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Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
These ruins of a Ryukyuan gusuku are part of . The fortress includes several sacred Utaki groves, reflecting the castle's role as a center of religious activity. It is known for the Hikan cherries which bloom in northern Okinawa between mid-January and early February, providing the first cherry blossoms each year in Japan. The ruins are particularly known for the beautiful view out over the East China Sea, for the impressive grandeur of the castle walls, and for the overall amount of space taken up by the castle grounds.
Nakijin Castle was a Ryūkyūan gusuku fortification located in the village of Nakijin, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. It was also known as Hokuzan Castle or Hokuzangusuku. It has been protected by the central government as a National Historic Site since 1972. In November 2000, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu, along with the Shuri Castle ruins and others.In the late 14th century, the island of Okinawa consisted of three principalities: Nanzan to the south, Chūzan in the central area, and Hokuzan in the north. Nakijin was the capital of Hokuzan and Nakijin Castle was the seat of the King of Hokuzan. It is today known for the Hikan cherries which bloom in northern Okinawa between mid-January and early February, providing the first cherry blossoms each year in Japan.
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沖縄美ら海水族館
Part of the Ocean Expo Park, the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium hosts a large tank of 7,500 m³, where large fish including whale sharks and manta rays are kept. This site is very popular among Japanese and it pays off to visit it early in the day to avoid the crowds.
エメラルドビーチ
Opened in 2025, this is a jungle-themed theme park with a twist: no rollercoasters here, more extreme sports type activities (ziplines, treetop walks) and a few immersive rides, including the showpiece Jurassic Park style "Dinosaur Safari". Expect long waits at many attractions unless you fork out extra for a Premium Pass. There is also a hot spring/spa (separate charges apply).
The park is served by roughly hourly Junglia Express buses from Naha and the airport (¥2500, 2:20) as well as central Nago (¥500, 30 min). Reservations required.
ナゴパイナップルパーク
Kitschy pineapple-themed park. A short but entertaining ride on an automated golf cart gives you some history about pineapple cultivation, dropping you off in a shopping center where all the products are either pineapple-themed or contain pineapple (or both!) Worth a stop if you're in the area and you like pineapple.
羽地内海 Hanejinaikai
Enclosed by Yayagi Island and the western peninsula. Beautiful especially at sunset.
Mid-island on the Western side.