Tedako Uraishi Station opened in 2019 with the extension of the Yui Rail, and as of 2026, it will be the starting and ending station of the Yui Rail. It's about a 40-minute ride from Naha Airport on the Yui Rail. The area around the station has been developed with large parking lots and commercial facilities, giving it the appearance of a "developing residential area." While it's more of a facility and area for residents of Okinawa Prefecture, there are actually some hidden tourist spots scattered around. Why not take a trip to this intriguing "terminus station of the Yui Rail"?
List of articles about southern Okinawa
NotOnlyCafe | A private seat on a cliff with a spectacular view for your soul to detox from.
Located on a hilltop in Nanjo City, Okinawa, "Not Only Cafe" is a cafe with breathtaking views of the ocean from atop a cliff. Surrounded by the vast blue sea and sky, and enveloped in a pleasant breeze, you can enjoy a truly extraordinary moment. This time, we'll introduce in detail the charm we experienced during our visit, as well as the seating, access, and menu.
[Hidden Gem with Stunning Scenery and Historical Heritage] Nakamurakyo Rural Park
Located in Nanjo City in southern Okinawa, Nakandakari Rural Park is a hidden gem where you can enjoy a peaceful time away from the hustle and bustle of tourist areas. It offers stunning ocean views from a hilltop and the Nakandakari Hijaa, a valuable cultural asset that has supported the lives of the local people, coexisting with the park's heritage.
Why not visit and leisurely savor the beauty of nature and the richness of history?
Freshly made sweets from "KOJO CAFE," the cafe attached to the factory of "Chinpindo," famous for its Chinsuko cookies.
Chinpindo, a long-established manufacturer known for its Chinsuko, a classic Okinawan souvenir, opened "KOJO CAFE," a factory-attached cafe, in December 2025. In a tranquil space within the warehouse, you can enjoy freshly baked sweets and a wide variety of drinks. This article introduces the charms of the cafe, including freshly made sweets you can only taste here and Chinsuko products exclusive to the cafe!
Tetsuo Kinjo Museum (Matsukaze-en) | Creator of Ultraman and one of Japan's 88 Anime Holy Sites
Did you know that one of the creators of Ultraman was from Okinawa?
His name is Tetsuo Kinjo, and he was a central screenwriter involved in the production of the first Ultraman series.
The stories created by Mr. Kaneshiro go beyond simple good versus evil narratives, touching upon the "logic" of the monsters and aliens, as well as the horrors and folly of human society. These are profound works that could be described as "socially conscious science fiction," and he is a well-known figure among tokusatsu fans, the film industry, and the screenwriting community.
The study located in an annex of the Matsukaze-en restaurant, which is the family business of Mr. Kinjo, is open to the public as the "Tetsuo Kinjo Museum" and has become a pilgrimage site for Ultra Series fans.
"Moonlit Wonder Illumination": A light show where light and music synchronize.
The "Moonlit Wonder Illumination," now in its second year in 2025, is being held at Ryukyu Hotel & Resort Meijo Beach.
Utilizing the prefecture's largest pool area of approximately 10,000 square meters and a lawn area of approximately 4,000 square meters, you can enjoy a fantastical space with approximately 30 lights, music, and flames.
Furthermore, the stage events held every Saturday until the end of 2025 promise to be breathtaking and incredibly exciting!
Located about 30 minutes by car from Naha, how about visiting the "Moonlit Wonder Illumination" for your winter sightseeing in Okinawa?
Experience Okinawan craftsmanship at "Umino Hoseki"! Try your hand at easy yet visually appealing alcohol ink art.
If you're looking for a memorable experience to commemorate your trip to Okinawa, we recommend the alcohol ink art at "Umino Hoseki," located near the World Heritage site Seifa Utaki. The patterns created by the wind are beautiful, and anyone can easily create a one-of-a-kind memory of Okinawa.
I actually got to experience some Okinawan-style craftsmanship, something you can easily drop into during your travels!
Top 5 Romantic Spots at Senaga Island Umikaji Terrace! "Love Island" will support your love life.
Located about a 15-minute drive from Naha Airport, Senaga Island has long been associated with numerous love stories and is known as "Love Island."
Senaga Island Umikaji Terrace, a tourist spot synonymous with the island, has love-themed spots scattered throughout.
This article introduces romantic spots scattered throughout Senaga Island's Umikaji Terrace. This "island of love" might just give your love life a boost.
Ceramic Art Cafe ITOMAN | Affordable Yachimun pottery experience! Relax in a small group setting and enjoy a cozy time in Inamuduchi.
Introducing CeramicArtCafeITOMAN, a must-visit for your Okinawa trip! Located in Itoman City, just a 20-minute drive from Naha Airport, this shop lets you try your hand at making Okinawan pottery, "yachimun," using a potter's wheel. The experience price and the staff are incredibly reasonable. In addition to a coffee break, you can also enjoy Okinawan home cooking, "inamuduchi," at the attached cafe. The soft feel of the clay is delightful, and the shape changes instantly with just a slight adjustment of pressure, making it easy to get absorbed in the process! You're sure to have a wonderful time in Okinawa!
Seifa Utaki, a World Heritage Site, is the most sacred site of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Seifa Utaki is a place of prayer where the Ryukyu kings and the highest priestess once prayed for the peace and prosperity of the nation. In December 2000, it was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site as part of the "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu."
The mystical space created by the massive boulders, the charming stone-paved path where birdsong echoes, and the lush trees surrounding the sacred site all seem to be filled with an unseen, powerful energy. This historic and noble power spot is a highlight of sightseeing in southern Okinawa Island.
*Please note that access to the area around Sankuri will be prohibited from October 20, 2025 to January 31, 2026 (tentative) due to preservation and repair work.
The "Mika Ninagawa Exhibition with EiM: Dancing with Shadows in Light" is being held at Nanjo Art Museum until May 30, 2025.
©mika ninagawa, Courtesy of Tomio Koyama Gallery
The "Mika Ninagawa Exhibition with EiM: Dancing with Shadows in Light" will be held at the Nanjo Art Museum in Chinen, Nanjo City, from Wednesday, November 27, 2024 to Friday, May 30, 2025. This exhibition is a collaboration between photographer Mika Ninagawa and EiM, a creative team comprised of data scientist Hiroaki Miyata and others.
Enjoy your Okinawa trip even more! 12 recommended spots to visit using the "Yui Rail"
The "Yui Rail" is a monorail that connects Naha Airport Station (station #01) to Tedako Uraishi Station (station #19) in about 40 minutes, making it an essential and convenient mode of transportation for sightseeing. Numerous tourist attractions are scattered along the line, which has 19 stations, allowing you to comfortably explore them. This time, we will introduce attractive spots to visit using the "Yui Rail" and points to keep in mind when using it. Enjoy the unique scenery of Okinawa while efficiently making the most of your trip!
Morning at the sea-colored window of "Hamabe no Chaya" - a popular cafe with weekday breakfast by reservation only.
"Hamabe no Chaya" is a scenic cafe in Nanjo City that represents Okinawa. It's a popular spot known for its breathtaking ocean views that can be seen through its double-hung windows.
Since opening in 1994, this cafe has consistently been a top choice for those seeking spectacular views, and is always packed with customers, weekdays and weekends alike. Enjoying delicious food while gazing at the beautiful scenery is a truly special experience.
At the beachside tea house, breakfast is available by reservation only on weekdays and on a first-come, first-served basis on weekends.
This article will cover the interior of the beachside tea house, the view from there, and the breakfast!
Sachibaru Yadui - A retreat in the southern part of Okinawa Main Island, featuring a tranquil garden spread across a slope overlooking the sea, with scattered cafes and accommodations.
"Sachibaru Yadui" is located on a slope overlooking the sea in Nanjo City, Okinawa.
Sachibaru Yadui is a spot where cafes, accommodations, and relaxation salons are scattered throughout a lush garden, including "Hamabe no Chaya," a cafe with a spectacular view that is representative of Okinawa.
In the 1700s, during the Ryukyu Kingdom era, samurai who had left Shuri cleared the lush, green land as a "new frontier" and established a settlement, marking the beginning of this area. Time passed, and in 1994, Nobuyoshi Inafuku, a descendant of the samurai, opened "Hamabe no Chaya" (Seaside Teahouse) on the land his ancestors had established. Since then, under the theme of "land polishing," Sachibaru Yadui has been creating spaces that utilize elements rooted in the local land.
In the tranquil natural surroundings of Nanjo City, you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy a peaceful Okinawan lifestyle.
Uminchi Sea Grape Farm | A place to eat, play, and stay! Their specialty is sea grape soft serve ice cream.
Located in Itoman City, "Uminchi" is Japan's first experience facility themed around sea grapes. It's a place where you can fully experience Okinawa through activities such as sea grape picking, salt making, camping, BBQ, and marine activities.
Among the most famous items is the soft-serve ice cream available at "Puchi Puchi," a shop located within the facility. Surprisingly, this soft-serve ice cream contains sea grapes!
This article will introduce the charm of "Uminchi," information about its facilities, and how to get there!
Enjoy steak on the terrace overlooking the sea at "YONAR'S GARDEN" | Senaga Island Umikaji Terrace Gourmet
YONAR'S GARDEN is a restaurant located within Umikaji Terrace on Senaga Island, and is synonymous with "steak." Influenced by the American occupation of Okinawa after the war, steak is now one of the local delicacies that visitors to Okinawa should try.
Besides being able to enjoy a hearty meat meal, I would also recommend the view from the terrace seating. Located in a high position within Umikaji Terrace, you can savor your steak while overlooking the sea and sky.
With the sparkling Okinawan sea, planes taking off and landing at Naha Airport, and sunsets in the evening, you're sure to experience the perfect setting no matter what time you go, from lunch to dinner!
This article will cover YONAR'S GARDEN's signature dish, "Garlic Steak Rice," as well as the menu, the restaurant, and the atmosphere of the terrace.
*The images, prices, and other information in this article are from the time of the interview.
Okinawan snack "Po-Po" gets a stylish makeover at "ISLAND PO-PO-" | Senaga Island Umikaji Terrace Gourmet
The shop we're introducing today, ISLAND PO-PO-, is a specialty store that offers an evolved version of "po-po," a traditional Okinawan snack, as a stylish sweet treat.
Originally, po-po is a traditional Okinawan confection made by rolling up thin dough made from wheat flour into a stick shape, characterized by its simple flavor and chewy texture. In Okinawa, it is sold in supermarkets and other stores, but it evokes a nostalgic image of a treat that mothers and grandmothers used to make by hand.
That same old pop-pop ice cream has evolved into something delicious and cute, now combined with sweet potato, mango, and other ice creams and whipped cream.
Fresh raw tuna is exquisite! Oyaji no Maguro | Senaga Island Umikaji Terrace Gourmet
Oyaji no Maguro is a popular spot located at Senaga Island Umikaji Terrace, known for its dishes made with "fresh tuna" that is never frozen from the time it's caught until it's served.
The restaurant's catchy name is also noteworthy; it's named after the fact that the tuna caught by the fisherman father is prepared by the son and his wife who run the restaurant.
This article will cover the menu at Oyaji no Maguro, their signature dishes Ahi Poke Rice and Oyaji's Raw Tuna Bowl, and the atmosphere inside the restaurant and seating area!
"Motomu's Curry Bread," featuring curry bread made with A5-grade Japanese Black Wagyu beef, is attracting attention.
"Motomu's Curry Bread," a popular item at Umikaji Terrace.
While curry bread generally has a common, everyday image, Motomu's curry bread is a luxurious delicacy, using A5-grade Japanese Black beef as an ingredient and served piping hot and fresh from the oven.
Its reputation is undeniable, having won the gold medal at the Curry Bread Grand Prix for three consecutive years, being included as a return gift for Naha City's hometown tax donation program, and being featured in national media, making it a curry bread that is attracting attention as a new Okinawan specialty.
Let's eat our fill of tropical sweets at Sunroom Sweets Senaga Island Store
Sunroom Sweets Senaga Island Store is a popular shop known for its wide variety of sweets. Located within Senaga Island Umikaji Terrace, it's a recommended spot to take a break while strolling around.
The most popular item, the mango cream chiffon cake, is Sunroom Sweets' signature dish that evokes the essence of Okinawa. It captivates everyone who tastes it, and repeat customers keep coming back.
This article will cover the menu at Sunroom Sweets Senaga Island, including their mango cream chiffon cake, scones, Shisa-shaped baby castella cakes, and details about the interior and seating area!
Access to Senaga Island and Umikaji Terrace | Useful information including bus stops, fares, and parking.
This article explains how to access Senaga Island and Umikaji Terrace, separately for those traveling by bus and those traveling by car.
Senaga Island and Umikaji Terrace are located about 5 kilometers from Naha Airport, across the runway. The route from Naha Airport is simple and smooth, taking about 15 minutes by car.
With only one bus route serving the island, it's a popular tourist spot easily accessible by both bus and car.
However, the area around Senaga Island is prone to frequent traffic congestion, so it may take longer than expected.
This article also includes helpful information such as bus stops and times when traffic congestion is likely to occur.
Okinawa Soba Mine | Okinawa soba made without artificial additives and a spectacular view
Okinawa Soba Mine is a specialty Okinawa soba restaurant that opened in Nanjo City in 2019. It's a place where you can enjoy the healing and spectacular scenery created by the sky and sea of Nanjo City, along with Okinawa soba that the owner has meticulously crafted.
Gradually gaining popularity through word of mouth, it has captivated both locals and tourists alike. It has become a popular Okinawan soba restaurant representing Nanjo City, bustling with customers every day.
This article will cover everything from the interior of Okinawa Soba Mine to its menu, its most popular dish, Mine Soba, and how to get there!
*The menus and prices mentioned in this article are as of February 2023, when the interview took place.
Palm Tree Road | A photo spot 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Palm Tree Road is a recently popular photo spot. As the name suggests, the palm trees line the road into the distance, creating a typical Okinawan resort scene that has made it a popular destination.
Not only is it enjoyable during the day, but because it's located in the west where the sun sets, it shows a completely different face at dusk.
Located near Naha Airport, it's easily accessible for a stop during a drive. This article will introduce Toyosaki Urban Green Space, with its palm tree-lined road, and the best angles for taking photos!
I want to say "Dai-chan" at Parlor Megaton.
People from mainland Japan may not be very familiar with this term, but in Okinawa, "parlor" refers to a simple, casual shop.
The selection of snacks, bento boxes, and juices varies from store to store, but if you look around carefully, you can find parlors in various locations throughout Okinawa.
Among the parlors that are loved by locals as places to take a short break, "Parlor Megaton" is supported by many people, including the residents of Urasoe.
Founded in 1986, this parlor has been a beloved local spot for relaxation for nearly 50 years.
This article will introduce Parlor Megaton, a place that has been attracting attention for the many "spells" that can be heard there.
Ferry and high-speed boat information for Kudaka Island, the "Island of the Gods": Timetable, access, and waiting area information.
To get to Kudaka Island, take a ferry from Azama Port in Nanjo City on Okinawa Main Island (approximately 25 minutes) or a high-speed boat (approximately 15 minutes).
There is free parking at Azama Port, so you can drive there from Naha and leave your car there without worry. Although Azama Port is a bit of a distance from Naha, there is a bus stop about a 5-minute walk away (approximately 300m), so it is also accessible by bus, making it a surprisingly easy island to get to.
Itoman Market Itomaaru | A relaxed atmosphere prevails in the reborn public market.
Itomaaru is a facility that was renovated and reopened in 2020 from the public market in Itoman City, which opened in 1955.
Itoman City is a region in Okinawa Prefecture where traditional events such as Harei festivals and tug-of-war are still held on a large scale, and where the good old culture remains strong. However, in recent years, development and improvement have been progressing rapidly, and the townscape has changed dramatically, but the area around Itoman Fishing Port where Itomaaru is located still retains much of its old townscape.
It has the atmosphere of a place where locals relax, so if you're tired of the bustling tourist spots, it might be a good place to stop by for a break.
Giza Banta (Keiza Cliffs) is a waterfall that cascades into the sea, creating a wide, sweeping cascade | A spectacular view in southern Okinawa
"Banta" means "cliff" in the Okinawan language, and famous examples include "Kayauchi Banta" near Cape Hedo, the northernmost point of Okinawa Island, and "Kaho Banta" on Miyagi Island, beyond the Kaichu Road in Uruma City.
The Giza Banta (Keiza Cliffs) that we're introducing today is located in the southern part of Okinawa Island, and the countless waterfalls flowing into the sea create a sight rarely seen even in the naturally rich Okinawa.
The waterfall that flows into the sea is actually created by excess water from a dam. The waterfall is formed by the release of excess water from the nearby Keiza Dam.
The combination of natural terrain and dam water is quite interesting, isn't it?
Now, let's introduce the highlights, access, and important points to note about Giza Bantha.
Learn about, study, and enjoy Okinawa's traditional crafts at Okinawa Craft Forest.
Okinawa Craft Forest is a facility where you can enjoy Okinawan crafts in a way that you might not have expected.
This is a place where you can experience Okinawan crafts from three perspectives: "I want to see it, I want to know about it, and I want to try it."
When you think of Okinawa, you probably picture nature and resorts, but in fact, it's a region where crafts are thriving, even by national standards. There are 16 items designated as "traditional crafts" by the government, making it the third highest number in the country.
In this article, we'll introduce you to "Okinawa Craft Forest," a place where you can experience and learn about a wide range of Okinawan crafts, including its exhibits, workshops, and hands-on programs!
[Approved by locals] Yonaharaya, an Okinawa soba specialty restaurant. Choose from rich or light soups and enjoy a wide variety of set meals!
Okinawa has so many Okinawan soba specialty restaurants that it can be hard to decide where to go.
In such situations, I, a local, would recommend "Yonabaru-ya," an Okinawan soba specialty restaurant located in Yonabaru Town.
One of the unique features of Yonahara-ya is that you can choose between a light or rich broth for your Okinawan soba.
In addition to being a specialty Okinawan soba restaurant, it also offers set meals and children's menus, making it very convenient. It's a popular spot that's bustling with local families on weekends.
Odohama Beach (John Man Beach) | A popular snorkeling spot just a 30-minute drive from Naha.
Odohama Beach (John Man Beach) is a snorkeling spot located in Itoman City, the southernmost point of Okinawa Island, where you can enjoy the "untouched sea."
It's about a 30-minute drive from Naha. You can enjoy surfing at high tide and snorkeling and collecting marine life in the lagoon at low tide.
The ocean is exceptionally clean, so much so that sea turtles visit it as a nesting ground.
This article will cover everything from the beach itself to its facilities and important points to keep in mind at Odohama Beach!
