Okinawa tends to attract attention for its tropical seas, but the northern part of the island has a lot of history and nature with a sense of "wa" (harmony). In this article, we have created a model day-trip sightseeing course for the parents' generation that traces the culture of Okinawa, including Nakijin Castle Ruins, Izumi Soba, and Shisa Garden, and ends at Fukugi Namiki and the beach!
Table of Contents
- 1 Yanbaru "Wa" 1-Day Sightseeing Model Course
- 1.1 Nakijin Castle Ruins|A taste of Ryukyuan history and harmony at a World Heritage Site
- 1.2 Izumi Soba|Exquisite soba served in the forest
- 1.3 Shisa En|Traditional Crafts and Relaxing Cafe Hours
- 1.4 Fukugi Namiki|Healing walk in a green tunnel
- 1.5 Emerald Beach|Paradise beach with excellent transparency
- 2 Route of this time
- 3 summary
Yanbaru "Wa" 1-Day Sightseeing Model Course
Features of this course
A lean schedule designed to visit the popular Izumi Soba before the lineup.
The last stop is Emerald Beach, where you can enjoy a relaxing moment while gazing at the ocean.
Duration: about 5.5 hours from spot 1 to the last
I proposed this course to my own parents (in their 60s). He said, "It's nice to be able to relax."
1
9:30
Nakijin Castle Ruins|A taste of Ryukyuan history and harmony at a World Heritage Site
The first place to visit in the morning is the Nakijin Castle Ruins, a World Heritage Site. There are still few people and you can enjoy the view of the stone walls and the sea in the quiet time of the day. The view of the East China Sea from the high elevation is spectacular, and enjoy the contrast of the castle walls and greenery.
Addresses: (in Japanese) 5101 Imadomari, Nakijin Village, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan map
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 8:00-18:00
Regular holiday: Closed on None (to be confirmed)
Fees: $0.00 Adults 600 yen (Web Ticket 20%OFF)
2
10:50
Izumi Soba|Exquisite soba served in the forest
Izumi Soba, a popular restaurant in northern Okinawa, opens at 11:00 a.m., but if you arrive early and wait, you can smoothly enter the restaurant. The restaurant is often full from the time it opens, and sometimes sells out by mid-afternoon, so the rule of thumb is to visit early. The Okinawa soba, which is wonderfully flavored with a light bonito broth, is made with homemade noodles and local ingredients.
Addresses: (in Japanese) 1480, Izumi, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan map
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 11:00-15:00
Regular holiday: Closed on Saturdays and Sundays (to be confirmed)
Approximate fee: $3,000 Around 1000 yen
3
11:45
Shisa En|Traditional Crafts and Relaxing Cafe Hours
Let's have coffee time at Shisaen, just a short walk from Izumi Soba. The restaurant, an old private house like a family home, has a sunken hearth on the first floor and a tatami-mat terrace on the second. Take a break with Okinawan snacks and coffee. Let yourself be healed by the red-tile roof and green space. The store is stylish even on rainy days.
Addresses: (in Japanese) 1439, Izumi, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan map
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 11:00-17:00
Regular holiday: Closed on Monday,Tuesday (Confirmation required)
Approximate fee: $3,000 Around 1000 yen
4
13:00
Fukugi Namiki|Healing walk in a green tunnel
The next stop is "Bise's Row of Fukugi Trees" in Motobu Town. Planted as a windbreak, the rows of Fukugi trees, now more than 300 years old, create a green tunnel that takes visitors back in time to the old days of Okinawa. The view of the blue ocean at the end of the Fukugi tunnel is a beauty that can only be seen here. There are also cafes and restaurants in the vicinity.
5
14:00
Emerald Beach|Paradise beach with excellent transparency
The last stop is Emerald Beach, which can be reached on foot from Fukugi Namiki. Move to the Ocean Expo Park parking lot. The view of the white sand beach and clear blue ocean is truly a tropical paradise. Afterwards, you can play at Churaumi Aquarium or visit Kouri Island. If you find it hard to go to Emerald Beach because it is "too crowded," Bise Beach next to Fukugi Namiki is GOOD for a country feel.
Route of this time
See information on nearby spots
summary
Northern Okinawa is dotted with sightseeing spots where adults can enjoy not only the sea, but also the "Japanese flavor" and "culture and history" that remain strong in the area. In this model course, you can start from the historic Nakijin Castle Ruins, then move on to soba (buckwheat noodles) made from local ingredients, traditional crafts, nature, and a spectacular beach. We invite you to experience a one-day trip that combines Okinawan-ness and Japanese culture in an efficient and enjoyable way while avoiding crowds! (This course is the one I proposed to my own parents (in their 60s).
Contributor Profile

- Okinawa travel media "OKIBRA" has been happily operated since 2020 by Kazunari, a computer geek, and Son-chan, an anime & food lover! They love Okinawa so much that they have visited more than 50 hotels and 500 restaurants in the prefecture, and they share the charms of Okinawa on Instagram and on the web. We will bring you the charms of Okinawa that you can't find anywhere else, from the unique perspective of a husband and wife team!
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