Okinawa Hidden Gems
7 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…
Okinawa Soba — Ryukyuan Noodle Tradition
Okinawa soba (沖縄そば) is the prefecture's soul food — thick wheat noodles in pork bone broth, topped with slow-braised por…
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…
Taco Rice — Okinawan-American Fusion
Taco rice is Okinawa's signature fusion dish — seasoned ground beef (taco meat), shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and shr…
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…
Awamori Distillery Tour — Okinawan Distilled Spirit
Awamori (泡盛) is Okinawa's indigenous distilled spirit (25–43% alcohol), predating Japanese shochu by 500 years. It's dis…