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Japan · City guide
What to do in Okinawa
16 vlogs from 16 channels mention 101 places in Okinawa; 4 of them appear in at least half of the vlogs. Places are ranked by how often the vlogs mention them. Press the play button on any place to watch that exact moment.
- 101places
- 16vlogs
- 191moments
- 7 hof video
101 places · most mentioned first
Shuri Castle
The former royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, with roots about 700 years old, and the island's most visited historic site; it is being rebuilt after a 2019 fire.
18:54· TabiEatsin 10 vlogsOkinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Okinawa's most visited attraction and once the world's largest aquarium, showcasing Okinawan sea life and an iconic giant main tank.
4:04· eileen's worldin 8 vlogsKokusai-dori
A 2 km high street in central Naha lined with palm trees, shops selling Okinawan glassware, pottery and souvenirs, and diners with live Okinawan folk music.
8:38· Zane Travelin 8 vlogsMihama American Village
An American-themed shopping and entertainment district built after Okinawa's return to Japan in 1972, reflecting decades of US post-war influence.
43:20· TabiEatsin 8 vlogsZamami Island
One of the Kerama Islands, reached by ferry from Naha and a stop on island-hopping routes through the Ryukyu chain.
0:40· Japan Guidein 6 vlogsKerama Islands
An island group reached by ferry from the main island, known for excellent snorkeling with sea turtles.
0:21· Japan Guidein 5 vlogsMiyako Island
A southern island considered one of Asia's best beach destinations, home to Yonaha Maehama Beach.
2:11· Tokyo Kenchanin 5 vlogsCape Manzamo
A clifftop cape with rugged cliffs and clear waters, famous for its sunsets. It now has a visitor building with parking and a souvenir shop.
7:54· Tokyo Foodie Sarahin 5 vlogsTsuboya Pottery Street
A quaint cobbled neighbourhood near Kokusai-dori devoted to locally produced Okinawan ceramics.
15:05· Maddie Borgein 5 vlogsMakishi Public Market
A public market on a side street off Kokusai-dori in central Naha, with food shops and second-floor restaurants cooking seafood.
18:52· Zane Travelin 5 vlogsIshigaki Island
A far-southwest island known for emerald lagoons and coral gardens, and a base for exploring nearby islands.
5:41· Traveling Heavensin 4 vlogsEmerald Beach
A beach inside Ocean Expo Park where the water shifts from bright turquoise to teal to deep sapphire.
7:44· eileen's worldin 3 vlogsTokashiki Island
A Kerama island close to Naha, known for exceptionally clear water and Aharen Beach.
10:40· eileen's worldin 3 vlogsZanpa Beach
A long white-sand beach on Okinawa's main island, overlooked by the tall Cape Zanpa lighthouse.
19:33· Tokyo Kenchanin 3 vlogsUmikaji Terrace
A four-storey seaside complex with over 40 restaurants, cafes and boutiques, overlooking planes landing at Naha Airport.
14:38· Suitcase Monkeyin 3 vlogsAka Island
A small Kerama island that serves as a ferry stop en route to Zamami, with strikingly clear water.
15:35· Tokyo Foodie Sarahin 3 vlogsFuruzamami Beach
A white-sand beach on Zamami Island with layered shades of blue water and coral reefs for snorkelling.
3:00· Japan Guidein 3 vlogsTaketomi Island
A tiny island of sandy streets, stone walls and traditional houses that feels frozen in time, where water-buffalo carts still roll through the village.
5:59· Traveling Heavensin 2 vlogsYanbaru Forest
The forested northern mountains of Okinawa's main island, with hiking trails through ancient forest to hidden waterfalls and diverse wildlife.
17:01· Best Travelin 2 vlogsMoon Beach
A calm, shallow beach on the main island's west coast that works like a natural floating pool.
6:00· Tokyo Kenchanin 2 vlogsAharen Beach
Tokashiki's signature bay, with water clear enough to see sand ripples meters below the surface.
11:25· eileen's worldin 2 vlogsRyujin Hot Springs
A hot spring bathhouse at Umikaji Terrace on Senagajima, recommended as a relaxing treat.
18:37· Tokyo Kenchanin 2 vlogsOkinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum
A prefectural museum and art museum covering Okinawa's lesser-known history, from the Ryukyu Kingdom and the Battle of Okinawa to the islands today.
16:32· Suitcase Monkeyin 2 vlogsKouri Bridge
Long bridge linking Yagaji Island to Kouri Island, with views over turquoise water on both sides.
5:46· Kieun Choiin 2 vlogsIriomote Island
A wild island for kayaking through mangroves, hiking to waterfalls and possibly spotting the rare Iriomote wildcat.
4:19· Easy Travel Dudein 2 vlogsCape Zanpa
A rugged cape with a lighthouse right next to Zanpa Beach.
10:12· Tokyo Foodie Sarahin 2 vlogsNakagusuku Castle Ruins
World Heritage castle ruins built by Gosamaru, with views of both the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea.
12:36· Hoang Phamin 2 vlogsOkinawa Peace Memorial Park
A memorial park at the southern tip of the main island honouring those lost in the Battle of Okinawa.
6:40· Muteki Mattin 2 vlogsCape Hedo
The northern tip of the main island, with dramatic ocean waves and views of the Yanbaru mountains.
20:23· Tokyo Kenchanin 2 vlogsNago Pineapple Park
A small pineapple-themed park where a cute train runs through a tropical garden and pineapple fields. It has pineapple snacks plus a winery and distillery.
14:51· Hoang Phamin 2 vlogsShureimon Gate
The entrance gate to Shuri Castle and one of the most recognised symbols of Okinawa.
20:04· TabiEatsin 2 vlogsOkashi Goten
The flagship shop of the maker of Okinawa's famous purple sweet potato tart. Visitors can watch tart production and browse a wide range of souvenirs.
6:09· Xenia Tan and Shawn Thiain 2 vlogsHamahiga Island
A quiet, less touristy island off the east coast of the main island, home to ancient cultural sites.
11:24· Xenia Tan and Shawn Thiain 2 vlogsRyukyu Glass Village
A glass workshop where visitors can blow their own Ryukyu glass, a craft revived after the war using discarded bottles.
28:09· Xenia Tan and Shawn Thiain 2 vlogsRyukyu Mura
Recreated Ryukyu-era village showing life before Japanese rule, with traditional Okinawan dances, houses and old-style toilets.
5:27· Muteki Mattin 2 vlogsNaminoue Beach
Small city beach in Naha with an unusual road running over the water, convenient for a quick swim without leaving town.
16:57· Hoang Phamin 2 vlogs
Mentioned once
64 more picks, each from a single vlog, so not ranked.
Yonaha Maehama Beach
A long ribbon of white sand on Miyako Island with warm water that stays shallow far out to sea.
5:18· Traveling Heavens1 vlogKabira Bay
An emerald lagoon ringed by greenery and small islets, with glass-bottom boats gliding over coral gardens.
5:43· Traveling Heavens1 vlogTakahara Coffee Roastery
Specialty coffee roastery with a striking entrance, serving espresso drinks in distinctive handmade mugs on a quaint street lined with vintage shops.
2:47· Kieun Choi1 vlogNakijin Soba
Popular Okinawa soba shop in a charming house setting, known for its noodle bowls and special house tofu.
17:22· Kieun Choi1 vlogUfuya
Restaurant in a traditional old Okinawan house surrounded by gardens and koi ponds, known for its agu pork shabu-shabu.
30:30· Kieun Choi1 vlogKouri Shrimp
Popular Kouri Island stand serving garlic shrimp plates, with standing spots overlooking the sea.
51:57· Kieun Choi1 vlogKouri Beach
Beach beside Kouri Bridge with soft sand and clear blue water, reached through a short tunnel.
54:33· Kieun Choi1 vlogYonaguni Island
Japan's westernmost point. It takes effort to reach and is a destination for diving off its coast.
2:59· Easy Travel Dude1 vlogYonaguni Monument
A mysterious underwater rock formation off Yonaguni Island, reachable only by diving. Some say it is a lost ruin, others a naturally shaped rock.
3:07· Easy Travel Dude1 vlogKudaka Island
Small, sacred island off Nanjo's coast with quiet beaches and lush greenery, compact enough to explore by rented bicycle.
2:28· Maddie Borge1 vlogNakijin Castle Ruins
World Heritage castle ruins of the former northern kingdom, near Churaumi Aquarium, with views of Izena and Iheya islands.
14:02· Tokyo Kenchan1 vlogNeo Park Okinawa
A small zoo in Nago with themed walk-through areas, best known for its birds.
21:56· Tokyo Kenchan1 vlogTodoroki Waterfall
A small waterfall in northern Okinawa beside a giant one-piece rock said to be 10 million years old.
9:20· eileen's world1 vlogFukushuen Garden
A Chinese-style garden built in 1992 with materials from Fuzhou, Naha's sister city, featuring bridges, a koi pond and a pavilion.
16:25· eileen's world1 vlogSesoko Island
A small island linked to the mainland by bridge, so no ferry is needed. It has two walkable beaches.
20:09· eileen's world1 vlogAnchihama Beach
The smaller of Sesoko Island's two main beaches, right beneath the bridge onto the island.
21:03· eileen's world1 vlogSesoko Beach
A beach on Sesoko's northwest side with rentals, showers and a food kiosk. Its shallow water makes it kid-friendly.
21:14· eileen's world1 vlogMinna Island
A tiny croissant-shaped island visible offshore from Sesoko Island.
23:08· eileen's world1 vlogSan-A Parco City
A large shopping mall in Urasoe, useful as an indoor option for shopping.
19:56· WorldwideWu1 vlogDepot Island
A shopping complex inside Mihama American Village with brightly painted buildings.
22:37· WorldwideWu1 vlogBise Fukugi Tree Road
A village lane lined with ancient fukugi trees that form a natural canopy. The trees are considered lucky because their name is written as 'luck tree'.
3:08· Tokyo Foodie Sarah1 vlogKokusai-dori Yatai Mura
An open-air food village of small stalls serving local Okinawan food in a lively atmosphere.
5:41· Tokyo Foodie Sarah1 vlogCape Maeda
A scenic cape known for the Blue Cave, which can be reached on snorkelling or diving tours, or by confident swimmers.
9:34· Tokyo Foodie Sarah1 vlogHoshino Resorts BANTA Cafe
A cafe run by Hoshino Resorts, open to non-guests, with seating that looks straight down onto the beach.
Fifi Parlor
A small, hidden drinks hut right next to the ocean, so it appears to float on the water.
Kouri Island
A small island linked by a striking bridge, with scenic coastal drives and ocean views.
Heart Rock (Tinu Beach)
A pair of rocks on Kouri Island shaped like hearts, a popular photo spot.
Chigunu Beach
A beach cave whose name means 'the beginning', tied to the Okinawan Adam and Eve legend.
Grave of Amamikyu
A grave over 500 years old, said to be the resting place of Amamikyu, a legendary figure of Ryukyuan myth.
Takatsukiyama Observation Deck
Observation deck at one of the highest points on Zamami Island, looking down over the island's main village.
8:12· Japan Guide1 vlogStatue of Marilyn
Bronze dog statue gazing toward Aka Island, honoring Marilyn, whose companion Shiro swam 3 km daily to visit her.
8:34· Japan Guide1 vlogKaminohama Observation Deck
Observation deck on Zamami Island overlooking the sea and surrounding Kerama islands.
11:15· Japan Guide1 vlogSteakhouse 88
Long-running Okinawan steakhouse with several branches along Kokusai-dori, part of the island's American-influenced steak culture.
11:00· Zane Travel1 vlogBlue Seal Ice Cream
Okinawa's iconic ice cream brand, born from the American influence on the island, offering tropical and local flavours.
37:15· Zane Travel1 vlogNirai Kanai Bridge
A sweeping, curved coastal bridge with an observation deck overlooking the sea, named after the mythical paradise beyond the ocean.
Cape Chinen Park
A clifftop park near the Nirai Kanai Bridge with clear, unblocked views over strikingly blue waters.
Teppanyaki Zen
A teppanyaki restaurant at Halekulani Okinawa serving carefully selected local ingredients cooked in front of diners.
Kaichu Doro
An ocean road that cuts across shallow waters to the outer islands, giving the feeling of driving on the sea.
Nuchigusui
A soba spot beside a roadside station serving Okinawa soba, a wheat-flour noodle quite unlike buckwheat soba, with various toppings.
Michi-no-Eki Kyoda
A roadside station famous for local produce and regional snacks such as Okinawan manju and chewy chocolate mochi.
Daisekirinzan (Ashimui)
A sacred mountain where Amamikyu is believed to have created Okinawa, with trails past a giant gajumaru tree and revered rock formations.
Emi no Mise
A longevity-focused restaurant in a blue zone village, reviving traditional Okinawan diets with garden-to-table and pesticide-free local produce.
Angama Kokusai-dori
An izakaya on Kokusai-dori serving Okinawan dishes like goya, tofu and sea grapes, with live performances.
Ocean Expo Park
Large park that is home to the Churaumi Aquarium and enough attractions to fill a full day.
12:03· Muteki Matt1 vlogGyokusendo Cave
Massive illuminated limestone cave, about 5 km long, inside Okinawa World and billed as the largest in Japan.
5:48· Hoang Pham1 vlogSoutheast Botanical Gardens
Large tropical botanical garden with rare dragon blood trees and animal encounters with capybaras and squirrel monkeys.
11:36· Hoang Pham1 vlogFutenma Shrine
Small shrine with a cave containing an archaeological site where historical artifacts have been found.
12:18· Hoang Pham1 vlogZakimi Castle Ruins
Ruins of a castle first built in 1416, with restored walls and foundations and beautiful elevated views.
12:38· Hoang Pham1 vlogOrion Happy Park
Orion beer brewery offering factory tours of the brewing process, followed by a tasting of fresh beer for adults.
14:10· Hoang Pham1 vlogBlue Cave
Natural sea cave popular for snorkeling and diving, known for its glowing blue water created by sunlight.
15:54· Hoang Pham1 vlogHeiwa-dori Shopping Arcade
Covered shopping arcade off Kokusai-dori with local sweet shops and cafes.
4:56· TabiEats1 vlogGachimaya
Cozy second-floor shop specialising in Okinawan-style dry curry made with local ingredients and topped with the owner's signature pickles.
6:56· TabiEats1 vlogTsuboya Pottery Museum
Museum at the entrance of Tsuboya's pottery street that explains the history and craft of yachimun, Okinawan pottery.
10:52· TabiEats1 vlogCafe Bukubuku
Cafe on Tsuboya's cobblestone pottery street serving traditional Okinawan bukubuku tea, a foamy whipped tea.
11:45· TabiEats1 vlogArakaki Residence
The only remaining historic potter's house in Tsuboya, with its old kiln and walls built of tiles and ceramics.
12:00· TabiEats1 vlogOkinawa Tea Stand Sanpin
Tea stand specialising in sanpin-cha, Okinawa's everyday jasmine tea, served plain or in creative milk teas.
13:07· TabiEats1 vlogYamori
Hard-to-find third-floor izakaya with a gecko logo, specialising in awamori paired with creative Okinawan dishes and local sashimi.
14:46· TabiEats1 vlogSonohyan-utaki Stone Gate
World Heritage stone shrine gate built in 1519 from Ryukyu limestone, with finely carved details.
20:59· TabiEats1 vlogRestaurant Suimui
Restaurant inside Shuri Castle Park serving classic Okinawan dishes on yachimun pottery.
22:21· TabiEats1 vlogiias Okinawa Toyosaki
Three-storey mall next to the beach, with shops, a food court, an Okinawan souvenir area and a third floor with sunset views.
25:50· TabiEats1 vlogDMM Kariyushi Aquarium
Aquarium located inside the iias Okinawa Toyosaki shopping mall.
28:36· TabiEats1 vlogAraha Beach
Popular Chatan beach with a seaside walking path lined with cafes and shops that rarely gets too crowded.
39:47· TabiEats1 vlogSunrise Shack
Hawaiian bowl shop from Oahu's North Shore on the Araha seaside path, serving acai bowls and mochiko chicken plates.
40:54· TabiEats1 vlog