South Okinawa

Travel Guide

Okinawa showing a beach and swimming as well as a large group of people
International Street which includes street scenes, night scenes and nightlife
Shurijo Castle featuring heritage architecture as well as a large group of people
Sefa Utaki featuring general coastal views
Shurijo Castle showing night scenes, chateau or palace and a square or plaza
Become enlightened on Ryukyu history, explore ancient castle ruins and appreciate the beauty of the area’s white-sand beaches and sugarcane plantations.

The nature defining South Okinawa is a key part of your visit. Learn about legends of the Ryukyu and their early settlement on the island. Visit the most sacred spot in all of the Ryukyu Islands. Travel down to the depths of the earth, into caverns decorated with stalactites and stalagmites. Weave through bamboo forests, dripping with mysticism.

Start your travels at Sefa Utaki, a sacred spot to the Ryukyu. Drive to the Nirai Kanai Bridge Overlook, admiring Pacific Ocean views and Kudaka Island, also known as the Island of the Gods. Sefa Utaki is one of seven Utaki sanctuaries created by Amamikiyo, the Goddess of Ryukyu Kaibyaku, according to Okinawan legend. Pass through the Sangui worship site, comprised of two huge rocks.

Move on to Okinawa World in Maekawa. This large theme park informs visitors on regional history, culture and nature. The primary attraction is the 3-mile-long (5-kilometer) cave, Gyokusendo. Descend into a mesmerizing underground world and traverse the steel walkway that stretches 2,900 feet (890 meters) through the cave’s hidden twists and turns.

Aboveground at Okinawa World, wander through Kingdom Village, formed with century-old homes. Learn the local crafts of weaving and papermaking and watch a performance of traditional eisa and kachashidance.

Explore the mystical Valley of Gangala, formed when a South Okinawa cave collapsed centuries ago. Once through the cave tunnel, take a guided tour of the lush forest and limestone caverns, full of rock formations believed to be symbols of fertility to Okinawans. Listen for the bubbling Yuuhi River and take your photo with the ancient Ufushu Gajumaru banyan tree.

Reach South Okinawa attractions by car. Look for signs along unnamed roads that will guide you to sightseeing destinations.

From your first sip of local sugarcane juice to your imaginings of the ancient kingdom of the region, South Okinawa offers a peek into the island’s true history and culture.

Where to stay in South Okinawa

Okinawa showing rainforest and a cascade

Naha City Centre

4.5/5(302 area reviews)

The parks and historic sites are just a few things visitors like about Naha City Centre. Kokusai-dori Shopping Street and Tomari Port are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Miebashi Station or Kenchomae Station to get around the larger area.

Naha City Centre
Tsuboya Pottery Museum showing street scenes and a small town or village

Makishi

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Makishi is a destination travelers like for its shopping, and you might hop aboard the metro at Makishi Station or Miebashi Station to explore sights like Kokusai-dori Shopping Street.

Makishi
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Tomari

Tomari is well-liked for its waterfront and shopping. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Kokusai-dori Shopping Street and Tomari Port are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Tomari
Okinawa ocean is always bright and clear. Locals say you can see 5 different shades of blue in the ocean on the best days!
#LifeAtExpedia #beach

Kumoji

Kumoji is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Kokusai-dori Shopping Street and Palette Kumoji, and you can get around town on the metro at Kenchomae Station.

Kumoji
International Street which includes signage, street scenes and a sunset

Matsuo

If you're spending some time in Matsuo, Kokusai-dori Shopping Street and Makishi Public Market are top sights worth seeing.

Matsuo
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Matsuyama

Visitors to Matsuyama enjoy its bars, and if you want to do some exploring, Matsuyama Park is worth a stop.

Matsuyama
THE NEST NAHA

THE NEST NAHA

3 out of 5
1-6-1, Naha, Okinawa
$85 nightly
The price is $94 total per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
$94 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Naha. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Kokusai-dori Shopping Street and Naha ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (89 reviews)
"This was a great hotel. Very clean and modern. The rooftop pool is amazing! They had free drinks during happy hour there too. Excellent value and our family loved it. They also have one of those robotic, stacking parkades. If you have never seen one, watch as your car gets an elevator ride. The perfect ..."

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

THE NEST NAHA
Okinawa NaHaNa Hotel & Spa

Okinawa NaHaNa Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
1-5 Kume 2 Chome, Naha, Okinawa-ken
$64 nightly
The price is $70 total per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
$70 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Naha. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,195 reviews)
"A great place to stay in Naha. Close to many city features"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Okinawa NaHaNa Hotel & Spa
Southern Beach Hotel & Resort OKINAWA

Southern Beach Hotel & Resort OKINAWA

4 out of 5
1-6-1 Nishizaki, Itoman, Okinawa
$102 nightly
The price is $112 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$112 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Itoman. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,125 reviews)
"Nothing surrounded. Ventilation on the ceiling was full of dust. But facilities are good enough for families."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Southern Beach Hotel & Resort OKINAWA
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Randor Residence Naha Okinawa

Randor Residence Naha Okinawa

3.5 out of 5
Wakasa 2-4-13, Naha, Okinawa
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Naha. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and slippers. Popular attractions Kokusai-dori Shopping Street and Naminoue Beach ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (53 reviews)
"Property was very clean and accessible. Would definitely recommend."

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

Randor Residence Naha Okinawa
B/C HOTEL NAHA Hotel with rental car

B/C HOTEL NAHA Hotel with rental car

3.5 out of 5
2-chome-11-11 Nishi, Naha, Okinawa
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly apartment in Naha. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kokusai-dori Shopping Street ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (194 reviews)
"Easy to check in and out, well kept, close to convenient stores and 5-7minute walk to monorail."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

B/C HOTEL NAHA Hotel with rental car
Hotel Airportview Naha

Hotel Airportview Naha

3.5 out of 5
3-39-1, Naha, okinawa
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Naha. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Kokusai-dori Shopping Street and Senaga ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (15 reviews)
"Quite hard to access with public transports, nice airport view, close to Senaga island"

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Hotel Airportview Naha
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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