It was my first time visiting the Nakijin Castle Ruins, and they were even more impressive than I expected!
This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Okinawa. Although the castle itself is long gone, the 1.5-kilometer stone wall is still well preserved. Walking along the stone-paved paths really feels like traveling back in time.
What I liked most was that there were hardly any tourists on a weekday, so I could stroll around and take photos without any crowds. From the higher points, you can also look out over Okinawa's mountains and ocean, and the view is really relaxing.
The grounds aren't very large, and you can easily see everything in about an hour, making it a good stop on an itinerary through northern Okinawa. If you like historic sites or just want a quiet place to walk around, it's well worth a visit.
Nakijin Castle Ruins | Review by 王小鈞
Other Reviews by 王小鈞
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Kokusaidori Yataimura
Yataimura (food stall village) was established in 2015 on Kokusai Dori, and you won't want to miss it during your visit to Okinawa. It is a popular spot where restaurants serving Okinawan cuisine and creative dishes made with local ingredients gather and bustle both day and night.
We originally added Kokusai Dori Yataimura to our itinerary because we wanted to eat our way through it, but we arrived too early!
The village was very quiet during the day, and most places weren't open yet, so all we could do was walk around, take pictures, and soak up the distinctly Japanese food-stall atmosphere. It was a bit disappointing that we couldn't try any of the food or have the beer and grilled skewers we'd imagined.
It seems the village really comes alive at night. Next time, we'll definitely come in the early evening to fully experience the lively nightlife and make up for all the food we missed this time! -
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A&W Naha Kanagusuku Store
The first Okinawa restaurant was opened in 1963, before Okinawa was returned to Japan, and today there are more than 20 fast food restaurants in Okinawa Prefecture, all originating from the United States.
A must-try American burger in Okinawa—this is it!
A&W came from the United States and opened its first location in Okinawa in 1963, before Okinawa was returned to Japan. Today, it has more than 20 locations across Okinawa and is the only place in Japan where you can still eat at A&W.
I originally came just to check it out, but one bite made me a fan!
The burger was really good. The bun was soft, the patty was juicy, and the overall flavor was exactly to my taste. It's just the kind of American burger I like.
If you don't know what to eat in Okinawa, consider having a meal at A&W. Besides the burgers, you can also soak up the full retro American atmosphere. No wonder it has become part of the memories of Okinawa locals and a fast-food restaurant that many travelers make a point of visiting. -
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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.
I originally stopped by Yomitan Village because it was on the way, but unexpectedly found an incredibly beautiful beach. It's really relaxing on a weekday, with hardly any tourists around. The water is clear, the beach is clean, and all you can hear is the sound of the waves. I instantly felt completely relaxed.
Yomitan Village is the most populous village in Japan. In addition to its beautiful ocean and sunsets, it also has a laid-back atmosphere. If you like avoiding crowds, it's definitely worth adding to your Okinawa itinerary and spending a quiet afternoon here. -
