Although Okinawa (沖縄) is famous as the subtropical resort island of Japan, the island is also filled with a diverse range of activities that cater to the varying interests of tourists. Okinawa remains a popular destination for short getaways and I had the opportunity to experience the fascinating archipelago of islands during the Golden Week holidays.
From captivating beaches to spooky tunnels, I will introduce the places which I enjoyed during my trip!
Aharen Beach, Tokashiki Island
Tokashiki Island (渡嘉敷島 Tokashiki-jima) is an offshore island located west of the main island of Okinawa. Tourists can access the island via a ferry or splurge on a helicopter ride (~¥132,000/pax). A short bus trip from the ferry terminal will bring tourists to one of the most magnificent beaches of the world.
Aharen Beach (阿波連ビーチ) boasts one of the clearest waters in the world, making it an ideal place for snorkelling. Beautiful corals inhabited by adorable fishes adorn the coastline while the clean sandy beach provides a comfortable place to laze and bathe in the sun. Even if you lack the equipment for the perfect beach party, fear not as stalls offer equipment for rent ranging from snorkelling gears to giant beach umbrellas!
Adventurous souls can also visit Hanari Island (離島 Hanarijima), a nearby uninhabited island with amazing snorkelling spots. However, be warned that you need to ensure that you bring the necessary equipment and consumables for your visit as there is nothing but nature on the island. The fascinating rock formations littered across the coastline also provide the perfect place for ‘instagrammable’ pictures.
To fully enjoy what the beach and island has to offer, I recommend staying a night at the local accommodation so that you will not be pressed for time to catch the limited buses and ferries departing for the main island.
Tokashiki Island Aharen Beach (渡嘉敷島阿波連ビーチ)
Address: Aharen, Tokashiki, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa 901-3502
Access: 10 minutes by local bus from Tomari Port (35–70 minutes ferry ride)
Note: Only cash is accepted on the island.
Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum
The Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum (沖縄県立博物館・美術館 Okinawaken Ritsuhakubutsukan Bijutsukan) is a massive facility that offers informative exhibitions and rare artifacts. Visitors can trace the history of Okinawa from its origins in the Jomon period to its modern history as a major base of American occupation in post war Japan.
Singaporeans can draw similarities between the history of Singapore and Okinawa as both places serve as vital ports for international trade and intercultural exchange.
Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum (沖縄県立博物館・美術館)
Address: 3-1-1 Omoromachi, Naha-shi, Okinawa 900-0000
Access: 10-minute walk from Omoromachi Station (おもろまち駅)
The Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters
Beneath Okinawa’s image as the sunny island of Japan hides a dark and chilling secret at The Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters (旧海軍司令部壕 Kyū kaigunshireibugō). This military base served as the main operation centre of the Imperial Japanese Army in their fierce battle with the United States Army and United States Marine Corps during WWII. This battle is called the Battle of Okinawa and was the only battle in Japan that resulted in heavy civilian casualties.
The structure was preserved and now serves as a museum which exhibits war relics and information about the Battle of Okinawa. The underground tunnel is 20m deep and used to house the soldiers during the war.
It was confirmed that the Commanding Officer of the base and several soldiers committed suicide in the base when Okinawa fell to the US. Damage caused by the hand grenades that were used in the suicide remains in the famous Staff Room and it is rumoured that those with spiritual affinity can sense spiritual entities.
Visitors can end their trip here by bathing in the sun’s rays in the nearby park where a memorial tower is situated, and reflect on peace and the horrors of war.
The Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters (旧海軍司令部壕)
Address: 236 Aza Tomigusuku, Tomigusuku-shi, Okinawa 901-0241
Access: 5-minute bus ride from Onoyama Park Station (奥武山公園駅), followed by a 10-minute walk from either Uebaru Danchi Mae Bus Stop (宇栄原団地前バス停) or Tomigusuku Bus Stop.
Mihama American Village and a beautiful sunset
After learning about the history of Okinawa, you will not be surprised by the strong presence of American culture in Okinawa. The Mihama American Village (美浜アメリカンビレッジ) reflects this unique charm of Okinawa where tourists can feast on hearty American food that has been given an Okinawan twist.
The massive place is demarcated into several zones, each zone exhibiting its unique charm. You can also buy goods that are popular in America or items donated by soldiers stationed in the nearby American military bases.
A beach buzzing with barbeque parties and beach activities is also located along the coastline of Mihama American Village. From afar, the flamboyant designs of the buildings in Mihama American Village makes it stand out from the surrounding concrete jungle.
Although Mihama American Village is a spectacular place to spend the evening, I recommend travelling to CC’s Chicken N’ Waffles located in a residential district northwest of Mihama American Village. The eatery only serves Chicken Waffles which are famous among the locals.
Furthermore, the eatery is located adjacent to a coastline that offers spectacular views of the sunset. Locals will purchase takeaways of the famous Chicken Waffles and savour it while seated on the seawalls of the coastlines as they spend a romantic time watching the sunset across the horizon.
Mihama American Village (美浜アメリカンビレッジ)
Address: 9-1 Mihama, Chatan-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa 904-0115
Nearest station: Asahibashi Station (旭橋駅)
Access: Board bus 28, 29, or 120 at Asahibashi Naha Bus Terminal (旭橋・那覇バスターミナル) and alight at Mihama American Village Iriguchi Bus Stop (美浜アメリカンビレッジ入口バス停) or Kuwae Bus Stop (桑江バス停).
Opening hours: Most shops operate from 11am to 9pm.
Admission fee: Free
CC’s Chicken and Waffles
Address: 1-68 Miyagi, Chatan-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa 904-0113
Access: Board bus 28 or 120 at Mihama American Village Iriguchi Bus Stop (美浜アメリカンビレッジ入口バス停) and alight at Kokutai Iriguchi Bus Stop.
I had a whale of a time at these places which offered a good balance of the natural, historical, and urban aspects of Okinawa! I strongly recommend that you visit these places, and you can bet that I will be back in Okinawa again to uncover more of its charm.
Header image credit: Endure Goh
