Okinawa Hidden Gems
8 spots
Shuri Castle — Ryukyu Kingdom Royal Palace
Shuri Castle was the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom (1429–1879), a sophisticated maritime trading nation that mainta…
Taketomi Island — Preserved Ryukyu Village
Taketomi Island is a 2km-diameter coral island preserving traditional Ryukyuan village architecture — single-story red-t…
Kokusai Dori — International Street Market
Kokusai Dori (国際通り, 'International Street') is Naha's 1.6km main shopping and entertainment strip, running from Palette…
Himeyuri Peace Museum — War Memorial Cave
The Himeyuri Peace Museum commemorates the Himeyuri Student Corps — 240 female high school students and teachers mobiliz…
Tamaudun Mausoleum — Royal Tombs of Ryukyu
Tamaudun (玉陵) is the mausoleum of the Ryukyu Kingdom's royal family (Sho Dynasty), built in 1501 and containing the rema…
Fukushu-en Garden — Suzhou-Style Chinese Garden
Fukushu-en (福州園) is a traditional Suzhou-style Chinese garden built in 1992 to commemorate 10 years of sister-city relat…
Nakijin Castle Ruins — Hilltop Gusuku Fortress
Nakijin Castle (今帰仁城跡) is a gusuku (Ryukyuan castle/fortress) ruin atop a 100-meter hill commanding views over the East…
Okinawa City Koza — American Town Jazz District
Koza (コザ, now part of Okinawa City) developed as an entertainment district serving U.S. military personnel from nearby K…