Okinawa Guide
Visiting By Sea

Okinawa was once an important center of tradeas the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Visit each spot from the port like in ancient time,
you can aware the Okinawan new attractions.

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天久

Naha Cruise Terminal Area Map
Uenoya

線
状
環
中
覇
那

You can easily find many interesting spots near Naha
Cruise Terminal, including the shopping district of
Kokusai-dori Street. See the map below for more.

Uenoya

新都心公園

おもろまち

Tomari251

黄金森公園

Naha Cruise Terminal

那覇メインプレイス

hi

Nis

no

mi

Na

Wakasa Seaside Park
WakasaRyuchu Dragon Pillars
W

29

MaejimaMatsuyama

43

Asahigaoka Park

Naminoue Shrine 1aak

1 Naminoue Beach

iS

or

od

sa

Asato

Okinawa Prefecture

Sanmonju Park

Matsuyama Parkori StriRailMatsuo Park

Matsuoondn-hJogaku Park

HigawaYogi Park

46

Yorimiya

中央公園

垣花町

市民

会館

通り

222

ス
イパ
東バ
那覇

与儀

大通
り

壺川駅
Look down below from your ship’s deck and you’ll see the
A Sea Gateway
路 near, the dense
vibrant southern seas. As the islands draw
道
330
県立武道館
高架
green of the subtropics comes intoview.
With the warm
Naha Cruise
Terminal
垣花
山下
楚辺
沖縄セルラースタジアム那覇
壺川Free Wi-Fi is available at theocean breeze in your hair, you’ll be gladthat you’re coming to
奥武山町
terminal, and there’s a
がじゃんびら公園
Okinawa by theship.
convenient booth with tourist
奥武山公園
maps to gather the information
The number of tourists visiting Okinawa is estimated to
金城
7
you’ll need. The second floor
exceed 10 million a year. With Naha Port and other major
has immigration, customs, andquarantine areas, as well as anports throughout Okinawa reporting
山下町the largest number of
exhibit of traditional Okinawan
奥武山公園駅
crafts. The
third floor has anvisitors on record, they’re all evolving day by day, expanding
古波蔵
329
507 observation deck. The terminal
221
鏡原町
漫湖公園
their positions as Asian gateways.
is just a 20-minute walk to
Kokusai-dori Street with its
Okinawa’s ports came to prominence in the 14th and 15th
1, Wakasa, Nahasouvenir shops and restaurants.
Phone: 098-863-5420
centuries from the period when King Sho Hashi unified the(Naha Cruise Terminal Security Office)three Ryukyu domains. Trade with Japan, China, Korea, andSoutheast Asian countries had been flourished and the ports
Buses are great for seeing the main island.
They run from right near Yui Rail’s Asahibashi Station.
became central to the Ryukyu Kingdom’s trade. As such,
Okinawa has long been a place where a diversity of people
Naha Bus Terminal
has mingled, sharing their technology and culture.
Renovated in October 2018, theThis background has given Okinawa a unique culture andimproved multi-purpose terminal
history that visitors enjoy along with natural wonders on thelinks directly to Yui Rail’s
Asahibashi Station. Multi-lingual
main island and remote islands alike. Sailing into port for
display at the terminal helps you
when you get your bus to many
your visit will give you a unique perspective, like thosesights in Okinawa. There is thearriving in ancient times.
Okinawa Tourism Information
Center with a concierge and a
Even if you’ve been to Okinawa before, a cruise will show
convenience store next to the
you a new side of the islands, particularly if you’re on a
Bus Information Center.
1-20-1 Izumizaki, Naha
different ship and arrive at different ports.

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Naha City

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泉崎
Naha Bus Terminal

6 Tsuboya
Pottery Museum
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Hyatt Regency
Naha Okinawa

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Okinawa Prefectural Police
ragiSese
Headquarters
inan

Asahi-machi

0

Okinawa Prefectural OfficeTsuboyaSangoza Kitchen

Kibogaoka Park

42

Naha OPA

Str

Ka

Tondo-choNaha City Hall

Uehara Meat Shop
First Makishi
Public Market 5

Asato
StationStation

et
Stre
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ara-o
Kanb

StationSumiyoshi-choYuura-odUenok

Palette Kumoji

390 Asahibashi

39 Makishi

Midorigaoka Park

3
Kumoji Kokusai-dori Street
Prefectural Office
StationHigashi-machi

222

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Saion Square

Ichi

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58

Nishi

Makishieetadori
Sakuraza ka-nak
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ondo

Nishi

Miebashi
StationNaha City Traditional
Arts & Craft Center 4

Tsuji Fukushu-en Garden 2

47

T Galleria Okinawa

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ive

58

a
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Tomari Ferry Terminal Building (Tomarin)

Wakasa Park

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Naha Port与儀

Ryuchu Dragon Pillar▲▲

Produced By: Kaiji Press, Cruise Editorial Division Text: Kei Itaya Illustrations: Hisahito Odagiri

2 O K I N AWA

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Distance: About 7 kilometers
Time: About 5 hours
It’s about 1.5 kilometers and a 20-minute walk fromNaha Cruise Terminal to Kokusai-dori Street. You cantake your time strolling this route because there aren’t
many hills to climb and there are souvenir shops andthings to see along the way. You might want to take ataxi for the return to port, but it’s better to avoid
Kokusai-dori Street as it often has heavy traffic.

公園

nawa

Naha
Port

A Walking Course Starting at the Port
Okinawa Island is about 600 kilometers southwest of mainland Japan,
with unique geographical features and the natural characteristics of a
subtropical maritime climate. Its ports have been highly regarded
since the 14th century, and it is now a gateway to the prefecture forinternational travelers coming by sea. Passenger ships most often
arrive at the Naha Cruise Terminal, but larger ships may dock at Naha
International Container Terminal.

Okinawa’s Premier Shrine
With Splendid Cliff-Top Views

徒歩00分❶ Naminoue Shrine &Naminoue Beach

Naminoue Shrine has been a place of worshipsince the time of the Ryukyu Kingdom,honoring the Shinto three deities of the
Kumano Shrines in Wakayama Prefecture.
The main hall features the vermilion
encountered so often on the island.
Naminoue Beach is Naha’s only publicswimming area. It’s right below the shrine andis a nice place for a walk after a visit. There’s
an observation deck with a good view of theharbor off the beach.

A Splendid Chinese-style Garden❷ Fukushu Garden

10 MinutesThis garden opened in 1992 towalkcommemorate the 10th Anniversaryof Naha and China’s Fuzhou(Japanese: Fukushu) becoming
friendship cities. The magnificent
Chinese-style gardens with openwork
sculptures give a sense of the strong
ties between China and Okinawa.
2-29-19 Kume, Naha
Phone: 098-869-5384 10 Minutes-▲

1-25 Wakasa, Naha
Phone: 098-863-7300

▲

walk

Experience Traditional Crafts❹ Naha City
Traditional Crafts Hall

10 Minuteswalk

Stop here to join workshops making colorful,traditional Okinawan crafts ranging fromBingata cloth prints and Shuriori weaves to
Tsuboya-yaki pottery and Ryukyu glass andlacquerware. There is also a shop that sells
top quality pieces.

46▲

Tenbus Naha 2nd Floor, 3-2-10 Makishi, Naha
Phone: 098-868-7866

5 Minuteswalk

Naha’s Kitchen

ya

館通
り

❺ First Makishi Public Market

This market adjacent to Kokusai-dori Street
grew out of the black market that sprung up
there after World War II. It offers heaps offood essential to Okinawa’s culinary culture,such as a colorful array of fish, pigs trotters(tebichi), pigs faces (chiraga), bitter melons(goya), and island shallots (shima rakkyo).
Head to the second floor to dine on
Okinawan cuisine featuring such fare. The
market will be temporarily relocated to
Nigiwai Hiroba when construction of a newvenue on the site begins in 2019.

Walk, Eat, Shop

❸ Kokusai-dori Street
222

About 600 stores line the 1.8 kilometers of this street.
Entering on side lanes leading to Heiwa-dori Street andthe First Makishi Public Market, you will find stores likevariety shops and book shop. This was one of the firstareas in Okinawa recovering after World War II. It
happened so quickly it’s sometimes called “The
Miracle Mile.”▲

2-10-1 Matsuo, Naha
Phone: 098-867-6560

5 Minuteswalk

Time Out
While Exploring
Kokusai-doriStreetTake a Break in Style

For a Rest in Sakurazaka

Enjoy the pastry chef’s
desserts and select coffees
and teas at “the lounge” with
its terrace set amid lush
landscaping. They can call ataxi for you if needed.
3-6-20 Makishi, Naha
Phone: 098-866-8888

This cafe is in the Sakurazaka
Theater. It serves fare madewith Okinawan produce,
sweets, and sake. Check out
what’s showing as they featurefilms with an Okinawan flair.
3-6-10 Makishi, Naha
Inside Sakurazaka Theater
Phone: 098-860-9555

Hyatt Regency
Naha Okinawa

Sangoza Kitchen

Discover Okinawan Meat Culture

Uehara Meat Shop
(Ichibamae Honten)

▲

▲

▲

Discover the Culture of Yachimun Pottery❻ Tsuboya Pottery Museum❼ Tsuboya Yachimun Street

Okinawan pottery is known as Yachimun. It’s
hefty and features colorful and elongatedpatterns. This museum offers the chance tolearn about the Tsuboya area that was at thevanguard of Yachimun culture and its Tsuboyayaki pottery style. There are approximately 45
stores on Tsuboya Yachimun Street, includingones run by kilns producing the pottery. You’ll
be sure to find the perfect item.
1-9-32 Tsuboya, Naha
Phone: 098-862-3761 (Pottery Museum)▲This butcher shop supplies the
Okinawan culinary scene andis run by the local businesses.
They sell their meat retail andwholesale, and even have ahand in its production. The
shop in front of the market
offers their popular Island
Series brand. They also haveitems like pork cubes (rafty)and stewed spare ribs (soki)that some buy as gifts.
2-9-19 Matsuo, Naha
Phone: 098-866-8506

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251

宜野湾市
241

Urasoe251

Naha Por tNaha International Container82 Terminal

330

332

Tsubogawa Station

West Marine

StationLake Man

Senaga Island

Haebaru Kita IC

329

329

Yonabaru

240

241

82

507

Nakagusuku Bay

Yonabaru Town Hall

Cape Chinazaki

Haebaru Town Hall77

Haebaru

4 Okinawa

Tomigusuku

Nishihara Town Hall

Naha IC

11

Tomigusuku Nakachi IC

38

155

Nishihara Jct

Stone Gate

Karate Kaikan
3 The Former Japanese Navy
Underground Headquaters

331

Nishihara

2 Sonohyan-utaki

222

Shikinaen Royal 4
Shikinaen
Onoyama Koen N a h a Garden

221 Oroku
StationAkamineStation7
62329

1 Shuri Castle

Naha Bus Terminal

Naha Airport
StationNaha Airport

86

Haebaru Minami IC

506

Okinawa Prefecture

Tomigusuku City Hall

Yaese Town Hall

77

82

256

Sefa Utaki 5

331

Tomigusuku IC
72km

Kochi IC (planned)

Under
Const ruction

il

Ra

Yu
i

Shuri Ryusen

Asahibashi Station

Tedako Uranishi Station (planned)

241

Naha City Hospital
StationGibo
Station29
Omoromachi
Tamaudun
3
Station
Mausoleum
29
Shuri Station
Asato Station

Makishi
Station39

0

153

Furujima

Naha City
Museum of History 2

Nakagusuku

Nishihara IC

38

Okinawa
StationPrefectural Museum 1
and Art Museum
Miebashi
58
StationPrefectural Office
Station29

Urasoe City Hall

Okinawa Expre
ssway

58

Naha Cruise Terminal

35

330

34

17

86

Nanjo City Hall Niraikanai Bridge 3

Nanjo

48

137

86

331

Cape Chinen 4
2 Valley of Gangala

131

1 Gyokusendo Cave

507
52
77

17

Yaese

Ojima Island

Itoman City Hall
15

Itoman
331

331
7

250

6 The Tower of Himeyuri

7 Ryukyu Glass Village
5 Peace Memorial Park

Cape Kyan

Southern
Okinawa
Regional Map

Pacific Ocean

Okinawa Island is bigger than you may think. If you’re getting around on your own,
you might want to focus on the southern part of the island and get excursion tours
when exploring the central and northern areas. If you’re cruise is leaving from Naha,
we recommend arriving the day before for sightseeing.

A Lively Welcome Just for Cruises
When your cruise ship docks in
Okinawa, you’ll be welcomed at theport in grand style. Watching theperformers in their colorful traditional
clothes.
Eisa folk dance is often staged atthese welcome events. It was
originally held to welcome ancestral
spirits. In recent years it’s morecommonly done to drums
coordinated with powerful circular

dances and vigorous call andresponse. You won’t want to miss it.
There are also performances of
Ryukyu folk music withtraditional stringed instruments
called sanshin. Everything atthese events are classicalOkinawa. The exotic welcome will
give you a first taste of the local
tradition and culture.

4 O K I N AWA

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Distance: About 14 kilometers
Time: About 5 hours

Tour Okinawa’s World Heritage Sites

You’ll need to be a fairly strong walker tocover this whole route on foot. You can takean excursion tour from the port or a taxi tomake things easier. If you don’t take a tour,
you might use Yui Rail to access Shuri
Station first, and then take a taxi to
Shikinaen Royal Garden or back to the port.

Okinawa’s historic ruins and castles (gusuku) were registeredcollectively as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, the Gusuku
Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu. Venues
include the Shuri, Nakagusuku, Zakimi, Katsuren, and Nakijin Castle
Ruins, along with the related sites of Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate,
Tamaudun Mausoleum, Shikinaen Royal Garden, and Sefa Utaki. Thisroute explores some of this heritage, transporting your imaginationback to the time of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

azaki

Ouchibara Area

The Ryukyu Dynasty’s Largest Building❶ Shuri Castle

Incorporating a unique fusion of Japanese and Chinese castle
building techniques and stone arrangement, this venue has great
cultural and historic value. Shuri Castle Park is dotted with
cultural sites such as the remains of Engakuji Temple and theShurei-mon gate where the Ryukyu kings would greet Chinese
envoys. Opened to the public in February 2019, the inner living
quarters of Shurijo Castle, including the Ouchibara area, make avisit even more enjoyable.

3 Minuteswalk▲

1-2 Shuri Kinjocho, Naha

Phone: 098-886-2020

nen 4

Pray for Peace and Prosperity❷ Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate
This place for royal worship in Shuri Castle Parkwas built in 1519. It is said that Ryuku royalty
would visit here to pray when heading out onpilgrimage and before the initiation of the highpriestess (kikoe-ogimi) of traditional Okinawan
Shinto. Except for the wooden door, it is madeentirely of Ryukyu limestone.
▲

At Shurijo Castle Park, 1-7 Shurimawashi, Naha

5 Minuteswalk

Spend Some Quiet Time
Contemplating History❸ Tamaudun

Mausoleum

Built in 1501, this is the mausoleum
where the second royal family (Daini
Shoshi) of the Ryukyu Kingdom isinterred. The enormous gabled tombis surrounded by stone walls andhas a triangular roof typical of
Okinawa. A portion was destroyedby shelling during the Battle of
Okinawa, but it was reconstructedin its present form in 1974. A visit
here gives you a peak at Ryukyu
funerary customs of the period.

Give ita try!

Make Coral Print Cloth

1-3 Shuri Kinjocho, Naha
Phone: 098-885-2861▲

30 Minuteswalkor

10 Minutes-drive

The “Jewel Studded Garden”❹ Shikinaen

Royal GardenThis is the only studio that offers
workshops where you can make coralprint fabric. Combining corals you choose
to create your design, then apply thecolorful patterns to cloth items likeT-shirts and tote bags. You can also try
bingata stencil dyeing and othertraditional Ryukyu Dynasty dyeing
techniques.
1-54 Shuriyamagawacho, Naha
Phone: 098-886-1131▲

Enjoy the ever-changing landscapeof this garden while strolling aroundthe pond. Ryukyu elements are
everywhere you look, including
arched bridges of various sizes, aChinese-style hexagonal pavilion on
an islet in the pond, and stacked
Ryukyu limestone features around it.

Shuri Ryusen▲

421-7 Maaji, Naha
Phone: 098-855-5936

O K I N AWA

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Time: About 7 hours

Feel the Healing of Okinawa’s Natural WorldAs the distance is too long to walk,
you might rent a car, charter a taxi,
or join an excursion tour. It’s about
17 kilometers and 35 minutes to thefirst stop, Gyokusendo Cave. If you’redriving, Naha’s city traffic can be heavy inthe evening, so be sure to leave enoughtime. Feel free to prioritize the spots you
want to visit and see them in that order.

The islands of Okinawa have a warm subtropical climate and acomplex topography beyond its crystal-clear sea and white sandy
beaches. The forests also have lots to offer, like limestone caves andstretches of old-growth rich in biodiversity. In the deep green of these
dense woodlands, you’ll encounter the beauty of nature first hand,sublime and brimming with energy.

East Asia’s Most Beautiful Cave

The Mystery of Life in All Things

Nature carved this Ryukyu
limestone cave over a period of
300,000 years. It has the moststalactites of any cave in Japan,
totaling more than 1 million. At
5,000 meters long it’s one of thenation’s largest, and it’s still
growing at a rate of 1 millimeter
every three years. It has anotherworldly atmosphere andhas been designated a Natural
Monument.

This area of subtropical forest was a limestone
cavern until several hundred thousand years
ago when it had been collapsed. There is ahigh likelihood that prehistoric people
occupied the area from about 18,000 years
ago, and excavations are still being
conducted. Guided walking tours are available
through this vast and ancient world.
Reservations required.

❶ Gyokusendo Cave

❷ Valley of Gangala▲

Maekawa-202 Tamagusuku, Nanjo
Phone: 098-948-4192▲

Maekawa-1336
Tamagusuku, Nanjo
Phone: 098-949-7421

5 Minutes-walk

A Panoramic Viewof the Pacific❸ Niraikanai Bridge

This bridge is 660 meters longand is 80 meters high. It’s along
the way between Prefectural
Route 86 and National Route331. Niraikanai means a far-off
ocean paradise in traditional
Ryukyuan religion.

20 Minutesdrive▲

Chinen, Chinen, Nanjo
10 Minutes-drive

Superb Sceneryfor Those in the Know

❹ Cape ChinenThis spot has a sweeping viewof the sea to the east, said to be
the location of Niraikanai, afar-off ocean paradise in
traditional Ryukyuan religion.
Gaze out over the amazing
Okinawan view of theaquamarine sea spreading
unobstructed in front of you. It’sa great place to watch thesunrise too.

Take the Orca
to See an Underwater World
8 Minutes-drive▲

523 Kudeken Chinen, Nanjo

The Ryukyu’s Most Sacred Site createdby Amamikiyo❺ Sefa Utaki

Utaki is a generic term for the sacred place of
the Nansei-shoto Islands, which include
Okinawa. Sefa Utaki appears in the Ryukyu
creation myth, and it’s considered the mostsacred place in the Ryukyu Kingdom. It’s alsoa place of veneration on Okinawa’s Agariumai
pilgrimage, once performed by the Ryukyuan
kings and the kikoe-ogimi high priestesses.
▲

Kudeken, Chinen, Nanjo Phone: 098-949-1899

West Marine Orca

Underwater
Sightseeing
CruiseThis boat lets you take in Okinawa’s
underwater marine environment. Its
observation room has 32 meters wide and55-centimeter high windows along thebottom sides of the ship. Panoramic sea
floor scenery stretches before you, revealing
unforgettable views of coral reefs and tropicalfish. You can make same day reservation aslong as the seats are available.
▲

Terminal Building 1st Floor, 2-1 Tondocho, Naha
Phone: 098-866-0489

6 O K I N AWA

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Distance: About 40 kilometers
Time: About 8 hours

Feel Okinawa’s History and Tradition

The Peace Memorial Park is about 18
kilometers from the port, so it is best to
take a taxi or an excursion tour. You canalso follow this route from opposite
direction, visiting Peace Memorial Park and
The Tower of Himeyuri first and then seeing
the other spots as time permits.

Okinawa has its own unique history and culture, and it has been
described as “a treasure trove of folk art.” An enormous variety of
traditional crafts, including pottery, weaving, and dyeing have been
passed down over the centuries and are still a part of daily life. Their
designs are simple yet profound, and this route will get you in touch with
Okinawa’s traditional craftsmanship. There are also many venues related
to World War II that will give you a sense of what Okinawa experienced.

Get Them
Now

One Stop for History,
Culture, and Art❶ Okinawa
Prefectural Museum
and Art Museum

Items That Will Make Your Cruise More Special
Traditional Textiles,
Perfect for Okinawa

Bashofu

10 Minutes-drive or
30 Minutes-walk

3-1-1 Omoromachi, Naha
Phone: 098-941-8200▲

This traditional cloth has been
designated a national important
intangible cultural property. Thin,light, and sturdy, Bashofu fabric isperfect for Okinawan cruises.
Bashofu clothing is available tailor
made and is great to wear
onboard. You can use smaller
items like bags at ports of call.

Designed to resemble Okinawa’s
castles (gusuku), this museum
boasts the largest collection in
the prefecture. Their Fureai
Experience Room where you
can actually hold some of theitems is popular with children.

The Treasures of Naha

❷ Naha City
Museum of History

Vivid and Eye Catching

The venue features a large
collection of donated art, crafts,
and historical materials, including
National Treasures tied to the
Ryukyu Kingdom’s Sho Dynasty.
The special exhibit showcases
the National Treasures as well asother items from the Ryukyu
Kingdom period, and thepermanent exhibit has displayson the island’s aristocratic culture.

Bingata Bowties

These are great for parties onboard. The
photos here are a collaboration between
the Okinawan HABERU brand and Ryuka,
a well-known bingata designer. You canfind them at Blanco Ryubo in the Ryubo
department store.

Ryubo Department Store 4th
Floor, 1-1-1 Kumoji, Naha
Phone: 098-869-5266▲

13 Minutes-drive

The Birthplace of Karate❹ Okinawa Karate Kaikan

Karate got its start in Okinawa. Thisfacility holds events at its dojo, and has amuseum you can enter for a fee withdisplays on the history of the martial art.
There is also a shop selling karate
merchandise.

3 Minutesdrive or▲

854-1 Tomigusuku, Tomigusuku
Phone: 098-851-1025

30 Minutes-drive

Pray for World Peace

10 Minuteswalk❺ Peace Memorial ParkThe park is situated on an elevated area
overlooking Mabuni Hill to the south andthe ruggedly beautiful coastline to thesoutheast. It’s where the Battle of
Okinawa drew to a close. The park has
50 monuments to those who died inbattle, including the Cornerstone ofPeace with the names of all those wholost their lives there, regardless ofnationality. The Peace Memorial Museumon the grounds displays photographs
and artifacts from that bitter time.
▲

444 Mabuni, Itoman
Phone: 098-997-2765

A Maze of Passages❸ The Former Japanese Navy

Underground Headquarters

This tunneled subterranean base was dug by theJapanese Navy in 1944 to withstand US bombardment
and prolong Japan’s war efforts. It accommodated about
4,000 troops during the Battle of Okinawa. About 300
meters of tunnel have been restored around theCommander’s Office.
236 Tomigusuku, Tomigusuku
Phone: 098-850-4055▲

Remembering
the Himeyuri Students

10 Minutes-drive❻ The Tower of Himeyuri
This memorial is dedicated to the
Himeyuri Students, also known as
the Lilly Corps, young women who
were mobilized as nurses during theBattle of Okinawa. Many of themwere killed. At the Himeyuri Peace
Memorial Museum there’s a full-scalediorama of the Himeyuri Cave wheregas bombs took many lives.
671-1 Ihara, Itoman
Phone: 098-997-2100

Okinawa’s Largest Glass Studio
7 Minutesdrive❼ Ryukyu Glass Village

Stop here to see the 1,300-degreekilns and glass artisans working
before your eyes. Anyone fromadults to chilren can try making
their very own Ryukyu glassware.
There is also a shop and an
exhibition hall featuring the workof master craftsmen.
▲▲

169 Fukuji, Itoman
Phone: 098-997-4784

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Yomitan Village

329

2 Ishikawa Multipurpose Dome

Easy Access to the Sites of Central Okinawa

Southeast
Botanical Garden 5

6wa

Okinawa Kita IC

8Kadena Town

E xpre
ss

58

aw a

Uruma City

Ok
in

Okinawa Minami IC

75

Chatan Town

Okinawa City 85
23
4 Mihama American Village

81

Ginowan

16

Katsuren

1 Castle Site
10

Nakagusuku wan Port

85
Kita Nakagusuku IC

Nakagusuku wan Port

Pacif ic Oceany74

This natural harbor is located on the east coast of south-central
Okinawa Island. The area is dotted with tourist attractions including alarge shopping mall, a botanical garden, a theme park, and the Katsuren
Castle Ruins, part of Okinawa’s UNESCO World Heritage. In 2018 theWest Pier was completed. It accommodates large 16-ton vessels and isbecoming an increasingly popular landing point. As the number of taxis
is limited, we recommend taking an excursion tour for this route.

Plaza House Shopping Center

329

330
Nakagusuku

Nakagusuku Bay
3 Nakagusuku

Castle Site

03km

● About Nakagusuku wan PortThe brochures for local tourists available in the container. No free Wi-Fi.
There is a free local shuttle. A shopping mall is just 5 minutes by taxi.

18 Minutesdrive

Powerful Bullfights❷ Ishikawa
Multipurpose DomeSee bulls exceeding a ton inweight battling it out in the ring.
The bullfights have a ferocity thatwill leave you breathless. Consider
yourself lucky if the bullfighting isheld during your stay.
▲2298-1 Ishikawa, Uruma
Phone: 098-923-7612(Schedule and Other Info)
https://www.city.uruma.lg.jp/sp/
iina/2394
30 Minutes-drive

A Great View of the Pacific Ocean and the Castle Walls❶ Katsuren Castle Ruins

Superb Stone Craft

This is the oldest of the 5 castle venues registered as
Okinawa UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s famous forbeing impregnable, incorporating the cliffs surrounding
the castle as part of its defense. It was the castle of the
feudal lord Amawari, who brought prosperity to Katsuren
through foreign trade in the 15th century. There’s a terrificview of the castle’s elegantly curving ramparts and thesparkling blue Pacific Ocean from the top.

❸ Nakagusuku

Castle Site

This venue’s excellent
stonemasonry is reflected in thegracefully curving castle wallsthat skillfully incorporate thesurrounding terrain. The main
castle was destroyed in the
Battle of Okinawa, but there arestill many highlights like its
elaborate arched gate.

▲3908 Katsurenhaebaru, Uruma▲

1258 Tomari, Nakagusuku,
Nakagami County
20 Minutes-drive

Also don’t
miss it

An Evolving Entertainment Resort Complex

25 Minutes- ❹ Mihama American Village
drive

A great spot to enjoy shopping and gourmet
cuisine. We also recommend The Bokunen Art
Museum, which displays the work of the print
maker Bokunen Naka. Take in the vivid,
dynamic collection and then purchase uniquemerchandise based on his work as a souvenir.

Japan’s First Real Mall

Japan’s first shopping mall opened in
1954. It has 36 different shops dealing
in authentic items like European
clothes, Asian goods and furniture, andOkinawan and Japanese crafts.
▲

Tons to See and Do

The Bokunen Art Museum❺ Southeast Botanical Garden

Divided into Water Garden and Botanical
Garden areas, it has various activities likewalking tours and animal encounters. There’s
also a street lined with Alexander palm treesthat you can see only here in Japan.
2146 Chibana, Okinawa City
Phone: 098-939-2555▲

3-1-12 Kubota, Okinawa City
Phone: 098-932-4480

Mihama American Village, Chatan
Phone: 098-926-5678▲

Plaza House
Shopping Center

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2 Bise Fukugi Tree Road

East China
Sea

Ocean
Expo Park

Amazing Scenery and Crystal Seas

4 Nakijin Castle Site

114

505

Motobu PortPark
3 Denku-no Eki Haso
Haso
Park

1 Okinawa Churaumi

Aquarium

115

Nakijin Village
72

Motobu Kariyushi Market

5 Acerola Fresh

172

SesokoIslandMotobu Port

123

84

Motobu Municipal
Market

The gateway to northern Okinawa Island, this area is known for its
natural beauty, with coral reefs, crystal-clear seas, and precious
flora and fauna. The easy access of the wide port entrance has
made it popular with large ships. Various tourist facilities in the port
area will help you explore Okinawa’s history and culture. It’s about a
15-minute drive Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.

Motobu449

0● About Motobu Port

2km

名護市

Tourist counter and free Wi-Fi are available. A gift shop is a 3-minute walk
Local shopping facilities are 10 minutes by taxi
A passenger terminal building is scheduled to open in 2021

Find Happiness on Fukugi Lane

❷ Bise Fukugi Tree RoadThe coastal road facing Ie Island islined with Fukugi, sometimes called“Happiness Trees.” A windbreakthat has long protected the nearby
small village, some of its trees areover 300 years old. Feel of the sun
filtering through the dark green
leaves and be embraced for thewind from the sea.

5 Minutesdrive

Bise, Motobu▲

7 Minutesdrive

Discover the Mysteriesof the Okinawan Sea❶ Okinawa Churaumi

Aquarium

Nakijin Gusuku Cherry
Blossom Festival❸ Denku-no-Eki
Haso Park
This farming and food themed park is fun both forkids and grown-ups as well. They have programs that
let you try harvesting produce and a petting zoo for
up-close encounters with goats and other animals.
They also sell fresh local vegetables and eggs,
specialty items, and daily necessities.
1334 Gushiken, Motobu Phone: 0980-48-3835

424 Ishikawa, Motobu
Phone: 0980-48-3748

A Castle famous for
its Cherry Blossoms❹ Nakinjin Castle Ruins

Also known as Kitayama Castle, this is one of
Okinawa’s World Heritage sites. It has beautifully
curving ramparts and is widely considered as
Okinawa’s finest castle. In the 14th century, it was
the residence of Hokuzan royalty who ruled before
the establishment of the Ryukyu Kingdom. This is
the first spot in Japan to see the nation’s famed
cherry blossoms. They bloom from late January
through early February.
5101 Imadomari, Nakijin, Kunigami County
Phone: 0980-56-4400▲

15 Minutes-driveThis venue provides an extensive
encounter with Okinawa’s marine
environment. Bathed in sunlight, theCoral Sea tank nurtures 800 coralcolonies. Stop by the gigantic Kuroshio
Sea tank to see whale sharks, theworld’s largest fish, as well as reefmanta rays, the first ever been bred in
captivity. The aquarium’s Deep Sea
section recreates that mysterious world.
▲

A Food and Farming
Wonderland▲

MuseumCape
BisezakiGet a Local
Souvenir
25 Minutes-drive

An Intriguing Space
Where New Meets Old

Motobu Municipal Market▲

This market is jam packed with items
from Motobu. These include fresh
picked local fruits and vegetables,
prepared Motobu specialties, Motobu
crafts, folk art, and more.
881-1 Ohama, Motobu

The Most Popular Sorbet Around❺ Acerola Fresh

Acerola cherries grown in Motobu are a super-food withbeautifying and health-giving properties, including theVitamin C of 5 lemons in each little fruit. Try their sorbet,
which has been selected as Japan’s finest treat.
52-2 Namizato, Motobu Phone: 0980-47-2505▲

4 Toguchi, Motobu

Motobu Kariyushi Market▲

This market has lots of restaurants
where you can eat local food, like asashimi shop and an old-school
Okinawa soba shop. The younger
generation drawn by the market’s
atmosphere also runs stores here,creating a unique feel that blends theold and the new.

Full of Things Made in Motobu

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206

Yonehara Palm Grove 2
HirabanariIslandCape
Uganzaki

Ishigaki Port

Cape
Tamatorizaki

3 Kabira Bay
1

Tamatorizaki
Observatory

Kabira Bay

Ishigaki Island

Nagura Bay

Cape
Fusaki

208
79

Taketomi 6
Island211

211(Ishigaki-jima Island)

390

87

79

0

The Heart of the Yaeyama Islands

79

Painushima
Ishigaki Airport

209

The natural diversity here ranges from the stunning sea of Kabira Bay
to limestone caves and groves of yaeyama palm trees. Located at thecenter of the Yaeyama Islands, the island is also a haven of traditional
crafts and local food. It takes about 40 minutes by car to Tamatorizaki
Observatory, the first stop on this route. There are highlights acrossthe island, so we recommend you to plan in advance. Excursion tours
from the port are available. You can also extend your trip from here to
remote islands like Iriomote and Taketomi.

Banna Park / Observation Deck87

4 Minsah Kogei Kan
5 Euglena Mall

(Craft Center)

Euglena Ishigaki Ferry Terminal
Ishigaki Cruise Terminal

4km● About Ishigaki Port

There’s a tourist information center, and free Wi-Fi is available.
A shuttle bus fare is 200 yen for one way
The city center is 15 minutes by bus, 10 minutes by taxi

Coral Reefs in the Sea❶ Tamatorizaki
Observatory

This popular scenic spot has agreat view of the aquamarinesea. You can reach the top of
the observation deck in just a
few minutes. Take a walk firstand enjoy the beauty of Ishigaki
island.
▲Ibaruma, Ishigaki

26 Minutes-drive

The Most Beautiful Palm Treesin the World❷ Yonehara Palm Grove
Yaeyama Palm Trees are an
endemic species that only growin Ishigaki island and Iriomoteisland. The variety has been
designated a National Natural
Monument. The largest evenreaches 25 meters high. Take awalk absorbing the healthful
negative ions of the forest andyou’ll see that Ishigaki’s morethan just the sea.

18 Minutesdrive

Ocean and Islands:
One of Japan’s
Top 100 Views❸ Kabira Bay

Take a glass bottomed boat to view the amazing
diversity of colorful coral in the water below.
Although swimming is prohibited, there are tours tovisit uninhabited islands in the bay. The color of thesea often changes depending on the time you visit. 30 Minutes-

Minsah Traditional
Textiles Up Close❹ Minsah Kogei Kan(Craft Center)

driveJapan’s Southernmost
Shopping Arcade❺ Euglena Mall

6 Minutes-drive or

20 Minutes-walk

909 Tonoshiro, Ishigaki
Phone: 0980-82-3473▲

This shopping street has over 100
stores, selling great Ishigaki
souvenirs. You can also snack andwalk about, trying delicious local
specialties like sata andagi
Okinawan doughnuts andkamaboko fish cakes.

The woven Minsah textile of the
Yaeyama Islands is durable andelegant. This hall has an exhibition
room as well as a studio where
you can watch the Minsah
weaving process. They hold handweaving workshops and you canpurchase products made of thecloth, too. A Minsah bag is agreat choice to use on board orwhen walking about a port of call.

Local FareNot to Miss

Ishigaki Beef
Take a10 Minute Ferry

Head to a Remote Island❻ Taketomi Island

Just 10 minutes from theEuglena Ishigaki Ferry
Terminal, Taketomi island
has a traditional Okinawan
atmosphere of red tiled
roofed homes lining on
white coral sand roads.
You might try exploring thevillage while riding in awater buffalo cart.

Yaeyama Kamaboko

On an island with incredible nature, you’d expect tofind a treasure trove of local food. You'll definitely
want to try Ishigaki beef while you’re here. The
deep-fried fish product known as Yaeyama
kamaboko is great to snack on while strolling
about. For liquor lovers, try a local beer or a glassof awamori spirits, or get also some pineapple orother tropical fruits as to take with you.

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3 Yukishio Museum

Miyakojima Marine Park 4

90

Tomb of
Nakasone Tuyumya

83

Shimojishima
Airport
ShimojishimaIslandShimozaki Wharf
Hirara Port Marine
Terminal

Miyako Shrine

Miyako Airport

5

Miyako Island
190

235

Kurima Island

4km(Miyako-jima Island)

Poll Tax Stone

Painagama Beach

252

Irabu-Ohashi 243
Bridge0

Hirara Port

Mangrove Forest

230

Irabu-jima Sunayama Beach 1
Island204

One of the best beaches in Japan

2 Shimajiri

201

197

246

83

Hirara Port is Miyako’s only navigable harbor and is seeing more ships
arriving year by year. On Miyako you’ll find beaches with crystal clear
water across the island, and it’s as beautiful as that of Caribbean.
Irabu-Ohashi is the nation’s longest toll-free bridge and the gorgeous
water below will take your breath away. The natural wonders ofJapan’s southern islands also await with mangrove forests,
underwater parks, and more.

78

390
235

● About Hirara Port

Medium-sized passenger ships often enter at Shimozaki Wharf.
Larger boats anchoring offshore and a tender brings passengers to the third wharf.
There is a simple tourist information center and free Wi-Fi at the Marine Terminal
The city center is a 10-minute walk from the Marine Terminal and a 7-minute taxi
ride from Shimozaki Wharf.

A Walk Starting at Hirara Port
Miyako Shrine

Highlights
Near the Port

Poll Tax Stone

Tomb of Nakasone
Tuyumya

Painagama Beach

A Natural Arch Formed A huge arch-like rock formation carved by theby a Raised Coral Reef erosion of the waves and the white sandy beacha singular scenic beauty. The beach’s fine
❶ Sunayama createssand makes it perfect for a stroll. Spend a healing
moment amidst the wonders of nature, with the blue
Beach
sky the cobalt sea, the white sand, and the arch.
18 Minutes-drive

There are a number of highlights to see within walking distanceof Hirara Port. Miyako Shrine is the southernmost Shinto shrine
in Japan. The grounds are covered in lawn, and the main hall's
roof has Okinawa's typical reddish tiles. The Poll Tax Stone
testifies to the history of economic exploitation at the hands of
the Satsuma Domain and the Ryukyu kings. The blend of Miyako
and Okinawa Island stonework visible at the Tomb of Nakasone
Tuyumya is interesting to see. West-facing Painagama Beach isa great place to watch the sunset.

The Sea Forest,
an Ecological Treasure❷ Shimajiri Mangrove
Forest10 Minutes-driveThis is Miyako-jima’s largest
mangrove forest, and the local
administration has designated it a
Natural Monument. Known as the
Sea Forest for its unique andthriving ecosystem, it evokes asense of wonder in its visitors. A
boardwalk is well-developed and it
makes an exploration on foot easy.

Where Snow-Like Salt is Made

❸ Yukishio Museum

The fine, snow-like salt known
as Yukishio is a Miyako-jimaspecialty. Here you can take atour to learn about it, startingwith the manufacturing process.
A guide will lecture you the best
way to use it while take youaround the museum.
Reservations are not required.
There is also a gift shop.

30 Minutesdrive

Japan’s Longest Bridge
Island Connecting the Islands❺ Irabu Bridge

Underwater Exploration
Fully Dressed❹ Miyakojima
Marine Park

Here you’ll encounter Miyako-jima’s
thriving ocean environment. At themain underwater observation
facility, you’ll get a peek into thiscolorful realm from 24 acrylic panel
windows.
Karimata-2511-1 Hirara, Miyakojima
Phone: 098-074-6335▲

This bridge linking Miyako-jima andIrabu-jima was opened to traffic in 2015.
At 3,540 meters, it’s the longest toll-freebridge in Japan. People passing over itsays you feel like you’re driving on the sea.

Karimata-191 Hirara, Miyako-jimaPhone: 0980-72-5667▲

15 Minutes-drive

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Points to Keep in Mind when Sightseeing in Okinawa from the Ports* The sun beam can be strong at times so bring a hat,sunglasses, and sunscreen. Be especially careful whentraveling to open natural areas and be sure to hydrate
yourself frequently.
* Winter can be chilly, and it rains frequently then. Don’t
forget to bring warm clothes and rain gear.

* At some places, they have more than two ports whereserving the cruise ship and ferries / high speed boat toouter islands. If you just say “Bring me to the port,” taxi
drivers won’t know where you want to go. Be sure tocheck which terminal/wharf your ship is accommodated
to and tell them to your driver.
* On Okinawa Island there can be heavy traffic, particularly
in Naha in the evening. When returning to port, be sure tohave enough time.

Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau (OCVB)
Okinawa Industry Support Center 2nd Floor, 1831-1 Oroku, Naha, Okinawa, 901-0152
Phone: 098-859-6123

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