王小鈞's Reviews Page 6/29

Nanjo Art Museum

An art museum located in Nanjo City in southern Okinawa’s main island. Rather than simply viewing works in exhibition rooms, it presents itself as a “scenic art museum” where visitors can experience art through nature, architecture, and spaces of everyday life. The permanent exhibition room features a wide range of works by contemporary artists from Japan and abroad, including pieces by Yayoi Kusama, Park Seo-Bo, and Zhang Xiaogang.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Museums

Even if you don't usually have much exposure to art, I highly recommend coming here for a stroll.
This museum is a little different from what you might typically imagine. It's not just about viewing exhibitions—the architecture, gardens, nature, and ocean views are all incorporated into the experience. Taking your time to walk around and soak it all in is really relaxing.

The museum has works by well-known artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Park Seo-Bo, and Zhang Xiaogang. When you get tired, you can sit on the terrace or at the cafe, enjoy the ocean view, and just unwind.

I think the most charming thing about this place is that you don't have to understand art. You can simply enjoy a peaceful moment in a comfortable setting. If you want to add something a little different to your Okinawa itinerary, this place is well worth including.

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

This place definitely belongs on the list of must-try desserts in Okinawa!
If you visit Umikaji Terrace on Senaga Island, be sure to plan a stop at this incredibly popular pancake shop. I recommend making an online reservation first. Otherwise, between waiting in line and having the pancakes made to order, you'll be waiting quite a while.
Each order of pancakes is freshly made and takes about 20 minutes. They're made with fresh eggs, Hokkaido fresh cream, and New Zealand manuka honey. They're slightly crisp on the outside and incredibly fluffy inside, and every bite makes the wait feel worthwhile!
Besides the classic pancakes, there are also fruit, whipped cream, and seasonal flavors. Every option looks so tempting. You can enjoy the pancakes with an unbeatable ocean view and watch planes take off and land up close. The whole place is filled with a vacation atmosphere.
After eating here, I really had only one thought: super delicious! If you come to Okinawa, I highly recommend adding this place to your itinerary. Enjoying beautiful scenery with delicious food is definitely one of the most relaxing moments of the trip.

Naha Kokusai-dori Shopping Street

Naha City Kokusai-dori Shopping Street is located in the center of Naha City and is the main street representing Okinawa. It is the largest downtown area in Naha City and is famous as the center of commerce and entertainment. It is known as "Kokusai-dori (International street)," based on the concept of "a people-friendly town and a town that is fun to walk through.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Shopping Streets

Every time I come to Okinawa, I always make time to explore Kokusai-dori!
There are so many great things to buy and eat here. You can find almost everything, from Okinawa-exclusive snacks, souvenirs, drugstore products, and cosmetics to unique little items. Before you know it, you'll have shopped until your arms are sore.
The street is about 1.6 kilometers long, and there's never a dull moment as you stroll and browse. Just pop into any store that catches your eye, then find a café to rest when you get tired. That's the most relaxing pace for a trip. It gets even livelier after the lights come on at night, and the whole area is filled with a travel vibe.
If you happen to visit during the Sunday pedestrian zone, you're even luckier! The entire street becomes pedestrian-only, with street performances and events to enjoy, making it even more relaxing to explore.
If you visit Okinawa without taking a walk down Kokusai-dori, it feels like something is missing. Be sure to leave plenty of time, or you'll end up browsing for so long that you won't want to leave, while your wallet quietly gets thinner.

RyukyuMura

RyukyuMura is a theme park that recreates an old Ryukyu village, chock full of authentic experiences including folk songs and performing arts.

• Onna
• Amusement Parks & Theme parks

If you want to experience authentic Ryukyuan culture all in one place while visiting Okinawa, I highly recommend stopping by RyukyuMura!
As soon as you enter the park, it feels like you've traveled back to the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom. The traditional red-tiled houses, stone walls, and narrow alleys are full of character, and every photo has a nostalgic Japanese feel.
Besides watching traditional folk songs and dance performances, you can paint your own shisa, make Ryukyu glass and coral picture frames, and even dress in traditional Ryukyuan clothing for photos, creating plenty of Okinawa memories. If you're bringing kids, the treasure hunts and puzzle-solving games are also fun for both children and adults.
This isn't a place you just rush through. It's somewhere you can truly experience Okinawan culture with your eyes, ears, and hands. It's a great place to spend 2–3 hours exploring at a relaxed pace. If you're visiting Okinawa, consider adding it to your itinerary. I guarantee it'll be more interesting than you expect.

Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum

The largest cultural facility in the prefecture that combines a museum and an art gallery, affectionately known as Okimyu.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Museums

This was my first time visiting the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum. I thought it might be a little boring, but I unexpectedly got really absorbed in exploring it. The museum and art museum are in the same building, so whether you want to learn about Okinawan history or see an art exhibition, you can do both in one visit. The museum presents Okinawa's story from the Ryukyu Kingdom to the present in a very engaging way, and there are also traditional homes from the past that you can visit. It's fun to take your time looking around.
The art museum's exhibitions are also very well curated. In addition to local Okinawan art, there are works from Japan and other parts of Asia to enjoy. The whole environment is very comfortable and doesn't feel overwhelming.
If it happens to be raining or you don't want to keep visiting outdoor attractions, I think this is a great place to come. Enjoy the air conditioning, see the exhibitions, take some photos, and the time flies by. It's a place that's more worth spending time at than I expected.

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

If I could only fit in one place to shop while visiting Okinawa, I'd probably choose this one!
American Village is really distinctive. Walking in feels like you've been instantly transported to America, with small shops, restaurants, and colorful buildings that make you want to keep taking pictures. Every corner is photogenic.
You'll find not only American-style burgers, steaks, and huge portions, but also authentic Okinawan cuisine and all kinds of Okinawa-exclusive souvenirs, so you can enjoy two different styles in one place. When you get tired of shopping, you can soak in a natural hot spring or sit by the ocean and watch the sunset. It's all so relaxing.
I especially recommend staying from late afternoon through the evening. Street performers and magic shows appear one after another, and once the lights come on at night, it feels even more romantic. It gets livelier as the night goes on, so you'll never be bored.
This really isn't just a shopping center. It's a place where you can eat, drink, have fun, take pictures, relax, and spend the whole day. It's easy to lose track of time and not want to leave!

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

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.

Nago Castle Park

A prefectural nature park located about 10 minutes by car from downtown Nago. Located on Mt.Nago, visitors can view the city of Nago and the beautiful East China Sea, from the observatory near the top.

• Yanbaru, Nago, Motobu
• Parks & Gardens

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.

Toyosaki Seaside Park Chura SUN Beach

Located just a 15-minute drive from Naha Airport toward Itoman City, Chura SUN Beach at Toyosaki Seaside Park is the closest beach to the airport. It’s a popular spot for watching airplanes take off and land, as well as for enjoying breathtaking sunsets over the horizon.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Nature Spots

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.

Nago City Hall

While performing administrative functions as Nago City Hall, it is a hidden tourist spot known for its famous architecture. Looking like an ancient ruin, you may not recognize it as a city hall at first glance. It is also known as an "energy-saving government building" because of its distinctive design that takes advantage of Okinawa's climate by allowing sea breezes to cool the building.

• Yanbaru, Nago, Motobu
• Tourist Attractions

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!”