Things You'll Need:
- Good walking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Bathing suit
- Camera
- Japanese phrasebook
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Step 1
Imbibe Okinawa’s rich culture by visiting Shuri Castle. For 450 years, this stunning red palace was the epicenter of the Ryukyuan Kingdom. The castle was burned multiple times in the past but has been meticulously restored. In 2000, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take time to visit Tamaudun, the royal tombs, and Shureimon, the second of the castle’s main gates.
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Step 2
Learn about the 83-day Battle of Okinawa, the final major battle of World War II, as well as the postwar period by visiting Okinawan Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum, located at Okinawa Peace Memorial Park. Visitors to the park can take in a variety of exhibits, learn about Okinawa’s reconstruction following the war and see the engraved names of all those who lost their lives during the battle at the Cornerstone of Peace monument.
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Step 3
Venture into an expansive aquatic world at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, the world’s second largest. At the Aquarium, which is part of Ocean Expo Memorial Park, visitors can enjoy dolphin shows, a sea turtle pool, impressive marine life such as whale sharks and manta rays and the Kuroshio Sea display, which is contained by the largest acrylic glass panel in the world. In addition to the aquarium, you can cool off at Emerald Beach or get a glimpse of Ryukyuan homes found in the 17th and 18th centuries at the park’s historic village.
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Step 4
Visit the Culture Kingdom Gyokusendo, commonly known as Okinawa World, to get a feel of Okinawan life. Granted it’s very touristy but it’s also a fun way to spend part of a day. Check out Kingdom Village to see how various Okinawan crafts such as pottery making, glass blowing and dyeing are done. Take a stroll through Gyokusendo Cave, Japan’s second longest, to enjoy nature’s stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Then see the venomous Habu snake from a safe distance in Habu Park that features a snake show and snake museum.
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Step 5
Relax after all that sightseeing by hitting one of Okinawa’s many lovely beaches. These include Okuma Beach, Manza Beach and Moon Beach. Slather on the sunscreen though and watch for box jellyfish which are more commonly present from June through September. Before you swim, look to see if signs are posted warning of jellyfish danger and opt to swim within netted areas.
