一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人's Reviews Page 1/2

Manzamo

Manzamo remains one of Okinawa’s most coveted, scenic destinations at its spot along the coast of the East China Sea in Onna Village, a town near the heart of Okinawa Island. The name "Manzamo" comes from the Ryukyu word for "field”, and it is said that in 1726, King Sho Kei of the Ryukyu Kingdom praised the area, saying it was "large enough to seat ten thousand people”.

• Onna
• Nature Spots

Manzamo is one of Okinawa's most iconic scenic spots. Its name comes from King Sho Kei of the Ryukyu Kingdom, who praised it in the 18th century as “a field (mo) spacious enough to seat ten thousand people.” It is famous for its iconic natural elephant trunk-shaped coral cliff and magnificent ocean views.
A highlight is the capsule toy machines inside the building, where you can get unique handmade ceramic capsule toys with a local touch. If you have an Okinawa FunPASS, you can also stop by the restaurant on the second floor to redeem a refreshing drink—enjoy the view and relax all at once!

Neo Park Okinawa

This zoological and botanical garden is located about 10 minutes by car from downtown Nago. The vast site, nearly five times the size of the Tokyo Dome, features an area that reproduces the environment of a tropical region.

• Yanbaru, Nago, Motobu
• Zoos & Aquariums

Neo Park Okinawa in Nago is a super relaxing family destination! Besides riding a retro train around the park, you can get up close and feed flocks of waterfowl and other cute animals in the huge aviary. Don't miss the park's hugely popular, adorably goofy red pandas. If the summer heat gets to you, you can escape to the indoor cafe and dining area, relax in the air conditioning with a meal, and watch the adorable red pandas and other animals up close!

SAN-A Urasoe West Coast PARCO CITY

Jointly operated by PARCO, which runs fashion buildings across Japan, and SAN-A, a supermarket chain in Okinawa, SAN-A Urasoe West Coast PARCO CITY is housed in a six-story building, with its 1st to 3rd floors serving as a commercial area. Boasting 78,000 square meters of retail space, it stands as one of the largest shopping facilities in the Okinawa region.

• Yomitan, Chatan, Okinawa City, Uruma, Kitanakagusuku, Urasoe
• Commercial Buildings

SAN-A Urasoe West Coast PARCO CITY in Okinawa is a massive shopping paradise packed with fashion and food, and it's great for browsing and shopping.
The biggest surprise inside is the popular yakiniku restaurant Jojoen. You can make reservations online and enjoy premium yakiniku in air-conditioned comfort while taking in views of the blue ocean and dazzling sunset through the large windows—a luxurious meal and breathtaking ocean views all in one!

Naminoue Shrine

As the name implies, this ancient shrine stands on a quay overhanging the blue sea, and is affectionately known as "Nanmin-san" by the local people.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Shrines & Temples

Okinawa's Naminoue Shrine is a center of Ryukyuan spiritual belief. Its most distinctive feature is its location atop a cliff, with a red torii gate and traditional shrine buildings facing the sea. Solemn and sacred, it is a holy site where people pray for safe voyages and good relationships.

After visiting the shrine, walk down the stone steps to Naminoue Beach, the only natural beach in downtown Naha. With pristine white sand and clear water, you can also look up at Naminoue Shrine perched high on the cliff. It combines cultural traditions with an island vacation atmosphere, and is both easy to reach and full of character!

A Happy Pancake Umikaji Terrace Okinawa

Part of a nationwide chain originating from Awaji Island, A Happy Pancake is a beloved café known for its fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth pancakes. The Okinawa location sits within Umikaji Terrace, a resort-style commercial complex on Senaga Island, conveniently close to Naha Airport. Here, visitors can enjoy both carefully crafted pancakes and breathtaking ocean views.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Cafés

A Happy Pancake on Senaga Island is a popular spot you shouldn't miss in Okinawa! Unfortunately, online reservations are no longer available as of this year, so you have to sign up in person.
The signature thick pancakes are fluffy and soft, melting in your mouth with a rich egg-and-milk aroma and flavorful syrup. Every bite is full of happiness. The most eye-catching feature is the outdoor seating overlooking the ocean. You can enjoy delicious pancakes and the cool sea breeze while watching planes take off and land at low altitude from Naha Airport against the beautiful blue ocean—a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds!
Afterward, you can browse the various shops in an area known as Okinawa's Little Greece. When you get tired, there's a free footbath next to the visitor center.

Shurijo Castle Park

Shurijo is a proud Okinawan icon whose brightly-painted vermillion walls also make it the only red castle in Japan. The castle served as the esteemed seat of politics, trade and culture for the Ryukyu Kingdom that existed during the 450 years between 1429 and 1879.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Tourist Attractions

Shurijo Castle is an iconic World Cultural Heritage landmark that symbolizes the glorious history and unique culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It combines the best of Chinese and Japanese architecture with the deep-red style of a Ryukyuan palace, making it both stately and elegant. Although many areas are still being rebuilt after the 2019 fire, it's worth a visit.

While you're there, I recommend visiting the teahouse inside the castle. In the historic palace setting, you can enjoy traditional Ryukyuan court sweets—chinsuko—and fragrant jasmine tea while admiring the lush garden. It feels like traveling back in time and immersing yourself in the elegance of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

iias Okinawa Toyosaki

Buckle up for the larger-than-life shopping mall set in southern Okinawa, just a short 20-minute drive from Naha Airport. Step in for some 100 different specialty shops on site ranging from fashion and lifestyle to electronics and dining, plus bonus fun at the on-site aquarium that both locals and travelers love to rave about.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Commercial Buildings

iias Toyosaki combines shopping with spectacular ocean views. The mall has a diverse range of brands and is a compact but enjoyable place to browse, with the DMM Kariyushi Aquarium as an added highlight. The food court brings together many local and popular dishes, offering plenty of dining options. You can even enjoy Okinawa soba here in the air conditioning. Best of all, the mall is right next to a beautiful beach, so whenever you get tired of shopping, you can head outside and wade in the water. In the evening, you can also admire a magnificent sunset that turns the entire sea red. It has shopping, food, and romantic ocean views all in one!

Minatogawa Stateside Town

A unique spot created by renovating foreign residences built in the 1950s and 1960s for U.S. military personnel, now lined with cafes, variety shops, galleries, and more. Appearing suddenly in a residential neighborhood in Urasoe City, its retro American-style streetscape offers one of Okinawa’s most distinctly international atmospheres.

• Yomitan, Chatan, Okinawa City, Uruma, Kitanakagusuku, Urasoe
• Tourist Attractions

Minatogawa Stateside Town preserves a neighborhood of single-story former U.S. military residences. Each street has its own character and is filled with a strong retro, international atmosphere.

The colorful homes have now been transformed into many unique little shops, including whimsical studios featuring original handmade artwork and variety stores. Best of all, the area is packed with popular dessert shops serving treats like delicious mini fruit tarts and canelés. Every shop is impressive. Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the alleys for hidden finds and sampling desserts. It's photogenic and relaxing!

Mihama Town Resort American Village

Mihama Town Resort American Village is a resort town located about 40 minutes by car from Naha Airport. See why the many families, couples and tourists trust this beach-side destination for the best variety of shops, eateries, natural hot springs, amusement stops and more.

• Yomitan, Chatan, Okinawa City, Uruma, Kitanakagusuku, Urasoe
• Tourist Attractions

Okinawa's American Village has a strong international atmosphere, with colorful buildings and a waterfront promenade that make you feel as though you're on the coast of California. In the evening, sit on the seaside jetty and watch the afterglow of the sunset. The golden sunset is mesmerizingly beautiful. Besides being great for shopping and photos, you can also enjoy popular, freshly made authentic Okinawan rice balls and sata andagi, traditional Okinawan doughnuts that are crisp outside, soft inside, and sweet and delicious. It's a distinctive spot that perfectly combines beautiful scenery with delicious local food!

Yomitan Village

Yomitan Village is located in central Okinawa Island, about an hour’s drive from Naha Airport or downtown Naha. With a population of over 42,000, it is known as the most populous village in Japan.

• Yomitan, Chatan, Okinawa City, Uruma, Kitanakagusuku, Urasoe
• Famous Places

Yomitan Village is a treasure trove of Okinawa's rich cultural heritage. There were only a few visitors on the day I went, and almost all were locals who had driven there. The village has a centuries-old pottery tradition called Yuntanzayaki. Stroll through the rustic, handcrafted atmosphere of Yomitan Village, browse the local pottery shops and kilns, then order a bowl of refreshing, nostalgic shaved ice served in locally made pottery. It's cool and relaxing, and the shop also has a friendly little black cat. Spending an afternoon here lets you fully experience Okinawa's warm, slow-paced, historic charm.