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!
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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 attractionsContents1 Current status of Shuri Castle and its reconstruction2 What is Shuri Castle2.1 Basic information about Shuri Castle2.2 History of Shuri Castle2.3 Registered as a World Heritage Site in 20002.4 Building features2.5 What was it built for3 Location and access3.1 Car or rental car [...].

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 this jungle-like forest, you can learn the importance of nature while feeling the sounds of birds and 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 [...]. (28 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 toursContents1 Stargazing in Okinawa Yanbaru is popular! 2 Why stargazing in Okinawa Yanbaru is popular2.1 Where is Okinawa Yanbaru located2.2 The best season for stargazing in Yanbaru3 5 recommended stargazing spots in Okinawa Yanbaru3.1 Cape Hendo3.2 [...].

List of Wild Birds Encountered in Yanbaru｜Habitat of the Yanbaru rail and where you can see itContents1 Yanbaru is a bird paradise! What is the attraction of wild birds nurtured by the rich nature? 2 The relationship between the natural environment of Yanbaru and wild birds2.1 Why are birdwatchers so interested in it? 3 A list of wild birds you can encounter in Yanbaru! Species and characteristics explained3.1 Okinawa rail Yambaru kuina or [...].

What is Okinawa Yanbaru? Thorough explanation of sightseeing, access, and hotels with local photos!Contents1 Where is Yanbaru? 2 Meaning and etymology of "Yanbaru" 3 The three villages that make up Yanbaru 3.1 Kunigami-Son 3.2 Ogimi-Son 3.3 Higashi-son 3 [...].

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, please enjoy your trip with a sense of the historical, cultural, and ecological value behind it.

↓Click here to read the article.

18 recommended sightseeing & gourmet spots in Nakijin Village (Kunigami gun)! How to enjoy the charm of Nakijin Village and famous places you must not miss!Contents1 What is the attraction of sightseeing in Nakijin Village? Spots and Highlights to Visit on Your Trip to Okinawa2 Feel the Nature and History of Okinawa! What is Nakijin Village like2.1 A place where unspoiled nature and history are combined2.2 Places to visit and how to get there3 Nakijin Village Sightseeing [...].

Northern Okinawa Sightseeing by Yanbaru Express Bus! Easy-to-understand information on fares, routes, and how to get on the bus!Contents1 Check the basic information of the Yanbaru Express Bus! 2 What are the features and merits of the Yanbaru Express Bus? 2.1 Direct access to the north without transfers! Airport Line" and "Yontou Line" 2.2 No reservation required & reasonable fare! 2.3 Large luggage OK [...].

The Mysteries of Okinawa's Yanbaru! Thorough explanation of the miraculous forest where endemic species live and breathe!Contents1 Unspoiled Nature! What is Yanbaru? 2 Nature and Characteristics of Yanbaru3 Yanbaru National Park3.1 Highlights of Yanbaru National Park3.2 How to get to Yanbaru National Park and what to look out for4 Precious creatures that live in Yanbaru4.1 Representative [...].

Enjoy Okinawa even on a rainy day! 13 Sightseeing Spots and 7 Activities to Enjoy Even in Bad WeatherContents1 Okinawa is fun even on a rainy day! 2 Recommended☆ 13 sightseeing spots in Okinawa on a rainy day2.1 Churaumi Aquarium2.2 Ocean Culture Museum Planetarium2.3 Nago Pineapple Park2.4 Orion Happy Park2.5 American Village [...].