OVERVIEW

Explore the city of Naha, the capital and largest city of Okinawa Prefecture, and former capital of the Ryukyu kings. Drive to Shuri Castle, the administrative center and residence of the Ryukyu royal family for over 400 years, until Okinawa became a Japanese prefecture in 1879. Due to the fire on October 31st 2019, Shurijo Castle was burned to the ground, and more than 400 precious arts and crafts are estimated to be lost.Now you can become entering the Shuri Castle’s paid admission area and Seiden main hall. Also, reopening is a section in the Seiden where visitors can see the underground ruins of the original castle structure, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will also see have a chance to take a photo of the ornate Shurei Gate known as the Gate of Courtesy, it typifies Okinawan architecture and serves as a symbol of modern day Okinawa. Visit Shikinaen Garden, known as one of the best Japanese Style Gardens in Okinawa and listed among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Although its style follows that of most Japanese gardens, its architecture and flora give it a uniqueness that is unmistakably Okinawan. Before heading back to the port, you’ll enjoy time at leisure at Kokusai-dori, Naha's main street, stretching for roughly one mile through downtown. Stroll through the neighborhood on your own, exploring fashionable shops and restaurants offering local products such as exquisite bingata fabrics, colorful tsuboya-yaki pottery and awamori liquor made from long-grained rice.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Discover the Ryukyu Folk Village where you can experience traditional Okinawan culture, and Naha, former capital of the Ryukyu Kingdoms. Drive to Shuri Castle, the administrative center and residence of the Ryukyu royal family for over 400 years, until Okinawa became a Japanese prefecture in 1879. Due to the fire on October 31st, 2019, Shurijo Castle was burned to the ground, and more than 400 precious arts and crafts are estimated to be lost. You will now be entering the Shuri Castle’s paid admission area and Seiden main hall. Also, reopening is a section in the Seiden where visitors can see the underground ruins of the original castle structure, a UNESCO World Heritage site. There will also be a chance to take a photo of the ornate Shurei Gate known as the Gate of Courtesy, it typifies Okinawan architecture and serves as a symbol of modern day Okinawa.Head to the Ryuku Folk Village, where several old homes gathered from around the Ryukyu Islands help preserve the ancient Okinawan culture. At the village, see artifacts and displays that detail the customs and lifestyle of traditional Okinawa. Observe demonstrations of pottery making, weaving and bingata, the time-honored Okinawan style of fabric dyeing (demonstrations dependent upon activity schedule at Ryukyu Folk Village).

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Browse the collection of karate-related artifacts at a museum devoted to this hybrid martial art and practice different forms of karate in a hands-on class. While meandering through the Karate Kaikan museum, you will see karate uniforms, black-and-white photos and rare documents that trace the history of karate – meaning Chinese hand – which originated in Okinawa centuries ago, during a time when locals were forbidden to carry weapons. Armed with this new-found knowledge, you will watch a karate demonstration in the museum’s dojo. The master instructors known as sensei will perform different kata or forms that will likely include kicks, punches, sweeps, blocks and throws. Karate involves more than fighting, it is also meant to strengthen the mind and develop composure for clearer thinking. You will then observe the deadly marital art of kobudo, in which the masters defend themselves with ancient weapons. Afterwards, they will teach you the basics of traditional karate.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover the history of karate at a museum in Okinawa, where this martial art originated.
• Watch karate masters demonstrate various forms of karate in the museum’s dojo.
• See firsthand how karate differs from kobudo, which involves the use of weapons.
• Learn traditional karate moves from the masters.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Visit Okinawa's historic battlefield sites and monuments dedicated to the Battle of Okinawa in this touching and historical tour. Travel towards the southeast corner of Okinawa, passing by several residential and commercial areas. Stop for a visit at the Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters, located where Rear Admiral Ota and his men desperately fought to the end on June 13, 1945. Walk down the 105 steps into the narrow tunnels of the headquarters to see the commanding officer's room, staff room, generator rooms and more, giving you unique insight into the experiences the soldiers and officers had inside the headquarters. Your scenic drive takes you pass lush green fields and beautiful countryside en route to the Peace Memorial Park, where you will have the opportunity see the numerous stone memorials that are dedicated to those who lost their lives in the Battle of Okinawa. Not far from here you’ll find the Himeyuri Monument, built in memory of the female high school students and teachers who gave their lives working under deplorable conditions, tending the injured in makeshift hospitals during the war.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Discover the rich cultural legacy of Okinawa on this tour that visits the new Okinawa Museum, completed in 2007. With over 80,000 items in its collections, the Museum traces the island's history and culture from the Ryukyu Kingdom to today. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the shops of Kokusai Street, hailed as Naha's Miracle Mile. A 30-minute coach ride brings you to Naha and the Okinawa Prefectural Museum. The beautiful 4-story building was constructed largely with local Okinawan limestone, resembling the battlements of Okinawan castles. The items housed at the history museum range in age from the 12th century to present day and include the Omorosoushi, a priceless collection of songs and historical items from the Ryukyu Kingdom. Following your time at the museum, you will transfer to Kokusai Street for a little local flavor. Originally a sweet potato field, this shopping mecca sprang to life in the years following World War II. Time here is own your own and you will have nearly 1-hour to explore Kokusai's colorful mix of Japanese department stores and traditional shops. Browse for souvenirs as well as crafts that include ceramic items, fabrics and local foods.