Near Shurijo, Shikina-En Garden served as a second home to the Shuri kings as well as the reception area for Chinese envoys. This idyllic pond-garden was first completed in 1799, before it was sadly destroyed in the Battle of Okinawa. An expensive reconstruction was carried out from 1975, and it took all of 20 years to restore the garden back to its original glory. Today, the gardens feature traditional Chinese bridges that connect small ponds, with beautiful seasonal trees such as plum, wisteria and bellflowers surrounding them. The confulence of Japanese and Chinese landscaping has led the gardens to become a part of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.
When driving on the Okinawa Expressway between Northern and Southern Okinawa, take a break at the Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park to stretch your legs and play with the kids. Offering a view of the azure ocean, the park features a ton of fun for both children and adults. The park houses a water park of sorts, replete with slides and pools. There are also a few walking trails for those who wish to admire the scenery. Other facilities include a mini-golf and tennis courts. Every February, the Okinawa Marathon begins here.
While the coastal village of Onna is home to a number of spectacular beaches, a high number of them are private properties belonging to luxury hotels. Fuchaku Beach however, with its pristine white sands and clear waters is the exception here. The beach is a little away from the touristy spots, yet sees a large number of visitors out here for fun. Apart from tourists, the beach is also frequented by a large number of locals.
Okinawa is an important prefecture that is located to the South of Japan. It features several islands, towns, villages and cities like Okinawa, Miyako Islands, Nakijin (Nachijin), Yonaguni (Yunaguni) and so forth. Okinawa offers a multitude of activities, events and touring spots to visitors and accommodates everything from short weekend getaways to a full-fledged vacation.
A 15-minute drive from Naha Airport will deliver you to this stunning turquoise-colored beach. Rumored to be the largest beach in the Okinawa Prefecture, the Chura Sun Beach in located in Toyosaki. The beach almost always features a delightfully sunny weather, with azure blue skies overhead. During summers, barbecue parties can be enjoyed on the beach. Besides, there is also a section for water sports, and adventurists can have a little fun with help from nearby rental outlets who provide the necessary equipment. Showers and locker rooms are available as well.