Complete Okinawa sightseeing guide! A trip to experience history, gourmet food, and charm
Exploring Okinawa’s history and culture
Historical background of Okinawa
My name is Kasumi. As a travel web writer who has traveled all over Japan, I would like to share with you the charms of Japan’s southern paradise, Okinawa Prefecture. Okinawa is a place full of history, culture, and nature, and I have experienced new discoveries and excitement every time I have visited.
Okinawa has a long history, dating back to the Ryukyu Kingdom era. During this period, Okinawa developed its own unique culture and prospered through trade with China and Southeast Asia. Shuri Castle in Naha City is a symbol of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and its magnificent architecture and beautiful gardens still fascinate visitors.
Okinawa’s traditions and culture
Okinawan culture is characterized by brightly colored costumes, traditional music, and dance. Watching Okinawa’s traditional dance, Eisa Odori, is highly recommended as part of your sightseeing tour. The sounds of Okinawan folk songs and the sanshin also gently embrace the hearts of visitors. Cultural diversity is one of Okinawa’s major attractions.
Interacting with local people
The warmth of the local people is also a big attraction of sightseeing in Okinawa. By interacting with the locals, you can get a glimpse of Okinawa’s daily life and life. Through conversations with the locals, I was able to learn deeply about Okinawa’s history, culture, and gourmet food.
Okinawa’s historical buildings and tourist destinations
In addition to Shuri Castle, Okinawa is dotted with many historical buildings and tourist spots. For example, the Nakagusuku Castle Ruins and Katsuren Castle Ruins, both registered as World Heritage Sites, are places where you can feel the history of Okinawa. Additionally, Okinawa Peace Memorial Park, where you can learn about the history of war, leaves a deep impression on visitors.
Okinawa’s history and culture are rich and diverse, setting it apart from other regions. I was able to feel the deep charm of Okinawa through its diverse culture, historical architecture, and warm encounters with its people. In the next part, we will introduce Okinawa’s gourmet food and recommended sightseeing spots, so please look forward to it!
Enjoy Okinawa’s gourmet food and natural charm
Delicious traditional cuisine of Okinawa
Speaking of Okinawa, its diverse gourmet food is also a big attraction. I was also captivated by the many traditional Okinawan dishes. First of all, bitter gourd champuru. This distinctively bitter dish is a staple of Okinawan home cooking and is said to be good for your health. Also, Okinawa soba is simple but has a deep flavor, and I eat it every time I visit.
The next thing to introduce is taco rice. This is a dish of rice topped with taco ingredients, and was born under American influence. The colors are bright and the flavor is rich, so you can enjoy both the sight and the taste. I also look forward to eating taco rice at a local restaurant.
Experience at a local restaurant
I enjoyed the authentic taste of Okinawa at a local restaurant. In particular, at Ichibanya, I was able to eat with locals and learn a lot about Okinawan cuisine. Also, the Agu pork shabu-shabu at Uminumiya was exquisite and I was impressed by its deliciousness.
The beauty of Okinawa’s sea
The beauty of Okinawa’s sea is unparalleled in the entire country. The scenery of the emerald green sea and white sand beach is like paradise. When I dive into the sea, I am overwhelmed by the beauty of the colorful fish and coral reefs. In particular, the waters of Ishigaki Island and Miyako Island are highly transparent, making snorkeling and diving recommended.
activities in nature
I tried various activities to fully enjoy Okinawa’s nature. You can enjoy being one with nature, such as kayaking down the river and jungle trekking. In particular, trekking in Yanbaru National Park is a recommended activity where you can enjoy the rich nature and spectacular views.
Okinawa’s gourmet cuisine captivates the hearts of visitors with its variety and unique taste. The beautiful sea and rich nature are also major attractions of Okinawa. Experiences at local restaurants and activities in nature will allow you to experience the charm of Okinawa even more deeply.
Recommended Okinawa sightseeing plans and activities
Day 1: Exploring history and culture
The first day is a day to deeply explore Okinawa’s history and culture. First, we will visit Shuri Castle in Naha City. Shuri Castle is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and you will be overwhelmed by its grandeur and beauty. Every time I visited here, I was able to experience the depth of Okinawa’s rich history and culture.
Next, learn about Okinawa’s nature, history, and art all at once at the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum. Here, there are exhibits about Okinawa’s diverse cultural heritage and beautiful natural environment.
Day 2: Enjoy the natural paradise
On the second day, enjoy Okinawa’s beautiful nature. First, head to Ishigaki Island and go kayaking in Kabira Bay. The experience of rowing through the emerald green sea has a charm that cannot be experienced anywhere else. Next, go to Churaumi Aquarium. Here, you can encounter Okinawan sea creatures such as whale sharks and manta rays. Every time, I am captivated by the magnificent world of the sea.
Day 3: Local gourmet food and shopping
On the last day, enjoy local Okinawa gourmet food and look for souvenirs. After tasting fresh seafood at Makishi Public Market, we recommend enjoying local gourmet foods such as Okinawa soba and bitter gourd champuru. You will also need time to look for traditional Okinawan crafts and souvenirs on Kokusai Street.
Okinawa is full of many charms, including history and culture, beautiful nature, and delicious gourmet food. Please refer to the plan I have introduced and experience the deep charm of Okinawa for yourself. Please spend a wonderful time in Okinawa, meeting the warm-hearted people of Okinawa, experiencing local restaurants, and engaging in activities in beautiful nature. You will experience the diverse charms of Okinawa and feel a sense of genuine satisfaction and happiness.
Impressions of the trip
A trip to Okinawa, memorable experiences and impressions
The trip to Okinawa was an experience that I will treasure for the rest of my life. The beautiful sea, the rich nature, the heart-warming smiles of the people, and above all, the diverse and delicious gourmet food… All of this was deeply engraved in my heart.
Encounter beautiful nature
The beauty of Okinawa’s nature is even more captivating when you see it in person than in photos or videos. In particular, Ishigaki Island’s highly transparent sea had a unique beauty that was different from any other place. I lost track of time while snorkeling and observing the colorful fish and coral reefs.
The warmth of the local people
Meeting local people is also one of the great attractions of traveling to Okinawa. He welcomed me with a warm smile and a heart of hospitality, and I was able to get to know him right away. By sharing meals and talking with the locals, I was able to learn deeply about Okinawan culture, history, and life, and those are my precious memories today.
Rich gourmet experience
Okinawa’s gourmet food is also an unforgettable attraction for me. The bitterness of bitter gourd champuru, the volume of taco rice, and the deep flavor of Okinawa soba. It was a truly blissful time enjoying conversations with the locals while savoring these local dishes.
summary
What I experienced during my trip to Okinawa was the beauty of nature, the warmth of the local people, and the rich cuisine. Okinawa, which combines these charms, has become a place that I truly love. Being exposed to the diverse charms of Okinawa and spending time there is etched in my heart with deep emotion. I will continue to cherish Okinawa’s beautiful nature, culture, and encounters with its people, and I look forward to the day I can visit again.
Historical buildings selected by Kasumi
Okinawa has many historical buildings, and their beauty and historical background have a deep appeal. Below, I will introduce five historical buildings in Okinawa Prefecture that I have selected.
1. Shuri Castle (Naha City)
Kasumi Point: Shuri Castle flourished as the center of the Ryukyu Kingdom and was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2000. Its magnificent architecture and beautiful gardens enchant visitors. It is also an essential place to learn about Ryukyu culture.
2. Kentada Yoshizuka (Itoman City)
Kasumi Point: Kenchu Yoshizuka is a mound to commemorate the many student soldiers who died in the Battle of Okinawa. By visiting here, you can once again feel the tragedy of war and the importance of peace.
3. Nakagusuku Castle Ruins (Nakagusuku Village, Nakagami District)
Kasumi Point: Nakagusuku Castle Ruins are castle ruins that flourished during the Ryukyu Kingdom era from the 14th to 15th centuries, and were registered as a World Heritage Site in 2000. It is a place where history and nature come together, making it a must-see for history buffs.
4. Katsuren Castle Ruins (Uruma City)
Kasumi Point: Katsuren Castle Ruins is also a castle ruin from the Ryukyu Kingdom era and is registered as a World Heritage Site. Its location, facing the sea, offers a spectacular view and is a place where you can feel the harmony between ancient technology and nature.
5. Private houses with plaster walls on Kudaka Island (Izena Village)
Kasumi Point: The plaster-walled private houses on Kudaka Island are important cultural properties that preserve the traditional Okinawan architectural style. The contrast between the white plaster walls and red tiles is beautiful, and you can get a glimpse of the traditional lifestyle.
These are the historical buildings selected by Kasumi. By visiting these buildings, you can feel the depth of Okinawa’s history and culture and gain a deeper understanding of its charm. These places not only have beauty and historical value, but also reflect the lives and hearts of the Okinawan people.
