Fly to Japan’s Hawaii in just 1.2 hours! Discover “Okinawa’s Hidden Self-Drive Attractions”

▲ Umikaji Terrace on Senaga Island in Okinawa is quite close to Naha Airport.

Reporter Peng Huaiyu / Reported and photographed in Okinawa, Japan

The most "un-Japanese" part of Japan — "Okinawa" — is heavily influenced by Japan, China, and the United States, creating its uniquely distinctive character. Plus, with just a 1-hour-and-20-minute flight to reach Okinawa for a vacation, it has become a highly popular travel destination. In addition to well-known spots like Ocean Expo Park, Kokusai Dori, and American Village, renting a car opens up even more itinerary options. ETNEWS Travel Cloud has specially selected 4 tourist attractions for self-driving travelers to consider!

▲ Umikaji Terrace on Senaga Island is also known as the "Little Greece of Okinawa."

1. Umikaji Terrace on Senaga Island
The shops on Umikaji Terrace on Senaga Island are painted white, and their stepped, circular arrangement is called the "Little Greece of Okinawa." It’s an emerging complex mall that combines restaurants and small shops. Here you can enjoy a hot spring, gaze at the sea, watch the sunset, and even get a close-up view of planes taking off and landing. Though it’s a small island, you can drive there directly — self-driving travelers might want to add it to their itinerary.

Address: 174-6 Senaga, Tomigusuku, Okinawa 901-0233
MAP CODE: 33 002 602*06

▲ Kouri Ocean Tower

2. Kouri Ocean Tower
The sea in Okinawa is already beautiful and clear enough, but you’ll miss out if you haven’t seen the “Kouri Blue”! To get to Kouri Island, you’ll cross the 1,960-meter-long Kouri Bridge, where you can park and take photos at either end.

▲%The spiral ramp inside the tower offers one of the best views and is a highlight not to be missed. Inside, you can choose to either drive up or walk up while listening to a Japanese audio guide. Additionally, the on-site museum is also well worth a visit.

Kouri Island isn’t large — it takes about 10 minutes to drive around it. It’s recommended to visit the Ocean Tower. After purchasing a ticket, you can take the “automated guided tour vehicle” up the mountain, which starts moving while providing commentary in Chinese. In addition, the shell museum inside houses 1,500 varieties and over 10,000 seashells from around the world, with shapes and colors that showcase the wonders of nature.

▲ The observation deck at Kouri Ocean Tower offers views of the Kouri Bridge.

Address: 5116 Kouri, Ginowan, Okinawa 904-0406
MAP CODE: 485 601 893

▲%One of Japan’s important cultural heritage sites, Nakijin Castle Ruins features beautiful stone walls and intricate architecture, offering visitors a glimpse into the Ryukyu Kingdom’s past.

3. Nakijin Castle Ruins
Aside from the sea, Okinawa also has many historic castle ruins. Nakijin Castle Ruins is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the past, the Ryukyu Kingdom was divided into three powers: Northern, Central, and Southern, and this site was the residence of the Northern kings. The curved castle walls and stone steps create a majestic atmosphere, blending harmoniously with the surrounding ocean scenery. Even for those not particularly interested in historical sites, the natural beauty here leaves a deep impression.

▲%The intricate stonework and sweeping curves of the castle walls create a stunning visual impact, making it a must-visit for history and nature lovers alike.

Address: 5101 Imadomari, Nakijin, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0428
MAP CODE: 553 081 414*17

▲%The cape offers breathtaking coastal views and is a great spot for photography. The drive along the coast is scenic and relaxing, perfect for a leisurely trip.

4. Henoko Cape
Henoko Cape is located at the northernmost tip of Okinawa, a cape that stretches from north to south. The deep blue sea paired with the fjord-like coastline and huge rocks rising from the water makes it feel like the edge of the world. On clear days, you can even see Yoron Island in Kagoshima Prefecture. Henoko Cape is about 120 kilometers from the airport, and the journey is incredibly scenic. If you’re not in a rush, you can take your time driving there. A special reminder: there are no guardrails along the edges, so be extra careful when taking photos.

▲%The lack of railings along the cape’s edge adds to its dramatic and slightly wild feel.

MAP CODE: 728 736 142