Visit some of the must-sees in Naha, like the vermillion Shurijo Castle and do some fun shopping in bustling Kokusai Dori Street. It is an excellent one-day tour for cruise ship passengers and visitors to Okinawa. They are looking to explore the capital of the islands in more depth.
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Our Japan shore adventures are created by Western destination experts who live in Japan combined with local Japanese tour specialists to showcase all the best attractions in Japan and provide a unique understanding of Japan from a Western point of view. This is why our Japan tour packages are the most comprehensive and unparalleled.
Embark on a guided tour of Naha's top sightseeing spots in a chartered vehicle. Visit the Shikinaen Garden and Shurijo Castle, designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. During your visit to the Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters, you will also get a glimpse into The Pacific War.
Cruise passengers: You may get this excursion for FREE if you book the cruise through us or transferring your existing reservation to us (meaning we are your travel agent who booked the cruise for you with nothing changed). Please contact us to learn how.
Explore the capital of Okinawa, Naha City, for a day. Enjoy the colorful, tropical feel, and explore the local history, culture, and cuisine. Try your skills in a glass-blowing class.
*Departure times may vary.
09:00 Depart from Naha Port
09:30 Visit Shurijo Castle, a World Heritage Site from 2000, which has served the proud and dignified Ryukyu Kingdom and the Shikina-en Garden, the royal garden in Okinawa
Note: Shurijo Castle was damaged in a fire that broke out on its premises on October 31, 2019. Renovation began immediately, and the Castle is open to visit, however some areas remained closed off.
11:30 Visit Shikinaen Garden
13:30 Tour the Japanese Navy Undeground Headquarter
15:30 Stroll the International Street
16:30 Head back to Naha Port
17:00 Reach Naha Port
The Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters in Okinawa, known as Kaigungo, is a historical site that offers a profound insight into World War II's Battle of Okinawa. Constructed in 1944, this complex served as a command center and shelter for the Japanese Navy. Today, it stands as a museum, preserving the memory of the war and honoring peace. Visitors can explore the tunnels, which extend about 450 meters long and 20 meters deep, and view exhibits that include uniforms, weapons, and personal letters. One of the most poignant displays is the final telegram from Commanding Officer Ota Minoru to the Vice Admiral of American forces, sent before his tragic end. The site is a stark reminder of the war's impact on Okinawa and serves as a testament to the resilience of its people.
Shikinaen Garden, located on a hill to the south of Shuri Castle in Naha, Okinawa, is a historical site that once served as a villa for the royal family of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Constructed in 1799, it played a significant role in diplomacy and entertainment, especially during visits by Chinese envoys who were influential in the kingdom's trade and foreign relations. The garden is a beautiful example of a traditional Japanese circuit garden, centered around a pond and featuring a blend of Japanese and Chinese architectural elements. Visitors can admire the seasonal flora, including apricot and cherry trees in spring, wisteria in early summer, and balloon flowers in fall, along with endemic plants like the Ryukyu island pine and sago palm. Despite being heavily damaged during WWII, Shikinaen was meticulously restored from 1975 to 1996, allowing visitors to experience its historical and cultural significance.
Shuri Castle, known as Shuri-jō in Japanese, holds a significant place in the history of Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. Originally the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom from 1429 to 1879, it was a symbol of the island's cultural and political life. The castle has faced destruction multiple times throughout its history, including during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, and most recently in a fire in 2019. Despite these tragedies, Shuri Castle has been resiliently rebuilt, with reconstruction efforts ongoing to restore its former glory. The castle's architecture is distinctive, featuring the iconic red "brick" roof tiles characteristic of Okinawan design, differing markedly from other Japanese castles. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it not only attracts tourists but also serves as a poignant reminder of the rich history and cultural heritage of the Ryukyu Islands.
Kokusai Street, or Kokusaidori, is the vibrant heart of Naha, Okinawa, stretching approximately two kilometers through downtown Naha. This bustling thoroughfare is a kaleidoscope of culture and commerce, renowned for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, bars, and live music venues. Visitors can explore the colorful Heiwadori, Mutsumidori, and Ichiba Hondori shopping arcades that branch off from Kokusaidori, offering a more local shopping experience with smaller booths and unique Okinawan goods. The Daiichi Makishi Public Market, recently rebuilt and reopened, is a must-visit for food enthusiasts, with its array of fresh meats, seafood, and tropical fruits.
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Jeju Island, Busan, Incheon (Seoul), Sokcho
We highly recommend that you book our shore excursions now if you will be taking a cruise in 2024. 2023 has already seen large crowds, and 2024 will see even more. We expect many tourists will be unable to book their shore excursions in 2024, so please make your plan as soon as possible.
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