王小鈞's Reviews Page 13/29

Okinawa World

This theme park condenses the charms of Okinawa and is very popular among tourists from both inside and outside Japan. The largest limestone cave in Okinawa, Gyokusendo Cave, was created over 300,000 years ago, and it's more than one million stalactites reaffirm the mystery and grandeur of nature.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Amusement Parks & Theme parks

This place is perfect for spending a relaxed half day exploring! Gyokusendo Cave was even more impressive than I expected. Walking inside felt like entering another world, and the stalactites looked so beautiful under the lights that I couldn’t stop taking photos.

After that, strolling through the Ryukyu Kingdom Castle Town area gave a great feel for Okinawa’s historic atmosphere. The whole park has a lot to see and is super photogenic. Definitely worth a visit.

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

The first time I saw Shurijo Castle, I honestly couldn’t stop taking photos! The whole castle is such a vivid red and has so much character. It feels completely different from other castles in Japan, and it looks great from just about any angle.

Walking along the castle walls and around the grounds, you can enjoy views of Naha while feeling the historic atmosphere left behind by the Ryukyu Kingdom. Even though Shurijo Castle is still under restoration, it’s still well worth seeing in person.

Naminoue Umisora Park Naminoue Beach

It is the only beach in Naha City that stretches near Naminoue Shrine, the first of the eight Ryukyu shrines and the most prestigious shrine in Okinawa.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Parks & Gardens

It’s really special to have the ocean right next to the shrine!

After visiting Naminoue Shrine, you can walk just a few steps to reach the only beach in Naha City. The water is clear, the sand is clean, and being able to enjoy Okinawa’s ocean views right in the city feels so relaxing.

Sitting on the beach with the sea breeze, zoning out while looking at the deep blue ocean, was one of the most relaxing moments of the trip. If you come to Okinawa, you should definitely add this place to your itinerary. It’s gorgeous for photos, and every shot looks like a postcard.

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

If you’re visiting Naha, Okinawa, don’t miss Naminoue Shrine, surrounded by the bright blue sea. Set on a seaside cliff, the shrine looks from a distance as if it’s floating above the waves, which is how it got its name. Locals affectionately call it “Nanmin-san,” and since ancient times it has been a sacred place to pray for safety, abundant harvests, and smooth voyages.

The vivid vermilion worship hall, paired with Okinawa’s unique tropical atmosphere, looks especially beautiful in the sunlight. The moment you step inside, you can feel a setting that is both solemn and full of island charm. There are also stories of prayers offered to the gods of “NIRAI-KANAI,” the ideal paradise beyond the sea, giving the shrine a mysterious appeal rooted in Ryukyu culture.

Sefa Utaki

This is the highest sacred site of the Ryukyu Kingdom, located in the mountains of Chinen Kudeken, Nanjo City, in the southern part of Okinawa's main island. As a forest where the gods descend, important rituals and ceremonies were held, including the inauguration ceremony of the kingdom's supreme divinity, Kikoe Ogimi, called "Oaraori”.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Tourist Attractions

This was once a sacred site where the Ryukyu Kingdom held important rituals, and it was also an important place for the inauguration ceremony of the highest priestess, the Kikoe Ogimi. In 2000, it was added to the World Heritage Site “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu,” standing as a testament to Ryukyu’s unique spiritual culture.
What left the biggest impression was the huge Ryukyu limestone formation called Sangui deep in the forest. The naturally formed rock space feels full of mysterious energy. Standing there with the gentle breeze passing through, I found myself feeling calm without even realizing it.

Naha City First Makishi Public Market

It is the kitchen of the Uchinanchu (Okinawan people), with colorful fish, island vegetables that convey the energy of the land, pork of various parts, and other foods unique to Okinawa.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Shopping Streets

If you come to Okinawa, you have to check out Makishi Public Market! You’ll see colorful fresh fish, local vegetables, all kinds of pork ingredients, and so much more. Just walking through the market feels like getting to know Okinawa’s food culture.
I recommend coming in the morning to browse at a relaxed pace, while the afternoon lets you experience the lively market atmosphere. Don’t be shy—chat with the shop owners. You might even get a little freebie at checkout, adding a fun surprise to your trip!

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 definitely a must-visit spot in Okinawa! Standing in front of the elephant trunk-shaped rock and watching the waves crash against the cliffs, the endless blue of the sea and sky makes you want to stop and linger for a while.
The scenery changes depending on the time of day. On sunny days, the ocean is as blue as a gemstone, and in the evening it takes on a romantic feel. Every quick photo looks like a postcard. It’s so beautiful you won’t want to leave.

Naha Airport

Naha Airport sits on Okinawa’s main island, serving as Japan’s southern gateway to the world. Flights here service a regular roster of domestic flights to major cities including Tokyo (Haneda), Osaka (Kansai), Nagoya (Chubu), and Fukuoka, while international routes link Okinawa directly with several Asian destinations. In addition to frequent flight options to Okinawa’s outlying islands, including Ishigaki, Miyako, and Kume, the airport sees over 20 million passengers each year.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Airplanes & Airport

The first stop on an Okinawa trip is Naha Airport! As soon as you get off the plane, you can feel that tropical island vibe. Transportation is convenient, and the monorail gets you to Kokusai Street quickly.
The airport has a great selection of souvenirs and food, plus an observation deck where you can watch planes take off and land. I recommend setting aside a little time to look around. The vacation mood starts right here.

Tanukikoji Shopping Street

Tanuki Koji Shopping Street, with over 145 years of history is one of Hokkaido’s oldest shopping streets. It’s located in the center of Sapporo, stretching 900 meters from east to west with some 200 different shops. It has an arcade-style covered roofing, meaning you can enjoy shopping, dining, or an easy stroll no matter what the weather.

• Sapporo Station, Odori, Susukino
• Shopping Streets

Tanukikoji is definitely a must-visit in Sapporo! It has a great vibe from daytime all the way into the evening. You can find drugstores, souvenirs, and food all in one place, and the whole street is covered, so you don’t have to worry about rain or snow.

When you get tired from walking around, just pop into a restaurant for some Genghis Khan grilled lamb or a glass of SAPPORO beer. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Hokkaido’s relaxed pace. Just be warned—you might end up shopping nonstop!

Hozenji Yokocho

“Hozenji Yokocho” is two stone-paved alleys in the grounds of Tenryuzan Hozenji Temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism, and has been one of Japan’s most popular tourist attractions since the Meiji period (1868-1912).

• Shinsaibashi, Namba, Nipponbashi (Minami)
• Shopping Streets

Hozenji Yokocho is tucked away next to lively Dotonbori. Step into the stone-paved alley, and it feels like you’ve instantly traveled back to old Osaka.

Both sides are lined with unique, long-established shops. You can also visit the moss-covered Mizukake Fudo to pay your respects and enjoy the quiet, nostalgic atmosphere.

It has a different charm during the day and at night, and it’s definitely worth slowing down to explore.