Okinawa’s history sets it apart from the rest of Japan — for centuries, it was the independent Ryukyu Kingdom, with its own language, customs, and trade relationships across East Asia, before being annexed by Japan in the 19th century and later becoming the site of one of the Pacific War’s fiercest battles. This guide covers three sites that trace that distinct history: Shuri Castle, the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Park, and the limestone caves of Okinawa World.
1. Shuri Castle
Shuri Castle served as the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom for roughly 450 years, until the kingdom’s dissolution in 1879. Its architecture is unlike any castle elsewhere in Japan, featuring vivid red walls and roof tiles that reflect strong cultural influence from China alongside distinctly Ryukyuan design elements. The castle has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout its history — most recently after a major fire in 2019 that destroyed several main structures, which are currently undergoing a phased reconstruction expected to continue through the mid-2020s. Even during reconstruction, the surrounding castle grounds, stone walls, and several rebuilt gates remain open and worth visiting, along with a visitor center detailing the kingdom’s trading history across East and Southeast Asia.
2. Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Park
Located on the southern tip of Okinawa’s main island, the Peace Memorial Park commemorates the Battle of Okinawa, one of the deadliest battles of the Pacific War, in which more than 200,000 people, including a significant proportion of Okinawa’s civilian population, lost their lives. The Cornerstone of Peace monument lists the names of all known victims, regardless of nationality, inscribed on black granite walls that stretch across the park’s oceanfront grounds. The adjoining Peace Memorial Museum presents personal accounts and artifacts from the battle, offering important historical context often unfamiliar to visitors from outside Japan. The park itself is set on a dramatic clifftop overlooking the ocean, making it both a solemn and visually striking place to visit.
3. Okinawa World
Okinawa World is a cultural theme park built around Gyokusendo Cave, one of the longest limestone cave systems in Japan, with roughly 890 meters of the cave’s five-kilometer length open to visitors along a well-lit walking path past stalactites and underground pools. Above ground, the park recreates a traditional Ryukyuan village, with artisans demonstrating glassblowing, textile dyeing, and pottery techniques specific to Okinawan craft traditions. Daily performances of eisa, a traditional Okinawan folk dance featuring drumming, are held in the park’s central square and offer an accessible introduction to local performing arts. The combination of natural scenery and cultural demonstrations makes it a solid half-day stop, particularly for travelers interested in Ryukyu culture beyond the more solemn historical sites.
Where to Stay Near Okinawa’s Historic Sites
Where to stay: Naha, OkinawaHotel links in this section go to Orbitz. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Naha, Okinawa’s capital, is centrally located for Shuri Castle and offers convenient access to both the Peace Memorial Park and Okinawa World by car or bus.
Luxury
Hotels such as The Naha Terrace offer upscale rooms within walking distance of Shuri Castle and central Naha’s shopping streets.
Quiet, resort-style luxury in Naha’s Omoromachi district.
Mid-Range
Hotels near Naha’s Kokusai-dori shopping street, such as Hotel JAL City Naha, provide a convenient central base for day trips to all three sites.
Right on Kokusai Street — central for Naha’s shopping and dining.
Budget-Friendly
Business hotels like Toyoko Inn Okinawa Naha Shintoshin Omoromachi and Hotel Route Inn Naha Tomariko offer affordable rooms in Naha with easy access to rental car pickup for southern Okinawa day trips.
Toyoko Inn Okinawa Naha Shintoshin Omoromachi
Free breakfast near Omoromachi monorail station.
Near Tomari Port, where ferries leave for the Kerama Islands.
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Hotels in Naha on Orbitz
Naha is the most practical base for Shuri Castle and southern Okinawa — and the easiest place to pick up a rental car.
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Quick Tips for Visiting
- Shuri Castle’s main hall remains under reconstruction — check current status before visiting if seeing the fully rebuilt structure is a priority.
- The Peace Memorial Park and Museum are best approached with some prior context on the Battle of Okinawa for a more meaningful visit.
- Okinawa World’s cave path includes some stairs and uneven, sometimes damp surfaces — wear closed-toe shoes.
- Renting a car is the most practical way to combine the Peace Memorial Park and Okinawa World, both located in southern Okinawa outside central Naha.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shuri Castle still worth visiting during reconstruction?
Yes — the surrounding walls, gates, and visitor center remain open and provide substantial historical context, even while the main hall is being rebuilt.
Is the Peace Memorial Park appropriate for children?
The park and museum cover difficult wartime history and are generally more suitable for older children and adults who can engage with the subject matter respectfully.
How long does an Okinawa World visit take?
Plan for about two to three hours to see the cave, craft village, and an eisa dance performance at a relaxed pace.
