top 5 things in okinawa

i've been on okinawa for about a year and i am just looking for some things to do. if you have been to okinawa, feel free to list a couple thigns that i should make sure i check out before i leave. thanks!

If you've been on Oki for a year, it's hard to believe you haven't seen all the sights. But just in case: Hokuzan Castle in the north, Nakagusuku Castle, The royal palace at Shuri, Himeyuri no To, and a number of seldom visited castle ruins in the south like Nanzan. And I understand that there are a number of places to visit on the peninsula (which I can't remember the name of) that juts out to the west north of Shuri and Kadena.

My personal top 5:
- snorkeling/diving
- Okinawan food and music
- Taketomi Island
- Iriomote Island
- Ryukyu castles

More details here:
http://www.japan-guide.com/list/e1247.html

visit as many of the outlying islands as you can, make it a personal goal to visit every one in Okinawa-ken.

I've been here for two years and only recently visited Okinawa World for the first time - sure it was super touristy but a fun afternoon all the same.

Another favorite activity is to just drive....leave the map and GPS behind and pick a road, stop at anything interesting and keep going. You can't get lost, it's not that big of an island! You'll be suprised by what you discover that won't be in any guide book.

great ideas. i think next weekend i'm gonna fill up my tank and drive. maybe check out one of the castles.

We will be in Okinawa for 3-4 days at the end of October. Are there any good beaches for surfing which are also beautiful beaches to visit near to Naha

Kat,

Try this website: http://www.mensoresurfing.com/ and this one for downloadable surfmaps (about $7.00): http://www.surfmaps.com/Okinawa-Island-Surf-Map.aspx

Tony,

Try these places also, if you haven't already been there.

1) Cape Hedo
2) A drive up the east coast (see if you can find Aha Falls, nice zip line there)
3) Hiji Falls
4) Tokashiki and the Keramas
5) Snorkeling or diving off Maeda Point