Feel the Playful Spirit: 3 Must-See Spots Showcasing “New Okinawa”

Home to crystal-clear turquoise seas and streets where time seems to slow down, Okinawa has long been Japan’s quintessential resort escape. Recently, however, a new wave of attractions has been redefining how visitors can enjoy the islands. From Hotel Gracery Naha, three must-visit spots—each blending cutting-edge entertainment, breathtaking natural scenery, and shopping—are just a short trip away. They’re ideal for travelers who want a touch of extra excitement with their sightseeing.

A Shopping-Mall Rooftop Turned Theme Park—STEM RESORT: Souzouteki Asobiba

Opened in 2020, STEM RESORT: Souzouteki Asobiba is a rooftop theme park perched atop the iias Okinawa Toyosaki shopping mall—literally a “playground in the sky.” Its star attraction, the DINO Dinosaur Area, greets guests with lifelike creatures: a Tyrannosaurus roaring right before your eyes, a long-necked marine reptile that seems to move on its own, and more. The experience feels straight out of Jurassic Park, making it an irresistible photo spot for kids and adults alike.

Beyond the dinos, the park overflows with fun day and night, offering trampolines, AR/VR adventures, a puzzle-solving labyrinth, and an open-air, glamping-style lounge. After sunset, dramatic lighting and projection mapping transform the space into a dreamlike scene. Thanks to a wide range of indoor attractions, the fun continues even on rainy days.

Hours	10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (last admission 6:00 PM).
Address	Rooftop 4F, iias Okinawa Toyosaki, 3-35 Toyosaki, Tomigusuku-shi, Okinawa Prefecture
Access	・Hotel Gracery Naha：25-min. drive by rental car ・Hotel Gracery Naha (via Naha Bus Terminal, 12-min. walk from the hotel)：about 40-min. bus ride to Outlet Mall Ashibinaa
URL	https://stem-resort.com/

A New Haven of Adventure and Rejuvenating Nature—JUNGLIA OKINAWA

Nestled in the subtropical forests of Nakijin Village in northern Okinawa, JUNGLIA OKINAWA is a groundbreaking nature-adventure park where thrills, relaxation, and art converge. Its vast, city-defying scale transports visitors far from everyday life, inviting them to soar through the treetops on the Mega Zipline, soak in a natural hot spring surrounded by lush tropical plants, and stay after sunset for a mesmerizing night show of light and sound. One day is hardly enough to experience everything on offer.

Highlights include a collaboration with the globally acclaimed art collective teamLab and the forest “Trail of Light,” where digital art weaves seamlessly into the wilderness. By blending pristine nature with cutting-edge creativity, JUNGLIA ushers in a next-generation vision of Okinawa that delivers wonder on an entirely new scale.

Hours	please check the official website
Address	553-1 Gogayama, Nakijin-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
Access	・Hotel Gracery Naha：about 1 hr 40 min by rental car (via Okinawa Expressway) ・Hotel Gracery Naha (from Naha Bus Terminal, 12-min. walk from the hotel)：direct “JUNGLIA Express” shuttle bus
URL	https://junglia.jp/en

Dazzling White Walls, Brilliant Blue Skies—Soak Up the Views and the Vibes at Umikaji Terrace Senagajima

Just a stone’s throw from Okinawa’s airport lies Senagajima, the closest resort island to the mainland. Clinging to its western hillside you’ll find Umikaji Terrace Senagajima, a shopping and dining complex of whitewashed walls and lush tropical greenery. Often called “Japan’s Amalfi,” the spot pairs sweeping cobalt-blue sea views with the thrill of planes streaking overhead, creating a getaway vibe that appeals to travelers and trend-savvy locals alike.

Roughly 40 cafés, boutiques, and Okinawan-sweets shops line the terraces—perfect for a leisurely food crawl. Snack on taco rice or Blue Seal gelato, sample creative dishes made with local ingredients, and browse organic lifestyle goods, all in one place.

Time your visit for sunset, when the sky turns a brilliant orange. Grab a terrace seat, let the ocean breeze and gentle surf wash over you, and unwind in pure island bliss. With scenery made for Instagram, it’s a must-stop on girls’ trips and couples’ getaways.

Hours	Store hours vary by shop (most are open 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
Address	174-6 Senaga, Tomigusuku-shi, Okinawa Prefecture
Access	・Hotel Gracery Naha：about 20 min by rental car ・Hotel Gracery Naha (from Naha Bus Terminal, a 12-min walk from the hotel)：about 35 min on the bus bound for Senagajima Hotel
URL	https://www.umikajiterrace.com/