ASMUI Spiritual Hikes (Yambaru National Park)

Ocean Park commemorates the International Ocean Exposition, Okinawa 1975, and was built on the site of the Expo. Opened in 1976, it’s one of Okinawa’s top tourist spots, with spectacular exhibits that offer the opportunity to experience the rich natural environment and history of the seas around Okinawa. One of the most popular is the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. Exhibits include the Coral Sea tank, which houses a collection of 460 colonies of corals; the Kuroshio Sea tank, home to a whale shark, the largest fish among all fish, and the world’s first Alfred manta bred in captivity; and the Deep Sea tank, which recreates the mysterious sea depths around Okinawa.

Kouri Island has been a popular tourist destination since 2005, when it became accessible by car with the opening of the Kouri Ohashi Bridge from Yagaji Island, a beautiful drive across the clear ocean waters. Attractions include the romantic Tinu Beach, with its two heart-shaped rocks, and the clearest and bluest waters around Okinawa.

A great place to find Okinawan Yachimun pottery, decorated with karakusa pattern, fish and other traditional motifs. The Yomitan Village area also has a number of attractive cafés and bakeries: why not enjoy exploring by car and try them out?

Ginoza Village is one of the biggest centres of strawberry growing in Okinawa. Many farms are family-run, and chatting with staff is part of the fun. If you love strawberries, why not visit several farms and compare the flavour of different varieties?

Ginoza Roadside Station offers stores selling local goods, specialities and gourmet sweets, leisure facilities including a terrace where you can have a barbecue, and a children’s playground (Giino-kun Land), and conference rooms. The Hanshin Tigers baseball team’s training camp is nearby, and a visit to the exhibition hall and team merchandise shop is a must for fans.