must see in Okinawa

[giprincessk]

My husband and I's anniversary is labor day weekend. We have been in Okinawa for a little over 4 months and will finally have time to go and see some of the island. We are wondering what are the must see/do, so we can start enjoying the island!

Thanks

[dk]

Seifa Utaki is pretty cool. Not a ton to see, but it's really pretty and has a lot of history. http://www.japanupdate.com/?id=705

Kongou Sekirinzan is also awesome, but it's waaaaaaaaay up north. Very well worth the trip. Even more so than Seifa Utaki. http://www.japanupdate.com/?id=550 Lol at me mentioning my now wife as my fiance in that article...

Hiji Falls is also very beautiful. It's up pretty close to Okuma. A swimsuit will come in handy if you decide to get in the water. http://www.japanupdate.com/?id=815

These three are nature spots. Bring a camera and some good hiking shoes.

Other cool places to visit are the whole area surrounding Shuri Castle. So much history there, and it's really photogenic. http://www.japanupdate.com/?id=740 and http://www.japanupdate.com/?id=723

Shikina En is also very beautiful, and pretty near Shuri Castle. http://www.japanupdate.com/?id=695

The Tsuboya Pottery Area near Kokusai Street is another great spot for shopping and checking out the local art. This is positively one of my favorite places on island and a great place to get your Christmas shopping in when the time comes. http://www.japanupdate.com/?id=1069

Some of this data may be a bit outdated by now as I mainly posted links for the driving directions. Forgive me if things have changed since then.

[P_chan]

Go see taa taki in Ogimi! most people (americans) don't know about it and it's an easier hike then hiji falls. Go up north on 58 towards nago as if you were going to okuma. Pass through nago (get some soba on your way, I always do), and keep going north. A short while after you enter ogimi village you will cross the henan (sp) bridge. It says the name of the bridge on a small sign right before the bridge, it also has okinawan style hats (the big red ones the dancers wear) on the four corners of the bridge. Well, take the immediate right after that bridge. Head down this road for about 1km until it forks. Stay to the right and go down this road for about another 1km, the river will be on your right side. There will be a very small parking lot, more like a 10 foot patch of dirt, and all you have to do is hop in the river. Hike up the river for about 30 minutes or so and it's right there. Beautiful waterfall.

Kohgoh Sekirinzan is another nice one. Just go towards hedo point but turn right instead of left.

[ststephen65]

Go see taa taki in Ogimi! most people (americans) don't know about it and it's an easier hike then higi falls. Go up north on 58 towards nago as if you were going to okuma. Pass through nago (get some soba on your way, I always do), and keep going north. A short while after you enter ogimi village you will cross the henan (sp) bridge. It says the name of the bridge on a small sign right before the bridge, it also has okinawan style hats (the big red ones the dancers wear) on the four corners of the bridge. Well, take the immediate right after that bridge. Head down this road for about 1km until it forks. Stay to the right and go down this road for about another 1km, the river will be on your right side. There will be a very small parking lot, more like a 10 foot patch of dirt, and all you have to do is hop in the river. Hike up the river for about 30 minutes or so and it's right there. Beautiful waterfall.

Kohgoh Sekirinzan is another nice one. Just go towards hedo point but turn right instead of left.


IF YOU GO HERE DO NOT LEAVE TRASH!!!!!!!!!!! i dont want my fav spot on okinawa getting trashed like Aha Falls!!!!!!

[coldnoodles]

Go see taa taki in Ogimi! most people (americans) don't know about it and it's an easier hike then higi falls. Go up north on 58 towards nago as if you were going to okuma. Pass through nago (get some soba on your way, I always do), and keep going north. A short while after you enter ogimi village you will cross the henan (sp) bridge. It says the name of the bridge on a small sign right before the bridge, it also has okinawan style hats (the big red ones the dancers wear) on the four corners of the bridge. Well, take the immediate right after that bridge. Head down this road for about 1km until it forks. Stay to the right and go down this road for about another 1km, the river will be on your right side. There will be a very small parking lot, more like a 10 foot patch of dirt, and all you have to do is hop in the river. Hike up the river for about 30 minutes or so and it's right there. Beautiful waterfall.

Kohgoh Sekirinzan is another nice one. Just go towards hedo point but turn right instead of left.


taa taki in Ogimi and Kohgoh Sekirinzan are very good places to go..:thumbup:

[P_chan]

Of course don't leave trash. I was assuming that she had enough common sense not to do that.

I've seen a lot of japanese people throw trash too. Go to hedo or madea (sp) point and climb on the rocks close to the ocean. You will find a lot of trash from japanese fishermen. Found a porno the last time I was at Madea.

[giprincessk]

Thanks for all your help. That list should give us a good start. Now we can see Okinawa instead of just Kadena.

Thanks again!

[dk]

Let us know how you enjoy it. Bring a camera! I want to see some pictures!!!

[jerky656]

If nature isn't your thing then try a Sunday stroll up & down Naha's Kokusai Dori (International Street.) Every Sunday they close the street off to traffic, so you can browse the shops on both sides of the street without getting run over. There are plenty of shops & restaurants on this mile long stretch to seperate you from your yen. At many intersections you'll find various street performers doing their thing. My favorite group was the Okinawa Rock n Rollers. They dance to American 50s tunes. I put a vid on YOUTUBE of them. Just type "Twist Party Naha" in the search window.
About a half mile up the street you can duck into the Hewai Dori. This indoor market has everything! I use to love walking through the fish market. You can even buy a cut of fresh fish & take it upstairs to the food court to have it cooked.
Naha is about 30mins. from Kadena AFB. Just go out Gate 1 & head south on 58. Once you are in the city be on the lookout for Rt.44. Turn left onto 44 & about a half mile up the street you will intersect with Kokusai Dori.
There are plenty of lots & garages for parking in this area. Have fun!

[Honduh]

I would suggest waiting until it cools off before heading to hiji, unless you dont mind being soaked in sweat on the ride home. Ive hiked it in the middle of July and in early March. March was a far better experience. Just my opinion.

If you have never been up north yet, I would just hop in the car and drive, have a good time. Just seeing the water up that way is a fun afternoon to me.

[kintama]

Kongou Sekirinzan is also awesome, but it's waaaaaaaaay up north. Very well worth the trip. http://www.japanupdate.com/?id=550 Lol at me mentioning my now wife as my fiance in that article...


I went here during Golden Week. I have a "'renewed" outlook on Okinawa's beauty. It's not all concrete and "ugly" Americans.

I have been to every island between Yoron - Okinawa - Miyako - Yeayama area - Ishigaki - Iriomote - Yonaguni - Taiwan....this was the most beautiful place I have experienced in Okinawa.

The forest and rock formations were amazing. The trees were amazing. And the views of overlooking Hedo were fantastic.

To the people that thought they had seen it all or to the newbees...this place was worth it. I suggest going on all the courses/1-hour tour. There are 4 courses...do them all!

It's not that strenuous...I had a 6-year old niece do it no problem. Lots of sharp rocks though, so be careful.

Great job on the article DK...know I know why they call you DK. It was helpful in getting me there.

Deuces.

[gtlm2000]

North part of Okinawa where is Onnason and Yanbaru.
It's nice to drive there.

[GarryK]

My last visit to Okinawa was in 1970 so I am of no help in suggesting where to go. Three things; 1) Take a digital camera and take many many photos - you can always delete the really bad ones - you will cherish them in the future. 2) Try and engage the Okinawans you meet in a conversation - you will be amazed at how many understand English and are willing to explain things to you. 3) Learn to speak a little Japanese - phrases such as "Thank You," "Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening," etc., and you will find yourself having a wonderful time shopping and traveling in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

[Panther96]

thanks for the tips too, been here for a while and just now getting out.

[Richard Burns]

banana show hahahahaha

[swindland]

ROFL LMAO!!!:scared: I'm assuming u went there recently? LOL:scared::dead:

[Richard Burns]

ROFL LMAO!!!:scared: I'm assuming u went there recently? LOL:scared::dead:

Nope I went 5 years ago I think funny as he'll but nasty