Top Things to do in Okinawa
- 1. Southeast Botanical Gardens
- 2. Okinawa Zoo & Museum
- 3. Plaza House Shopping Center
- 4. Awase Shrine
- 5. Okinawa City Tourism and Promotion Association
- 6. Airport Street
- 7. Okinawa City Hall Observation Decks
- 8. Okinawa Post-War Cultural Material Museum Histreet
- 9. Music Town Oto-Ichiba
- 10. Chubunouren Market
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10 Things to Do in Okinawa That You Shouldn't Miss
Long a popular destination for Japanese travelers looking for a relaxing beach break, Okinawa is gaining international popularity. Coral reefs provide great snorkeling and diving spots, but if you prefer to see beautiful fish without getting wet, Okinawa also has a fine aquarium. The ancient forests around the city offer a chance to view rare flora and fauna.
Restaurants in Okinawa
1. Southeast Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4 based on 121 reviews
Welcome To Southeast Botanical Gardens !we Hope Have A Great Healing Day.
Reviewed By Michelle112013 - Indianapolis, Indiana
We enjoyed wandering and the Christmas lights in the Botanical Gardens. However, because it was dark, we did not really get to experience the Gardens. The lights were fun, and there were food trucks and snack options as well. At 7:30 pm there were fireworks as well. A fun way to spend Christmas evening.
2. Okinawa Zoo & Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 137 reviews
Reviewed By Patrick S - Panama City, Panama, Panama
We had the opportunity to visit the zoo the 3rd week of July. Very hot weather for the amount of walking you will do. The zoo is very well laid out, however, there is really not a lot to see. The facilities are aged, and the few animals there are are not very exciting. It may of been the time of day we went, but most of the animals were either asleep or inside their habitats and could not be seen.
I would recommend the zoo during the spring time as the weather would permit a more leisurely stroll on the grounds.
The “petting zoo” leaves a lot to be desired, with a few turtles and chicks (this is about all you can pet). They had a crazy looking goat on a leash, and a few Guinea pigs with a sign saying “do not touch”...!!! it’s a “petting zoo”.
The area is well maintained and is well worth the trip but NOT in the summer time.
We did not get a chance to eat at the restaurant there, but there was a place on site.
If you visit via taxi, ask the staff to call you a cab, as there are NONE hanging around outside.
3. Plaza House Shopping Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By David H
An interesting mix of shops ranging from fashion to food. There is also an English bookshop here which carries teaching materials for anyone working on the island as an English teacher. Good selection of food outlets including an Indian restaurant. Several novelty shops.
4. Awase Shrine
Overall Ratings
4 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By DonCapeMayBeach - Cape May Beach
I like visiting shrines and temples. They are a peaceful retreat from the hectic lives we live. However, this town seems sleepy already, so there seems to be less change visiting the shrine. Still it was nicely decorated for New Years. The modern handicap ramp deters a bit from the visual aesthetic, but at least people can get there in a wheelchair. It also has a public toilet, which can be difficult to find.
5. Okinawa City Tourism and Promotion Association
Overall Ratings
4 based on 17 reviews
During the day, the signs in English that line up Gate 2 Street stand out. At night, the lively sounds of American rock and Okinawan "Sanshin" leak out from the entertainment bars. This is Okinawa's twilight zone, where a mix of American and Okinawan culture from the post-war era gave birth to a unique culture that defines Koza, Okinawa City's downtown area. Nowadays, with other tourist spots taking the spotlight, people tend to simply drive through the area, or avoid it all together. How unfortunate! The town is spotted with so many charming shops, spots, and people! But where do you begin? That is where the Okinawa City Tourism & Promotion Association steps in. They are here to help you get started getting to know Koza! If you're curious about what "Koza" is all about, feel free to drop in and say hello!
Reviewed By Marc A - New Brunswick, New Jersey
Okinawa was awesome!! This was my first time to Japan and it was for 10 days. From the minute I landed I was amazed. The people are extremely friendly. I was in katanakagusuku visiting family. I could not be in Japan and not have sushi. Sushi in Japan is nothing like sushi in the U.S. It is so much more flavorful inJapan. I had so many variations of fish and seafood along with saki both hot and cold.
I can't wait to go back. If you are the least bit interested in anything Japanese go visit Okinawa. It is filled with lots of history and culture.
6. Airport Street
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By Kathryn_Spoor - Anoka, Minnesota
There is really not much more to say about this area. If you are wanting to look for something to do at night or for some random bars then this is a place for you. Other than that there really is not much to see or do here.
7. Okinawa City Hall Observation Decks
Overall Ratings
4 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By クワバラン・コザ - Tokyo Prefecture, Japan
沖縄市役所の屋上にある展望台です。こちらを見学したい場合、一階の案内所で申し込めば市の職員が対応してくれますよ。
沖縄市役所は高台にあり、こちらの展望台からは太平洋から東シナ海、沖縄市内、勝連半島などを一望できます。
8. Okinawa Post-War Cultural Material Museum Histreet
Overall Ratings
4 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Robert_Avery_13 - Okinawa, Japan
Shopping on the side streets of Chuo Park Ave which used to be famous in earlier years and known as B.C Street, or Business Center, better known for the lewd nightlife, crowded bars by service personnel at the heighth of the Viet Nam War. Okinawa was one of the main staging areas for troops taveling to Viet Nam. Because of the wild reputation of this area, the street changed the name to Chuo Park Ave. Changed the ability to cruise the streets in front of the bars yet still famous as a tourist attraction, mainly Charlies Tacos, Bombay Taylors and for many of the bars still open for business at night time, all close to Gate Street aka Goya Crossing and site of the Dec 1970 Riots in the streets. I was in the US Army during Viet Nam and have traveled extensively in Japan and Okinawa where I have lived continuously for the past 8 years but a regular visitor for months at a time since the year 2000.
9. Music Town Oto-Ichiba
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Wanderlustlove22 - Oceanside, California
Music Town always has something going on whether it is local children performing or international artists on stage. It makes for an interesting meeting point along Gate 2 Street.
10. Chubunouren Market
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