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.
In the busy city of Haebaru east of Naha City, Southern Hills Sports World provides a day of amusement for the sporty family. The facility includes an ice skating rink, a bowling alley, batting cages and a restaurant. Fees are different for each of the different activities, but range from JPY200 for the batting cages and JPY1400 for skates.
Home to a municipal head from the 18th Century, the Nakamura Family Residence contains the most iconic features of Okinawan architecture, namely the red tiled roofs and the shisa (lion-like statue that wards off evil). Stone walls and tall trees protect the house from Okinawa's frequent typhoons. Visitors to the residence should also consider visiting Nakagusuku Castle, which is close by.
Take a peek at life as it would have been in Okinawa's celebrated past. The erstwhile kingdom of Ryukyu has intrigued many and this facility gives a fantastic chance to see what it was like. Formed in order to protect Okinawa's ethnic cultural heritage, Ryukyu Mura is a living village that exemplifies the history and traditions of ancient Okinawa. Visitors to the village have a lot on their hands from exploring the sterling structures and watching artisans at work, to partaking in the various festivals and events celebrated 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.
Located in Naha, Okinawa Cellular Stadium first opened in 1959, when it was first known as the Naha City Ohnoyama Baseball Stadium. The stadium underwent renovation in 2010, following which it is used primarily to play baseball matches, although it hosts several other sporting events as well.