Taketomi Island, a short ferry ride from Ishigaki Island, is a living example of traditional Okinawan life and culture. Surrounded by coral reefs and pristine white beaches, this island offers both culture and relaxation. Taketomi is a very popular day trip from Ishigaki Island. Taketomi is home to, and best known for, a strikingly beautiful, …
Yubu Island is a tiny, tropical island and botanical garden located 400m of the coast of Iriomote Island in Okinawa. It is probably best known for the romantic, traditional water buffalo carts which are used to travel to and from the island.
Explore the enchanting Ishigaki Yaima Village, a captivating open-air museum that showcases pre-modern houses and traditional Okinawan architecture. This unique museum offers a window into the life of old Okinawa, prior to the arrival of modern construction techniques. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a delightful monkey park, making it a perfect spot for both those interested …
Kabira Bay is a stunningly beautiful bay and beach area in Ishigaki, Okinawa, worthy of the front page of a travel magazine. The bay and beach is known as one of the most beautiful in all of Okinawa, but also for it’s Glass Bottom Boat Tours which allow visitors to watch corals and fish in …
The Shisa, a creature which is half dog half lion, is a deeply rooted and very popular part of Okinawan culture. At the Yonekoyaki Shisa Sculpture Park in Ishigaki you can experience a local artists trippy and colorful take on this piece of Okinawa tradition. Here dozens of enormous and colorful, lovable sculptures with wacky …
Kaigungo, known as the “Former Japanese Navy Headquarters” is the underground air-raid shelters and headquarters used by the Japanese Navy during the Battle of Okinawa in the second world war. The facilities are open for visitors today, as part of a museum with the same name. Book Activities in Okinawa Hotels in Okinawa Car Rental Okinawa Visiting …
Nakagusuku Castle ruins (中城城) are the remains of an important 15th century castle of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The ruins are beautifully located with great views, but they are also an important part of Ryukyu history, and is therefor also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hotels in Okinawa Car Rental Okinawa Located on top of …
The Okinawa Tropical Dream Center is a botanical garden for exotic plants. The center has three huge green houses, and a vast outdoor area. The primary attraction is the large collection of more than 2000 exotic orchids. The outdoor area includes an observation tower where one can see the entire park and the ocean just …
Tamaudun is a royal mausoleum in Okinawa. It is one of three royal Mausoleums, and was constructed for the royal family of the Ryukyu Kingdom in 1501. Hotels in Okinawa Car Rental Okinawa Tamaudun, which is located quite near Shuri Castle in modern day Naha, is one of three royal mausoleums in Okinawa. The mausoleums were …
Zakimi Castle Ruins are the remains of a historic castle from the 1400’s. Only the castle’s beautifully curved stone walls remain today, though some have been reconstructed due to damage during war times. The castle is an important part of Ryukyu history, and is often missed by tourists in Okinawa despite being listed as a …
