Local Guide
5 recommended sightseeing spots to encounter the scenery, culture and history of Okinawa

Okinawa Prefecture is a tourist destination full of its own unique character, with its verdant sea and sky, brightly blooming vitamin-colored flowers, and history, traditional arts, and traditional crafts handed down since the days of the Ryukyu Dynasty. Visitors to Okinawa can enjoy the spectacular scenery, experience its history, and experience traditional arts and culture. Here are five recommended sightseeing spots where you can encounter the variety of charms unique to Okinawa.

A village walk to choose your favorite vessels from a variety of personalities

Yachimun made by artists of various personalities
Yachimun made by artists of various personalities

A quaint craft village where yachimun ("pottery" in the Okinawan dialect) potters operate independently. Yachimun" is one word, but there are many different personalities. Beautiful line carvings that show off the artist's skill, softly drawn patterns with a generous touch, and colorful designs using vitamin colors are all exciting to look at.
Currently, there are 19 workshops in Yachimun-no-sato, where visitors can enjoy shopping for Yachimunun with a variety of designs and unique styles.

The kilns and scenery related to Yachimunun are a sight like no other!

The climbing kiln, which looks great against the blue sky, is the symbol of the village.
The climbing kiln, which looks great against the blue sky, is the symbol of the village.

There are four climbing kilns in Yachimun-no-sato, and the "Yomitan-yaki Climbing Kiln" is the symbol of the village. The kilns have been in operation for a long time, and the dignified appearance of the red tiles lit up against the blue sky of Okinawa is a must-see. The climbing kiln is open to visitors, and inside is a cool and tranquil space. The image of artisans arranging handmade vessels one by one in the kiln will make you feel more deeply attached to Yachimun.
The village is lush with greenery, so you will be soothed by the occasional sound of insects and plants swaying in the wind.

Local Guide Comment
There are various potters' studios where you can purchase and stroll around. It is a fun spot just to walk around.
Yachimun no Sato
  • address (e.g. of house) 2653-1 Zakimi, Yomitan-mura, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa MAP
  • Direction Approximately 60 minutes from Naha Airport by Car
  • Business Hours Varies depending on the workshop
  • Closed Varies from workshop to workshop
  • Admission Fee Admission free
  • TEL 098-982-9216（Yomitan Village Office Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division)
  • Parking Yes (free of charge)

Drive ashore! Miyagi Island, a remote island easily accessible

While it is easy to reach by car, the beauty of the sea is the clear blue of a remote island.
While it is easy to reach by car, the beauty of the sea is the clear blue of a remote island.

You will arrive at the island after an exhilarating drive along the "Uminchu Road," a popular driving spot in Okinawa, with the beautiful sea and sky stretching out on both sides of the road. Known as a remote island that can be reached by car, visitors can enjoy driving and sightseeing while gazing at the bright, cream soda-like sea.
There are many ways to spend your time, from enjoying the island's gourmet cuisine to swimming in the crystal clear waters. In addition to Miyagi Island, Hamahiga Island, Ikejima, and Henza Island are located in the vicinity, so a drive around the islands is recommended.

Kaho Banta, a magnificent view from an elevation of about 70 meters

From cobalt blue to emerald green. The breathtaking gradation that spreads out before your eyes is beautiful.
From cobalt blue to emerald green. The breathtaking gradation that spreads out before your eyes is beautiful.

If you visit Miyagi Island, you must see "Kafu Banta," a spectacular view spot. Kafu" means "happiness" and "Banta" means "cliff" in the Okinawan dialect. The beautiful scenery is so beautiful that you will feel happy just by looking at it.
Nearby is the Nuchimasu Tourist Salt Factory, where you can enjoy a factory tour and gourmet salt dishes. (*Kaho Banta can only be visited during the hours of operation of the Nuchimasu Tourist Salt Factory.)

Local Guide Comment
This is a recommended spot where you can easily tour the remote islands while driving around. We hope you enjoy your island trip while feeling the breeze of Okinawa. After seeing the spectacular view at Kaho Banta, the "Nuchimasu salt soft serve" is a delicious treat that will soak into your body and soul.
Miyagi Island
  • address (e.g. of house) Miyagijo Island, Yonagusuku, Uruma City, Okinawa MAP
  • Direction Approximately 80 minutes by car from Naha Airport
  • Business hours 9:00-17:30 (Nuchimasu Tourist Salt Factory)
  • Closed Open all year round (Nuchimasu Tourist Salt Factory)

A rare Property in Japan that is both a Museum and an Art Museum

The interior of the museum was designed to resemble a dazzling scene of sunlight filtering through a kuba tree © Collection of the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum
The interior of the museum was designed to resemble a dazzling scene of sunlight filtering through a kuba tree © Collection of the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum

This Property is one of the few in Japan that has both a museum and an art museum. When you walk straight ahead from the main entrance, you will see the museum on the left side and the art museum on the right side, which are separated into two areas.
The museum's permanent exhibition consists of a general exhibition that provides a general overview of Okinawa's history and five departmental exhibitions (natural history, archaeology, folklore, history, and arts and crafts). The museum collection exhibition features oil paintings, watercolors, photographs, sculptures, videos, and other works by artists with ties to Okinawa and Okinawa. Depending on the timing of your visit, you can enjoy a variety of viewing and experiences, so be sure to check the official website before visiting.

Visitors can learn about Okinawa's unique history, nature, and culture. A full day's worth of fun.

Sabani, a boat used in Okinawa and the surrounding islands since ancient times. They were an integral part of daily life, used for fishing and transportation.
Sabani, a boat used in Okinawa and the surrounding islands since ancient times. They were an integral part of daily life, used for fishing and transportation.

Currently, the Property houses a collection of 100,490 museum items and 4,800 art objects (as of March 31, 2021), so extensive that it would take an entire day to view them all. Due to the vast amount of items, not all of them are on display, but visitors can take a "backyard tour" (a curator will take you behind the scenes) periodically to see inside the storage rooms.
For those who wish to enjoy a full viewing of the collection or spend several days touring, it is recommended to visit the museum at the time of the tours. (*Application in advance is required.)

Local Guide Comment
You can learn about Okinawa from all angles, and with seasonal and period-specific exhibits, this is a spot that you will enjoy no matter how many times you visit.
©Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum
©Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum
Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum (Okimyu)
  • address (e.g. of house) 3-1-1 Omoromachi, Naha City, Okinawa MAP
  • Direction 10 min. walk from "Omoromachi Station" of Yui Rail
  • Business hours Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays 9:00-18:00 (admission by 17:30)
    Friday, Saturday 9:00 - 20:00 (admission until 19:30)
  • Closed Mondays (If Monday is a national holiday, substitute holiday, or Memorial Day, the museum will be open on Monday and closed on the following weekday.)
    The museum is closed during the year-end and New Year holidays and for other maintenance.
  • Admission Fee Museum Permanent Exhibition: Adults 530 yen, High School and University Students 270 yen, Non-Prefectural Elementary and Junior High School Students 150 yen
    Museum Collection: Adults ¥400, Senior high school and University students ¥220, Children and Junior high school students outside of the prefecture ¥100
    Free admission for persons 70 years old and over, elementary school students in the prefecture, and disabled persons with a disability certificate and one caregiver (must present certificate).
  • TEL 098-941-8200
  • Parking Yes (free of charge)

The 2-km-long cliffs and the power of the rough waves lapping against the cliffs

A chalk lighthouse towering majestically in the midst of rough seas. Its symbolic presence attracts people.
A chalk lighthouse towering majestically in the midst of rough seas. Its symbolic presence attracts people.

The cape is the westernmost scenic spot on Okinawa's main island. The 30-meter-high cliffs stretch for 2 kilometers, making it a powerful scenic spot. A lighthouse stands at the end of the cliff facing the East China Sea, so you can see the entire East China Sea from the top of the lighthouse.
The lighthouse is also known as one of only 16 "climbable lighthouses" in Japan. (*There is a fee to climb to the top of the lighthouse; a donation of 300 yen is required.) The view from the top of the lighthouse is so vast that you can even see the Kerama Islands on a clear day. It is also popular as the last place on the main island of Okinawa where the sun sets, so it is recommended to relax and enjoy the passage of time.

The "Lighthouse Reference Exhibition Room" where you can learn about the roots and history of lighthouses.

Knowing about the lighthouse towering over the powerful landscape may change the way you look at it.
Knowing about the lighthouse towering over the powerful landscape may change the way you look at it.

On the right side of the stairs leading up to the lighthouse is the "Lighthouse Reference Exhibition Room" where you can learn about the history of the Cape Zanpa Lighthouse. In the Lighthouse Reference Exhibition Room, visitors can learn not only the history of the Cape Zanbamisaki Lighthouse, but also the history and roots of the lighthouse itself, as well as the great figures, roles, and structure related to the lighthouse, and there are also displays of lighthouse lenses and other equipment.
There is also a model of a cross-sectional view of the Cape Samba Lighthouse, which is perfect for visitors with children. Admission to the exhibition room is free, so even those who do not climb the lighthouse are encouraged to visit.

Local Guide Comment
Near the lighthouse is a park and the sunset from there is very beautiful. If you have time, you should definitely take a look.
Cape Zanpa Lighthouse
  • address (e.g. of house) Uza, Yomitan Village, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa MAP
  • Direction Approximately 66 minutes from Naha Airport by Car
  • Business hours Mar-Sep weekdays 9:30-16:30, Sat-Sun 9:30-17:30, Oct-Feb 9:30-16:30 (admission until 20 minutes before closing time)
  • Closed None
  • Admission Fee Free (300 yen required to climb the lighthouse)
  • TEL 098-958-3041 (Cape Zanbamisaki Branch Office)
  • Parking Yes (free of charge)

Experience Okinawa at the site once used for a major TV drama.

Just walking around the townscape with the atmosphere of the Ryukyu Dynasty is fun!
Just walking around the townscape with the atmosphere of the Ryukyu Dynasty is fun!

This Experience spot is a recreation of a gorgeous Ryukyu Dynasty townscape on a 15,000-tsubo site. Originally used as an open studio for NHK's historical drama "Winds of Ryukyu," the Property was later transferred to Yomitan Village and reborn as a tourist facility.
The buildings that line the site are used as experience studios, where visitors can enjoy a variety of creative experiences, including traditional crafts such as pottery, Ryukyu glass, and Bingata, coloring of seersucker, and indigo dyeing.

The Ryukyu Lantern Festival is a spectacular event in winter.

Yomitan Night Lanterns, a collection of about 3,000 lanterns and lanterns
Yomitan Night Lanterns, a collection of about 3,000 lanterns and lanterns

The Ryukyu Lantern Festival held every winter is another highlight. During the festival, the grounds are brightly decorated with countless lanterns, creating a breathtakingly beautiful sight. In addition to the night lights, the festival also features the "Night Lantern Stage," where performers bring the stage to life every day, light and sound projection mapping, and an object photo contest.
At the "Night Lantern Cafe," available only during the event period, warm steamed meat buns, dumplings, frankfurters, and drinks are sold while admiring the lanterns, making you feel warm inside and out.

Local Guide Comment
The village offers all kinds of Okinawan experiences and experiences. You can also enjoy the tasteful buildings, or visit during the event periods.
Experience Kingdom Murasakimura
  • Address 1020-1 Aza Takashiho, Yomitan-mura, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa MAP
  • Direction Approx. 63 min. from Naha Airport by Car
  • Hours of Operation 9:00-17:30
    Restaurant Taiki: Lunch buffet 11:00-15:00, Dinner buffet 18:00-22:00
  • Closed None
  • Admission Fee Adults 1,000 yen, junior high and high school students 500 yen, elementary school students 400 yen, free for infants
  • TEL 098-958-1111
  • Parking Free of charge

MAP

Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
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The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.