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Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa, Japan

Description

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The largest island in the Ryukyu Archipelago, Okinawa has been a center of trade and a source for conflict through its history. The island has been an independent kingdom, the feudal possession of a Japanese daimyo and a prefecture of Japan following the Meiji Restoration of 1866. Okinawa was the scene of bitter fighting during the closing days of World War II. Over 100,000 civilians perished and the island was left in ruins. A US military possession, Okinawa returned to Japanese rule in 1972. Naha is the island's largest city and the capital of Okinawa Prefecture.

Okinawa is the birthplace of karate. One of the world's most popular martial arts, karate is a fusion of Chinese kung fu and traditional island martial arts.

Points of Interest
  • Shurijo Castle
  • Okinawa Prefecture Museum
  • The Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters
  • Peace Memorial Park and Okinawa Prefecture Peace Memorial Museum
  • Shikinaen Gardens
  • Ryukyu Mura
  • Seifa Utaki
  • Churaumi Aquarium

More about Okinawa, Japan Points of Interest

  • Shurijo Castle -

    Built in the 1300s, this vermillion-colored landmark was the palace of Ryukyu kings and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the castle's interior, now a museum, and take in panoramic views.

  • Okinawa Prefecture Museum -

    Dedicated to preserving Okinawan art and history, this modern museum showcases 85,000 artifacts pertaining to folklore, crafts and archaeology in its collection ranging from the 12th century to the present.

  • The Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters -

    Descend 105 steps into a complex dug by hand that served as the Japanese Navy's headquarters during World War II. A recorded audio feed enhances your tour through the underground tunnels.

  • Peace Memorial Park and Okinawa Prefecture Peace Memorial Museum -

    Peace Park and Okinawa Prefecture Peace Memorial Museum serve as the main memorial to the Battle of Okinawa. Stroll the grounds and learn about the events leading up to this devastating period in Okinawan history.

  • Shikinaen Gardens -

    Constructed in the 18th century as a second home to the Ryukyu kings, the property's landscaped gardens, quaint wooden palace buildings and a tranquil pond can all be viewed by strolling a picturesque circular path.

  • Ryukyu Mura -

    Traditional culture comes to life in this charming re-creation theme park of an ancient Okinawan village. "Living exhibits" showcase festivals, cuisine and crafts. A parade and dance performances add merriment.

  • Seifa Utaki -

    Okinawa's most important, outdoor sacred place at the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover ceremonial altars created from natural stone and caves nestled within a rocky seascape.

  • Churaumi Aquarium -

    A kaleidoscope of marine life is on display in 77 tanks, including the massive Kuroshio Tank, holding 2 million gallons of seawater. See Whale Sharks, mantas, colorful coral, and a dolphin show.

12 Excursions

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Okinawa, Japan

History & Nature of Central Okinawa

Average Guest Rating
7 hours
Moderate Activity
from $169.95
Okinawa, Japan

沖縄中部の歴史と自然(日本語ガイド)(Guided in Japanese)

Average Guest Rating
7 hours
Moderate Activity
from $139.95
Okinawa, Japan

沖縄美ら海水族館(日本語添乗員のみ)(Escorted in Japanese)

Average Guest Rating
8 hours
Moderate Activity
from $109.95
Okinawa, Japan

Highlights of Okinawa

Average Guest Rating
5.5 hours
Moderate Activity
from $114.95
Okinawa, Japan

琉球村と世界遺産 識名園(日本語ガイド)(Guided in Japanese)

Average Guest Rating
5.5 hours
Moderate Activity
from $94.95
Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa World & Kokusai Street

Average Guest Rating
5.5 hours
Moderate Activity
from $119.95
Okinawa, Japan

おきなわワールドと国際通り(日本語ガイド)(Guided in Japanese)

Average Guest Rating
5.5 hours
Moderate Activity
from $99.95
Okinawa, Japan

Battle of Okinawa

Average Guest Rating
5 hours
Moderate Activity
from $114.95
Okinawa, Japan

Easy Naha

Average Guest Rating
3.5 hours
Easy Activity
from $94.95
Okinawa, Japan

那覇ショートツアー(日本語ガイド)(Guided in Japanese)

Average Guest Rating
3.5 hours
Easy Activity
from $74.95
Okinawa, Japan

Seifa Utaki & Gangala Valley Hike

Average Guest Rating
5.5 hours
Strenuous Activity
from $154.95
Okinawa, Japan

世界遺産 斎場御嶽とガンガラーの谷散策(日本語ガイド)(Guided in Japanese)

Average Guest Rating
5.5 hours
Strenuous Activity
from $134.95