Okinawa

I’m going to visit Okinawa for the first time during Golden Week.
Have you been there before?

Where should I go when I’m there?

Should I rent a car or use public transport?

Shuri Castle

Kokusai Dori

Okinawa Peace Park

Churaumi Aquarium

Okinawa Peace Park remembers the Battle of Okinawa where over 200,000 people (civilians and soldiers) were killed

Churaumi Aquarium may be the best in Japan. It’s famous for it’s huge tank with whale sharks

Shuri Castle was the home and office of the Ryukyu kings for several centuries until Okinawa became a Japanese prefecture in 1879. It is a world heritage site.

The main building was destroyed in a fire in 2019. Reconstruction should be completed in 2026

Kokusaidori a 2km street in central Naha. It is lined by restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels, souvenir shops, boutiques and department stores. Many places are open until 10pm. Many bars have live music.

It was named after a movie theatre that used to be there

What souvenirs should I buy?