Together with the regions. Presenting Japan’s hidden charms to the world.Tastes of JAPAN

The Ryukyu Kingdom existed here in Okinawa until about 140 years ago. Centered on Shurijo Castle, it fostered a unique history and culture while being influenced by exchanges with China, Japan and other areas of Asia for 450 years. The gently curved castle walls are reminiscent of the age of the kingdom. In October 2019, eight structures including the main temple of Shurijo Castle were destroyed by fire and are currently under reconstruction. Visitors can experience the history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom by walking the Shurijo Castle Reconstruction Model Course, which tours the castle park and the surrounding areas.

Yonaha Maehama Beach is one of the best known beaches on Miyako Island and is said to be the most beautiful white sand beach of the East. The fine powder snow-like sandy beach stretches for seven kilometers as the beauty of the gradational blue ocean extending to the horizon takes your breath away. The beach has a view of Kurima Island on the front side, and also offers various marine activities.

Kabira Bay is in the northwestern part of Ishigaki Island, the largest outlying island in Okinawa. The beautiful emerald green ocean, considered one of the most transparent in the world, and the lush green island landscape have received three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. In Kabira Park near Kabira Bay, enjoy a panoramic view of the bay from the observatory and take a leisurely walk while gazing at the sea.

The 20-meter-high Ryukyu limestone cliff is a park with an expanse of lawn spreading on top. It is said that Ryukyu Kingdom's King Sho Kei once praised the site as a "field worthy for all people to sit on" and the cliff was named for this. On a clear day, the ocean shines brightly stretching to the distant horizon, and the vista at sunset is a sight to behold.

Take a sightseeing boat upstream along the Urauchi River that flows through Iriomote Island to the boat's boarding point and walk along the well-maintained path through the jungle for about 40 minutes. There, you will encounter the beautiful sight of Mariyudu Waterfall. The two-tiered waterfall featuring a round basin is 20 meters in length and boasts the largest amount of water in Okinawa despite being only 16 meters high. It is a great scenic spot that makes you feel at one with nature.

The Naha City Traditional Arts and Crafts Center can be found in a building located on Kokusai Dori street in the heart of Naha City in Okinawa Prefecture. In addition to learning about the history of the local crafts and trying your hand at making your own, you can also enjoy observing and shopping for the fine works of the Okinawan artists on display. There are five hands-on traditional craft workshops to choose from: Ryukyu glass, Tsuboya pottery, Ryukyu Bingata dye cloth, Shuri-ori weaving and Ryukyu lacquerware. Conveniently located in the center of the city, it is a perfect option to drop by.

The Mihama American Village with an eye-catching large Ferris wheel is located in the town of Chatan on the western coast in the central part of Okinawa Island. As its name suggests, the village is an exotic and photogenic spot filled with an American atmosphere. With a number of American-themed shops, amusement facilities and restaurants scattered throughout, the village offers a townscape that resembles a stylish overseas resort.

Located a 30-minute ferry ride away from Motobu Port, Ie is a remote island in northern Okinawa known for its symbolic Mount Gusuku that rises in the center of the island. Easily accessible, Ie Island is a perfect destination as the first remote island experience. Peanuts and “shima rakkyo (Okinawan shallots)” are some of the local specialties of the island, but Ie is also famous as the island of flowers. The Lily Field Park with approximately one million lilies blooming in late April, as well as the Hibiscus Garden where over 1,000 species of hibiscus flowers blossom in full glory, are not to be missed.

A candidate for the World Natural Heritage, Yanbaru is an area of lush nature at the northern tip of the main island of Okinawa. Daisekirinzan is a scenic spot located in the Yanbaru National Park, adorned withsteep rocky mountains, strange shaped rocks and subtropical natural forests. Since ancient times, the area has been known as Ashimui and was the setting of many sacred myths, as people offer prayers here even today.