to views of gentle, green hills, chalk-white beaches, azure blue water, a small uninhabited island - and yes, the lighthouse deserves a bit of attention too.

    If you want to take home some beautiful photos from Ishigaki, there's no way around visiting the lighthouse at Hirakubozaki. Afterwards, you can drive down to the southern end of the island and continue your photography adventure at Kabira Bay.
    Written May 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • OZS_ATW
    Budapest, Hungary3,529 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited the American Village in January 2024, on a Saturday. We took a bus from Naha Bus Terminal, it was approx 1 hour to get there.
    The American Village was a nice and interesting place with several stores and eatiries, like a small piece of USA. We enjoyed walking aound and checking our some shops. It was more like laid back day for us.
    Going back to Naha, we took the bus and we really hit the Saturday night rush hour, it took almost 1.5 hrs to get back.
    All in all, it was worth visiting this place but do not expect too much!
    Written March 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Takoyaki47
    Ogasawara-shoto, Japan913 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I went off season, so there were no people. Great beach. Looks like there is some kind of concession in the tourist season. Snorkel rentals, maybe some food and drink. Funky little table and chairs scattered around. Could be nice for a picnic and beers.
    Written December 14, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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