Okinawa Travel Complete Guide to Main Island and Outer Islands

What are the best places to visit in Okinawa? What unique local dishes are there? What are some recommended must-try experiences if I were to go to Okinawa?

Manzamo is one of the top scenic spots in Okinawa Prefecture. It is located on a cliff by the sea, with a vast grassy area on top. The view from the cliff is incredibly magnificent.
The aquarium offers a view of various adorable marine creatures and dolphin shows. It is suitable for family and couple visits.
Okashi Goten is the most famous Japanese confectionery shop in Okinawa, where all the sweets sold are made from Okinawan specialties. Many of the products are also among the top famous sweets in Japan, making them a great choice for souvenirs. Since the building is by the sea, you can sit facing the ocean and write postcards, sending your feelings at this moment to the most important person. It must be wonderful!

Subtropical Forest Dinosaur Park

This is a park themed around Jurassic dinosaurs, considered a relatively new attraction. It is located inside the Omiyage Omiyaten Naha store and is more suitable for family visits.
Ryukyu Village is quite characteristic of Okinawa. The village preserves traditional buildings famous in the Ryukyu Islands, recreating the atmosphere and culture of that time. You can taste local snacks (Okinawan-style doughnuts) in the houses and take photos wearing Ryukyu costumes. At the 'Okinawa Station' near the entrance, there are shops specializing in Okinawan-style noodles and a tourist information corner. On the open-air stage, there are performances of folk songs and dances. Don't forget to visit this place when you come to Okinawa.
Kouri Island is known for having the clearest seawater in Okinawa's main island. It also features the 1960-meter-long Kouri Bridge, which allows for direct access by car. This cross-sea bridge is also one of the must-visit spots for self-driving tours.

Taketomi Island

Convenient to reach, it takes about 10 minutes by high-speed boat from Ishigaki Island port! The entire island covers only 5.42 kilometers, and those with good stamina can easily tour the island by bicycle. Alternatively, you can choose to take a water buffalo cart to slowly enjoy the island's scenery.

Iriomote Island

Iriomote Island is the largest island in the entire Yaeyama Islands. On Iriomote Island, you can find rivers, waterfalls, and many unique buttress root plants at the river-sea junction. Even the very rare Iriomote cat can be seen on the island. Additionally, the coral reefs around Iriomote Island are very diverse, earning it the nickname 'Japan's Great Barrier Reef'!

Yubu Island

Most of the island is uninhabited, with only a dozen or so residents, but it is frequently visited by tourists during the day. The sea depth between Yubu Island and Iriomote Island is about one meter at high tide and less than one meter at other times. Therefore, residents often use water buffalo carts to travel between the two islands, which has become an important tourist attraction.
Okinawan local cuisine, very famous and affordable. Another specialty of Okinawa is soba noodles. The classic flavors are integrated with modern seasonings. The noodles, soup, pork ribs, and pork belly are all meticulously prepared. The unique and rich sauce pairs perfectly with the chewy noodles.

Ball Donut Park

Their shop truly lives up to its name with a ball-themed concept. They offer a variety of exquisite ball-shaped donuts, often paired with natural fruits or milk chocolate. It's a refreshing change in the world of donuts.
Shioya displays over 100 types of Okinawan salt, making it Japan's largest and most comprehensive salt specialty store. With the help of the salt bar attendants, you can choose the salt that suits your needs based on the compatibility of salt with food. All the salts in the store are available for tasting.

Yaku Daikoku Drug

Suitable for shopping, great location, easy to reach; next to HAPINAHA (former Mitsukoshi), there's an A&W at the entrance of the alley, just walk in and you'll see it!

Okinawa Outlet Mall

It features over 70 international brands, including local Japanese brands. Almost all the famous brands you want to buy can be found here, and the discounts are particularly significant, with many items directly at 50% off, making it very cost-effective.