Explore living history and modern convenience in Okinawa’s cultural heart
Southern Okinawa is the beating heart of the culture of the islands, home to the capitals of both the Ryukyu Kingdom, Shuri, and the modern prefecture, Naha. Explore the history of the royal family at Shurijo Castle Park and the Tama-udun mausoleum and immerse yourself in spirituality at Sefa Utaki, one of the island’s most sacred places. Enjoy shopping, dining, entertainment, and nightlife in Naha. Head further south to Itoman or Nanjo to immerse yourself in nature—sprawling limestone caves, pristine beaches, and more—and reflect on Okinawa’s somber WWII history.
![naha kokusai street](https://visitokinawajapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/de994_kv_naha-kokusai-street-1024x683.webp)
Naha
Let your hair down in Okinawa’s cosmopolitan capital and enjoy connections to many beautiful remote islands
![shuri shurijo castle](https://visitokinawajapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/de995_kv_shurijo-castle-park-1.webp)
Shuri
Encounter royal heritage and World Heritage in the former capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom
![itoman nanjo himeyuri museum](https://visitokinawajapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/de997_kv_itoman-nanjo-himeyuri-museum-1024x683.webp)
Itoman and Nanjo
Encounter Ryukyuan spiritual sites, world history, and limestone caves in Southern Okinawa
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TRAVEL INSPIRATION
With so much to see and do across 160 different islands, deciding what to do is not always easy. Browse recommended trips, new and trending attractions, travel stories and guides. Be inspired by Okinawa.
![tsuboya street](https://visitokinawajapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/st448_kv_tsuboya-street-1024x683.webp)
- Visiting Tsuboya Yachimun Street
![traditional okinawan experiences](https://visitokinawajapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/st419_kv_traditional-okinawan-experiences-1024x680.webp)
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![katsuren castle ruin](https://visitokinawajapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/st1011_mv_katsuren-castle-ruin.webp)
- Okinawa’s Local Culture and Ryukyu Heritage
![yaeyama beauty culture](https://visitokinawajapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/st452_kv_yaeyama-beauty-culture-1024x683.webp)
- The Beauty and Culture of the Yaeyama Islands
![okinawan karate culture](https://visitokinawajapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/st447_kv_okinawan-karate-culture-1024x683.webp)
- A Journey Through Okinawan Karate
![okinawa performing arts culture](https://visitokinawajapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/st403_kv_okinawa-performing-arts-culture-1024x683.webp)
- Royal Hospitality and Okinawa’s Rich Performing Arts Culture
![shimakazi](https://visitokinawajapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/st954_kv_shimakazi-2_s.webp)
- A 3-Day Journey Through Okinawa’s Main Island
- You do not have to leave the main island to experience the seaside beauty, natural wonder, enduring history and culture, and luxury offered in Okinawa