Private : Okinawa Beautiful Highlights & Hidden Gems

ws and Umikaji Terrace, a beautiful shopping and dining area. Savor a delicious Okinawan lunch at a restaurant with a view. Take a leisurely stroll along the seaside boardwalk, with airplanes flying low overhead. Visit hot spring foot baths with a scenic ocean backdrop for a quick refresh.

You can pay your respects to those who lost their lives lost during the war. Walk through the park and museum, which features firsthand accounts, wartime artifacts, historical background, and photographs. Learn about the hardships of Okinawan civilians during WWII and reflect on the importance of peace. Gain a deeper understanding of Okinawa’s past, making your journey through the island even more meaningful.

This castle's design is unique from the traditional mainland Japan castles. For over 450 years, Shuri Castle served as the political, diplomatic, and cultural center of the Ryukyu Kingdom, hosting royal ceremonies, foreign envoys, and governance that shaped Okinawa’s unique identity. Despite being destroyed multiple times by war and fire, the castle has been restored over five times, with each reconstruction honoring its original design. Restoration efforts have carefully preserved traditional tools, techniques, and materials, allowing visitors to experience the castle as it once stood. To access the inner area, a small admission fee is required. Please note that reconstruction is still in progress, with the castle set to reopen to the public in October 2026.

Along the street, you’ll find a variety of unique studios and galleries where skilled artisans craft each piece by hand. Watch the process up close and even learn directly from the craftsmen about traditional techniques and the rich history behind Okinawan pottery, gaining a deeper appreciation for the island’s culture. In some workshops, you can also participate in pottery-making or Bingata (traditional Okinawan dyeing) experiences, creating your own one-of-a-kind piece. Some items can even be taken home, making for a truly memorable souvenir. The street is also home to charming cafés and shops, where you can enjoy Okinawan cuisine and sweets served on Yachimun tableware. Stroll along the historic stone-paved street and immerse yourself in a unique cultural experience where traditional craftsmanship and local life come together in a relaxed and authentic atmosphere.

w generation fashion, souvenir shops, and specialty stores. There are plenty of places to try some Okinawan cuisine with live music. Heiwa-dori (a side street) has over 200 shops known for its unique crafts, street food and local vegetable/fruit markets. The Makishi Public Market is also nearby, where you can pick out your fish to have cooked for you on the spot. These streets are over 70 years old and full of culture - it's an experience you don't want to miss!