Recommended for even 2-3 days itinerary! 3 areas in Okinawa’s main island with different characteristics

The main island of Okinawa has 3 areas: the northern area, the central area and the southern area. From Naha Airport located in the southern area, you can visit two other areas by bus in 60 to 90 minutes without any transfers. Moreover, it takes about 3 hours by bus to the northernmost point of Okinawa’s main island. Even if you stay only for a few days, you can travel around all of them by narrowing down spots you want to visit. This time, we’re going to introduce different characteristics of 3 areas together with our recommended spots.

“The southern area” where Ryukyu culture and the latest shopping spots coexist

In the southern area, there was Shuri, the capital city of the Ryukyu Kingdom that used to govern Okinawa. From Shuri Castle destroyed by fire towards all directions, old paths made at that time extend. It might be a good idea to feel an ancient atmosphere of the Ryukyu period while walking along the paths such as ‘Hijigarbira‘ where there are several historical sites and ‘Kinjo-cho Stone Paved Path‘ lined with red-tiled traditional houses. In addition, we also recommend that you stop by at sacred places where successive kings and ordinary people offered prayers to Niraikanai (Gods’ world) once upon a time, including ‘Sefa-utaki‘ (Nanjo city) registered as a world heritage site and ‘Naminoue Shrine‘ standing on a cliff. By the way, do you know the southern area also has the latest trendy shopping spots as well as Ryukyu’s culture and historical spots? For example, Tomigusuku city. There are Okinawa’s only outlet mall ‘ASHIBINAA‘ and a shopping complex ‘Umikaji Terrace‘ where over 30 instaworthy cafes and shops gather, moreover, a large shopping complex ‘Iias Okinawa Toyosaki’ with 155 shops will open in June. The adjoining ‘DMM Kariyushi Aquarium‘ which is the world’s first entertainment aquarium making full use of the latest imaging technology is also must-visit.

“The central area” with the unique culture fusing American and Okinawan ones

The central area has developed a unique culture that fuses American and Okinawan cultures because the US military base is located. In Chatan-cho well known for a shopping complex ‘Mihama American Village‘ inspired by the west coast in America, scenery like an overseas resort spreads out. Located in adjacent Okinawa city, Goza is a music town where Okinawan Rock was born under the influence of American culture. Besides, in Urazoe city, there is ‘Minatogawa Stateside Town‘ filled with cafes and knick-knack shops that renovated houses which foreigners used live in. Instagrammable exteriors and interiors of all shops are sure to make your heart dancing. You can spend a relaxing time while doing whatever you want, such as buying pickles using vegetables from islands and handmade bread with no additives or drinking coffee made from beans roasted in their original method.

“The northern area” whose Yanbaru has been protected since ancient times gives you inner peace

In the northern area, there are many spots where you can come in contact with nature such as Motobu-cho with ‘Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium‘ and one of Okinawa’s greatest resort areas Onnason famous for ‘Blue Cave.’ It’s also a charm that the largest subtropical forest ‘Yanbaru‘ in the main island covers the northernmost region of this area including Kuniganimura. The artistic stunning scenery created by more than 1,250 kinds of plants including endangered species is breathtaking. Why not experience various activities such as trekking, sea kayaking and canyoning in the majestic natural scenery? Moreover, this area has photo spots with panoramic views of the transparent sea showing fish shadows, such as ‘Manzamo‘ which is said to have been praised by the Ryukyu King, ‘Kouri Bridge‘ where you can feel as if you’re running on the surface of the sea and the northernmost point ‘Cape Hedo‘ having sharp rocks shaved by waves along the coast.