Let’s go to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium!
Recommended Spots

Superfarm, the center’s prettily photogenic greenhouse featuring blossoming floral pom-poms hung from the ceiling, welcomes visitors to their range of affordably-priced workshops. Try making your very own botanical candle or insect repellent incense using an extensive collection of beautiful dried flowers and plants.
Segregated into zones detailing the various properties of herbs from relaxation to insect repelling, the park’s herb garden is an ideal place to appreciate the natural fragrance of herbs while observing some 200 species of herbs and island vegetables.
Cookhal, whose owners run their own vegetable farm and are committed to boosting community engagement between local agricultural producers and F&B outlets, is a cafe specializing in meals prepared using farm fresh ingredients harvested in Yanbaru.

Visitors can also purchase the Makiya brand of red yeast rice, which is used in the cafe’s selection of lovely pink-hued breads and ama-zake (fermented rice drink).

The gentle undulating waves of the castle walls of Nakijin form a beautiful contrast against the turquoise-colored seas of Okinawa. In addition to the main castle ruins, the grounds also house several sacred sites including utaki (holy groves for worship) and a shrine for Hinukan (Hearth Deity), where festivals continue to be held until today. Compared to other castles, the site at Nakijin features a large difference in altitude. A complete visit of all its sights will require considerable time and physical effort. All notable spots carry concise information in four languages. Guided tours (available in Japanese and English) are recommended as visitors will be able to enter the shrine of Hinukan and other sites that are commonly not open to members of the public.

Please note that entrance tickets are not available at the site entrance and can only be purchased at the ticket counter located inside the red tiled roof building near the main parking area. Entrance tickets also include admission to the Nakijin Village History and Cultural Center, which houses a replica of the national treasure Chiyoganemaru, a bladed sword opulently decorated in gold, as well as important artifacts depicting the history of Nakijin and the lives of those who lived there.

There is a plethora of accommodation options in Bise ranging from refurbished old Japanese-style homes to luxury resort hotels, and guests staying nearby may consider visiting the fukugi trees on their morning strolls.
A visit to the fukugi trees of Bise requires approximately 30 minutes on foot. Visitors are encouraged to explore the settlement by renting a bicycle or buggy, or taking a ride on the water buffalo cart. The settlement also houses a number of cafes and dining establishments, making for a leisurely, enjoyable stroll.

Into its tenth year of business, Cafe Cahaya Bulan prepares light meals and Asian cuisine using locally grown ingredients. In addition to vegetarian options and homemade hibiscus ginger ale,the café’s other top draw is its spectacular view of the sparkling ocean and Ie Island’s symbol, Mt. Gusuku (Ie Island Tacchuu), visible in the distance.

Mt. Gusuku has an altitude of 172 meters and its stone steps equipped with hand rails make for a convenient climb. Visitors who are physically fit will be able to make it to the top of the peak in approximately 10 minutes, although the experience is a challenging one. The trail to the top is rocky and stone steps are craggy with sharp heights. The narrow path has room only for one person at a time; climbers should give way to passing visitors by actively using open spaces found along the trail. The climb becomes significantly steeper as one approaches the peak, making the awaiting view from the top particularly rewarding. All-round panoramas of Ie Island and Okinawa’s emerald seas stretch as far as one’s eyes can see. The top of Mt. Gusuku has been kept pristine; visitors are advised to wear comfortable, slip-resistant footwear and exercise caution to prevent slipping when going down the steps.

The rest station at the foot of the trail is excellent for local souvenirs including Ie Soda, which is made with locally extracted spring water.