North Okinawa or Yanbaru is a great destination for nature-lovers. Visit stunning natural areas brimming with plants, birds and reptiles, many never seen anywhere else. Some of Okinawa’s top tourist attractions are here, including a popular aquarium and oceanic culture museum, as well as traditional villages and white-sand beaches.
Start at Ocean Expo Park, with Churaumi Aquarium and Oceanic Culture Museum Planetarium. Meet whale sharks and manta rays at the large aquarium. Touch a sea cucumber at the Life in Inoh touch pool. Learn about the ocean’s role in the cultures of Asia and the South Pacific at an impressive museum and planetarium.
Distinctive Okinawan culture exists in Nago City, Motobu Town and Nakijin Village. Stop at local restaurants for alfresco dining while overlooking emerald-green sea and lush forests. From Northern Okinawa, ferry to islands just off the coast, including Ie, Minna and Iheya. If you prefer, drive over the bridge to Sesoko and Kouri islands.
Cross the Kouri Bridge to its namesake island and on to the Kouri Ocean Tower. Ride an electric cart to the observation tower, passing a garden and waterfall. Atop the tower, gaze out over the bridge and glistening sea. Dine at the tower’s on-site restaurant every seat has an ocean view. Study seashells at the Shell Museum.
Continue your Northern Okinawa visit with a stop at Higashi Village, known for ecotourism, and Ogimi Village, famous for basho-fu textiles. Both are surrounded by gorgeous natural landscapes. Low population densities offer pleasant, authentic visits.
For beach fun, head to Onna Village, between Yomitan Village and Nago City on the East China Sea. Play on the white sand, splash in azure water and enjoy Okinawan specialties of agu pork and Ishigaki beef.
Get around North Okinawa by bus, taxi or rental car. Nago City is a great jumping-off point for sightseeing around the Motobu Peninsula and Yanburu.
For local culture, marine life, spectacular beaches and a laid-back, seaside vibe, North Okinawa is an idyllic Japan destination.
