How many World Heritage Sites are there in Okinawa? Recommended local tours and attractions to experience nature and history!

How many World Heritage Sites are there in Okinawa?
Recommended local tours and attractions!

Okinawa is often associated with blue seas and tropical resorts, but it is actually a region with many World Heritage sites of great historical and natural value.

'TheHow many World Heritage Sites are there in Okinawa?' "Where is it located and how can I get there?' "Can I tour efficiently with a local tour?We will explain the World Heritage sites in Okinawa in an easy-to-understand manner.

Please take a look at them so that you can enjoy the World Heritage sites with ease on your first trip to Okinawa.

If you want to get around efficiently, you must rent a car!
Click here for Tours' special car rental deals.

There are a total of nine World Heritage sites in Okinawa!
Summary of 9 World Heritage Sites in Okinawa by area

Okinawa has a total ofThere are 9 World Heritage Sites. There are two types of heritage: [old buildings and castles (= cultural heritage)] and [natural forests and islands (= natural heritage)].

Here is what you can see in each area!

World Heritage Sites in the Naha Area

There are several cultural heritage sites in Naha City that have been registered as World Heritage sites.

Easily accessible from Naha Airport, it is a great place to stop by between trips!

Ruins of Shuri Castle

The Shuri Castle Ruins was once the political and cultural center of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The beautiful vermilion building was famous as a symbol of Okinawa, though,Much of it was destroyed by fire in 2019.

Restoration work has been underway since November 2022,Completion in the fall of 2026The project is being carried out with the aim of Some areas are open to the public and are popular as valuable spots where visitors can observe the restoration up close!

In addition, the castle walls and gates remain in the surrounding area, and are registered as a component of the World Heritage Site "Gusuku and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu".

↓ Learn more about Shurijo Castle ↓

Plenty of Places to See! A thorough explanation of Shurijo's current state, reconstruction status, and attractionsThe Current State and Reconstruction Progress of Shuri Castle: Shuri Castle, where the Main Hall and other key structures were destroyed in the 2019 fire, is still undergoing restoration work. Reconstruction is underway with the goal of completing the Main Hall by 2026, and one of the highlights is the opportunity to observe the construction up close. Here, Shuri […]

Gyokureung

Gyokureung is the resting place of successive kings of the Ryukyu Kingdom and their families.Large graves (mausoleum)It is.

It is said to have been built around 1500, and is a valuable cultural asset that preserves the traditional Okinawan stone architecture.

The building is divided into three rooms where visitors can learn about the different burials according to royal status. Highly recommended for those interested in history and culture!

☆ Located near the ruins of Shurijo Castle, you can tour the area together on foot!

Sonohiyamu Utaki Ishimon (Stone gate of Sonohiyamu Utaki)

This is the entrance to a sacred place called "Uganju" in the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

It is said to have been an important place where the king prayed for safety before setting out on a journey.A precious world heritage site where you can feel the religious culture of RyukyuThe company is now in the process of

☆ Located near the ruins of Shurijo Castle, you can tour the area together on foot!

Ruins of Nakagusuku Castle

It is a large castle ruins located on a hill in the central part of the main island of Okinawa,Very well preserved among the castles of the Ryukyu Kingdom.It is known for its

It is characterized by curved stone walls and a tiered structure of several castle walls, showing the high level of masonry technology in Okinawa.

There are many spectacular vantage points from which you can see all the way to the ocean, and on a clear day, you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea!

Ruins of Nakijin Castle

These are the ruins of a magnificent castle located near Kouri Island in the northern part of Okinawa's main island.

It is built on top of a hill at an elevation of about 100 meters, and its long stone walls resemble the Great Wall of China. It is said that the king of the Beishan Kingdom lived there at that time.

Blooms especially from late January to early February.Kanhizakura (scarlet cherry)The combination of the castle ruins and the castle is spectacular, and is also famous as the site of the "Earliest Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan".

Northern Okinawa】Natural Heritage of Yanbaru Area

The "Yanbaru area" is located in the northern part of Okinawa's main island,Many rare Japanese animals live in this area.It is now attracting attention around the world!

In a forest that feels just like a jungle, you can learn about the importance of nature while listening to the birds singing and the sound of the wind!

Yanbaru Area Highlights

In the Yanbaru forest, large ferns, clear streams, and small waterfalls make the scenery look like something out of a picture book...!

The Yanbaru Nature Observation Tour and Night Tour, which are popular with children, offer special experiences such as searching for creatures and stargazing with a guide☆.

↓arrow (mark or symbol)Growing Rapidly in Popularity!!! Click here for tours in Yanbaru

Okinawa Yanbaru Forest (Activities & Sightseeing) Tour A treasure trove of nature registered as a World Heritage site☆ Let's play in the "Yanbaru Forest," which is now the focus of much attention! Yanbaru is a forest area rich in nature that is representative of the main island of Okinawa. A new theme park "JUNGLIA" is scheduled to open in 2025 in northern Okinawa [...]. (43 in total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

↓ Click here to read the article in conjunction with this one.

An inspiring experience in Okinawa Yanbaru! Starry sky spots with spectacular views & popular starry sky toursStargazing in Okinawa’s Yanbaru Region Is Gaining Popularity! “Yanbaru,” where Okinawa’s pristine natural landscape remains largely intact, is becoming more popular every year as a stargazing spot! In this area, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, the air is clear and light pollution is minimal, allowing you to see an astonishing number of stars even with the naked eye […]

List of Wild Birds Encountered in Yanbaru｜Habitat of the Yanbaru rail and where you can see itYambaru is a Bird Paradise! What Makes the Wild Birds Nurtured by This Rich Natural Environment So Fascinating? "Yanbaru," which stretches across the northern part of Okinawa Island, is a region rich in nature, home to vast tropical and subtropical forests. This area is home to many endemic bird species that are rare even on a global scale, and is often referred to as a "bird paradise" […]

Access to Yanbaru area

Yanbaru," which stretches across the northern part of Okinawa's main island, is an area that was registered as a World Natural Heritage site in 2021, and is particularly attractive for its natural and cultural attractions, such as the "Three Yanbaru villages (Kunigami, Ogimi and Higashi)The "The".

Yaeyama Islands] Natural Heritage of Iriomote Island

It takes about 50 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki Island.Iriomote Islandis the second largest island in Okinawa and was registered as a World Natural Heritage site in 2021, along with Yanbaru.

It has a large amount of unspoiled nature and biodiversity, and is often referred to as the Galapagos of the East.

Highlights of Iriomote Island

On Iriomote Island,One of the largest mangrove forests in Japanis spreading.

The mangrove forest, which changes its expression with the tide, is a symbol of the island.

Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Iriomote Island.

Access to Iriomote Island (Iriomotejima)

Iriomote Island is,Approximately 50 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki IslandArrive at There are regular flights from Ishigaki Port Terminal and it is possible to visit even for a day trip.

Iriomotejima Toursis offering a too-good-to-be-true package deal that includes a ferry ticket and an activity. Please check it out!

Learn more about Iriomote Island

Recommended for beginners! Local Guided Tours

'TheWorld Heritage seems so difficult...If you feel that you are not ready for a guided tour, don't worry! Tours has many guided local tours that even beginners can enjoy.

From/to Naha! Sightseeing Bus Tour　→directional marker or indicatorFor more information
Tours that efficiently visit cultural heritage sites such as Shurijo Castle and Tamaryo Shrine are popular! You can learn about history and culture with the commentary of a local guide.

starIriomote Island Nature Tour　→directional marker or indicatorFor more information
This tour includes mangrove canoeing and waterfall trekking! Local guides will tell you about rare flora and fauna.

Yanbaru Nature Observation Tour　→directional marker or indicatorFor more information
You can look for plants and animals that live only in the Yanbaru area, stargaze, and much more!

Consultation on itineraries welcome!
For all kinds of inquiries, click here.

Before touring the World Heritage Sites in Okinawa!
Manners & Tidbits to Know in Advance

World Heritage sites are important places that should be preserved for future generations. When sightseeing, please observe the following manners.

Please be assured that elementary school students can enjoy themselves safely as long as they follow the rules with an adult!

Okinawa World Heritage Frequently Asked Questions

summary

The World Heritage sites in Okinawa are not just tourist attractions, but places where you can feel the beauty of nature and the depth of history in your body.

Each place has its own unique charm, and there are many new discoveries to be made each time you visit!

Seifu Utaki and Katsuren Castle Ruins, which are included in the cultural heritage, are nomination candidates and are not included in the registered heritage.

These nine World Heritage sites are important places that convey the charm of Okinawa from both "cultural" and "natural" aspects.

When you visit, be sure to enjoy your trip while appreciating the historical, cultural, and ecological significance of the area!

↓Click here to read the article.

15 Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Nakijin Village | Local Staff Explain Model Itineraries for First-Time Visitors to Enjoy in Half a Day or a Full DayThe Complete Guide to Nakijin Village Attractions: Including Suggested Itineraries, Estimated Duration, and Access Information Nakijin Village, located in the northern part of Okinawa Island, is a popular tourist destination home to stunning sights such as the World Heritage-listed Nakijin Castle Ruins and Kouri Island. In recent years, with the opening of the large-scale theme park “Junglia,” […]

Northern Okinawa Sightseeing by Yanbaru Express Bus! Easy-to-understand information on fares, routes, and how to get on the bus!Check out the basics of the Yanbaru Express Bus! The Yanbaru Express Bus is an express bus that runs north to south across the main island of Okinawa. It’s a very convenient way to travel from Naha Airport and downtown Naha to popular tourist destinations in the north, such as the Churaumi Aquarium and the World Heritage Site Nakijin Castle Ruins. In this article […]

A Complete Illustrated Guide to the Creatures of Yanbaru｜Thorough explanation of endemic species, endangered species, and places where they can be observed.The Complete Field Guide to Yanbaru’s Wildlife: A List of Endemic and Endangered Species and Tips for Spotting Them The Yanbaru Forest, which stretches across the northern part of Okinawa Island, is a natural treasure trove home to numerous endemic species found nowhere else in the world. From the Yanbaru Rail and the Noguchi’s Woodpecker to other rare species found only here […]

Enjoy Okinawa Even on Rainy Days! 20 Sightseeing Spots & 7 Activities You Can Enjoy Even in Bad WeatherYou Can Still Have Fun in Okinawa Even on Rainy Days! While Okinawa is best known for its beautiful emerald seas and natural scenery, it also offers plenty of spots where you can have fun even on rainy days. Even if you can’t enjoy swimming in the ocean or basking under blue skies, there are plenty of indoor facilities and hands-on activities that let you experience the unique charm of Okinawa […]