[Okinawa ]10 recommended sightseeing spots for spring break

You can enjoy "Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium "in any season. "Before getting to the aquarium, which is located in Ocean Expo Park ", visitors can enjoy a dolphin show and sea turtle and dugong exhibits for free. "Once inside the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium ", you will be greeted by a variety of colorful fish, just like in Okinawa. The most famous exhibit is the 8.8-meter-long large tank, which is home to whale sharks and southern blue manta rays. The fish swim as if they are flying.
Another highlight of the exhibit is the coral reefs, which are fed directly from the seawater of Okinawa. The roofless aquarium is bathed in sunlight and visitors can observe tropical fish swimming happily around the coral reefs. In the spring, when it is not high season, "Churaumi Aquarium "is relatively empty, so you can take your time to look around.

Location: 424 Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Admission: Adults 2,180 yen / High school students 1,440 yen / Elementary and junior high school students 710 yen
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Standing on "Kouri Island ", which is connected to the main island of Okinawa by a bridge, is "Kouri Ocean Tower ". Kouri Island "is said to be the island of "love "where the legend of the Okinawan version of Adam and Eve remains Kouri Island "is said to be the island of love. Such "as "Kouri Ocean Tower "standing on the seashore of Kouri Island "is also famous as a sacred place for lovers. From the observation deck, you can look out over the beautiful emerald green sea. There is a happy bell overlooking the sea, and if couples ring it together, they may find happiness.
"Kouri Ocean Tower "Inside the tower there is a museum where you can learn about the history of Kouri Island and a museum with a collection of colorful shells. After studying, it is recommended to relax in the ocean-view café.

Location: 538 Kouri, Nakijin Village, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
Admission: Adults (16 years and older) 1,000 yen / Elementary school students 500 yen
Hours: 10:00 - 18:00

"Yachimun-no-sato "" Yachimun "means "pottery "in the Okinawan dialect. 19 studios are lined up so that you can take your time to compare the pottery of various artists. You can park your car in the parking lot and walk around, so if you visit in spring when the sun is mild, it will not be too hot and you can take your time.
The pottery is lined with designs featuring the sea, a motif not often seen in Honshu. There are also dishes in vivid tropical colors, which are fun just to look at. Find your favorite "Yachimun "and make your trip to Okinawa memorable.

Location: 2653-1 Zakimi, Yomitan Village, Nakagami, Okinawa
Fee: Free of charge

The World Heritage Site "Nakijin Castle Ruins "is famous for its cherry blossoms in Okinawa. You can see the Kanhizakura (scarlet cherry blossoms), which are small and have bright pink petals. The best time to view the cherry blossoms is from late January to mid-February, which is a little earlier than in Honshu. When the cherry blossoms are at their best, the "Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival "is held and visitors can view the cherry blossoms at night. The illuminated cherry blossoms and castle walls create a romantic atmosphere. "Nakijin Castle Ruins "is a vast site where the castle walls from those days still remain. Since there are few places that block the sun, it is recommended to visit in winter and spring when it is more comfortable.

Location: 5101 Imadomari, Nakijin Village, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
Admission: Adults 600 yen / Junior and senior high school students 450 yen / Elementary school students and younger free
Hours: 8:00 - 18:00

"Okinawa World "is, as the name suggests, a sightseeing spot where visitors can enjoy the attractions of Okinawa within its facilities. "Within Okinawa World "is a limestone cave called "Gyokusendo ". The 890-meter long section of the cool, cool cave is open to the public. You can feel the history of the earth while looking at stalactites of various shapes.
"After leaving Gyokusendo ", visitors can watch an eisa, a traditional Okinawan dance, and experience traditional crafts. In an area lined with traditional Okinawan houses, you can even have your picture taken wearing a Bingata kimono. You can also experience Bingata dyeing and Ryukyu glass blowing, so you can enjoy Okinawa in its entirety.

Location：1336 Maekawa, Tamaki, Minami City, Okinawa
Admission: Adults (15 years and older) 2,000 yen / Children (14 years and younger) 1,000 yen
Hours: 9:00 - 17:30

"Located in the Yanbaru World Natural Heritage Site ", "Oishirinzan "is in the nature-rich northern part of Okinawa's main island. Lined with strange rocks of various sizes, "Oishirinzan "is well maintained and easy to walk around. In summer, it is too hot and you lose energy, but in spring, the weather is just right and you can get a moderate workout.
"Walking around looking for rocks with names like Gorilla Rock "and "Goku Rock "is sure to enthrall adults and children alike. From the high point "Oishirinzan ", you can see the beautiful northern Okinawa sea. "The sacred site Asimui "has been cherished as a place of worship since the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Recharge the power of nature and "the power of the sacred place Asimui ".

Location: 1241 Ginama, Kunigami-mura, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan
Fee: Adults (15 years and older) 1,200 yen / Children (4-14 years) 550 yen
Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

"Mihama Town Resort American Village "is, as the name suggests, a shopping destination where you can enjoy the streets as if you were in America. "There are stores in the American Village "that sell Okinawan souvenirs, but there are also many stores that sell goods and clothes directly imported from the United States. There is also a full lineup of military stores, making it a fun place just to look around.
It is filled with stores with a pop appearance reminiscent of the American West Coast, so you can take lots of pictures that look great. "Behind the American Village "is a stretch of beach, and you can sit on a bench and drink takeout coffee from the coffee shop in front of it. This is a spot where you can feel like you are in the U.S.A. even though you are in Okinawa.

Location: Mihama, Chatan-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa
Fee: Free of charge

The World Heritage Site "Saiba Utaki "has been a place of prayer since the days of the Kingdom of the Ryukyus. The sacred atmosphere of "Saiba Utaki "is still filled with people who come to pray. In the quiet and mysterious atmosphere of "Saeba Utaki ", there is a place called "Mikori "where large rocks stand supporting each other. Although it is not possible to go under the rock, you will be overwhelmed by the size of the rock.
It is surrounded by trees "and Saiba Utaki ", but there is a place where the trees open up and you can see "Hisaka Island "floating in the sea. The island is still cherished as an island of faith, where the Gods descended from. You can feel the power of the God.

Location：539 Chinen Kutegin, Minami City, Okinawa
Admission: Adults (high school students and older) 300 yen / Elementary and junior high school students 150 yen
Hours: March - October: 9:00 - 18:00 / November - February: 9:00 - 17:30

"A remote island about 9 km northwest of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium "is "Iejima ". There is a ferry service from Motobu Port, and you can reach Iejima in 30 minutes. You can spend a relaxing time on the island, which is different from the main island of Okinawa. I recommend "Lily Field Park "for Ie Island in spring.
The world's 100 species of lilies are at their best from mid-April to early May. The pure white Teppo lilies are especially famous, and the contrast between the white lilies and the blue sea and sky is beautiful. A promenade is maintained as it heads toward the sea, so you can fully enjoy the beautiful sea of Iejima and the colorful lilies.

Location: 3087 Higashiegami, Ie-mura, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Fee: Free of charge

Whale watching can be enjoyed in Okinawa from late December to early April, from winter to spring. Boats depart from various locations such as Naha and Motobu, so you can choose the port of departure and arrival according to your travel plans.
The cruise ship will take you offshore on the waters of Okinawa. When you come to a spot where whales are, you can see them spouting the tide. When the whales spout the tide, it is when they come up to breathe, so if you can see the tide, there is a high probability that you will be able to see the fins of the whales as they dive. If you are lucky, you may even see the whale jump as its body emerges from the surface of the ocean. Whale watching is an activity that cannot be experienced in summer, and can only be done in winter in Okinawa.

Location: Depends on the port of arrival/departure
Fee: 5,000 yen and up (depending on guide company)

We have introduced the places we recommend for a spring trip to Okinawa, where you can take your time and enjoy sightseeing outside of the high season of summer. Because it is spring when the sun is mild, you can enjoy Okinawa in comfort. Try to experience a deep Okinawa during your spring vacation trip or graduation trip.