Japan's travel media "Trip Note" has 85,000 enthusiastic travel enthusiast members. Based on their actual visits to tourist attractions in central Okinawa, such as Mihama American Village, Zanpa Cape, and Nakagusuku Castle Ruins, they have compiled a ranking of the most popular tourist attractions in central Okinawa. JapanRAR will introduce them to you in order of popularity!
#1. Mihama American Village (美浜アメリカンビレッジ)
A resort town full of American charm, right next to the beach.
This vast area, approximately the size of five Tokyo Domes, features various commercial facilities, including restaurants, clothing and souvenir shops, as well as amusement facilities, entertainment venues, hotels, and the iconic Ferris wheel. The beautiful waters of Okinawa begin here!
- Mihama American Village (美浜アメリカンビレッジ)
- Address: 15-69 Mihama, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa
- Official Website: https://www.okinawa-americanvillage.com/
#2. Cape Zanpa (残波岬)
Cape Zanpa is the westernmost point of Okinawa's main island and the last place to witness the sunset on the island. On clear days, it offers an excellent view of the Kerama Islands.
With cliffs rising 30 meters high and stretching about 2 kilometers, as the name suggests, you can see the wild spectacle of powerful waves crashing against the rocks, creating white splashes. The Cape Zanpa Lighthouse stands at the top, and the view from the observation deck is truly spectacular.
- Cape Zanpa (残波岬)
- Address: 15-69 Mihama, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa
- Official Website: https://www.okinawa-americanvillage.com/
#3. Kaichu Road (海中道路)
This road connects the main island of Okinawa to four small islands located in Uruma City: Hanejima Island, Hamahiga Island, Miyagi Island, and Ikei Island.
Despite being called the "Kaichu Road," unlike tunnels through the sea and bridges connecting the islands, it is a road built on reclaimed land, approximately 5 kilometers long, and it's free to use. Driving along it feels like cruising on the sea. There are parking areas along the way, so it's recommended to stop and take photos.
However, during low tide, there can be mudflats everywhere, so if you want to enjoy the view of the deep blue sea, it's best to check the tide times in advance.
#4. Nakagusuku Castle (中城城跡)
The construction date of Nakagusuku Castle is unknown, but its beautiful arched stone gate and solemn stone steps resembling South American ruins are its distinctive features.
This place was once the residence of Prince Nakagusuku (a prince of the Ryukyu Kingdom) and the Nakagusuku Village Office. In the late Edo period, Commodore Perry's expeditionary team, who came to Japan to compel the opening of the country, also visited here and were impressed by its advanced architectural techniques.
It is considered one of the places in Okinawa Prefecture that has preserved the original form of a castle town, making it a place where you can fully appreciate the charm of the ancient architecture.
- Nakagusuku Castle (中城城跡)
- Address: 1258 Tomari, Nakagusuku, Okinawa
- Official Website: https://www.nakagusuku-jo.jp/
#5. Yachimun no Sato（やちむんの里）
"やちむん" means pottery in the Ryukyuan dialect. In 1974, the late Living National Treasure Jiro Kinjo moved his kiln to Yomitan Village, and from there, Yomitan Village developed into a hub for pottery.
The area is home to more than 20 pottery studios where you can observe the work in progress and find your favorite pieces.
- Yachimun no Sato（やちむんの里）
- Address: 2653-1 Zakimi, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa
- Official Website: http://www.tabi-yachimun.jp/
#6. Zakimi Castle Ruins (座喜味城跡)
Zakimi Castle was built by the hero Gosamaru of the Ryukyu Kingdom in the 15th century to monitor the forces opposing the king of the Ryukyu Kingdom at the time. The reason Gosamaru is known as a castle-building expert is this castle.
The arched stone gate and massive castle walls are very beautiful, and this is the only place where you can directly climb the stone walls in the castle ruins. From the stone walls, you can clearly see the "undulations" of the walls built to resist attacking enemies. The intricate and beautiful stonework here is among the best in Okinawa's castles.
- Zakimi Castle Ruins (座喜味城跡)
- Address: 708-6 Zakimi, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa
- Official Website: http://www.tabi-yachimun.jp/
#7. Katsuren Castle Ruins (勝連城跡)
Located on the Katsuren Peninsula, Katsuren Castle Ruins was the residence of the historical figure, Amawari. The long and winding steep stairs leave a profound impression. Katsuren Castle Ruins is one of the oldest castle sites in Okinawa, believed to have been constructed around the 12th century.
Climbing the Ichinokuruwa (一の曲輪) with a view of Nakagusuku Bay is highly recommended for its scenic beauty.
- Katsuren Castle Ruins (勝連城跡)
- Address: 3908 Katsuren Minamihara, Uruma City, Okinawa
- Official Website: https://www.katsuren-jo.jp/
#8. Chatan Park Sunset Beach (北谷公園サンセットビーチ)
Sunset Beach in Chatan Park offers a view of beautiful sunsets and is one of the few sunset spots in Okinawa. Not only can you enjoy the sunset, but since it's a man-made bay, the waves are gentle, making it a safe place for swimming with children.
There is a BBQ area with equipment rentals and food sales, allowing you to easily enjoy a beach party without bringing your own equipment.
- Chatan Park Sunset Beach (北谷公園サンセットビーチ)
- Address: 2 Mihama, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa
- Official Website: https://www.uminikansya.com/
#9. Ikei Island (伊計島)
This is a small island with a radius of 7.5 kilometers that you can reach by car using the underwater road. Starting from Uruma City, you pass Hanejima Island and Miyagi Island, and Ikei Island is right in front.
Connected to Miyagi Island by the Ikei Bridge, it has vast sugarcane fields and beautiful seas, with the unique relaxed atmosphere of the islands being its charm. It takes about 15 minutes to drive around the island.
- Ikei Island (伊計島)
- Address: Ikei, Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture
- Official Website: https://www.odnsym.com/spot/ikei.html
#10. Carnival Park Mihama (カーニバルパーク・ミハマ)
Carnival Park Mihama is a shopping and entertainment area located in "Mihama American Village." Its iconic feature is a giant Ferris wheel that stands 60 meters above ground. Riding it allows you to take a stroll in the sky while enjoying views of the ocean and the streets of Chatan for approximately 15 minutes.
The park not only has restaurants and shops but also a game area and specialty stores, making it a versatile facility for various purposes.
#11. Murasaki Mura Ryukyu Kingdom Theme Park (体験王国むら咲むら)
Murasaki Mura Ryukyu Kingdom Theme Park was originally created as a theme park using the open-air set of the NHK Taiga drama "Ryukyu no Kaze" (aired in Heisei 5).
Replicas of streets from the 15th-century Ryukyu Kingdom, such as red-tiled houses and limestone-paved roads, have been recreated, and each recreated building serves as a hands-on workshop.
In the workshops, you can experience up to 101 different activities, from traditional crafts like making shisa lions, red tiles, and Ryukyuan glass blowing, to Ryukyuan dance, sanshin performance, and cooking Okinawan family dishes.
- Murasaki Mura Ryukyu Kingdom Theme Park (体験王国むら咲むら)
- Address: 1020-1 Takashiho, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa
- Official Website: https://murasakimura.com/
#12. Zanpa Beach (残波ビーチ)
Zanpa Beach is located near Zanpa Cape and is a beautiful beach representing the central part of the main island. The richly developed natural reefs near the shore create a natural lagoon, offering endless horizontal views and a deep cobalt blue sea—Okinawa's number one!
If you visit the nearby Okinawa Zanpa Misaki Royal Hotel, you can also participate in various water activities. Additionally, there is the "Zanpa Cape Park" with a wide range of facilities, including an amusement area, a multifunctional square, an interactive area with goats and turtles, restaurants, and barbecue facilities. You can enjoy swimming in the sea and various outdoor activities.
- Zanpa Beach (残波ビーチ)
- Address: 1933 Uza, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa
- Official Website: https://www.yomitan-kankou.jp/tourist/watch/1611317995/
#13. Bios Hill (ビオスの丘)
A natural botanical garden themed around Okinawa's lush subtropical forests and orchids.
Strolling along natural trails is enjoyable, and you can take a guided jungle cruise by boat along the lake in the park, where the guide introduces the flora and fauna by the lakeside. There's also the rare experience of riding a water buffalo cart, a unique activity on Okinawa's main island, among others.
Additionally, there are restaurants, souvenir shops, and opportunities to experience traditional Okinawan clothing, making it a place where you can spend a whole day with your children.
- Bios Hill (ビオスの丘)
- Address: 961-30 Ishikawa Garasu, Uruma City, Okinawa
- Official Website: https://www.bios-hill.co.jp/
#14. Kafu Banta (果報バンタ)
Kafuna Banta is located within the salt production area of "Nuchimasu Tourist Salt Factory" and is a famous energy spot. "果報バンタ" is in the Okinawan dialect, where "果報" means happiness and "バンタ" means cape or headland. When you see this view, you'll truly feel happy.
The vast expanse of the deep blue sea and sky is truly breathtaking. Please be careful not to get too absorbed in the scenery and drop your phone. Capture some photos to bring back the power of happiness.
- Kafu Banta (果報バンタ)
- Address: 2768 Kanagusuku, Uruma City, Okinawa
- Official Website: https://nuchima-su.co.jp/
#15. Depot Island (デポアイランド)
Depot Island is a commercial facility located within "Mihama American Village" where you can enjoy the atmosphere of recreated foreign streets.
It is home to 130 distinctive shops, and each building is colorful and finely designed. The entire area is picturesque, and you can enjoy a leisurely walk even while dining and shopping.
Additionally, because Depot Island faces the sea, on clear days, you can also enjoy sunset views from the promenade.
- Depot Island (デポアイランド)
- Address: 9-1 Mihama, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa
- Official Website: https://www.depot-island.co.jp/
#16. Hamahiga Island (浜比嘉島)
Hamahiga Island is a small island with a circumference of approximately 6.7 kilometers. It is connected to the main island of Okinawa by the Underwater Road and is connected to three other islands: Hamahiga Island, Henza Island, Miyagi Island, and Ikei Island.
The island is filled with energy spots, with the most famous ones being the "Amamichu no Haka（アマミチューの墓）" and "Shirumichu（シルミチュー）."
The "Amamichu no Haka" is said to enshrine the famous Amamichu, the male and female deities of the Ryukyu creation myth, along with other gods, making it a very precious spiritual site. "Shirumichu," on the other hand, is said to be the place where Amamichu and Shirumichu resided.
#17. Uminoeki Ayahashikan (海の駅 あやはし館)
Located in the center of the Underwater Road, Uminoeki Ayahashikan is not only a shop that sells Uruma City's local products but also a place where you can enjoy Okinawan specialties such as Okinawa soba, tempura, and blue gelato, which are unique to Okinawa.
They also have a barbecue restaurant (reservation required) where you can barbecue by the sea while enjoying the beautiful ocean view!
- Uminoeki Ayahashikan (海の駅 あやはし館)
- Address: 4 Yanbaru, Uruma City, Okinawa
- Official Website: https://uruma-ru.jp/member/uminoekiayahashikan/
#18. Ikei Beach (伊計ビーチ)
Ikei Island's beach, due to its sheltered bay-like shape, rarely experiences waves, making it suitable for swimming most of the time.
Additionally, you can enjoy swimming all day, regardless of the tide. Besides the standard banana boats, you can enjoy various water sports such as jet skiing and wakeboarding, try diving and snorkeling, and even take a glass-bottom boat ride for a leisurely view of the ocean. It's a small resort beach loved by the locals.
- Ikei Beach (伊計ビーチ)
- Address: 405 Ikei, Uruma City, Okinawa
- Official Website: http://www.ikei-beach.com/
