Excursion Okinawa exploration with japanese lunch tour at Naha

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to Okinawa Peace Memorial Museum. Located in Peace Memorial Park, the museum displays images of war and model exhibits, constituting an appeal for everlasting peace. Five separate areas cover the history of Okinawa leading up to WWII, the Battle of Okinawa and the post-war period.

Japanese Set Menu Lunch & Shurijo Castle Park - UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

After enjoying a Japanese set menu lunch, re-board your coach for the drive to Shurijo Castle Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It shows strong Chinese architectural influence because Okinawa's ancient Ryukyu Kingdom was a vassal state of China. The castle was the residence of the King and the seat of local government until 1879, when Okinawa was made a prefecture of Japan. The castle was obliterated during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945 but, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the return of Okinawa to Japan, the Japanese Government rebuilt Shurijo Castle. It was opened to the public in 1992. However, in Oct 2019, the castle building was totally burned down, but now you can see how they re-construct the castle again with lots of volunteers and supports from all over the world. Please feel the atmosphere of ancient Okinawa and touch the history and culture in the area. 

Kokusai Street & Market

Your final destination is Kokusai Street, the main entertainment strip in Naha, running for about 1 mile (1.6 km). There are many souvenir shops as well as food and drink establishments lining both sides of the street. A stop will be made at "Okinawa's kitchen," a market where a wide variety of foods are sold, such as large chunks of pork, colourful tropical fish, and vegetables grown on the island. It is the best place to learn about Okinawa's food culture.

After the market visit re-board your coach and a short drive will take you back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Okinawa, Okinawa Peace Memorial Museum, Peace Memorial Park, Shurijo Castle Park, Kokusai Street and Market

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount (approximately 2.5km or 1.55miles) of walking, with around 100 steps at the various sites. This tour is not suitable for guests with guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. This tour includes sensitive material, including graphic pictures and displays of the atrocities of war. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Although credit cards are mainly accepted, Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior to the cruise. Due to the popularity of sights visited, some crowding may be anticipated. The tour sequence may vary. Local Tour Guides tend to have a strong accent therefore we urge flexibility. Guests are not able to visit some of castle building (ruins) since these are still under reconstruction due to fire.