A Happy Pancake Umikaji Terrace Okinawa | Review by 王小鈞

Cape Chinen Park

Located in Nanjo City in southern Okinawa, Cape Chinen Park sits dramatically at the edge of Cape Chinen, jutting out into the Pacific Ocean. This scenic spot offers panoramic, 250-degree ocean views that stretch across vibrant coral reefs. The mesmerizing gradient from emerald green to deep cobalt blue is nothing short of breathtaking. You can also catch sight of nearby uninhabited Komaka Island, known for its white sandy beaches, and Kudaka Island-revered as the “Island of the Gods.” On clear days, you may even see as far as Tsuken Island and the Katsuren Peninsula to the northeast.

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

知念岬公園是我這次沖繩很喜歡的看海景點之一。
站在岬角上，眼前就是一望無際的太平洋，海水從翡翠綠一路漸層到深藍色，真的美到像一幅畫，怎麼拍都很療癒。
天氣好的時候，還能看到白色沙灘圍繞的 Komaka 島，以及有「神之島」之稱的久高島，視野超級開闊，海風一吹，什麼煩惱都暫時忘光了。
這裡沒有太多商業設施，就是單純享受大海、吹吹風、放空一下。如果有安排到沖繩南部，真的很推薦把知念岬公園排進行程，不用待太久，但一定會留下深刻印象。

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.

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.