“Best of” Okinawa Japan

While I’ve lived in Japan for over five years, I have only been to Okinawa a couple of times.  However, I think it is an overlooked option when traveling to Japan.  Not only is Okinawa a great place to relax and enjoy the beach and sunshine, it is also has a drastically unique culture.  In fact, it is historically not Japanese at all. 

Okinawa is part of the Ryukyu Islands and was an independent kingdom until it was annexed by Japan in 1879.  It was the location of some of World War Two’s most bloody battles and at the end of the war was under the protectionism of the United States until 1972.  Today there is still a huge amount of U.S. military on the island.  This has created a unique mix of Okinawan, Japanese and U.S. culture. 

A trusted friend with who I have traveled with to more than 40 countries, and lived on Okinawa for over three years, provided me her “best of” list for the island.  She is a foodie who can be trusted on her recommendations.  Below is her list of what to see and do and where to eat when on island.    

I’ll add to her list below, that Okinawa is a great place skip the crowds and see the Cherry Blossoms.  They will bloom there earlier, and if timed well, you could catch the plum blossoms in Tokyo, cherry blossoms in Okinawa and then Cherry Blossoms again near Tokyo or Kyoto.     

Food

Favorite ramen – Tomato Ramen at Kameya: https://maps.app.goo.gl/riEjYdL723kryWWn7

Favorite Soba – Yanbaru Soba: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wyZLortCXcpMqatM7

Favorite American Brunch and Fancy Dinner place – Taiyo Steakhouse (at the Marine golf course): https://maps.app.goo.gl/dbW1CrdYnwjxXaEd6

Favorite Steak you Grill Yourself – Yappari Steak (there are several on island): https://maps.app.goo.gl/cjQMdFboUYvqPw5y9

Favorite Tacos – Esparza’s Tacos and Coffee: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GsAxWwJnTZMPHq8n6

Favorite Cinnamon Roll – Brown Roll: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WHpRYLnEFjDYswQj6

Best Turkish – Turkey Lokanta Kelebek (just as good as in Turkey): https://maps.app.goo.gl/kwcf8pDTthNZmo5x9

Things to Do

Absolute Favorite Place to be on Okinawa – Okuma Peninsula

Shurijo Castle: https://maps.app.goo.gl/E8xc6RHzWfQFZGth6

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jTZzwGM4asNRnFW79

Heart Rock: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XDPQ1E9fonsDCjmA9

Cape Hedo: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Cj4UoZNw47biqpEp9

Daisekirinzan: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WZnzqzADXi9DQxp3A

Ogimi Village Observation Deck (scene from Cobra Kai season 3 was filmed here): https://maps.app.goo.gl/919y38pqbFkxsNCw5

Higashi Azalea Eco Park: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zweguwy5ARnnXJV8A

Yaedake Sakuranomori Park (Cherry Blossoms): https://maps.app.goo.gl/jHQUz21jTu3JBZ779

Katsuren Castle Ruins: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fuBEPjQUrDaE6EsN8

Zakimi Castle Ruins: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HgUbK2U28xogjCSe9

Okinawa World: https://maps.app.goo.gl/623jrBkAYeAmTPRz7

Cave Okinawa: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qxcGFZvKrYKa2CncA

Valley of Gangala: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6iUCHZLvjTzr3dXz6

World War II sites:

Hackshaw Ridge: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sjeofxYCQFuHvyMA8

Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Bcxq88mwbHaTE5SU8

Peace Memorial Park: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XyGtDutL6TTtUoUM7

Shopping:

Nuchima-su Salt Factory: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yZMv6JHdGcawjbnL7

Daiso (any of them)