The Yomiuri Giants typically hold their spring training camp in Naha, Okinawa, in the latter half of February each year.
This article reports on the Yomiuri Giants' spring training camp in Okinawa.
We'll give you a detailed look at the highlights, including practice sessions, opportunities to interact with the players, and exclusive merchandise only available here.
Special fan service events are planned, and if you enter the lottery and win, you'll have a chance to get up close and personal with the players! Gathering information beforehand and having plenty of time on the day is highly recommended.
List of things to see in Naha City
How to Enjoy the Yomiuri Giants' Spring Training Camp in Okinawa: How to Visit, Limited Edition Goods, and Classic Events
[Limited-time New Year's holiday special opening] 9 days to see Shuri Castle's main hall "from the front"
▲Shuri Castle Main Hall as seen from the special viewing area▲
At Shuri Castle Park, a portion of the construction area, which is normally off-limits, will be specially opened to the public for nine days, from Saturday, December 27, 2025 to Sunday, January 4, 2026.
This special public viewing is being held to coincide with the first New Year's celebration for the Shuri Castle main hall, now that its exterior renovations have been completed.
This is a rare opportunity to see the lustrous, freshly lacquered exterior of the main hall up close from the front.
You can experience the progress of Shuri Castle's reconstruction from a perspective you wouldn't normally see.
Step back in time to the Ryukyu Kingdom at the "Shuri Castle Restoration Festival"! Three days to learn about history and culture.
The Shuri Castle Restoration Festival, a quintessential autumn event in Okinawa, will be held at Shuri Castle Park and Kokusai Street.
Typically held around Culture Day (November 3rd), in 2025 it will take place over three days, from November 1st to 3rd.
The event, long known as the "Shuri Castle Festival," saw a fire caused by an electrical short circuit in 2019 that destroyed part of Shuri Castle. To commemorate this event and express prayers for its reconstruction, the word "Reconstruction" was added to the name. The main hall of Shuri Castle, which has been undergoing extensive restoration, is finally scheduled for completion in the autumn of 2026.
Various events, including traditional processions and dances, are held, allowing visitors to enjoy and experience the history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom. This article will introduce you to all the ways to enjoy the Shuri Castle Restoration Festival.
Shuri Castle Restoration - Towards Completion in 2026: Current Status in 2024 and the Future - Also featuring sightseeing information around Shuri Castle.
Source: Okinawa National Memorial Park (Shuri Castle Park) and other restoration work related
The fire at Shuri Castle, which occurred in the early hours of October 31, 2019, had a tremendous impact on the region, as it was a symbol of Okinawa Prefecture's identity. It was widely reported not only by local media but also by national and international media.
This fire resulted in the loss of 391 valuable works of art and crafts in nine facilities, including the main hall.
In December 2019, the "Ministerial Meeting for the Restoration of Shuri Castle," chaired by the Chief Cabinet Secretary, decided on the "Basic Policy for the Restoration of Shuri Castle." The following year, the "Roadmap for the Restoration of the Main Hall of Shuri Castle" was decided, and restoration work on the Main Hall of Shuri Castle began in 2022.
Currently, construction is steadily progressing with the aim of completing the restoration of the main shrine building by the end of fiscal year 2026.
This article will provide information on the current state of Shuri Castle as of 2024, as it is undergoing reconstruction, as well as information on nearby tourist attractions!
I took my kids on the Orca, an underwater sightseeing boat departing from Naha! Can't see any fish? Will I get seasick? Here's my honest review.
The Orca is a large underwater sightseeing boat with large windows that allow you to see colorful corals and fish. The underwater viewing room is equipped with 32 large, specially made glass panels, each measuring 1 meter wide by 55 cm high, so that everyone, from small children to the elderly, can enjoy the beautiful, endless expanse of Okinawa's ocean together.
I took a ride on the Orca boat at the beginning of September, when the weather was a bit uncertain, to enjoy underwater sightseeing, so I'd like to share my experience with you.
Shuri Textile Museum Suikara | A world of stories about beautiful Okinawan traditional fabrics woven with rich colors
Shuri Dyeing and Weaving Museum Suikara is a place in Shuri, Naha City, where you can see, buy, and learn about "Bingata" and "Shuriori" textiles.
Opened in April 2022, this facility serves as a hub for preserving and promoting Bingata and Shuri-ori, which are designated as intangible cultural properties of Okinawa Prefecture and nationally designated traditional crafts, for future generations.
As a place that connects customers with the artisans who create the products, it also serves as a hub where people from within and outside the prefecture gather, allowing visitors to experience both the "history" and "cutting edge" of Bingata and Shuri-ori, traditional crafts that represent Okinawa.
This article provides an overview of Bingata and Shuri-ori textiles, as well as highlights of the Shuri Textile Museum Suikara.
[PR] SAIOH Solo Exhibition "street on the scale" at Okinawa Prefectural Art Museum, July 19th - July 23rd. Free admission.
SAIOH, who holds solo exhibitions in Japan and around the world, will hold a solo exhibition titled "street on the scale" in his home base of Okinawa, following exhibitions in Tokyo and Nagoya. The exhibition will run for five days from July 19th to 23rd, 2023, at the Okinawa Prefectural Art Museum, and admission is free.
Want to experience a taste of China while in Okinawa? Take a break at Fuzhou Garden, an oasis in Naha.
Fuzhou Garden is a Chinese-style garden located in Naha City.
This spot offers a relaxing mini-trip to China, with its Chinese-style buildings and well-maintained greenery. (Incidentally, in China, the term "garden" refers to a "private garden," so Fuzhou Garden is more accurately called a "garden forest.")
But you might be wondering, "Why is there a Chinese garden in Okinawa?" There's actually a deep reason for that. Kume in Naha City, where Fuzhou Garden is located, was originally a region called Kuninda, where people who migrated from Fujian Province in China around the 14th century lived. It is said that the people of Kuninda excelled in specialized skills such as interpretation and navigation, supporting the trade of the Ryukyu Kingdom and influencing education.
Given this historical background, Fuzhou Garden was opened in 1992 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the sister city agreement between Fuzhou City in Fujian Province, China, and Naha City, and the 70th anniversary of Naha City's incorporation as a municipality.
This article will cover Fuzhou Garden, an oasis in Naha, including its daytime and nighttime illuminations, the adjacent Kuninda Terrace, and information about the parking lot!
Shuri Castle Today: What Kind of Reconstruction Has It Been?
A fire that broke out on October 31, 2019, destroyed nine buildings at Shuri Castle, including the main hall, as well as other historical artifacts.
Currently, Shuri Castle is focusing on "restoration for public viewing," and we can witness the restoration process firsthand.
In 2022, restoration work on the main hall will finally begin, and a viewing area is scheduled to open in the summer.
The restoration of the main hall is scheduled to be completed in 2026, and then the restoration of the North Hall, South Hall, and other halls will proceed in stages, so it is expected to take many years for everything to be completed.
This article will describe the progress of Shuri Castle's restoration, following the typical route for visitors to the castle.
If you're planning a trip to Shuri Castle, please use this as a reference.
A roundup of Okinawa's fireworks displays | Let's enjoy Okinawa's nightlife too!
It's not just the temperature that rises as it gets warmer; fireworks will light up the sky too! You could go to bed early to prepare for the next day, but why not enjoy the tropical night breeze while watching the fireworks display?
This time, we'll introduce some of Okinawa's major fireworks displays. Enjoy a special Okinawan night filled with fireworks and stars.
Exploring Okinawa on Foot | A Stroll Along the Yui Rail - Akamine Edition -
The Yui Rail is a convenient mode of transportation for sightseeing in Naha.
For those who don't rent a car or drive, it's an essential mode of transportation.
This time, our theme is sightseeing in Okinawa on foot, and we'll be focusing on local train stations that you probably wouldn't normally get off at!
First, let's focus on Akamine Station, the station next to Naha Airport.
If you've ever ridden the Yui Rail, you've probably heard of it.
We delved into the deep, hidden charms of Okinawa that only those who have actually experienced it can truly appreciate.
Boost your luck with a cute charm! A journey to a historic shrine in Okinawa for finding love.
Okinawa, with its beautiful blue seas and abundant nature, is a well-known treasure trove of power spots. If you're going to Okinawa, you absolutely must recharge your energy during your trip!
This time, we've carefully selected shrines known for matchmaking, fertility, and safe childbirth from among many other spots. We'll also introduce plenty of cute amulets that are perfect for creating lasting memories on a girls' trip or solo travel.
Why not pray for good fortune at this historic shrine, beloved by locals and constantly visited by worshippers from outside the prefecture?
I went to the Tsuboya Pottery Festival, a pottery fair featuring Okinawan traditional crafts, Yachimun.
The Tsuboya Pottery Festival is an annual festival celebrating Okinawan pottery, or yachimun, held every November.
From high-end Shisa statues to chopstick rests perfect as small souvenirs, the diverse lineup is irresistible to pottery lovers.
With approximately 30 pottery studios from across the prefecture gathered together, there's a chance you might stumble upon some unexpected treasures.
The venue also features daily events, such as competitions where potters create works on the spot to showcase their skills, and auctions.
Even those who don't usually have many opportunities to interact with pottery can easily enjoy this.
This time, I actually participated in the event! I'll bring you a report on what the venue was like.
Experience top-notch entertainment in Okinawa! Enjoy "Ship of the Ryukyu" for your autumn/winter trip.
Okinawa, a southern island that is warm all year round.
Even in autumn and winter, Okinawa offers plenty of unique experiences! For those of you planning a trip, have you decided on a wonderful itinerary yet?
"I want to have an experience that's unique to this time of year."
"I'd like to know your recommended plans for autumn and winter."
This time, we'd like to introduce you to "Ship of the Ryukyu," a special form of entertainment born in Okinawa.
Whether you're an Okinawa lover, an Okinawa expert, or visiting Okinawa for the first time, this is a highly recommended destination that everyone can enjoy. Let's create special memories this autumn and winter!
Strolling through Sakaemachi Market, a deep and nostalgic drinking district in Naha!
Hi there! ♪ I'm happy every day as long as I have delicious food and drinks! I'm an office worker living in Naha.
When you visit Okinawa as a tourist, how do you spend your evenings? During the day it's scorching hot, but at night, many people are tempted by the tropical breeze and end up going out for some fun.
While Kokusai-dori, with its neon lights that twinkle late into the night like a city that never sleeps, is certainly appealing, this time we'll venture a little further from Kokusai-dori to Sakaemachi Market, a somewhat dubious-looking bar district.
Sakaemachi Market offers a nostalgic atmosphere that makes you feel as if you've traveled back in time to the post-war reconstruction era. Why not take a stroll and explore the deep side of Okinawa?
I visited Ikutouen, a long-established pottery studio on Okinawa's Yachimun Street, and took a tour of their workshop and tried pottery making.
Ikutouen, located in Tsuboya, Naha, the center of Yachimun (pottery), is a long-established pottery studio in Tsuboya, which boasts a history of approximately 300 years.
Ikutouen produces and sells a wide range of products, from classic Yachimun pottery featuring traditional fish and plant motifs, to designs that blend seamlessly into modern dining tables.
Using Ikutouen tableware in cooking classes (the cooking class is shown here)hereI used it (from) and headed straight to Tsuboya after the cooking class to visit Ikutouen.
After touring the workshop, I participated in a pottery workshop run by Ikutouen.
There are plenty of other tourist attractions besides Shuri Castle! A leisurely stroll through Shuri.
The fire that broke out at Shuri Castle on October 31, 2019, sent shockwaves throughout Japan.
Shuri Castle, a symbol of Naha and a major tourist attraction, was beloved by many.
Currently, reconstruction work is steadily progressing, and from June 1, 2020, a portion of the area (free access) will be reopened.
Preparations are underway to allow visitors to see the progress of the reconstruction efforts in the future.
Chapter 1 of this article provides a detailed report on Shuri Castle before the fire.
I apologize for the confusion, but for the time being, I would like to leave it as it is so that it can be compared with Shuri Castle after its reconstruction is complete.
For sightseeing plans around Shuri Castle, please refer to Chapter 2 and beyond.
The evening sky over Naha, as seen from the western Azana, remains just as it was in the past.
Let's reflect on the former Shuri Castle and look forward to the day when we can visit again after its reconstruction.
Enjoy Okinawan entertainment this winter! Don't miss "Ship of the Ryukyu"!
This is the season when the cold really bites.
Many people probably think, "I want to spend the winter in warm Okinawa!" The gentle winter hours in Okinawa feel special in themselves.
But since you're going all the way there, why not try a "different kind of Okinawa trip"?
Therefore, I recommend this winter's must-see Okinawan entertainment: "Ship of the Ryukyu".
Whether you're an Okinawa lover, an Okinawa expert, or visiting Okinawa for the first time, you're sure to enjoy it. Let's make this winter trip even more special by immersing yourself in the exhilarating world of Okinawan performing arts!
T Galleria Okinawa by DFS | Japan's only store where you can enjoy duty-free shopping even when traveling domestically!
When you hear the term "duty-free shop," you probably imagine visiting one at the airport when traveling abroad, right?
Many people probably think, "It seems intimidating and difficult to enter..."
The store we're introducing today is "T Galleria Okinawa by DFS," a street-level duty-free shop that you can easily stop by even while traveling within Japan.
I'll be revealing my top picks for recommended shops and areas, based on my own personal visits and experiences (I'm a woman in my early twenties)!
*Some images are from 2016, when the interview took place.*
Okinawa's food culture all in one place! Makishi Public Market Report
Makishi Public Market is located along "Market Central Street," which is adjacent to Kokusai Street.
For over 60 years since its opening, it has been loved by many as "Naha's kitchen."
In recent years, it has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors who appreciate the opportunity to experience Okinawa's food culture.
This time, in order to explore its appeal, I actually went there and will report on what I saw.
From recommended dishes to lunch, I thoroughly enjoyed myself!
A collection of unique goods from all over Okinawa Prefecture! The charm of "Okinawa's Breeze"
Since you've come all the way to Okinawa, you'll want to buy some souvenirs, right?
As for miscellaneous goods, there's no end to the list, including Ryukyu glass, Bingata textiles, and Shisa statues.
As I was walking from my hotel towards Kokusai Street, I spotted a stylish general store with a European-style exterior.
I thought I might find some unusual souvenirs, so I decided to go inside.
This time, we'll introduce "Okinawa no Kaze," a select shop featuring works by approximately 40 artists from within Okinawa Prefecture.
This report features unique products from Okinawa Prefecture, as well as the atmosphere of the shops.
A daytime stroll through the "nightlife" areas around Naha and Matsuyama.
Just like how Tokyo has Kabukicho...
Just like Osaka has Kita and Minami...
That's right, Okinawa has a "Matsuyama"!
Matsuyama in Naha City is known as Okinawa's largest entertainment district. With numerous restaurants lining the streets, it's famous as a "city that never sleeps." But did you know that this nightlife district of Matsuyama has a somewhat unexpected "daytime face"?
A beautiful garden known as a must-see spot for overseas tourists. And a restaurant where you can enjoy exquisite Okinawan soba, a must-try for spicy food lovers.
Walking around Matsuyama during the daytime, I encountered some unexpected and delightful things! This time, I'll introduce you to the lesser-known charms of Matsuyama in Naha♪
Traveling through Okinawa in photos ♡ How to take a photo that will get you "likes" on Shuri's cobblestone streets
To share the excitement of a trip with someone, I upload photos to social media.
It's one of the joys of traveling, isn't it?
But haven't you ever wished you could take a photo that everyone would say, "That's great!" about?
So, this time, I'd like to introduce how to take that "perfect photo" at the popular spot "Shuri-Kinjo-cho Stone Pavement," where you can enjoy the original scenery of Okinawa.
Taking great photos will undoubtedly make your Okinawa trip even more memorable!
Please note that the photos in this article were taken using an iPhone 6.
Become an Okinawa expert with a Naha town tour! A report covering everything from preparation to post-participation impressions.
"Naha Machima~i" is a tour where you visit famous spots and hidden gems in Naha with a local guide who knows the area well.
In short, that's the gist of it, but some of you might be wondering, "Where can I go?" or "Isn't it enough to just wander around freely with a guidebook in hand?"
You want to make the most of your limited time in Okinawa, right?
Here, we'll share the benefits and points to keep in mind when participating in "Naha Machima-i," along with actual participant reports!
A First-Time Visitor's Guide to Shikinaen Garden: From Basic Information to Recommended Exploration Methods
Shikinaen Garden, designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and part of a World Heritage Site, attracts many visitors. But what exactly is its appeal?
I actually visited the place to explore its unique features and how to enjoy it. I hope this will be helpful for your first visit.
