Okinawa Island Guide

Everything on Okinawa Island from A to Z | Scenic sites & unique streets

Okinawa Island Guide
億首川のマングローブ林

Mangroves on the Okukubi River

Kin, Kin Town
This is the only place on the main island of Okinawa where four different types of mangroves can be observed growing together. The area is also known as a good spot for bird watching as the natural surroundings attract quite a large number of birds.

新開地

Shinkaichi district

Shinkaichi, Kin Town

Since its appearance in films and photo magazines, the Shinkaichi district has come into the limelight as a new sightseeing spot. Shinkaichi, located right across from the main gate of Camp Hansen, is Kin's entertainment center with numerous bars and restaurants with unique food choices including taco rice. The walls of the area are covered in impressive graffiti.

金武大川

Kin Ukkaga

640 Kin, Kin Town

One of Okinawa's most important spring water sources, also known as the ''fountain of longevity.''

金武鍾乳洞

Kin Shonyudo

222 Kin, Kin Town
Tel: 098-968-8581
Hours: 9:00-16:45 (Kannon Chaya)
Open daily
Admission: 400 yen

With ideal conditions for aging awamori, this cave on the Kin Kannon Temple grounds offers an awamori storage service in which 10,000 bottles are currently stored.

金武観音寺

Kin Kannon Temple

222 Kin, Kin Town

This is a traditional wooden temple built about 480 years ago. Kin Kannon Temple did not suffer direct war damage, and even today it retains its old architecture.

前島

Mae Island

Tokashiki Village (Mae Island)

Mae Island is located about seven kilometers to the east of Tokashiki Island. North of Mae are Hate Island and Naka Island, which are generally included when referring to Mae Island. This island is popular for fishing and diving. Visitors can get to the island by charter boat or by a tour arranged by a travel agency. The cost for a round trip from and back to Tokashiki Island by charter boat can range between 30,000 yen and 50,000 yen. As there is no accommodation on the island, Mae is suitable for day trips only.

ニシ浜ビーチ

Nishi Beach

Aka, Zamami Village (Aka Island)

This is a stunning beach with a fully developed coral reef and colorful tropical fish. The most popular beach on the island, it is frequented by diving and snorkeling lovers during the summer season.

阿真ビーチ

Ama Beach

Ama, Zamami Village (Zamami Island)
Tel:098-987-2277

Five minutes from Zamami Port by vehicle. There is a facility in the vicinity called Kujiranosato, which offers campsites, bungalows and a swimming pool. Even though Ama Beach is not as busy as Furuzamami Beach, it is a convenient spot with shops and food concessions available during the high season.

古座間味ビーチ

Furuzamami Beach

Zamami, Zamami Village (Zamami Island)
Tel:098-987-2277

The best-known beach on Zamami Island. Visitors can sometimes observe tropical fish even just standing on the shore. This beach is popular among tourists during the summer season.

阿波連ビーチ

Aharen Beach

Aharen, Tokashiku Village (Tokashiki Island)
Tel:098-987-2323

Fifteen minutes by vehicle from Tokashiki Port. A popular beach where visitors can enjoy various marine sports and have access to shower facilities. There are many places of accommodation and restaurants near the beach.

船浮

Funauki

Iriomote, Taketomi Town (Iriomote Island)

There is a spot on Iriomote Island that has been increasingly attracting the attention of tourists for the last several years. Funauki is a small, peaceful village with about 50 residents. The village is isolated from the rest of the island and has a tranquil feeling to it with a different sense of time. It has no paved roads or cars, and its lack of accessibility has preserved its natural beauty. Tours to Funauki are highly recommended. Ferries for Funauki depart three or four times a day from Shirahama Port. To get to Funauki Village from Ishigaki Island, catch a ferry at Ishigaki Ritou Terminal bound for Uehara or Funaura Port on Iriomote, then proceed by bus to Shirahama Port and on to Funauki by ferry. It is quite time consuming to visit Funauki Village by yourself and can cost more than participating in an organized tour.

湧出(ワジー)

Wajee

Higashieue, Ie Village (Ie Island)

From the Wajee lookout, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the cliffs and the changing scenery depending on tide and weather.


Top