This article introduces eight carefully selected, hidden gem tourist spots in southern Okinawa.
The southern area of ​​Okinawa Island is dotted with major tourist spots such as Seifa Utaki, Okinawa World, and cafes with spectacular views, but there are still many hidden gems that are not yet widely known.
The southern part of Okinawa Island is only about a 30-minute drive from Naha Airport and Kokusai Street, making it a great place to enjoy on your arrival or departure day.

<Table of Contents>
1. Tamagusuku Castle Ruins
2. Kakihana Higawa
3. Hanashiro no Sato Beach
4. Odohama Beach
5. Yaharazukasa
6. Holoholo Forest
7. Gushikawa Castle Ruins
8. Michi-no-Eki Itoman

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1. Tamagusuku Castle Ruins

Okinawan castle ruins are generally constructed by stacking Ryukyu limestone, giving them the appearance of ancient ruins. Tamagusuku Castle Ruins, located at an altitude of approximately 180m, is also known as the "Fortress in the Sky."

It is one of the sacred sites on the "Higashi-mawari" pilgrimage in Okinawa, and after passing through the castle gate carved out of natural rock, you will find a small shrine.

You can enjoy a panoramic view of the sea from the castle ruins, but early morning is especially recommended. Kudaka Island, famous as the "Island of the Gods," is illuminated by the rising sun over the sea, creating a truly divine scene.

Tamagusuku Castle Ruins

Address

444 Tamagusuku, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture

2. Kakihana Higawa

Kakihana Higawa is the southernmost of Japan's "100 Famous Waters of Japan." It is a spring that gushes from the middle of a cliff in the village, with the water flowing from the right side called the male (Ikiga) River and the water flowing from the left side called the female (Inagu) River.

For centuries, this water source has been used by local residents for daily life and rice paddies, and even today, people come here to draw water for drinking. The water quality is tested twice a year by the local government, so you can drink it with peace of mind.

Influenced by the Ryukyu limestone layer, the water is characterized by its high hardness. Why not try the natural water seeping from the Okinawan plateau at Kakihana Higawa?

Kakinohana Hikawa

Address

Kakihana, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture

3. Hanashiro no Sato Beach

This hidden gem of a beach is located beyond the grounds of the Southern Links Hotel. As you descend the slope while overlooking the blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean, you'll find yourself surrounded by lush greenery, with a beautiful natural landscape of sea and sandy beach.

The untouched sea boasts exceptional clarity! When the tide goes out, you can see corals and tropical fish underwater from the coral reef rock formations that appear.

Furthermore, near Hanashiro no Sato Beach, there is a "secret beach" that can only be reached by kayak, and a kayak tour to this secret beach is highly recommended.

[Secret Beach Sea Kayak Tour]
Contact: NPO Nature Experience School
Telephone number: 098-998-0330
Opening hours: 9 hours to 18 hours
URL 　Jalan.net Tour Details Page

Hanashiro no Sato Beach

Address

Yaese-cho, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa

4. Odohama Beach

Odohama Beach is an unspoiled natural beach. You can see coral and tropical fish from the shallow waters. Because it is surrounded by a reef, the waves are calm. It is a safe place for snorkeling beginners and children to enjoy.

Odohama Beach is famous as a beach where sea turtles come ashore. From May to July, green sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. If you're lucky, you might even encounter sea turtles underwater.

Odohama Beach is also known as "John Manjiro Beach." John Manjiro was the first Japanese person to land on the American continent in 1843. He returned to Japan in 1851 when he landed at Odohama Beach from Hawaii. A statue of John Manjiro pointing towards his hometown, Kochi Prefecture, is also located here.

Furthermore, it's a popular spot among locals for its beautiful starry night sky.

Odohama coast

Address

Odo, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture

5. Yaharazukasa

Like Tamagusuku Castle Ruins, it is one of the sacred sites on the Higashi-mawari pilgrimage. It is said that Amamikiyo, the Ryukyuan creation goddess who descended to Kudaka Island from the utopian land of Nirai Kanai, landed on Okinawa Island from this spot. Yaharazukasa is a small stone monument placed in the sea and can only be seen when the tide is out.

This beach boasts a stunning cobalt blue ocean, typical of Okinawa. A solitary stone monument stands amidst the sea, exuding a sacred atmosphere. People still visit this place to pray. Please be sure to observe proper etiquette when visiting.

Yaharazukasa

Address

Tamagusuku Hyakuna, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture

6. Holoholo Forest

Holohoro Forest is lush with trees and plants that evoke the feeling of the tropics, including banyan trees. Because it is designated as the Okinawa War Memorial National Park, development is restricted, and untouched nature remains.

The area is home to approximately 100 species of plants and animals, including rare species such as endangered species and natural monuments. The approximately 600-meter-long promenade leading to the sea has some stairs and inclines, but it is well-maintained, making it safe and enjoyable even for children.

If you'd like to learn more about the forest, we recommend joining a guided tour.

Holoholo Forest

Address

Gushikami, Yaese Town, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture

7. Gushikawa Castle Ruins

This castle ruin is located almost at the southernmost tip of Okinawa Island. There is a castle with the same name on Kume Island, but this is because the lord of Kume Island was driven off the island and came to the main island, where he built a castle with the same name.

Although the exact year of its construction is unknown, the ruins of Gushikawa Castle, built in a way that juts out into the sea, look like ancient ruins at first glance. Visiting this place gives you the feeling of having traveled back in time. The vast blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean stretching out before you is also breathtakingly beautiful.

Gushikawa Castle Ruins

Address

1730-1 Kiyan, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture

8. Michi-no-Eki Itoman

Michi-no-Eki Itoman is located about 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport. In 2019, it was selected as "Japan's No. 1 Roadside Station," and its main selling point is its "local feel," offering a wide variety of Okinawan ingredients and souvenirs.

At the farmers market, you can find not only fresh vegetables grown locally, but also homemade bento boxes and sweets, while at the fish market, you can enjoy fresh Okinawan seafood on the spot.

There are also shops selling classic Okinawan souvenirs, making it a must-visit spot for those who want to enjoy Okinawan cuisine and souvenir shopping.

Michi-no-Eki Itoman

Address

4-20-4 Nishizakicho, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture

Business hours

9:00 - 18:00 Closed on Wednesdays

HP

http://www.yukura.jp/

Conclusion

This time, we introduced eight hidden gems in southern Okinawa. There are still many more little-known spots in southern Okinawa. Since it's close to Naha Airport and Kokusai Street, we recommend sightseeing in southern Okinawa for those who want to make their Okinawa trip even more fulfilling!