Okinawa Main Island (Okinawa Honto)

What to know

Okinawa Main Island (Okinawa Honto) is the heart of the former Ryukyu Kingdom and the largest, most populous island in Okinawa Prefecture. The capital Naha and most US military bases are found here.

While central Okinawa Honto is heavily urbanized, the southern tip and northern third are less crowded. The far north, Yanbaru, remains mostly forested hills and small fishing and farming villages.

Activities and attractions

Churaumi AquariumJapan’s best aquarium with a huge tankWar MemorialsPeace Park and other war related sitesSefa UtakiOne of the most sacred sites on OkinawaHiji WaterfallHiking trail through the forest to a waterfallShuri CastleReconstructed former Ryukyu royal palaceOcean Expo ParkAmusement park with various attractionsCape Hedo (Hedo Misaki)Cape at the northern tip of Okinawa HontoNakagusuku Castle RuinsBeautiful ruins of a former Ryukyu castleShikinaen GardenSecond residence of the former Ryukyu kingsOkinawa WorldFeaturing a cave and folk craft villageRyukyu MuraCharming theme park about Okinawan cultureNakamurake ResidenceTraditional Okinawan style residenceOkinawa Prefectural MuseumWell done museums about history and artZakimi Castle RuinsRuins of another former Ryukyu castleKatsuren Castle RuinsRuins of another former Ryukyu castleNakijin Castle RuinsRuins of another former Ryukyu castleTsuboya Pottery DistrictDistrict with many pottery shopsKokusaidori StreetMain shopping and entertainment streetMihama American VillageShopping center near American military basesNago Pineapple ParkSmall theme park about pineapplesTamaudun MausoleumMausoleum for the former Ryukyu royal familyYanbaru RegionThe forest-covered northern part of Okinawa IslandOkinawa Karate KaikanDevoted to Okinawa’s famous martial artOrion Happy ParkBeer brewery offering tours