Okinawa Island Guide

Everything on Okinawa Island from A to Z | Other islands

Okinawa Island Guide
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通り池

Tori-ike

Sawada, Irabu, Miyakojima City (Miyako Island)

Designated a natural monument by the Japanese government, tori-ike (lit. path lake) is known as a mystical lake harboring myths featuring mermaids and other sea creatures. Tori-ike consists of two lakes with 75-meter and 55-meter diameters and depths of 45 and 25 meters, respectively. The two lakes are interconnected under water and also linked to the ocean. This is a unique location where fresh and salt waters mingle, making it an ideal diving spot.

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渡嘉志久ビーチ

Tokashiku Beach

1919-1 Tokashiku, Tokashiku Village (Tokashiki Island)

Quiet atmosphere with fewer people compared to Aharen Beach. A breathtaking sunset on the horizon can be enjoyed.

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久米島ウミガメ館

Sea Turtle Museum of Kumejima

170 Ou, Kumejima Town (Kume Island)
Tel: 098-985-7513
Hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: Tue
Admission: 300 yen for ages 16 and over, 200 yen for ages 6-15.

The facility was established for the purpose of preserving endangered sea turtles, with panels and video clips about its mission. You can watch turtles swimming slowly in the water tank.

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おばけ坂

Obake zaka (ghost slope)

Is this a trick by a ghost? You can experience a mysterious phenomenon on a quiet road in the middle of a field when you stop your car on the steep slope and put it into neutral. You will feel like the car is climbing the slope on its own. This is a visual trick that can be only found in a few places in Japan.

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上江洲家

The Uezu House

816 Nishime, Kumejima Town (Kume Island)
Tel: 098-985-2418
Hours: 9:00-18:00
Closed irregularly
Admission: 300 yen for ages 16 and over, 200 yen for ages 13-15, 100 yen for ages 6-12.

An old, one-story wooden house built by a samurai family around 1750 during the time of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The house is surrounded by stone walls and fukugi trees. The design and alignment of the building are based on feng shui.

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比屋定パンタ

Hiyajo Banta

Aka, Kumejima Town (Kume Island)

Banta in the Okinawan dialect means cliff. Hiyajo Banta is a lookout located along the northeastern coast of Kume Island, on a cliff rising to a height of approximately 200 meters above sea level. From Hiyajo Banta you can enjoy an amazing view of Eef Beach and even Aguni Island, Tonaki Island and the Keramas across the water on a clear day. This is also a very popular launching spot for hang gliders.

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イーフビーチ

Eef Beach

Janado, Kumejima Town (Kume Island)

A beach stretching for two kilometers. A variety of marine sports and beach activities can be enjoyed here.

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与那覇前浜ビーチ

Yonaha Maehama Beach

Yonaha, Shimoji, Miyakojima City (Miyako Island)

This is the beach that has made Miyako Island a popular destination. With its seven-kilometer-long stretch of super fine white sand, Yonaha Maehama Beach is amazingly beautiful and has been called the best white sand beach in East Asia. Rarely crowded, the beach is an ideal destination for people looking to just relax and unwind.

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八重干瀬

Yaebiji

317-3 Maezato, Hiira, Miyakojima City (Miyako Island)

Located in the northern part of Miyako Island, Yabiji is the largest grouping of coral reefs in Japan. These 100 or so coral reefs are famous for being visible above the water line during the lowest tide of the year. Yabiji is also known for its diving and snorkeling spots, only a 30-minute boat ride from Ikema Island, which is also connected to Miyako Island by the Ikema Bridge.

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シギラ黄金温泉

Shigira Ougon Onsen (natural hot spring)

1405-223 Shinzato, Ueno, Miyakojima City (Miyako Island)
Tel: 0980-74-7340
Hours: April-September: 12:00-22:00; October-March 14:00-22:00 (Last entry 21:30)
Open daily
Outside visitors: Allowed
Admission: 2,000 yen for adults, 1,000 yen for ages 4-11, free for under 3.

This is the southernmost and westernmost natural hot spring in Japan, featuring an open-air bath, a bath with panoramic views and a large jungle pool.

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うえのドイツ文化村

Ueno German Culture Village

775-1 Miyaguni, Ueno, Miyakojima City (Miyako Island)
Tel: 0980-76-3771
Hours: 9:00-18:00
Closed: Irregularly
Admission: Free entrance to the premises, separate fees for attractions and amenities

The friendship between Miyako Island and Germany dates back to 1873, when the islanders saved the crew of a grounded German merchant ship, the R. J. Robertson. The Ueno German Culture Village was subsequently built close to the place the ship was grounded. Visitors can enjoy the Kinderhaus, displaying German toys, and the Museum of Philanthropy, a replica of the German Castel Marksburg.

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東平安名崎

Higashihenna-saki

Bora, Gusukube, Miyakojima City (Miyako Island)

The island’s easternmost point, Higashihenna-saki is a gorgeous headland brimming with seasonal flowers such as the Easter lily in spring. At two kilometers long, the cape makes for a great stroll.

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