Okinawa World | Review by wendy

wendy’s Profile Page

Okinawa World

Nature, culture, history... Okinawa's charms are all here!

6 Sep 2026 See More

I really recommend planning a trip to Okinawa World! It brings Okinawa's nature, history, and traditional culture together in one park, and the spectacular Gyokusendo Cave is the one thing you can't miss. Okinawa has more than 600 limestone caves, and Gyokusendo Cave is one of the most iconic and impressive. About 800 meters of the cave are open to visitors, and walking the entire route takes around 50 minutes.

Along the way, you can see stalactites that slowly formed over hundreds of thousands of years. Their unusual shapes, illuminated by the lights, add to the mysterious and magical atmosphere. Most amazingly, these stalactites are still growing and slowly taking on new forms. As you walk through and see the traces nature has left little by little, you can't help but marvel, "Nature's craftsmanship is truly incredible!"

After leaving Gyokusendo Cave, don't rush off〜Okinawa World itself is also well worth exploring! You can experience traditional Okinawan culture and see distinctive buildings and historical artifacts throughout the park. I especially recommend seeing the taiko drum show!

The roughly 30-minute performance is powerful, with thunderous drumming and an incredibly lively atmosphere. It has a distinctly Okinawan feel!

The park has even more to offer than I expected, and the cave walkway was much longer than anticipated. After touring Gyokusendo Cave, there is still plenty of traditional Okinawan culture and history to enjoy as you make your way back.

Other Reviews by wendy

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.
- Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
- Shopping Streets
6 Sep 2026 See More

If you're visiting Kokusai Dori in Okinawa, this is a great place to walk around at night〜 There are unique spots one after another, with all kinds of food, drinks, and izakayas, and the whole food stall village has a super lively atmosphere!

It's a good idea to walk around first and then decide what you want to eat. There are plenty of places to choose from, and each has its own character. Sit down for a drink and some small dishes and soak up Okinawa's lively nightlife—it really feels like you're traveling.

The prices are definitely quite a bit higher than elsewhere, but I think you're paying not just for the food, but also for the food stall atmosphere! It's also open pretty late. When I came on Saturday night, it was super crowded and really felt like nightlife〜

If you want to experience the lively atmosphere of Japanese food stalls and izakayas, it's still well worth walking around!
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
6 Sep 2026 See More

Kokusai-dori is perfect for spending half a day or even a full day exploring at a leisurely pace!

The whole street is very lively, with restaurants, souvenir shops, drugstores, and local specialty shops lining both sides. Whether you want something to eat or want to shop, you can find it all here. And don't just stick to Kokusai-dori—the nearby Ichiba Hondori, Heiwa-dori, and Makishi Public Market are also well worth exploring. There are many small local Okinawan shops and places to eat tucked away in the alleys, making it more interesting than you might expect.

This area is also one of Naha's most iconic historic districts. After developing in the postwar period, it gradually grew into the lively markets and shopping streets seen today, offering a glimpse of everyday life in Okinawa.

Recommended route: Start at Makishi Station ➜ Makishi Public Market ➜ Ichiba Hondori ➜ Heiwa-dori ➜ Kokusai-dori.

Take your time, eat whatever catches your eye, and buy whatever you like, then make your way back to Kokusai-dori at the end. That's the most enjoyable way to explore. You really can eat from morning to night and shop until your hands are full. If it's your first time in Okinawa, this area is well worth setting aside plenty of time to explore at a leisurely pace!
Okinawa Outlet Mall Ashibinaa

Built near the Toyosaki Seaside Park Beach, Okinawa's first outlet mall is named "Ashibinaa," which means "playground" in Okinawan language, symbolizing a gathering place for people of all generations.
- Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
- Commercial Buildings
6 Sep 2026 See More

It's about a 20-minute drive south from Naha Airport and easy to get to. There aren't many people on weekdays, so it's very comfortable to browse〜 ASHIBINAA is Okinawa's first outlet mall, with more than 100 domestic and international brands across two floors. It has everything from luxury goods and clothing to household items, as well as plenty of discounted merchandise, so it's really a great place to hunt for bargains.

The entire shopping center has a strong Greek feel blended with Okinawan elements, making it feel like you're on vacation as you walk around. When you get tired, you can head to the second floor to eat and rest, and there's also Okinawa's must-try Blue Seal ice cream.

This was my first time visiting an outlet mall in Okinawa, and I thought it was a little like Gloria Outlets in Taoyuan, Taiwan. It's easy to browse, easy to shop, and you can also enjoy Okinawa's laid-back atmosphere!