Moopon

Japan’s southern islands, Okinawa, is a favorite vacation spot for both Japanese and non-Japanese visitors.
 With its beautiful beaches, abundant natural beauty, an array of water sports and wildlife observation,
there are many things to be experienced here.
Among the Okinawa islands, Iriomote Island (西表島), Okinawa's second largest island is quite popular.
With nearly 90% of the island consisting of jungle and mangrove forest, visitors will have a chance to see natural beauty at its rawest stage.
 Visitors who are exceptionally lucky may be able to witness the Iriomote Yamaneko, an endangered species, which are only found on this island.
It is thought only about 100 of this nocturnal “wildcat” are still in existence. 

Iriomote has many beautiful beaches with the appropriate beach related water sports such as swimming,
snorkeling and diving.
Among these fabulous beaches, Hoshizuna no Hama is exceptionally special.
The name Hoshizuna consists of hoshi meaning star and zuna meaning sand.
 This beach has grains of sand shaped like tiny stars. In reality, the “star sand” grains are skeletons of small one-celled organisms that reside within the ocean’s plants.

Hoshizuna no Hama Beach is great for swimming and snorkeling.
With the water being shallow during low tide, it is easy to see the tropical fish swimming in and out of the coral.
 There are no public facilities at the beach other than a free parking lot.  Admission is also free.

Japan’s southernmost vacation paradise of Okinawa offers its visitors an array of different activities to make the most of the “Okinawa experience”.
One of the more touristy but fun experiences visitors can partake in is the Yubujima Suigyu Cart Ride.

Yubujima is a small island near Iriomote Island. A popular way to enter Yubujima is via water buffalo carts.
The cart rides are quite fun with the drivers explaining the island’s history and sharing interesting local gossip.
Some drivers will play the sanshin (Okinawa’s stringed instrument) to entertain the occupants of their carts.

Yubujima Suigyu Cart Ride 
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 
Closed: No closing days 
Fee:  adults (over 12 years old) 1400 yen includes entry to the island’s subtropical garden
     children (over 6 years old) 700 yen includes entry to the island’s subtropical garden
     children under 6 are free

Yubujima is a small subtropical garden island.  Within the garden, visitors can view many tropical flowers such as 30
varieties of the hibiscus in addition to fruit trees such as guava and papaya.
 Of course these plants and more can be viewed throughout the year!

Within Japan’s tropical paradise of Okinawa, visitors can enjoy water sports,
nature and wildlife that can only be observed here.
Within the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa is the 90% jungle/mangrove island of Iriomote.
And here, visitors may be able to see the endangered species of the Iriomote Yamaneko,
a type of “wild cat” which resides only on this island.

It is thought only 100 Yamaneko remain on the island. As such,
the Yamaneko Museum or Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center is both a wildlife/eco museum as well as a refugee center for Iriomote
Yamaneko that have been rescued after being injured in a traffic accident. 

Visitors to the museum are able to learn about the ecology of the animals found on the island,including the Iriomote Yamaneko.
Explanations are provided in English throughout the museum.
As far as the rescued Iriomote Yamaneko, they can only be viewed via a live video feed.

Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Okinawa served an important role in Okinawa’s history.
Though presently a district of Naha, Shuri was the former capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom.  
Until Okinawa became a Japanese Prefecture in 1879, Shuri Castle was both the administrative center
as well as residence for the Ryukyu kings for several centuries.

The castle was originally constructed in the late 1300s.  
Destroyed many times through war and fires, the current buildings are a result of the reconstruction efforts from 1992.
To approach the castle, located on the top of hill, visitors need to pass through many gates, including the well known Shureimon Gate.

The castle’s main hall, the Seiden was the former venue for many governmental events. A landmark of Okinawa, the Seiden’s flamboyant decoration,
architecture and vermillion color shows the difference in castle style between Okinawa and mainland Japan. 

Visitors will find the Una Plaza in front of the Seiden.
Here many ceremonies were held. The Una Plaza is enclosed by the Hokuden (North Hall), Nanden (South Hall) and the Hoshinmon (Hoshin Gate).
The Hokuden and Nanden were administrative buildings which were also used as venues to welcome visitors from China and mainland Japan.

Visitors are welcomed to view the interior of these historic halls.
 The interiors of the Hokuden and Nanden are like modern museums with informative displays about Ryukyu Kingdom as well as
the Okinawa’s history with the Japanese mainland and China. Visitors can also view local historic artifact as well as cultural replicas received during foreign trade.

The Seiden has been reconstructed in its original style.
The richness and fine furnishing the Ryukyu kings were accustomed to are displayed in the Seiden.
Visitors can even view a replica of the king's throne and crown are among the exhibits.

Facility Information:
Hours: 8:30 to 19:00 (until 18:00 from December to March, until 20:00 from July to September) 
**Last Entry is 30 minutes before closing time.
Closed: First Wednesday and Thursday of July
Admission: 820 yen
Level of English: Good

Shikinaen, located in Okinawa, was the second residence of the Ryukyu kings.
It was constructed in the 18th century.
The building were relatively simple, wooden palace buildings incorporating the Chinese red tile roofs
with a spacious Japanese garden and its a central pond.
The garden is meant to be viewed as visitors stroll around.
With both the Chinese and Japanese influence, visitors can appreciate Shikinaen’s truly unique Okinawa style.

Shikinaen was completely destroyed in the Battle of Okinawa of 1945.
However, a 20 year restoration plan began in 1975.
 In 2000, it was among the sited registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the title Gusuku Sites
and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.

From the forest, visitors walk along a stone-paved road, made from Ryukyu limestones to the main entrance.
From here, visitors will stroll along a 300 meter circular path to view the garden.
There are many interesting parts of the garden, not limited to…
**Ikutokusen—the spring filled with clear water.
 It is designated as a national monument as it is the birthplace of the red alga
**Stone Bridge: There are two stone bridges which connect to the palace as well a small islet in the middle of the water.
**Udun Palace:  built in the 17th century, before the garden and pond, this spacious palace has 15 rooms
**Rokkaku-do: a Chinese-style hexagonal pavilion located on a nearby island

Facility Information:
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (until 17:30 from October to March) 
**Last Entry is 30 minutes before closing
Closed: Wednesdays (or following day if Wednesday is a national holiday or falls on June 23) 
Admission: 400 yen

Miyako Island (Miyakojima), located 300 kilometers south of Okinawa Main Island,
is known for some of Japan's best beaches and as a great destination for diving and snorkeling in the coral reefs.
The subtropical climate provides mild weather all year around.

The Beaches of Miyako Island
There are picturesque sand beaches for swimming and relaxing.
While the beaches are open year round.
Best enjoyable months are from April to November when the air temperature consistently tops 25 degrees and the water is very warm.

Sunayama Beach 
With its beautiful white sand, clear blue waters and rock formations, Sunayama Beach is one of Miyako's most beautiful beaches.
It is reached in a short walk over a sand hill from the parking lot.
Its facilities include showers and toilets.

Access Information:
Miyako Island is a relatively small island, measuring about 25 kilometers from south to north and about 15 kilometers from east to west.
A rental car is the most convenient means of getting around Miyako.


 

Miyako Island (Miyakojima), located 300 kilometers south of Okinawa Main Island,
is known for some of Japan's best beaches and as a great destination for diving and snorkeling in the coral reefs.
The subtropical climate provides mild weather all year around.

The Beaches of Miyako Island
There are picturesque sand beaches for swimming and relaxing.
While the beaches are open year round.
Best enjoyable months are from April to November when the air temperature consistently tops 25 degrees and the water is very warm.

Yoshino Beach (Yoshino Kaigan)
It is the best beach on Miyako for snorkeling.
Schools of colorful fish surround you as soon as you enter the water.
And you will soon find the maze of a spectacular coral reef with an abundance of marine life.
Beach facilities include showers, toilets and a rental shop.

Access Information:
Miyako Island is a relatively small island, measuring about 25 kilometers from south to north and about 15 kilometers from east to west.
A rental car is the most convenient means of getting around Miyako.


 

Miyako Island (Miyakojima), located 300 kilometers south of Okinawa Main Island,
is known for some of Japan's best beaches and as a great destination for diving and snorkeling in the coral reefs.
The subtropical climate provides mild weather all year around.

The Beaches of Miyako Island

There are picturesque sand beaches for swimming and relaxing.
While the beaches are open year round.
Best enjoyable months are from April to November when the air temperature consistently tops 25 degrees and the water is very warm.

When enjoying the beaches, beware of strong currents and poisonous creatures such as Habu,
Jellyfish, a type of box jellyfish, which is most prevalent from June to October. 

Maehama Beach( Yonaha-Maehama)
It stretches seven kilometers and is suited for swimming and various other water sports.
Its white sand beach in the southwestern corner of Miyako usually leads rankings of Japan's best beaches.
The beach is also known for beautiful sunsets.  There are some showers, toilets and a rental shop.

Access Information:
Miyako Island is a relatively small island, measuring about 25 kilometers from south to north and about 15 kilometers from east to west.
A rental car is the most convenient means of getting around Miyako. 

Japan southernmost group of islands, Okinawa, has many sights of interests for its visitors.
Iriomote Island(西表島) is Okinawa’s second largest island.
Being undeveloped, natural lovers will be happy to learn 90% of the island is a jungle with its own mangrove forest.

The best way to explore the island is by its rivers.
The two longest rivers of the island are the Urachigawa (Uchigawa River) and the Nakamagawa (Nakama River).
Boat cruises are available among these two rivers.
Other options include a guided Kayak tours along these two rivers as well as some of the smaller rivers.
Urauchi River Cruise is a boat tour along the Urauchi River, the larger of the two main rivers.
The hour long cruise takes its visitors along the Urauchi River to a trailhead. From here,
it is necessary to walk 45 minutes through the jungle to the two stunning waterfalls.

Okinawa World is Okinawa Prefecture's foremost theme park and presents the local history, culture and nature.
The park's has many attractions, such as massive natural cave, a craft village and a snake museum.

Gyokusendo
It is one of the main attractions in the park.
With a total length of five kilometers, the Cave is the longest of the many caves in the south of Okinawa
Island and the second longest cave in the entire country.
890 meters of the cave are open to the public and feature spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.
The inside of the cave is well maintained and the walking paths are comfortable.

Kingdom Village
It is a nice replica of a traditional Ryukyu village with workshops introducing the various traditional Okinawan crafts,
such as dyeing, weaving, paper making, pottery, sugar cone processing, the making of music instruments and glass blowing.
Hands-on experiences are offered at many of the workshops.

Habu Park
It was named after the infamous, poisonous, local Habu snake.
Habu park consists of a snake museum, a small, run down zoological garden with some snakes on display and a snake show.
Throughout the park, visitors have ample of opportunities to purchase local products at numerous souvenir shops.
There is also a restaurant specialized in Okinawa cuisine.

Facility Information:
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (last entry at17:00)
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: 1650 yen (all attractions)
1240 yen (cave and village only)
620 yen (village only)
620 yen (Habu Park only)

Access Infromation
Okinawa World is near the southern tip of Okinawa Honto, about ten kilometers south of Naha.

From Naha Bus Center, board bus number 83 all the way to its terminal stop,
Gyokusendo-mae, which is located in front of Okinawa World (60 minutes, 580 yen, one bus every 1-2 hours). 

 

Sefa-utaki (斎場御嶽) is an historical sacred space and important site of the indigenous Okinawan religion,
which, similar to Shinto, places emphasis on the worship of nature.

The site is located on a densely forested hillside along the ocean and features several rock formations,
which are connected with each other by walking trails. 

It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu in Nanjō, Okinawa.

In the early 16 th century, Sefa Utaki came into prominence.
During this period the Okinawan religion permeated under the royal government,
and Sefa Utaki became one of the main locations for religious ceremonies and rituals. 

Facility Information:
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (last entry at 17:30)
Closed: December 29th to January 3rd
Admission: 200 yen

Access Information:
Sefa Utaki is located on the southeastern side of Okinawa Honto, about 15 kilometers from Naha.

Via bus
From Naha Bus Terminal board bus number 38 to Sefa Utaki-mae (斎場御嶽前, 60 minutes, 830 yen, 1-2 buses/hour),
from where the site can be reached in a 5-10 minute walk.


 

Japan southernmost group of islands, Okinawa, has many sights of interests for its visitors.
Iriomote Island(西表島) is Okinawa’s second largest island. Being undeveloped,
natural lovers will be happy to learn 90% of the island is a jungle with its own mangrove forest.

The best way to explore the island is by its rivers.
The two longest rivers of the island are the Urachigawa (Uchigawa River) and the Nakamagawa (Nakama River).
Boat cruises are available among these two rivers.
Other options include a guided Kayak tours along these two rivers as well as some of the smaller rivers.

Nakama River Cruise departs from Ohara, located in the southern part of the island.
The boat will travel inland to a large mangrove tree.
Here, the tour members have the option to disembark from the boat to walk around the island for a few minutes before the journey back.
 The cruise will take about 1 hour with a Japanese speaking guide providing Japanese explanations about the river and the mangrove trees.

Near the end of World WarII, Okinawa Island became the site of one of the war's bloodiest battles,
when the US forces invaded and occupied the island.
An estimated 200,000 people, including more than 100,000 civilians and 12,500 Americans were killed in the battle.

The devastating effects of the war had a deep impact on the local people.
There are a number of monuments and museums relating to the period throughout Okinawa Island.
The worst battle took place in the south, and that is where some of the larger monuments have been constructed.

Peace Memorial Museum, located in Okinawa Peace Memorial Park,
gives a sobering overview of the lead up to the battle,
the battle itself and the reconstruction of Okinawa.

Cornerstone of Peace
It’s a collection of large stone plates with the names of all fallen soldiers and civilians,
including Koreans, Taiwanese, Americans and Britons. 

Himeyuri Monument (Himeyuri no To)
. It commemorates the fate of female high school students, who worked in army field hospitals in caves under horrendous conditions.
Most of them did not survive the war.

Former Navy Underground Headquarters
It consists of several hundred meters of underground corridors and rooms that served as the Japanese navy's headquarters during the war.
A lot of sailors committed suicide in these tunnels, after their situation had grown hopeless towards the end of the battle. 

Peace Memorial Museum
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
Closed: December 29th to January 3rd and occasional irregular closures
Admission: 300 yen
Level of English: Good

Himeyuri Monument
Hours: 9:00 to 17:30 (ast entry at 17:00)
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: 310 yen

Former Navy Underground Headquarters
Hours: 8:30 to 17:00 (until 17:30 from July to September)
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: 440 yen
Level of English: Moderate

Access Information:
From Naha Bus Terminal, board bus number 89 to Itoman Terminal
(60 minutes, 580 yen, departures every 10 minutes),
transfer to bus number 82 and get off at Heiwakinendo Iriguchi (20 minutes, 470 yen, departures every 1-2 hours). 

Himeyuri Monument
From Itoman, board bus number 82, 107 or 108 and get off at Himeyuri-no-to (20 minutes, 320 yen, 1-2 buses/hour). 

Former Navy Underground Headquarters
From the Naha Bus Terminal/Asahibashi, board bus number 55 or 98 to Tomigusuku Minami
(15 minutes, 260 yen, 3-5 buses/hour)
from where the Former Navy Underground Headquarters are a ten minute walk up the hill.