The Nakagami District offers a variety of experiences: the Zakimi Castle Ruins combine a 15th-century castle with views over Okinawa’s west coast. In Yomitan, a museum, local craft traditions, and sweets made with purple sweet potato add to the cultural offerings. In Chatan, Mihama American Village offers a different focus, with a cinema, pool, shopping center, and access to a beach.
Zakimi: Castle, World Heritage, and Getting There
The Zakimi Castle Ruins were built in the first half of the 15th century on a hill 127 meters high. From here, views stretch across Okinawa’s west coast. On December 2, 2000, the site was inscribed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage properties in “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.” Visitors are allowed to stand on certain sections of the castle walls; along with Nakagusuku, Zakimi is one of only two castles in Okinawa where this is permitted.
The ruins can be reached by car or bus. The bus ride from Naha Bus Terminal to the Takashiho Iriguchi stop takes about 80 minutes. From there, it is approximately a 20-minute walk to the entrance. If traveling by bus, allow separately for the ride and the walk that follows when planning your day, and check the timetable.
Yomitan: Museum, Crafts, and Local Specialties
The Yuntanza Museum is located on the grounds of the Zakimi Castle Ruins. It showcases local history, art, and culture from Yomitan, as well as Okinawa’s World Heritage sites. Original objects, models, and photographs illustrate Yomitan’s history and natural environment, and life before and after the war. The collections comprise nearly 60,000 historical materials and works of art—a broad range of subjects brought together at the museum.
Traditional products also give Yomitan a distinctive cultural identity. Yuntanza Hana-ui is a traditional textile woven in the area. Yomitanzan-yaki refers to traditional pottery from Yomitan, also known as Yachimun. Yomitan is also regarded as the birthplace of Akainko, who is considered the founder of the sanshin and an important figure in the Ryūkyū arts.
Beni-imo, or purple sweet potato, is part of the local food culture: it is a specialty of Yomitan and is used in a variety of sweets. At Gala Aoiumi, American pizza, Mexican burritos, and creative dishes made with seasonal ingredients are recommended. Alongside local products, these different cuisines offer options for a meal break.
Chatan: Seaside Leisure
Mihama American Village is designed to resemble an American town. It includes a cinema complex and a pool; it is also home to Okinawa Prefecture’s only Ferris wheel and a large shopping center. Mihama offers level access to a beach. This combination makes Chatan a distinct alternative to the historical attractions around Zakimi.
Marine activities are available in Chatan year-round. Applicable conditions and available activities vary depending on circumstances and providers. This general availability does not replace making specific plans for a particular activity.
Prewar Architecture at Nakamura House
Nakamura House in Kitanakagusuku preserves characteristic features of Okinawan residential architecture from before the war. Such a fully preserved estate is extremely rare in Okinawa after the Battle of Okinawa and offers a glimpse into the life of wealthy farmers at the time. The house also features a large Buddhist family altar and a Hinukan, a revered fire deity.
The locations offer different points of interest when choosing a base for your trip: Zakimi combines World Heritage, castle walls, and a specifically described route; Mihama brings together a cinema, pool, shopping center, and beach access. Nakamura House and the Yuntanza Museum offer further cultural highlights.
Discover more places: Chatan, Kadena, Kitanakagusuku. Discover more destinations: Yaeyama-Gun, Shimajiri District, Kunigami District.
Back to the main travel overview: Okinawa Prefecture.
