2025 Nakagusuku Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

Benchmarking Japan, this 5-day short vacation guide is sure to make you fall in love. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you'll return with a wealth of experiences. More excitement and countless beautiful photos await you! -------------------- 🗾Located in East Asia, Japan, affectionately known as the Land of the Rising Sun, is a beautiful country that blends modern elements with historical heritage. 🌸Here you'll find the high-tech neon lights of Tokyo Tower and the tranquil temples of ancient Kyoto. Every step is a scene, and every footprint is a unique interpretation of beauty. -------------------- 🌏📌Itinerary: Day 1: Your Location—Okinawa Choose your flight time and depart from your home city to Okinawa. A private transfer will take you to your hotel. Once settled, your Okinawa journey begins! [First day in Okinawa, relax and settle in. Surfing starts tomorrow!] Day 2: Cape Zanpa—Nakagusuku Castle Ruins—American Village—Busena Marine Park—Underwater Observation Tower—Yaedake Cherry Blossom Forest Park Wake up early! Today we'll tour Okinawa Island, exploring the mountains and waters, and discovering the island's charm. [Okinawa Island, a place of hidden wonders, with a mysterious sea area waiting for you to explore.] Day 3: Kouri Island—Kouri Bridge—Kouri Beach—Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium—Manzamo—Ryukyu Mura Today, we'll experience the natural scenery of Kouri Island, stroll along beautiful beaches, and visit Ryukyu Mura. [Enjoy the natural landscape of Kouri Island and the cultural charm of Ryukyu Mura!] Day 4: Okinawa Island Today, we'll embark on a winter whale watching tour in the Kerama Islands. You might even see 300–500 humpback whales! [An exciting Okinawa winter whale watching tour, vivid and spectacular, will add a highlight to your Japan trip.] Day 5: Okinawa—Your Location On the last day, we'll choose our flight times based on our free time, concluding our Okinawa trip. [A sweet farewell to Okinawa. Looking forward to the next visit!] -------------------- Recommended Attractions: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Address: 424 Ishikawa, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0423, Japan (Ocean Expo Park) Opening Hours: January 1–April 26, 8:30 am–6:30 pm Duration: 3–4 hrs Experience a unique underwater world, with a diverse range of sharks. The dreamy underwater world is truly stunning. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ryukyu Mura Address: 1130 Yamada, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0416, Japan Opening Hours: 9:30 am–5:00 pm Duration: 1–2 hrs Experience the original Okinawan charm at Ryukyu Mura, a theme park showcasing traditional Okinawan culture. Don't miss it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ American Village Address: Mihama, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0115, Japan Opening Hours: 10:00 am–10:00 pm Duration: 3 hrs The sunset beach at American Village is incredibly beautiful. The picturesque scenery will surely captivate you. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Manzamo Address: Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0411, Japan Opening Hours: March 1–October 31, 8:00 am–8:00 pm Duration: 30 mins Manzamo offers expansive views. From the grassy open space, the visual feast of waving grass makes you feel like you're in a vast ocean. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kouri Island Address: Kouri, Nakijin, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0406, Japan Opening Hours: Open 24 hours Duration: 2–5 hrs If you love the ocean, Kouri Island is a must-see. It's a seaweed paradise, showcasing the pristine beauty of the ocean. -------------------- 🌐Travel Preparations: Essential Items for Your Trip to Japan 📱First, a phone card and charger are indispensable. Your phone is a bridge for communication. You can buy a local SIM card in Japan or rent a Wi-Fi device. Don't forget to bring your phone charger; power is crucial when traveling! 🔌A plug adapter is also essential. Japanese power outlets are two parallel prongs, different from many other countries. You'll need an adapter to charge your devices. 📜Next, prepare your documents. Passport and ID card are essential for international travel. Remember, Japan requires a visa, so apply for your Japanese tourist visa in advance. 👕Regarding clothing, March is springtime in Japan, and the weather can be a bit chilly, with occasional rain or snow. Pack spring and autumn clothes, rain gear, and comfortable walking shoes. If you're sensitive to cold, bring a thicker coat. 🍱As for food and snacks, you can bring some snacks you're accustomed to. Of course, Japanese food is also fantastic, so be sure to try it! -------------------- 🎈I hope this guide is helpful. May your journey in Japan be filled with fun and surprises!🌸

Located on the mountainside overlooking Nakagusuku Bay in Nakagusuku Village, [Naritasan Fukusen-dera Temple] As the name suggests, it is a branch temple of Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple. The vermilion shrine building is very impressive. The grounds are spacious, and the main hall of the temple was very beautiful. Also, since it is located on the mountainside, the view from there is spectacular. You can see the open sea of ​​Okinawa. You can also get a goshuin stamp in the main hall. There are also cool goshuin stamp books and character amulets. It is a fine temple like the mainland, but the view of the sea is a sight unique to Okinawa, and it is a power spot. Please visit it during your trip. [Naritasan Fukusen-dera Temple] Address: 617 Ishado, Nakagusuku-son, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa Opening hours: 8:30-17:00 The temple is closed every Thursday for retreats Parking: Available #0 yen travel February 2025 #domestic travel #Okinawa #Okinawa travel #Okinawa sightseeing #temple stamp tour #power spot

Time for a hot spring getaway! This five-day trip to Japan will give you a unique hot spring experience. Super comfortable and relaxing, save this guide and start your hot spring vacation! 🌴Itinerary: Day 1: Departure -> Okinawa Arrive at Naha Airport in Okinawa. After a private transfer to your chosen hotel in Naha, get ready to start your Okinawa adventure! Day 2: Cape Zanpa -> Nakagusuku Castle Ruins -> American Village -> Busena Marine Park -> Underwater Observatory Tower -> Yaedake Cherry Blossom Forest Park Visit the scenic Cape Zanpa, stroll through the lush greenery of Nakagusuku Castle Ruins, and then head to the exotic American Village. Next, explore Busena Marine Park, climb the Underwater Observatory Tower to admire the sea view, and finally, experience the charm of nature at Yaedake Cherry Blossom Forest Park. Day 3: Kouri Island -> Kouri Bridge -> Kouri Beach -> Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium -> Manzamo -> Ryukyu Mura Explore the beautiful Kouri Island, admire the magnificent Kouri Bridge, and feel the fine sand of Kouri Beach. Then, visit the world-renowned Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, followed by the picturesque Manzamo, and finally, experience the unique culture of Ryukyu Mura. Day 4: Okinawa Whale Watching Tour Join the Okinawa winter whale watching tour and witness the spectacular sight of humpback whales in the Kerama Islands. This is a rare opportunity to experience the charm of marine life up close. Day 5: Okinawa -> Return Enjoy some free time in Okinawa, savoring the last moments on this beautiful island, and then fly back, concluding your pleasant Okinawa trip. Must-See Attractions: Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: 424 Ishikawa, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0206 (Ocean Expo Park) Opening Hours: January 1–April 26, 8:30 am–6:30 pm Duration: 3–4 hours With a wide variety of shark species, the underwater world makes you feel like you are in a dream, offering an unparalleled visual feast. Ryukyu Mura ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: 1130 Yamada, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0416 Opening Hours: 9:30 am–5:00 pm Duration: 1–2 hours This is a theme park showcasing traditional Okinawan culture, allowing you to delve into the cultural charm of Ryukyu. American Village ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: 15-69 Mihama, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0115 Opening Hours: 10:00 am–10:00 pm Duration: 3 hours At sunset, the beach scenery is picturesque, making it a great place to take photos. 🎒 Travel Essentials: Things to bring for your trip to Japan 📞🇯🇵 Bring a Japanese phone card for easy communication and to avoid getting lost. 🔌 Don't forget a plug adapter, as Japanese outlets are different. 🪪 Ensure you have all necessary documents, including your passport and visa, for entry and travel. 👔 Pack warm clothes according to Japan's February climate to stay comfortable. Remember these tips for a smoother trip to Japan! 🌸 Japan travel is more than just cherry blossoms and hot springs. There's more to discover, so let's explore this charming country together!

#getgoing2025 The ruins of Nakajo Castle began to be built in the middle of the 14th century and were completed by Gosamaru from Zakimi Castle in 1440. It was built vertically on a hill at an altitude of 160 metres, and the prototype was also preserved because it escaped the fire of war. The attraction is that you can observe all the masonry at once, such as the field area of the south enclosure, the cloth stacking of the first and second enclosures, and the partner stacking of the third and north enclosures. In 1853, Perry's expeditions also had an Egyptian-style back door and a castle with beautiful curves, two wells and eight places of worship. You can walk on the stone walls of the first and second walls, but you can't climb the stone walls of the third.

#FuriTabiWinter Okinawa's castles are called Gusuku "Gu" means stone and "Suku" means enclosed area It has a completely different history and culture from the mainland, and instead of straight stone walls and moats, it has curved and majestic stone walls ﹢﹒ ✦⊹﹒ ﹢﹒ ✦⊹﹒ ﹢﹒ ✦⊹﹒ ﹢﹒ ✦⊹﹒ ﹢﹒ ✦ ◼︎Nakagusuku Castle Ruins Located on a hill 160 meters above sea level along Nakagusuku Bay on the east coast of Okinawa Island ◼︎Shuri Castle Park Shureimon A ceremonial Chinese-style multicolored wooden gate standing close to Shuri Castle ◼︎Shuri Castle Park Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate Located just past Shureimon Used as a place of worship for the royal family ◼︎Nakijin Castle Ruins A gusuku site located on a hill about 100 meters above sea level The beautiful stone walls are about 1.5 km long #Naha #OkinawaTrip #OkinawaTourism #CastleTour #DomesticTrip #GirlsTrip #SoloTrip

🍍One of the famous ruins of the Ryukyu Kingdom, the adult ticket is 400 yen, you can walk around slowly and carefully. 🍍The remaining ruins can still be seen as grand as that time, and the ruins are located at a high place, overlooking the surrounding city scenery. 🍍There are some stairs in the ruins that are not easy to walk, but there is a free shuttle bus next to the ticket office and you can drive directly to the mountain. You don’t have to climb very hard, and the slope of the stairs is lower than that of Shuri Castle. The scenery is very good. Please pay attention to the leg strength and physical strength of the elders. #OkinawaAttractions

Just had a taste of heaven at the newly opened COCO SHRIMP in Okinawa! 🌺🦐 This place is all about garlic shrimp, and oh boy, it's a game-changer! 😋 The shrimp are fried in coconut oil, so they're not greasy at all. Plus, the shells are super crispy! 🍤🥥 The original sauce is a garlic lover's dream, but it's not overpowering at all. Perfect for a date night! 💑 And don't get me started on the Basque cheesecake - it's rich and absolutely delicious! 🍰✨ The view is stunning, and they're even preparing a terrace seating area. Can't wait! 🌴🏖️ Whether you're a shrimp lover or not, this place is a must-visit! 📍 Okinawa, Japan #okinawa #okinawaview #okinawatravel

#okinawatrip I loved this beach because you can make bonfires on the beach and walk into the grocery store right next to it (called the English camp for some strange reason) and buy s’mores stuff for cheap. The water was cold when I went and there is no jelly fish net so you need to be careful if you’re swimming 🏊♂️ . Also, I was playing with the volleyball 🏐 and there are 🗿a lot of large rocks and stones in the sand at places that hurt your feet so be careful. Their are so many beautiful sea shells here though and it’s a quite little beach that you can go to with friends. Also, the mermaid 🧜🏻♀️🧜🏼statues are pretty and you should get some pictures with them. Oh. And there is a swing on the beach too.

#okinawatrip Nakagusuku Castle Remains or Nakagusuku Castle Ruins was probably from the castle which was built around 14th century. It is still unknown for the size or scale of the castle at that time. Because its important location in relations to Shuri Castle, it seems that the Castle was expanded a few times as the defense blocking point to against the invaders. The Castle was mainly built with huge stone cuts and was believed that it used hundreds or thousands of labors or prisoners to build the Castle. In 1853, when U.S. Naval General Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry visited Okinawa, he did stop by Nakagusuku Castle Remains and was impressed with building structure, techniques, and sturdiness. Visitors or tourists can take free golfcart rides from entrance gate to the top of Castle Ruins. Compared to other castle remains or ruins, Nakagusuku Castle Remains has better paved steps and roads, and it has better safety handrail for visitors to work up the castle top. Entrance fee is $ 400 Yen for adult and $ 200 to $300 Yen for students.

#okinawatrip Overall the park is big, mainly grass and few playgrounds. There is a long slide that has the rolling popes and beside it is a basketball court which is pretty small. There is a climbing pyramid which is not too ginormous and pretty cool. There is also a sea saw beside all the resting huts. There is a trail which is for the public and is pretty clean and about 0.8 miles.

#okinawatrip Totally cool jumping tent/trampoline thing with an awesome rope net climbing thing underneath. This parks unique feature is that there is a lot of shade to play in underneath. There is a lot of parking and a decent toilet. There is a big climbing structure for younger kids there as well. Great park with 3 different playgrounds. One for toddlers, another with climbing structures and a good roller slide, the third with the trampoline tops, a small roller slide and netting with a ball for children to play in. One of the best playgrounds on the island.

#okinawatrip This park, also known as trampoline park, is huge and so much fun. It can get rather crowded in the weekends and sometimes the parking attendants will turn you away but make sure to try both the north and south parking. There is a small playground for toddlers, and two large playgrounds for kids 4 and up. All roller slides are 4-12 year so not intended for adult usage like some others around Okinawa. Some of the reviews mention bringing the roller slide seat, but there are actually signs posted that they are not allowed on these particular slides. It has a nice restroom facility as well as a family restroom with a changing table. There are a few hiking trails and plenty of lawn to bring a lunch and stay for the afternoon. Definitely one of our favorite parks!

What can I say? If the sky around me is soooooo beautiful, what’s there to grumble about being in a traffic jam,eh? All the more time to soak in the lovely sunset😊