12 Peaceful Places to Visit in Okinawa, Japan (2025 Guide)
It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a year of living in Okinawa! I wanted to take a moment to share some of the most peaceful places I’ve visited so far. 🌿
🧭 South Okinawa Highlights
• Sefa Utaki – A sacred World Heritage site and well-known power spot. Don’t miss the cute souvenir shops between the parking lot and the trail—tile shisas, coasters, essential oils, and more!
👉 https://g.co/kgs/fWLirqZ
• Cape Chinen Park – Gorgeous views and a surprise Doraemon Anywhere Door for a fun photo moment
👉 https://g.co/kgs/PtH2kHj
• Okinawa Peace Memorial Park – A moving tribute featuring a 12-meter Buddha statue, paper crane folding, and local artwork
👉 https://g.co/kgs/UyocAE8
• Yaese Town Tours – See Okinawa’s oldest and largest Shisa statue, dress in traditional folk clothing, sing in Uchinaaguchi, and explore the archaeological site of the Minatogawa people (dated 20,000 years ago)
👉 https://yaese-kankou.com/activity_en/
🌿 Central Okinawa Gems
• OIST (Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology) – Admire the stunning architecture, attend a free public lecture, or visit the Okinawa Memorial Day Exhibit (through July 2, marking 80 years since the end of the Battle of Okinawa)
👉 https://g.co/kgs/RG4724T
• Nuchiman Salt Factory – Enjoy a free salt factory tour and visit its scenic power spots
👉 https://g.co/kgs/doDMqqb
• Maeda Breeze Cafe – Relax with Nao’s famous homemade carrot cake (also sold at the airport!), soothing jazz, a piano, and ocean views
👉 https://g.co/kgs/FfYkkJV
• Banta Cafe – A peaceful escape to sit, sip, and nap while watching the waves. Free parking with purchase
👉 https://g.co/kgs/VHA9znz
🌴 Northern Okinawa Serenity
• Okinawa Native Village – A faithful recreation of a Ryukyu Kingdom-era community. I visited in September and even received a free souvenir!
👉 https://g.co/kgs/hPtgqkR
• Tropical Dream Center – Small dog-friendly and filled with vibrant tropical gardens
👉 https://g.co/kgs/W23rkZu
• Motobu Bise Street – A tranquil tunnel of trees right by the sea
👉 https://g.co/kgs/qPQvJmw
• Asmui Spiritual Hikes (formerly Daisekirinzan) – Four trails, dog-friendly, and includes a wheelchair/stroller-friendly path
👉 https://g.co/kgs/fcwvGBY
✨ What’s your favorite peaceful place in Okinawa—or wherever you are in the world?