王小鈞's Reviews Page 18/40

It's about a 10-minute drive from downtown Nago. How big is the park? About five times the size of Tokyo Dome! Walking in feels like entering a small tropical world, full of greenery and the presence of animals.
The biggest feature here is that instead of simply keeping the animals in exhibit areas, the park recreates their natural habitats as closely as possible. It has three main areas modeled after different regions: Lake Chad, the Amazon Jungle, and Flowers and Birds of Oceania.
As you walk around the park, you can see birds strolling leisurely and cute small animals. Some animals even roam freely right beside you, so you feel closer to them than at a typical zoo, often making you want to stop and take pictures.
One of the most interesting things is riding the small train around the park, enjoying the tropical plants while looking for animals hiding in the forest. It feels less like visiting a zoo and more like exploring the jungles of Okinawa.
Although it's not one of Okinawa's most popular attractions, there are fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere, making it a good place to spend half a day exploring at a leisurely pace. Kids will have a great time, and adults can rediscover their inner child at this lesser-known attraction.

This time, I visited a rather low-key attraction—Nago Castle Park.
It's about a 10-minute drive from downtown Nago, and I didn't expect to find such a pleasant forest hidden in the mountains. The park is located around Mt. Nago, and from the observation deck, you can take in sweeping views of downtown Nago and the vast East China Sea. The view is really great.
There were hardly any tourists when I visited on a weekday. The entire park was so quiet that all I could hear was the wind blowing through the trees, making it perfect for a leisurely walk and clearing your mind. The park has forest trails, nature observation areas, and several rest areas. Walking along the lush green trails, I could really feel the laid-back atmosphere unique to northern Okinawa.
I heard this is also one of Okinawa's well-known cherry blossom viewing spots. Every winter, when the Taiwan cherry trees are in full bloom, the entire mountainside turns pink, and a cherry blossom festival is held.
Unfortunately, I came during the wrong season and missed the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom. I'll just have to come back next time to take photos of the cherry blossom version.
If you like avoiding crowds and discovering lesser-known spots in Okinawa, this place is definitely worth saving. Sitting on the observation deck with the sea breeze blowing and looking out at Nago's mountains and ocean feels like unexpectedly discovering a treasure during your trip.

If you're looking for a beach where you can unwind without dealing with crowds, I highly recommend Chura SUN Beach at Toyosaki Seaside Park.
It's only about a 15-minute drive from Naha Airport, so it's super close. Many people stop by for a walk right after landing or before their return flight. Besides the deep blue ocean views, one of the biggest draws is being able to watch planes take off and land up close. In the evening, it's also a great place to watch the sun slowly sink below the horizon, which is really soothing.
We visited on a weekday, and there were hardly any tourists. The entire beach felt especially laid-back. With the sea breeze and the sound of the waves, it really felt like we had the place to ourselves. Compared with the crowds at popular beaches, I actually prefer this quiet, comfortable atmosphere. It's well worth stopping by for a walk.

If you’re like me and enjoy looking for places that not everyone visits, Nago City Hall is definitely worth adding to your itinerary!
I was genuinely stunned when I first saw it. It doesn’t look like a city hall at all, but more like an ancient ruin or temple. The rugged exposed concrete surrounded by lush greenery feels like a scene from The Legend of Zelda, and it looks impressive from every angle. The building also received an Architectural Institute of Japan award and is known for its design that makes use of Okinawa’s climate, allowing sea breezes to naturally cool the building. It’s a popular pilgrimage spot for architecture enthusiasts.
There are hardly any tourists on weekdays, so you can take your time walking around and taking photos without crowds. Every corner offers a different perspective, and the farther you go, the more it feels like an adventure.
If you’re already heading to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium or Kouri Island, I recommend stopping by along the way. It’s not a popular photo spot, but it’ll quietly make you exclaim, “Who knew Okinawa had such a cool place hidden away!”

I originally thought I'd just browse for a bit, but before I knew it, I walked out carrying several bags. Okinawa Outlet Mall ASHIBINAA is super close to the airport, so it's perfect to visit before flying home! There are lots of brands, including Nike, adidas, COACH, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Michael Kors... There’s so much to look at, and the discounts are really noticeable. I often saw the prices and couldn't resist picking up one more item.
When you get tired from shopping, there are cafes and places to eat where you can take a break. The atmosphere is also very comfortable, and it doesn't feel so crowded that you can't browse at your own pace.
If you're like me and always leave a little extra room in your luggage when traveling, you should definitely schedule this for your last day, or you'll really regret not coming! Just remember to leave some room in your luggage weight allowance, or on the way home, it might not be you that's exhausted—it'll be your overweight luggage.

Okinawa Zoo & Museum is really worth adding to your itinerary. I originally thought it was just a zoo, but after spending half a day there, I still wanted more. This is Japan's southernmost zoo complex, with about 150 species of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish. What makes it especially unique is that you can see rare animals from the “Ryukyu Arc” up close, such as Yakushima macaques and Ryukyu dogs, which you don't get to see just anywhere!
The whole park is comfortably laid out and is great for letting kids burn off some energy. Adults can also enjoy a leisurely walk and take their time looking at the animals. If you have enough time, I recommend setting aside at least half a day, or you really won't have enough time to see everything〜
If you want to add a family-friendly attraction where you can get close to nature to your Okinawa trip, in addition to shopping and trying the local food, Okinawa Zoo & Museum is definitely one to put on your list!

Besides the lively Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori areas, Osaka also has quite a few places steeped in history. Sumiyoshi Taisha is one attraction that's well worth a visit. On my first visit, the red arched bridge immediately caught my eye. The moment I crossed it and entered the shrine, the atmosphere around me became quiet, completely different from the bustle of the city center.

One place you definitely shouldn't miss when visiting Kobe is the exotic Nankin-machi!
It's one of the largest Chinatowns in western Japan, and the streets are lined with lots of tempting foods, like soup dumplings, pork buns, Peking duck, sesame balls, and more. Walking around and eating really gives you that travel feeling. I especially recommend not rushing to find a restaurant and sit down. Just stroll around and snack, buying whatever looks good and slowly taking in the crowds and energy.
Even though you're in Kobe, Japan, Nankin-machi has such a strong Chinese atmosphere that it feels both familiar and new. It's lively during the day and even more atmospheric when the lights come on at night, making it a great stop in Kobe for strolling, taking photos, and finding something to eat.

If you’re visiting Kobe and want an unforgettable Kobe beef experience, Setsugetsuka is definitely worth considering. It’s near Sannomiya Station, so it’s very convenient. Although it’s not cheap, since you’re already in Kobe, it’s worth treating yourself once in a while!
Sitting at the teppan counter and watching the chef prepare Kobe beef and fresh seafood right in front of you, every step—from slicing and grilling the meat to finally tasting it—feels ceremonial. The beef is incredibly tender, and the aroma of the marbling slowly spreads in your mouth. With just simple seasoning, it’s already unbelievably delicious.
There’s a reason it has a Michelin star. The entire dining experience isn’t just about eating delicious food; it’s more like a feast for the eyes and palate.
Although your wallet may hurt a little afterward, when you think back on the flavor, you’ll still feel, “Since I’m already here, it’s worth it!”

If you're visiting Kobe, Ikuta Shrine is a must-see.
It's near the bustling Sannomiya and Motomachi areas, about a 10-minute walk from the station, making it very convenient to stop by and pray while shopping.
Although it's in the city center, it immediately feels much quieter once you enter the shrine grounds. The red torii gates and lush garden create an interesting contrast with the busy streets outside. Many locals regularly come to pray for good fortune, and its convenient location also attracts many overseas visitors.